Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1195866
22 VERY, VERY VERSACE BY CHRISTINA GEYER. PHOTOGRAPHY STEVE WRUBEL. O f late, Versace has had quite a bit of stylish news to share. On the heels of debuting its newly reimagined NorthPark Center boutique — the store is larger now with an eye-catching new design aesthetic — the lavish Italian fashion house made a splash with its new handbag collection. Dubbed Virtus, the bags were inspired by the quintessential Versace woman, who exemplifies the notions of excellence, courage, and strength. The design of the bags could not portray this more perfectly, from the elegant, subtle V clasps to the myriad bold colors. To celebrate the collection, Versace tapped PaperCity to help host an intimate dinner that would spark conversation among our city's most dynamic women. Our task was to find a trio of hosts who also exemplify the pillars of excellence, courage, and strength. We looked no further than Matrice Ellis-Kirk, Kit Sawers, and Annika Cail as our trifecta, and to compile a list of dinner guests. The result was dinner-party perfection. Versace packed up its resplendent collection of fine china and crystal stemware and shipped it to Dallas for the occasion; every table was top- to-bottom beauty. In one corner of the dining room, pedestals had been arranged to show off the bags. A gorgeous crossbody that doubles as a fanny pack proved a fan favorite, with a portion of proceeds donated to the AT&T Performing Arts Center, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. SEEN: Versace's Justin Ghirardi, Jessie Mechem, and Wallis Wagenseil, and guests Maria and Ramon Garcia, Deborah Scott, Erin Cluley, KC Hurst, Erica Cary, Holly Hands, Janie Cooke, Natalie Chu, Stephanie Seay, Jill Louis, and Lisa Arpey. TO CELEBRATE THE DEBUT OF ITS VIRTUS HANDBAGS, VERSACE PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS — AND VERSACE CRYSTAL AND CHINA — FOR AN ELABORATE DINNER PARTY. The newly redesigned NorthPark Versace boutique Sophia Johnson, Jill Louis K.C. Hurst Sara Madsen Miller Wallis Wagenseil Holly Hands, Deborah Scott Maggie Langston Versace on parade Laura Koonsman Versace place setting Jessie Mechem, K.C. Hurst Annika Cail Kit Sawers, Christina Geyer Monica Bickers, Matrice Ellis-Kirk Lisa Arpey, Justin Ghirardi, Natalie Chu