Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1521218
T he opening event was a two-parter. First there were cocktails in the boutique, where men greeted guests at the door and provided flutes of bubbles for roaming the expansive space. Post-reception, luxury SUVs purred at the curb (I imagine the queue for the World Economic Forum in Davos looks like this), waiting to ferry the well-heeled guests to the intime dinner at Block House, a former Masonic Temple and a venue many had never seen but were eager to experience. Inside the imposing Art Moderne building in downtown Dallas, it was time for more cocktails. I made my rounds to admire and compliment outfits — many had been dressed by the Chanel team — and play the "Who do you think the surprise entertainment will be tonight?" game. Yes, the invite had promised a surprise performance. Dramatic curtains parted to unveil the supper space, and it was time to dine — a meal supervised by Mario Carbone, whose Major Food Group catered the dinner and pre-dinner cocktails. The menu included oysters, endive salad, and a choice of filet mignon Florentine or dover sole, with assorted cookies for dessert. I could pen a short story about all the outfits I encountered that evening. Erin Mathews, wearing all Chanel, shared that she had pulled a classic treasure dating back at least 10 years from her closet — a white lace blouse that she paired with a pink and white skirt from the current collection. Leigh Anne Clark had a one-of-one vest made of jewelry — the only other person who had worn it previously was Barbie herself, Margot Robbie. Lynsey Eaton was wearing a finale from the spring runway show. My favorite accessory of the affair was a high pony with a bouncy grosgrain bow, worn by both Cornelia Guest and Bradley Agather. Stunning handbags were everywhere I turned, which makes sense, given that it's one of Chanel's biggest profit margins. The one I coveted most was carried by Nancy Rogers: a sculptural piece resembling a cross between a Fabergé egg and a rocket ship. One accessory that I longed to see was a chic little cat. How priceless would it have been if someone had brought their feline companion as an homage to Karl Lagerfeld's Choupette. My evening, like so many, ended at a dive bar (a new one for me, Charlie's Star Lounge in East Dallas) for a post- event recap. In tow was the always stylish Diamond Mahone Bailey, who was in town from Mexico City, where she's currently in residence, and Reed Robertson, Highland Park Village stylist extraordinaire. Mum's the word on what we dished about — but we were gushing over the swellegant evening that we had with Chanel. Oh, and that surprise performance? It was the American psychedelic soul band Black Pumas, based in Austin and led by singer/songwriter Eric Burton. Spotted throughout the eve- ning: Highland Park Village owner Stephen Summers; art collectors Christen and Derek Wilson; mother-daughter duos Kelli Ford and Electra Ford and Kathleen Hutchinson and Rachel Hutchinson; art advisor Jessica Nowitzki; Missy Peck; hair guru Ceron, whose salon chair was booked months in advance for that afternoon of blowouts; Brian Bolke and Faisal Halum; Angela Fink; Bridget Barbier-Mueller; Deon Hinton; Gracie Hunt; Mary Hafner; and Jane Dashley. Kelli Ford Anais Nussbaumer, Capera Ryan, Nile Nussbaumer Rachel Hutchinson Kathleen Hutchinson HotCoco (Continued from page 22) Caly Ngo Ashima Negi Missy Peck Bradley Agather Lynsey Eaton Laura Price Christine Flanagan Bridget Barbier-Mueller, Rachel Hutchinson Mary Hafner, Bradley Agather 22