Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1322158
BY BILLY FONG. PHOTOGRAPHY JONATHAN ZIZZO. PRETTY IN THE PARK A nn Hobson and A l v i s e O r s i n i hosted a fabulous fête to launch K l y d e Wa r r e n Park's President's Circle, a giving program for Dallas' beloved green space. The hosts were enlisted by KWP president Kit Sawers just be- fore COVID-19 struck, and the result was one of the few — need we say intimate — parties of the fall social season. Interior designer Orsini (who has designed his share of lounges and restaurants, including Cut by Wolfgang Puck at Four Seasons Hotel New York) worked closely with the Todd Events team to create a chic yet socially distanced outdoor scene. Guests enjoyed a not-your-usual din- ner, served via small plates passed by waitstaff, in pod-like areas under a canopy of stars. As for that dinner … Hobson has long been a devoted client of the House of Dior, and in recognition, Dior's VIP relations team offered up an evening catered by chef Yann Nury, who's traveling the country in an ingeniously tricked-out Airstream trailer. On the menu: tater tots and caviar paired with Ruinart Blanc de Blanc en magnum and grilled langoustines and tomatillos. The park has often been hailed as the centerpiece of the downtown Arts District. But many are unaware that it's not a city park; it's a nonprofit that relies heavily on private funds. The President's Circle was a critical initiative allowing KWP to survive 2020. Hobson and Orsini carefully curated a veritable who's who of Dallas, including Alvise's dashing husband Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Greg Frary, Georgina Hartland, Tim Headington, Merry Vose, Sandra and Sam Moon, Brian Bolke and Faisal Halum, Rajan Patel, Ceron and Oklahoma City girl Dana Garner. Representing the Dior team were Jake Walton, Justin Meyer, and Kristin Pruett. Sandra Moon Alvise Orsini, Ann Hobson, Tim Headington Becca Marcus, Sandy & Nancy Robertson Neiman Marcus Chair Paul Brown, Cornelia Guest Geoffroy van Raemdonck Jeny Bania, Kit Sawers Georgina Heartland, Jake Walton Billy Fong, Dana Garner Ceron Chef Yan Nurry's Airstream 76