Event chairs Linda Spina and Sharla Bush happily welcomed guests to this year's stunning Under the Tuscan Sun-themed Mad Hatters Tea Party, which took place at the Dallas Arboretum on what can only be described as a picture-perfect spring day. Sixty-eight degrees and sunny in Dallas? Mamma mia! And the men and women of Dallas did not disappoint either, as they streamed in with mile-high hat creations and chic, bespoke toppers that had to be seen to be believed.
Attendees — including Nerissa Von Helpenstill, Stephanie Maron, Nicki Maron, Cynthia Smoot, Leanne Locken, Lorenda Wyant, Gina Ginsburg, Dana Herbertson, Abra Garrett, Lisa Georgalis, Gretchen Darby, Lindsay McCain, Yvonne Crum, Lisa Cooley, Karen Dianis, Debbie McKeever, Brooke Zrno Grisham, and Catherine Lowe — mixed and mingled in the Scott K. Ginsburg Family Plaza with champagne, bellinis, and Italian-inspired appetizers, while hat judges circled the venue evaluating this year's offerings.
Judges included restaurateurs Lynae Fearing and Tracy Rathbun (together judging one category), Tara Green, Courtney Kerr, Caroline Kraddick, Niven Morgan, and Micki Rawlings. While hat categories ranged from Most True-to-Theme to the Best Botanical, everyone was most interested in Rachel's Pick, which, of course, was selected by the one-and-only Rachel Zoe, the luncheon's celebrity judge and guest of honor.
After gushing about the event — and Texas in general — Zoe finally announced that she had selected honorary chair Amy Warren as her winner. The reason? The classic black-and-white look resembled something Zoe would actually wear.
Speaking of ready-to-wear, this year's fashion presentation was one of the best ever. Clothes were chic and refined, yet guests could easily envision themselves showcasing the pieces next year on the Dallas social scene. But did we really expect anything less from a collaboration between Tootsies and Rachel Zoe?
Post fashion show and live auction, attendees headed back outdoors for a stunning lunch presentation among lemon trees and yellow-and-white floral creations. And while we can't be sure what each table talked about while dining on their Tuscan-inspired lunch, we can bet most were ranking this as one of the most successful luncheons to date.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum’s A Woman’s Garden, which is the only public garden in the nation visualized by women, funded by the efforts of women, and dedicated to the spirit of women.
Sonia Pancretz, Stephanie Watters
