Penn Iarocci

It’s hard to believe that it has been two years since the last Stormin’ of the Sazerac event! This year marks the event’s 73^rd anniversary and its back with plenty of fanfare! If this is the first you’ve heard of it, you’re in for a treat. After prohibition, many New Orleans bars categorically banned women, fearing that an unaccompanied woman might be a lady of “ill repute.” Friday’s “Stormin’” event commemorates the fateful day in 1949 when a group of fed up and thirsty women took matters into their own hands by demanding entry into the Sazerac Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel. The event boasts a live recreation of “the stormin’” to honor the fierce, unapologetic women of that day. We have them to thank for their fearless demands but most topically, the right to drink a cold one in public!  

At this year’s event, two local female powerhouses will be prominently featured – Ti Martin, the venerable restauranter and all-around advocate for our city, will lead the actual recreation of the storming as the crowned “Spirit of the Sazerac” and Yvonne LaFleur, the legendary creator of her eponymous private label clothing, hat and perfume lines, will style several models in 40’s inspired looks from her private label collection. The looks will fittingly be paraded about like a couture show of a bygone era. There will also be mini pop-up shop on sight vending her clothing and accessories should you get the shopping urge right then and there! All who attend are encouraged to don post-war inspired finery and a “best dressed” winner will be crowned at the end of the event! It will be a fashionable, boisterous celebration and also an ideal time to remember the importance of women’s rights and those who champion them.  

**NOTE** This year’s event is already sold out (I’m told next year there will be more space), but not to worry, you can tune in to the ShopTalk Instagram at 1p.m. on Friday for a walkthrough or rather “storm through” of the event with me!  

Other Upcoming Shopping Events: 

The Magazine Street merchants host Art for Art's Sake (AFAS), on Saturday, October 1, from 6p.m. to 9p.m.. There will be complementary beverages along the route and plenty of exclusive discounts to be had!