Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1137964
24 LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULER BY CHRISTINA GEYER LELA ROSE BRINGS THE BIG EASY TO TEXAS. I f fashion designer Lela Rose is known for anything other than her chic line of womenswear, it's for her effortless knack for entertaining. The Dallas native, who lives in New York, brought her expert hosting skills to town for an unforgettable evening The invitation was emblazoned with three little words: "Join the parade!" — and that's exactly what Rose meant. At 6:30 pm, a group of fashionable gals gathered at the Lela Rose boutique in Highland Park Village, where Rose herself handed out pink and white parasols for the impending procession. After a cocktail or two (Casa Dragones was the sip of choice), a brass band summoned the group to follow them, Big Easy style, through the tony streets of Highland Park. The parade made its final stop at the home of Highland Park Village co-owners Stephen and Elisa Summers, where dinner and more revelry awaited, including a cocktail bar serving Sazerac Slings, Pretty In Pimm's, and Carondelet Cruisers. An artist stood ready to personalize and paint the umbrellas, which partygoers had brought along to shield them from scattered raindrops en route. A Rose Bar overflowed with flowers for guests to style their own take-home bouquets. And, what would a New Orleans-style fête be without beignets. Naturally, a duo wearing Café Du Monde hats served the famous powdered treat near evening's end. Lela Rose, Elisa Summers Keenan Walker Merritt Beck, Amber Venz Box Ashleigh Pogue, Lauren Gachkar Cristina Lynch Lindsey & Patrick Collins Emily Summers Catherine Rose The Lela Rose Parade Meg McGonigle Megan & Brady Wood Heather Washburne, Ashley Rutledge Charlie Caulkins Parasol painting Nicolette Lamont Hallie Lamont