The mix of fashion and fundraising proved irresistible to the attendees at the Men and Women of Fashion and New Orleans Ballet Association Prix d’Elegance on March 15 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel.

The event honors those who are stylish and known for their philanthropic pursuits. The 2022 Prix d’Elegance honorees were: Mariah Walton Bencik, Taryn Brown, Melissa Coleman, Valerie Grubb, Kim Hasney, Christine Javier, Rupa Jolly, Ruth Lawson, Sandra Lombana Lindquist and Anna Tusa for the women; and David Lee Adams, Mickal Adler, Craig Clark, Johnny L. Domiano Jr., Steven A. Freidman, Vincent Giardina, Andrew William Gottschalk, M.D., Thomas E. Loehn, Greg Rusovich and James Schoen for the men. President’s Choice Award recipients were Gayle Benson and Jeff Chouest Jr. (whose store, Jeff’s Haberdashery, celebrated a 50th anniversary). Hall of Fame Recipients were Deborah Alciatore-Empey and John Duck.

The event started with a champagne reception, which also kicked off the bidding for the silent auction. Guests then sat down for the luncheon and a fashion show featuring clothes from Chatta Box and Jeff’s Haberdashery. NOBA’s Center for Dance showcased its young dancers ages 4 to 18, who for the first time for this event learned how to dance with gold rhythmic gymnastic-style ribbons, performing to Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons: L’estate (Summer) – III. Presto.” Honoree recognition and a live auction by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry rounded out the activities for this benefit for NOBA’s Youth Scholarship Fund. Event chair Kathy Pastorek, Women of Fashion President Tiffa Boutté, Men of Fashion Board Chair Leon L. Giorgio Jr. and Women of Fashion Board Chair Sandra Chaisson were on hand for the festivities.

Fun Fact

The event commemorated the Men and Women of Fashion’s 50th Anniversary, which was reflected in the gold décor elements, including the table linens, centerpiece vases and other elements.

Men and Women of Fashion NOBA Prix d’Elegance