If fashion and philanthropy were your passions, then the Men and Women of Fashion Prix d’Elegance/New Orleans Ballet Association Luncheon and Fashion Show was the place to be on April 23.
Held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel, the afternoon started with a sparkling champagne reception sponsored by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, where guests could accessorize with pieces from the store and pose in front of a branded backdrop.
The highlight of the event was the fashion show featuring looks from Jeff’s Haberdashery and Chatta Box.
Attendees could win big in a raffle for $2,500 gift certificates each from Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry and Rubensteins, while the door prize was a $250 gift card from Desi Vega’s Steakhouse.
The excitement continued with silent and live auctions with Mark Romig as emcee.
The 2023 Best Dressed award honorees included Mindy Nunez Airhart, Andrea Apuzzo, Davon Barbour, Lisa Blessing Baynham, Ryan R. Berger, Liz Broekman, Robert A. Chaisson, Denise Clark, Ryan Daul, Mamta Melwani, Tammy O’Shea, Michael “Mike” Palamone, Paula Polito, Iggie Perrin III, Matt Rinard, Ryan Rodrigue, Suzanne Walther Rusovich, CDR Damon Singleton, USN (Ret.), Marilyn Smith and Sunae Villavaso.
Special awards were bestowed, as well: President’s Choice Award recipient was Murray Valene, and Hall of Fame recipients, chosen each year from past honorees, were Kenny Rubenstein and Gail Barnes McKenna.
Luncheon chairs were Sandra Chaisson and Gerri Valene. The event benefits NOBA’s Youth Scholarship Fund.
Fun Fact: The event surpassed attendance for a third year in a row with almost 800 people.
