The Mad Hatter's Tea Benefits the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and A Woman’s Garden
TOOTSIES in Preston Center hosted the Mad Hatter’s Tea 2020 Reveal Party which included many surprises, including announcing the theme, “The Art of Chic,” unveiling a beautiful logo created by longtime supporter and graphic artist, Lynn Dealey.
Women’s Council president, Venise Stuart and Mad Hatter’s Tea chair, Patti Flowers greeted the stylish crowd as they arrived, offering champagne and hors d’oeuvres as models made the rounds dressed in fashions coordinated with the theme in colorful shades of green contrasted with classic black.
After welcoming everyone, Venise turned the announcements to Patti, who thanked Nerissa von Helpenstill and Dustin Holcomb from TOOTSIES, for their generous hospitality in hosting this evening’s event and for continuing their sponsorship of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Fashion Show, which will be produced by the renowned Jan Strimple.
Before unveiling the logo, Patti announced Robin Carreker as honorary chair and shared a lovely dialogue of her vision of A Woman’s Garden at the Dallas Arboretum, a beneficiary of Mad Hatter’s Tea. She said A Woman’s Garden is very chic, elegant, green, colorful like a painting and that the movement is like a ballet in a garden to the music of nature.
Calling Lynn to the front, Patti and Venise unveiled the absolutely gorgeous logo of a very chic woman dressed in a green and black fascinator, with a bodice to match and a gown of flowing black, holding a hat and entwined with ivy. As applause filled the room, she pointed out the design elements incorporated into the bodice and ivy which represent the different aspects of A Woman’s Garden she had previously mentioned: ballet shoes representing dance, musical notes, leaves and a painter’s palette and brush.
Celebrating its 32nd year, Mad Hatter’s Tea The Art of Chic happens on Thursday, April 16, 2020. It has been an ongoing fundraising event sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Monies raised grow and maintain A Woman’s Garden, a major garden at the Dallas Arboretum. Over 450 guests travel from all over the United States, planning their trips to Dallas not only to take part in the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – many in wild and wonderful over-the-top hats - but to view the glorious springtime displays and flowers that grace the Dallas Arboretum.
The event includes champagne reception, professionally staged and choreographed fashion presentation featuring fashions sponsored by TOOTSIES followed by a seated luncheon under elegantly draped tents. Hats are judged in different categories. Winners are announced at the fashion show and strut the runway.
Individual Patron tickets begin at $350.00. Sponsorships and underwriting will be available through the website at www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org soon.
Beneficiary: Founded in 1982, the Women's Council supports the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and A Woman's Garden. A Woman's Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women, and dedicated to the universal spirit of women. All financial support for A Woman's Garden comes from the fundraising efforts of the Women's Council.
For photos from past Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties and more information, visit the website at www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org
Updates: For updates and photos, visit the Mad Hatter’s Tea Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MadHattersTeaLuncheon
Media Sponsor: My Sweet Charity.
About TOOTSIES: Housed in a vast 20,000 square foot space in the Plaza at Preston Center, TOOTSIES is a modern full line specialty store offering the very best dresses, denim, ready to wear, shoes, handbags and jewelry. TOOTSIES is a one stop shop known for exceptional service and on-site personal styling in addition to their curated collection of designers including A.L.C. Aquazurra, Brandon Maxwell, Cinq a' Sept, Self Portrait, Ulla Johnson and Veronica Beard.
* Photos by Dana Driensky