CAPTIVATING CHAPEAUX

CAPTIVATING CHAPEAUX

by | Jun 29, 2022 | 2022 July August, R.S.V.P. DALLAS, Parties

Women’s Council Of The Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden Hosts 34th Annual Mad Hatters Tea

 

By Cynthia Smoot      Photography by Danny Campbell, Thomas Garcia and Rob Wythe

THE SETTING: Claire Catrino, Mad Hatter’s Tea chair, Lisa Loy Laughlin, president of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and honorary chair Laurie Sands Harrison welcomed chapeau-donned guests to the 34th Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. This year’s theme, Dallas, encouraged the attendees to enjoy their own interpretation of how to represent the city in a hat or fascinator. Guests promenaded down a red carpet vying for coveted awards in various categories. This year’s judges included Mary Brinegar, Dallas Arboretum CEO, Kim Noltemy, Barbara Bigham, Vanessa Logan, Amy Hofland, and Tanya Taylor, who was the featured celebrity designer.

 

THE STYLE: The afternoon’s program included an elegant luncheon service and a European-style fashion show produced by Jan Strimple Productions, which highlighted the styles of the spring season and featured designs by Tanya Taylor. Emcee Calvert Collins announced category winners to a rapt luncheon crowd. Marena Gault and Elizabeth Smith tied in the category of “Best Use of Botanical Components: Bluebonnets.” Prashe Shah won “Most True to Theme: Flying Horse,” and Dr. Linda Burk won “Best Big Over the Top Texas Hat: Everything is Bigger in Texas!” In addition, Venise Stuart was awarded “Best Fascinator: Uptown Girl,” Debbie McKeever’s table won “Best Group Hats: Dallas Dynasty,” Robert Wilson was bestowed “People’s Choice Award: Deep in the Hat of Texas,” and Sharla Bush and Terry Irby tied for “Best in Show: Don’t Mess with Dallas.”

 

THE PURPOSE: Since 1986, the primary goal of the Women’s Council has been the design, construction, funding, and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, the only public garden in the United States conceived  and funded by the efforts of women and dedicated to the spirit of women. The Women’s Council is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 

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FEELIN’ GROOVY

FEELIN’ GROOVY

by | May 1, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2022 May June, Parties

Dallas Museum of Art’s Art Ball 60th Anniversary Pays Homage To Inaugural Art Ball With 60s-Themed Soirée

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Bruno and Kaitlin Saragusa/BFA.com

THE SETTING: A picture-perfect spring evening in Dallas was the recent setting for the Dallas Museum of Art’s TABLEAUX: 60 Years of Art Ball (1962-2022) event. The affair, which featured 350 of Dallas’ (and the country’s) most notable patrons of fashion and the arts, effortlessly combined a nod to their inaugural ball…and today, which resulted in a magical evening for the ages.

 

THE STYLE: Upon arrival, the black tie-attired patrons were greeted at the Dallas Museum of Art’s Ceremonial Entrance, which featured a vintage 60s Cadillac accented by couture-clad models wearing ensembles from Moschino by Jeremy Scott. Once inside, guests sipped cocktails in multiple 60s themed experiential activations, including Martini’s and Motown and
Champagne and Supremes, each of which included 60s-themed appetizers that got the partygoers into the spirit. Additionally, the art-loving crowd was able to view the Slip Zone exhibition of Post-War Contemporary Art in the Barrel Vault of the Museum, as well as preview six highly curated items available for a “Buy It Now” auction.

 

Partygoers then heard the dinner bell and were whisked away through a blackened passageway to the Harmon Atrium for the next part of the evening. As they entered the 60s-esque supper club inspired by art inside the venue, the crowd was treated to tunes by DJ Lucy Wrubel, who rocked a Moschino gold leather guitar-shaped dress. Once seated, the audience was treated to a scrumptious, multi-course meal and main program, which was capped off with a performance by Bob’s Dance Shop, which kicked off the afterparty, ensuring the fun lasted into the wee hours of the morning.

 

THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Agustin Arteaga and Brian Bolke, raised over $1.7 million for the Dallas Museum of Art. Funds raised from the evening will go towards DMA’s commitment to providing innovative educational programs, presenting diverse exhibitions, and offering engaging access to incredible works of art.

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CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE

CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE

by | May 1, 2022 | 2022 May June, R.S.V.P. TEXAS, Parties

Texas Independence Day Dinner Honors James Dick And Lyda Hill

By Rob Giardinelli         Photography by Chris Caselli

THE SETTING: The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin was the recent setting for the 22nd annual Texas Independence Day Dinner. The sold-out crowd of over 450 of the state’s most influential business, community, and political leaders turned out for an unforgettable night of fun and fundraising. The Texas State History Museum Foundation honored this year’s recipients, legendary pianist James Dick and world-renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Lyda Hill with the History-Making Texan Award.

 

THE STYLE: The black tie affair began as guests walked the red carpet outside the Bullock Museum to pose for photos to commemorate the evening, with the iconic and massive Texas Lone Star serving as the perfect backdrop. Once inside, patrons ascended the grand staircase in the Bullock Museum foyer to the mezzanine level for a VIP reception where attendees mingled and had the opportunity to congratulate the honorees.

 

The action then moved downstairs to the atrium of the Bullock Museum for the dinner and program. The audience was treated to words from event leaders, followed by a delectable, multi-course meal where guests had the opportunity to enjoy the food and company of their dining companions. The festivities then moved to the main event of the evening, where both honorees had a touching video tribute from influential Texans. They also acknowledged and revered the award recipient’s contributions to Texas and beyond and were followed by humorous and heartwarming words from each of the honorees. Capping off the event was historian and media favorite H.W. Brands, who spoke about Sam Houston in keeping with the Texas heritage theme of the evening.

 

THE PURPOSE: The event, chaired by Lynn McBee with Jan Felts Bullock serving as honorary chair, raised over $1 million for educational and special programs at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Since its opening in 2001, the museum has hosted 9 million visitors, including 1.2 million children on school field trips who have experienced Texas history through award-winning exhibitions, interactive media experiences, and educational programming.

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TEXAS, MEET FRANCE

TEXAS, MEET FRANCE

by | May 1, 2022 | 2022 May June, R.S.V.P GALVESTON, Parties

The San Luis Salute Cabaret In Paris Gala With $150 Million Yacht

By Jennifer Roosth             Photography by Dave Rossman and Gary Fountain

THE SETTING: The 25th annual San Luis Salute, hosted by the Tilman Fertitta family, was once again a night to remember earning riotous applause as revelers from near and far gathered for this year’s Mardi Gras! Galveston celebration. The party of all Texas parties sold out within hours, a record-breaking 2,000 tickets were purchased. A champagne pre-party was held dockside at Pier 21, where guests sipped Veuve Clicquot and Adam Levine’s Calirosa Tequila while mingling between the crystal-chandeliered tent stationed dockside to Fertitta’s new $150 million, 77-meter superyacht, The Boardwalk.

THE STYLE: Impresario extraordinaire, Richard Flowers of The Events Co., brought the Moulin Rouge-inspired Cabaret in Paris theme to life inside the Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort for the Salute celebration. Gala-goers were transported to a French cabaret, dripping in shades of bold red, with tables covered in black and white Damask linens topped with 12,000 roses and ostrich plumes throughout. In the main ballroom, Can-Can dancers, a Broadway performer, burlesque dancers, and an aerialist mesmerized guests before being served their filet mignon and lobster dinner. Following dinner, Adam Levine and Maroon 5, one of the most popular bands in the world, lit up the stage for an hour-long show performing their chart-topping hits like Moves Like Jagger, This Love, and Harder to Breathe. The attendees enjoyed non-stop dancing and Vegas-styler entertainment until the wee hours of the morning.

THE PURPOSE: Dr. Barbara Thompson, Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, was honored during the evening. The spectacular event supported The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston. It introduced the entire royal court from the Knights of Momus, highlighted by King Frivolous CVI Frank Dominguez, III, and Momus Queen Libbie Lee Ansell. The Duchess Royal Court included Channing Allshouse, Libbie Lee Ansell, Anna Bassett, Francesca Bertini, Ashley Dowling, Sarah Grace Elliott, Mia Flores, Lucy Frankfort, Alexis Gust, Katherine Haver, Madison Hay, Hailey Herrold, Catherine Jackson, Lexie Koehler, Danielle Lang, Emily Metyko, Madison Morton, Savannah Olsson, Kameron Ong, Mary Katherine Piel, Caroline Perillo, Tyler Robinson, Kellie Samson, Juliet Sweeney, Taylor Termini, Evelyn Voelter, Makenzie Walser, Grace Winfrey, Cara Wolff, and Dylan Wood.

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FIT FOR A KING

FIT FOR A KING

by | May 1, 2022 | 2022 May June, R.S.V.P. SO. TEXAS, Parties

South Texas Charity Weekend Hosts 29th Annual Gathering

 

By Jake Gaines          Photography by Marie Langmore

THE SETTING: The open spaces of the King Ranch, the historic town of Kingsville, and the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center were the backdrops for the 29th Annual South Texas Charity Weekend honoring Jeff Hildebrand as the 2022 South Texan of the Year. A Friday night cocktail reception held at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center kicked off the celebratory events. The evening served as a warm South Texas welcome to new and old friends alike. It also provided guests with unique shopping opportunities featuring the best of the best in Western belts, boots, hats, artwork, jewelry, clothing, and leather goods.

 

THE STYLE:  On Saturday, guests chose between quail hunting on the legendary King Ranch, wildlife photography with Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Institute’s faculty member and renowned photographer Brian Loflin, or a shooting clinic with instruction from world-class instructors Charlie Wilson, Bill Massey, and Raye Massey. Lunch was served cowboy style in the field at the Calera Camp, a tradition the King Ranch is well known for worldwide. The pinnacle of the weekend took place Saturday evening when over 300 guests gathered at the King Ranch to celebrate Jeff Hildebrand. The award is presented annually to recognize individuals whose exemplary leadership, unselfish service, and generous contributions have made a difference in South Texas citizens’ lives. Hildebrand is a worthy recipient based on his philanthropic involvement in South Texas for decades and his interest in livestock, grazing management, and wildlife conservation and research. As is tradition, Tio Kleberg made a memorable entrance when it came time to honor Hildebrand and arrived wearing an oilfield uniform. While at the same time, The Eyes of Texas played loudly in honor of Hildebrand’s alma mater, The University of Texas. Following a standing ovation, the evening then shifted to a live auction with treasures only seen at a South Texas Charity Weekend. On Sunday morning, guests gathered for a farewell breakfast at the King Ranch pool house surrounded by the history of the Main House.

 

THE PURPOSE: The South Texas Charity Weekend, Inc. benefits the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg, and HALO-Flight.   

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