Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1529937
Dallas is, Like, Really Pretty Carolina Herrera's Wes Gordon Thinks T here's something quite fascinating about the concept of a sold-out event w h e r e p e o p l e dress beautifully to gaze at stunningly set tables where no one will ever eat. The Dallas Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma discovered the key to this success in 1995 when Barbara Barton and Louise Griffeth created Kappa Tablescapes. Since then, the group's single fundraising event has raised $4.2 million for more than 140 nonprofits. T h i s y e a r 's t w o - d a y extravaganza took over Dallas Country Club for a candlelight viewing, tea, and luncheon. All three included viewing tables elaborately designed by nearly 40 designers, from Caitlin Wilson to Ellis Hill, Garden Gate and Noel Pittman, to Studio Thomas James, Cathy Kincaid and Ellis Hill. A standout was the Carolina Herrera table in collaboration with Mrs. Alice out of London. For Kappa Tablescape's t r i c e n t e n n i a l , c o - c h a i r s Frances Cannon Mitchell, Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, a n d K a t h e r i n e H e l m s Sundby enlisted Carolina Herrera creative director Wes Gordon as the luncheon's f e a t u re d s p e a k e r. A n n Barbier-Mueller served as honorary chair; the Honorable Jeanne Phillips and Heather Furniss were also honored. Central Market served as the presenting sponsor. At the luncheon, Highland Park Village's chief marketing officer, Victoria Snee, led the fireside chat with Gordon. A man in fashion needs to do just one thing to charm an audience of Dallas ladies: Tell them they're pretty. Gordon understood the assignment, telling the adoring crowd that the luncheon was "the most beautiful, colorful, fun" luncheon that he'd ever attended. As the event concluded, Gordon invited everyone back to Carolina Herrera at Highland Park Village (which he called "the most beautiful place in the world!"), saying he'd sign their books and force them to play dress up. Twist our arms, Wes. Twist our pretty little arms. Seen: Lisa Troutt, Barbara Barton, Tavia Hunt, Gracie Hunt, Becky McCamey, Jill Goldberg, Shelby Goff, Debbie Oates, Holly Huffines, Pat Cooper, Betty Sanders, Laura Price, Margaux Merriman Blackwell, Mattie Merriman McGee, and Ellen Benson Merriman. PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN CAIN Wes Gordon Frances Mitchell Elizabeth Phillips, Katherine Sundby Heather Washburne Margo Washburne Anne McPherson Victoria Snee Kimberly Schlegel Whitman Krystal Schlegel Davis Carolina Herrera Fashion Maggie Phillips Abbot Jeanne Phillips, Peggy Sewell 56