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    Crowning achievements

    Majestic Mad Hatter's takes English garden-party elegance to new heights in Dallas

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Apr 27, 2023 | 3:45 pm

    The big Coronation may be a few days and an ocean away, but Dallas style queens donned their own crowns for a decidedly regal35th Mad Hatter's Luncheon on April 20 at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

    With the theme "Majestic Mad Hatters - A Celebration of English Elegance," co-chairs Anne Stodghill and Kristina Wrenn, along with honorary chair Kim Hext, had hoped to set a dignified tone for the event. "We pay homage to the late Queen Elizabeth II with her sense of style, love of hats, and indominable spirit," they wrote in the program.

    Many of the 650 attendees boasted grand and graceful millinery that any British garden party baroness might envy. The younger set went with darling little fascinators propped daintily on their 'dos.

    But this was, after all, Mad Hatter's, an event with a reputation for glue-gun gloriousness and sky-high kitschy splendor.

    Were there tea party sets teetering precariously over heads? Of course. Castles, crowns, and Queen dolls embellishing chapeaus, and entire English gardens flowing down from them? Yep. (Scroll through the photos above to see these creations and more.)

    The highlight of Mad Hatter's each year is the hat competition, adjudicated by celebrity judges who pick winners in several cleverly named categories. This year's judges and winners were:

    Ryan Ross, president of Neiman Marcus, presented "The Princess of Wales: Best Overall Ensemble" award to Yvonne Evans.

    Nathan Johnson, creative director of Gro Floral and Event Design, presented "The Chelsea Flower Show: Most Creative use of Fresh Botanicals" award to Kristi Boylan.

    Cassie MacGregor, accomplished milliner, presented "The Queen’s Choice: Most True to Theme" to Sarah Jo Hardin.

    Barbara Bigham, founding member of the WCDABG and Past Mad Hatter’s Chair, presented "The Hybrid: Best English Garden Hat with a Texas Twist" to Claire Catrino (who revealed that the feathers in her hat were from a "fresh kill" on her Texas ranch).

    David Yarrow, celebrated UK fine art photographer, presented "The Head Turner: Best in Show" award to Megan Clark.

    Emberli Pridham, author of a recently published children's book about Princess Diana, presented "A True Princess Diana: Sure to be a lasting Fashion Legend" award to Kathy King (who fiercely wore Princess Di's famous little black "revenge dress," pearl necklace, and bracelet).

    Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia, fashion designers and artisans, presented "The Royal Enclosure: Group that could attend Ascot Together" to the High Tea Group.

    People’s Choice award went to Elizabeth Smith (who carried a stuffed corgi doll along with her floral crown).

    And a special, Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Barbara Bigham to Kunthear Mam-Douglas, a golden lady, from head to toe.

    In a format departure, this year's luncheon divided the group between the larger Rosine Hall and the smaller pavilion at A Tasteful Place. Awards presentations were given in both venues, and attendees could enjoy their British-inspired lunch of Coronation chicken salad, traditional scones, berries, and English rolled brandy snaps in plenty of air-conditioning (blessedly) instead of outdoors, under tents.

    Another big change from years past was the inclusion of a post-luncheon keynote address rather than a fashion show. Renowned designer Michael Faircloth took to the podium to talk about "The History, The Humor, and The Hope of the Hat."

    One thing that didn't change? The champagne that flowed throughout the reception in the garden. Flutes in hand, guests posed for photos, browsed silent auction items, and purchased special Lady Primrose candles - all to help raise funds for A Woman's Garden at The Dallas Arboretum.

    It was a windy day, but patrons deftly held onto their hats with one hand and sipped sparkling wine with the other. The Queen - who was said to enjoy a glass of bedtime bubbly every night - would have been proud of this Dallas crowd, indeed.

    Mad Hatter's 2023
      

    Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass

    Award winner Claire Catrino and Colby Baer

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    Meet the debs

    42 new Dallas Symphony debutantes begin 2026 Presentation Ball prep

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    May 26, 2025 | 10:30 am
    DSOL Debutantes
    Photo by Gittings
    Meredith Burkhart, Ryan Brown, Margaret Thompson, Ellie Browne, Olivia Zambrano, Elena Zeballos

    The end of the schoolyear brought the beginning of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debutante year for 42 local young women.

    Just a few months after last year's DSOL debs "Texas dipped" into society (and raised big bucks for the symphony), the organization introduced a new class during Announcement Weekend festivities in Dallas. Their parties, philanthropy, and training will culminate with the 40th Presentation Ball on February 21, 2026 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

    The year will be one of special milestones for the DSOL. Not only will the League celebrate its 80th anniversary, the Presentation Ball will mark its 40th year, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will turn 125 years old.

    The mega-weekend began with the Announcement Party, emceed by Stan Gardner, on the evening of Thursday, May 15. Events continued with a Deb and Honor Guard Family dinner at a restaurant and couture gown presentations at local luxury department stores. (Per tradition, each deb will wear a white ballgown to her Presentation Ball.)

    The 2026 Presentation Ball is under the guidance of co-chairs Maggie Kipp and Kristin Hallam, along with DSOL President Claire Catrino. Hallam's in-laws, Fanchon and Howard Hallam, will serve as the honorary chairs. The Hallams are longtime passionate DSO patrons whose leadership gift was pivotal in launching the Kim Noltemy Young Musicians program – one of the initiatives supported by the Ball; they also have endowed the DSO Co-Concertmaster Chair.

    Catrino made her debut in 2011 and has been a part of the DSOL ball’s planning and organization ever since.

    “Our debutantes and their families will enjoy many wonderful events, make new friends and have one-of-a-kind experiences all while supporting the outstanding education and outreach programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra," she says with authority.

    2026 DSOL debutantesThe 2026 DSOL debutantes.Photo by Gittings

    Now, for the most important part. The 2026 debutantes are: Claire Francis Andrews, Madeline Grace Behrens, Claire Louise Bradshaw, Ryan EllaMarie Brown, Eleanor Baxter Browne, Meredith Lilly Burkhart, Catherine Sophia Cox, Larkin McKay Devening, Marbella Mora Duarte, Sophie Elizabeth Dybala, Kathryne Grace Eastin, Gisele MaryRose Enrico, Ashley Shannon Goldman, Stella Jane Grabham, MaKenna Loy Harvey, Elizabeth Ann Hautt, Jane Penny Hochman, Madeleine Christine Jenkins, Livia Grace Lange, Charlotte Bryant Lauten, Sue Sealy McGowin, Attales Grace Meyer, Elizabeth Catherine Nance, Madelyn Leigh Neuhoff, Carly Nicole Polka, Chloe Olivia Polka, Rachel Camille Rader, Sofia Marie Reyes, Marlo Elizabeth Rivas, Campbell Ann Schultz, Kathleen Brooks Searcy, Lindy Kate Smith, Sienna Alexis Stagen, Tessa Elizabeth Stephenson, Charlotte Spencer Stiles, Harper Catherine Tagg, Margaret Lee Thompson, Corinne Elizabeth Tinker, Georgia Bedell Williamson, Virginia Anne Wilson, Olivia Constance Zambrano, and Elena Catherine Zeballos.

    The Assembly, a group of former debutantes who assist the Symphony League by helping with event arrangements throughout the season, was represented by Emily Hea, Katie Kottwitz, Marena Gault (advisor) Isabella Cox, Danielle Ward, Kennedy Downing, and Catherine Hunt.

    Parents and notable attendees included The Hon. Clay and Ramsey Jenkins, David and Lee Thompson, Suzanne and Adam Stiles, Diane and Scott Sealy, Denton Bricker, longtime League member Barbara Paschall Averitt, Roger Gault (DSO Chairman of the Board of Governors) and Michelle Miller Burns (Ross Perot President and CEO of the DSO).

    DSOL Debutantes
      

    Photo by Gittings

    Meredith Burkhart, Ryan Brown, Margaret Thompson, Ellie Browne, Olivia Zambrano, Elena Zeballos

    The presentation of Dallas Symphony debutantes is a time-honored tradition for many of Dallas' most influential and philanthropic families. The debs are of college age and typically are graduates of Dallas-area high schools, but may be attending college out of the area.

    Participation is open to all young women. Much like a sorority, participants pay fees and participate in parties, fundraisers, classes, and other events throughout the year, all leading up to the Presentation Ball.

    The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL. Founded in 1946, the DSOL's mission is to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education and fundraising activities. Since 1998, the League has contributed over $25 million in support of the Dallas Symphony Association’s Community Outreach and Education programs, which bring the symphony to thousands of young people and adults across greater Dallas.

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