The Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association brought Parisian flair on March 14 to the 41st annual Mad Hatters’s Luncheon themed, “La Vie en Rose.”
There were, of course, many “oh là là!” moments when guests walked in to the Higgins Hotel wearing fantastical hats of all sorts of shapes, hues and adornments.
The hat contest — Most Beautiful, Most Whimsical, Best Ensemble, Best Original Theme and Best Group — is one of the most anticipated and is always a highlight. Judges were Thibault Bladek, Terrance Osborne and Christine LeBlanc.
More chic endeavors included the runway show featuring fashions from Yvonne LaFleur and jewelry from Ella Bartlow. LaFleur was joined by Carl Phyfer as the Mad Hatter, the maestro of the festivities, in narrating the show.
A silent auction of more than 200 items raised even more funds, as did a raffle that included 14 kt. gold hoop earrings with 14 round diamonds from Friend & Company Fine Jewelers.
Proceeds from this Mad Hatter’s go to the Women’s Guild newest initiative, the Emerging Artists series, which will showcase a new generation of opera talent at concerts at the Opera Guild Home.
Event co-chairs were Rebeccka Coe, Joanne Mantis and Susan Garic Mitchell.
Fun Fact: The party’s props — including an oversized Eiffel Tower — came from the opera’s Scenic Studio, where it stores scenery and more items from performances. There is a tour open to the public on Sept. 12.
