It was lights, cameras, glamour at New Orleans Museum of Art’s annual Odyssey Ball, themed “Starstruck: A Fashion Odyssey,” presented by First Horizon.
The gala on Nov. 10 was centered on the exhibition, “Fashioning America: Grit to Glamour,” which was on view July 21-Nov. 26 and featured the diverse work of more than 100 U.S. fashion designers, with local standouts including a 19th-century dress — the oldest known labeled garment in the country — by Madame Olympe to the glittery green suit and long cape made by Tyron “Marquette” Perrin for Big Freedia.
Guests’ sartorial splendor was set against the backdrop of the museum’s artwork and decorations by Urban Earth, which had a red carpet rolled out at the museum entrance, creating a grand introduction to the spectacular light, florals and more it had designed inside.
Dr. Michael White Quartet kicked off the night’s music stylings, followed by the Rebirth Brass Band and DJ Brice Nice. Ralph Brennan Catering and Events provided cuisine.
Partygoers could also bring a memento of the fashionable evening home: a hand-drawn illustration by artist Rhonda Corley.
Event co-chairs were Elly and Merritt Lane and Permele and Garner Robinson, who were joined by NOMA Volunteer Committee Chair Elizabeth Grimes.
Fun Fact: “Fashioning America” was the museum’s first fashion exhibition since 2018, and guests to the Odyssey Ball really took inspiration from the theme with colorful looks that had a lot of personality.
