I had many sugared suppositions of what the 24th Corps de Ballet Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon was going to be like—and, per usual, they all came true. Atlanta Ballet throws the most stylish fashion event in Atlanta every fall with Neiman Marcus. This year, the event returned to The St. Regis Atlanta and everything looked spectacular.
The late morning charitable event begins with everyone jockeying for position to check in and get their bidding numbers—all while sipping on Champagne, of course. I spotted PR maven Lisa Rayner and journalist Jennifer Brett in line and snuck in to join them. (Shh! Don’t tell.) The line was down the stairway all the way into the lobby. Makes sense for this fabulous fashion event in Atlanta that sells out every year.
Guests then moved into the foyer where they could bid on amazing auction items like a snakeskin Jada Loveless clutch, a year of Botox from Dr. Alex Gross, some styling sessions with the indomitable Amy Nelson and more. I saw fashionistas like Tootsies’ Sara Mixon, Joanne Chesler Gross, The Atlantan’s D’anne Heckert (below) and Caroline Perrot, Dottie Smith, RHOA Phaedra Parks and the always stylish Preston Wilson Jr.
Once inside, the room was teeming with chatter and gossip. Also, a lot of this: “You look fabulous, dahling!” and “No, you do, lady!” And they were all correct. The well-heeled crowd was bringing fierce style vibes including these two pink and green shoe moments that were my fave:
Soon, co-chairs Kimberlyn Daniel, Jacqueline Flake and Corrie Johnson took to the stage to say their thanks to the crowd and sponsors. The trio outdid themselves this year and the room was packed with incredibly altruistic attendees. Sales Experience Director of Neiman Marcus Mo Akbar, came to the stage to introduce the fashions that soon poured down the runway. Big props to Rebecca Brodnan Smith and Meghan Meeks who were behind the fashion show. I am obsessing over this year’s looks.
There was beaucoup of orange, a return to glamour with some statement-making ballgowns and a whole #coastalgrandma trend with sweaters over formalwear. My favorite? A gold leather jacket with a rainbow ombre accordion skirt.
Photos above by Lahcen Boufedji
After the crowd was dazzled by the ensembles, lunch was finally served and the chatter picked back up. I couldn’t help but notice the porcini-crusted chicken came with a marble potato salad with truffle vinaigrette. It was so Two-Sided Southern, y’all. It was the fanciest (and yummiest!) Southern potato salad I’ve had. It came in a circle mold and looked like a terrine at first. Hats off to The St. Regis Atlanta catering dept. for giving us TSS vibes.
Ok, so I didn’t win the Jada Loveless clutch or year of free Botox—(can you imagine that treasure!). But I was happy for those who did. It all goes to a great cause after all.
Toward the end, it was lovely to hear from Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin. Additionally, I enjoyed watching some of the Atlanta Ballet dancers take to the runway to show off their talents. Sherren Sandy, Director of Special Events for Atlanta Ballet, did an incredible job and helped pull off what was a beautiful day. Until next year…
Contributing photos by Lahcen Boufedji
