This city couldn’t be more famous for fabulous food, drinks and joie de vivre. However, the joy of giving is also very much a part
of our endemic culture.
For years, our honorees have told us that giving back to our community is something that has been handed down through their families. For instance, this year’s honoree Bryan Batt told us that his father, Henry Batt Sr., supported numerous charities and help set up NORD and Delgado, and that his mother always left a trail of goodness and kindness in her wake.
We agree with Bryan; for most New Orleanians giving back is just something you do, whether it’s a big check or the donation of your time. That is why we’re so proud to profile five people who do so much for this city and do so with such grace and style.
Tia Roddy
Age: The woman who tells her age is either too young to have anything to lose or too old to have anything to gain.
Occupation: Partner at Munoco Company L.C.
What event have you chosen to represent? Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s “O What a Night”
What is appropriate attire for the event? Artsy cocktail and black tie
How would you describe your personal style? Sometimes classic, sometimes eclectic
Is your significant other well dressed? Yes, he’s snazzy, especially when wearing an Ascot.
Where do you like to shop locally? Saks and small boutiques
Whose style do you most admire? Depends on my mood
What are you wearing? Dress by Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel shoes
Bryan Batt
Age: Somewhere between 40 and death. OK, 54
Occupation: Actor; Co-Owner of Hazelnut: Fine Gifts; Author; Civic Activist
What event have you chosen to represent? Le Petit Théâtre’s “Curtain Call Ball”
What is appropriate attire for the event? Fun! It is for the theatre, so some form of dress-up is required. This year’s theme centers around the opening show Once On This Island. I loved the Off Broadway and Broadway productions of this wonderful musical by my friends Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. It is a beautiful tale of the triumph of the human spirit and love, all set on a mythical Caribbean island.
How would you describe your personal style? Classic with a twist. I’m an actor, so a flash of the unexpected to pop the drama definitely comes into play.
Is your significant other well dressed? Definitely; he dresses impeccably and always coordinates a smart look. He has fantastic taste.
Where do you like to shop? Everywhere!
Whose style do you most admire? Cary Grant ( I recently had to get glasses and Art & Eyes had a few pairs by his designer), Dean Martin, Fred Astaire, Tom Ford and David Beckham, the coolest dresser today
What are you wearing in the photo? Bespoke grey linen and black patent Belgian loafers from Luca Falcone; Levi Straus white jeans; Thom Browne grey belt; Uniqlo grey V-neck; and Carolina Herrera CH unconstructed navy shirt and jacket
Joel Vilmenay
Age: 49
Occupation: WDSU-TV President & General Manager
What event have you chosen to represent? United Negro College Fund’s “Mayor’s Masked Ball”
What is appropriate attire for the event? Formal and black tie
How would you describe your personal style? Understated; hopefully classy with a little flair.
Is your significant other well dressed? Always.
Whose style do you most admire? I’m inspired by individuality; anyone who can express their genuine selves in their attire.
What are you wearing in the photo? A Canalise suit, a Perlis shirt, Bruno Piatelli tie, To Boot New York shoes, Shinola, Jackie Robinson Limited Edition watch and Warby Parker glasses
Allison Tiller
Age: 39
Occupation: Wife; Mom; Development Consultant
What event have you chosen to represent? Louisiana Appleseed’s “Good Apple Gala”
What is appropriate attire for the event? Business, but I like to make it a touch more fun than standard business attire
How would you describe your personal style? Day-to-day I simply try to look slightly less frazzled than I usually feel. I strive for classic with an edge when we go out or I want to dress up.
Is your significant other well dressed? He always looks great to me. He’s benefited from a lifetime of unsolicited advice – first from his sister, then me, now our kids.
Where do you like to shop? With Missy Depp and Tony Diaz at Saks; the shops along Magazine Street; Em’s; Babe; and my friend’s store, The Gallerie in Aspen
Whose style do you most admire? My mom’s (Louellen Berger)
What are you wearing in the photo? Three favorites: custom necklace by Taylor & Tess, Lela Rose dress and Valentino Rockstud heels
Betsy Laborde
Age: 23 according to my 4-year-old
Occupation: Full time mother of three boys; Retired Assistant Athletics Director & Head College Volleyball Coach
What events have you chosen to represent: Carrollton Boosters’ “Booster Bash” and Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses’ “Historic Houses Society Gala”
What is appropriate attire for the events? Casual for the inaugural “Booster Bash” and cocktail for “Historic Houses Society Gala”
How would you describe your personal style? Sporty casual and fun
Is your significant other well dressed? Very, when he gets out of gardening garb!
Where do you like to shop? Angelique; Eros (Mandeville) is unique; Tera (Jackson Hole) has my all of my favorite Trina Turk pieces; Weinstein’s is a no-brainier for special occasions
Whose style do you most admire? Claire on “House of Cards,” but just her clothes not her policies!
What are you wearing in the photo? Alexis jumpsuit, Gucci heels and diamond studs
