What: Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Fashion Notes Luncheon
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas
The 411: The DSOL luncheon — always one of the most fashionable afternoons of fall — presented its second annual Fashion Notes Designer Award to a deserving recipient whom the group knows well, local fashion designer Patti Flowers.
Now in its sixth year, the fashion show and luncheon — this year chaired by Kristin Cordiak, with Flowers' good friend Venise Stuart serving as honorary chair — benefits the outreach and education programs of the Dallas Symphony Association, which encompasses DSO on the GO, community concerts and performances, Cecil and Ida Green youth concerts, Symphony Yes!, DSO Kids, and Young Strings.
The morning began with Mystery Notes Reception, featuring a reimagined silent auction coordinated by auction chair Mari Epperson. Then it was time for the big event, the Designer Award presentation.
Flowers, a native Texan, began designing more than 35 years ago and has spent her career in the luxury fashion industry. When Dallas retailer Stanley Korshak opened its first bridal salon, Flowers was asked to be the in-house designer specializing in bridal, evening, and debutante gowns.
In 2006, Flowers launched the Patti Flowers Design Studio. In 2012, she expanded to her new studio in Uptown and debuted The Studio Collection. She has dressed many of the most fashionable women in Texas and is still recognized as as one of the premier bridal and fine apparel designers in Texas.
Flowers also has served on the Dallas Symphony boards in various capacities and chaired the DSOL's Presentation Ball.
Following the awards presentation, guests were treated to a fashion show, emceed by Bret McKinney, featuring the latest fall fashions from Stanley Korshak, Patti Flowers Design Studio, and KidBiz. The clothing was modeled by DSOL members and their families, past and present DSOL debutantes, and members of the DSO family including staff and musicians.
After a sumptuous luncheon, auctioneer Wendy Lambert completed a brisk live auction of fabulous items including a DSO Gala Package, Stradivarius Patron Membership, couture from Patti Flowers Studio paired with Richard Eiseman Jewels, and American Airlines miles to fly to any destination of choice.
Established in 1946, the DSO League has worked to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education, and fundraising efforts. Since 1998, the group has contributed more than $19 million in support of the Dallas Symphony Association’s Community Outreach and Education programs.
Who: DSOL President Kim Brannon, DSO president Kim Noltemy, Flowers' longtime friends Jan Strimple, Richard Eiseman, and Robin Conlon, DSOL patrons, debutantes, and DSO musicians including Kristi Sherrill, Jolie Humphrey, Barbara Bigham, Pam Busbee, Melinda Rathke, Betty Reiter, Donna Arp Weitzman, Eve Sullivan, Bronwyn Cordiak, Kay Weeks, Deborah Brown, Melissa Lewis, Megan Pigott, Lydia Pigott, Darlene Ellison, Allison Brodnax, Maureen Brodnax, Beth Nunez, Stephen Ahearn, and Eunice Keem.
Eve Sullivan, Bronwyn Cordiak
Ice skaters showed off their moves in the "Central Park" rink.Photo by Ashley Gongora
The Kilgore Rangerettes channeled the Radio City Rockettes.Photo by Ashley Gongora
Dessert included a cake that looked like a blue Tiffany box.Photo by Michael Merry