For more than a decade, Women and Men of Fashion have worked alongside NOBA’s staff and board and the members of BRAVO (Ballet Resource And Volunteer Organization) to benefit the nationally award-winning education and scholarship programs of the New Orleans Ballet Association. The 47th annual “Prix d’Elegance Luncheon & Fashion Show” followed suit, and recognized two Hall of Fame Honorees: Sidney Torres IV and Sandra Stage Chaisson. Angela Hill served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Debbie Buchler and Kathy Pastorek served as Luncheon Chairs.
Jeff Chouest of Jeff’s Haberdashery and Rebecca Nordgren of Chatta Box presented the runway Fashion Show for this year’s event. The fashion show, which in addition to professional models features New Orleans notables, is always a highlight of the event. On the runway, four students of the NOBA Center for Dance performed a piece set to the music from West Side Story.
Auctioneers Brett and Cheryl Baumann led the live auction of a dinner for 12 in the Martine Chaisson Gallery by Herbsaint’s Chef de Cuisine David Rouse. The silent auction featured over 115 items including artwork, restaurant and hotel gift certificates, concert tickets, Saints and Pelicans tickets, jewelry, designer handbags and beauty baskets, golf packages, vacation homes and more. A raffle offered a $2,500 Shopping Spree from Kenny Rubenstein and Rubensteins, and an exquisite pair of 18 karat gold and pavé diamond David Yurman Starburst earrings valued at $2,950, which were donated by Chad Berg and Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.
An Honorees’ Cocktail Reception was generously hosted in November 2018 by the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. A Champagne Reception took place in the morning, prior to the luncheon. Nearly 700 of New Orleans’ top community and business leaders were in attendance.
Event at a Glance
What: Men and Women of Fashion’s 47th annual “Prix d’Elegance Luncheon & Fashion Show,” benefiting New Orleans Ballet Association and Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization
When: Tuesday, April 9
Where: Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Co-Chair Debbie Buchler, Fashion Show Presenters Jeff Chouest Jr. and Rebecca Nordgren and Co-Chair Kathy Pastorek
Martine Chaisson Linares, Henson Davis, Charlotte Reiss and Wes Palmisano
Honoree Greg Reggio, Kathy Singleton, Jacquee Carvin and Kenny Rubenstein
Stephen Sonnier, Honoree Ann D. Duplessis, Kathleen Mix and Chad Berg
Men of Fashion President Lee Giorgio, Women of Fashion Board Chair Teresa Guzzetta, Women of Fashion President Deborah Alciatore-Empey and Men of Fashion Board Chair R.K. Hoddinott III
