Celebrity Sighting

Jessica Simpson brings the whole fam to Dallas for Belk home line launch

More than 500 fans gathered at Belk Galleria to meet Jessica Simpson when she came home for the holidays to celebrate the official launch of Jessica Simpson Home, a line of bed linens, decorative pillows and throws inspired by her “feminine take on modern Americana.”

Simpson arrived more than an hour late, perhaps because she got caught up in all the hustle and bustle of being back in her hometown. Either that or she was trying to wrangle her posse, which included sister Ashlee, both of their husbands (Eric Johnson and Evan Ross), and all three kiddos: Maxwell, Ace and Bronx.

Prior to the public appearance, The Fashionistas hosted a private reception with the Simpson sisters, where guests — including LeeAnne Locken, Katey McFarlan, Jackson and Dawn Mellon — chatted, snapped pics, munched on brunch bites, and sipped on Cotton Candy Crush cocktails and mimosas. Party favors included Jessica Simpson iPad cases, umbrellas and bottles of the blonde bombshell’s signature fragrance.

Fans willing to wait for the Simpson sisters and their crew were rewarded with a meet and greet, as well as swag bags and autographed photos with a Jessica Simpson purchase of $50 or more. DJ Girlbot kept the crowd entertained with various pop hits.

As part of this holiday-themed fete, attendees also enjoyed a book signing with Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Dallas author of Tablescapes: Setting the Table with Style, who offered tips on designing woodsy holiday tablescapes featuring the Spode Woodland collection — which is available at Belk, naturally.

Jessica Simpson Home Twill Ruffle Collection.

unspecified

Night at the museum

Perot Museum gala-goers with a taste for adventure raise $2 million

undefined

Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps and Chris Shurtleff

On a balmy Saturday night in November, the doors to Dallas' Perot Museum of Nature and Science closed to the public and reopened for nearly 1,000 chic party-goers. They dined, danced, and played with the exhibits to raise funds at 2024 Night at the Museum Gala.

Led by co-chairs Dr. Pamela J. Okada and Mark Okada, the crowd of "after-hours scientists" raised $2 million to support the museum’s educational programs and expand STEM learning opportunities across North Texas.

Perot Museum, Night at the Museum Gala 2024

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps and Chris Shurtleff

The event, designed by Valdivia Ventures, included live music, a captivating performance by dancers of Texas Ballet Theater, and innovative food activations by Wolfgang Puck Catering (the flaky, piping hot truffle pot pies that gala guests always look forward to).

As patrons explored the museum, they were greeted by hundreds of white orchids from Jackson Durham Events and were serenaded in exhibit hall by musicians provided by Jordan Khan Music Company.

A highlight of the evening was the "10-Minute Tasting Restaurant," an adventurous pop-up type experience that transformed the Museum Store into a five-star dining experience. Of course there were cocktails, too, and the lychee martini was a fan-favorite.

The evening concluded with a high-energy after-party on the lower level of the museum, presented by the Eugene McDermott Foundation. Guests danced the night away to beats by DJ Romi Q, struck a pose at the interactive photo booth, and ended the night at a decadent dessert room featuring a variety of sweet treats.

Funds raised from Night at the Museum will support educational programs, fund day-to-day operations, and provide financial aid to ensure the museum remains a welcoming and inclusive space for all.

Spotted in the crowd, enjoying the night, were Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps, Chris Shurtleff, Tim Peck, Missy Rogers Peck, Tori Mulford, Linda Silver, Emory McKim, Shelby Wagner, Niven Morgan, Santiago Jorba, Catalina Gonzalez, Regen Horchow, Ken Hersh, Dennis Cail, Annika Cail, Grace Cook, Caleb Stearns Wiley, Sarah-Michelle Stearns Wiley, Jason Valdivia, Katherine Stenesen, Chantel Boudreaux, Jeffrey Bragalone, Lexi Dennis, Mickie Bragalone, John Spradling, Miriam Spradling, KC Hurst, Koli Hurst, Magda Veja, Ashley Chellgren, Maria Zajia, Geraldine Parker, Meredith Abbott, and many more patrons and supporters.

museums night at the museum perot museum gala galas