Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, the 2026 Fashion Notes LimonCELLO featured Dallas’ own Mackenzie Brittingham as the Fashon Design Award honoree, who brought her signature couture craftsmanship and statement-making aesthetic to life in a most splendid fashion show.
        
Benefiting the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League celebrating its 80^th Anniversary, the event was chaired by Meredith Allen Connally, Amy Green and Elizabeth St. Marie who were joined by Honorary Chairs Anne and Bill Seanor and DSOL President, Claire Catrino.
        
The event was a vibrant celebration of spring, style, and the power of the arts. This beloved annual happening brings together Dallas leaders, philanthropists, and tastemakers for an inspiring morning in support of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s education and outreach initiatives.
        
At the Meyerson’s entrance, patrons were greeted by the valet sponsored by Avondale Dealerships and Jewelry Sponsor de Boulle’s signature yellow vehicle literally bursting with blue, green and yellow flowers, echoing the Italian-inspired LimonCELLO theme.
          
Entering the main hall, guests stopped by the beautiful blue, yellow-and-white tiled backdrop for photos, took a chance on their favorite raffle items, and sipped on Prosecco and the day’s signature Limoncello and Aperol spritzes as they enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres. As a special treat, a separate vignette served a decadent crème brûlée cheesecake espresso martini and ladyfingers, also sponsored by Avondale Dealerships, all the while being serenaded by the Dallas Symphony Young Strings cellists Vincent Ramirez Boyce and Carlos Vargas.
          The centerpiece of the room was the opulent fashion show entrance which was framed by two towering arches of lush greenery accented with lemons and flowers in all shades of yellow, placed at the top of the main stairway. In tune with the blue tiled theme, the fashion show seating was set with clear acrylic chairs sporting the same design on the backs, a scene that wowed the crowd with its high style.
        
Welcoming guests on behalf of the League, Claire thanked everyone for their support, saying that when fashion and music come together, something extraordinary happens! She said, “As we were planning this event, we embraced the theme ‘LimonCELLO’ — honoring both the Dolce Vita of Italy where the cello was invented as well as the DSO’s Young Strings students whose dedication to their craft inspires us all.” Continuing, Claire said, “This season has been one of incredible momentum and meaningful impact, and I feel deeply grateful to be a part of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League, a league that continues to grow, evolve and make such a difference in our community.” 
        
Meredith thanked the honorary chairs, and in addition to the sponsors already mentioned, added special thanks to Floral Sponsor 3V Events, and Media Sponsor, PaperCity.
        
Amy enthusiastically recognized Mackenzie as the Fashion Design Award honoree and with heartfelt gratitude, gave a special shout out to the host committee, saying that with their help, today’s event is a sell-out!
        
Elizabeth presented Claire with a gift on behalf of all of the chairs. Gifts of appreciation were also given to Anne and Bill as honorary chairs and to the chairs in honor of their hard work on the event over this past year.
        

Michelle Miller Burns, DSO Ross Perot President & CEO said, “We are thrilled to be part of another stunning Fashion Notes event this year. Fashion Notes beautifully brings together creativity, community and purpose, and we are so thankful to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League and all of the volunteers who made it possible. Their passion and generosity help the DSO thrive, both on stage and throughout the community.”

        
The fashion show was a beautifully curated fashion presentation of Mackenzie’s couture designs, beginning with Calvert Collins-Bratton, emcee, welcoming the crowd and introducing the first models, DSOL President Claire Catrino with her two daughters, Grace and Katherine; followed by Faith Baldwin and her daughter Blake; Mackenzie’s youngest sister, Madison Lacy, with her daughter, Hallie; chair Meredith Connally with her son, Allen; Gloria Steves; chair Elizabeth St. Marie with her daughter Charlotte and son, William; chair Amy Green; and Anne Seanor, Honorary Chair.
        
The music hit a crescendo as the fashion show began, spotlighting 55 different looks in luxury evening wear and custom gowns for mothers of the bride and groom, debutantes, and distinguished socialites. In 2018, Mackenzie launched her Fur Collection, which made an appearance draped over the shoulders of models in dazzling gowns along with her collection of exotic handbags. Designed with the same couture mindset, each handbag is meticulously crafted with exceptional materials and attention to detail.

The custom collection presented during the show drew inspiration from Italy’s landscapes—from the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast to the rolling hills of Tuscany—and translated a strong sense of place into couture form.

Flowing beaded gowns captured the movement of coastal waters, while structured silhouettes reflected the architectural elegance of historic villas. A palette of soft citrus hues, airy ivories, and rich blue tones echoed the “LimonCELLO” theme, complemented by intricate draping, hand-finished details, and globally sourced textiles that spoke to Italy’s heritage of craftsmanship. Each look reflected a distinct moment—from golden hour along the Mediterranean to the ease and elegance of an Italian summer evening—creating an immersive runway experience that felt both transportive and deeply personal.
        
The finale brought a rousing round of applause as Mackenzie walked the runway, waving to friends and taking the stage. Flanked by models in fashions from the finale, she was presented with a huge bouquet of gorgeous flowers.    
        
“Being recognized by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League in this way is incredibly meaningful to me—especially after such a beautiful and inspiring event,” Mackenzie said. “Seeing the collection come to life on the runway, surrounded by a community that values both artistry and philanthropy, was truly special. Fashion Notes represents the heart of what makes Dallas so unique, and I’m deeply honored to have been part of this year’s initiative.”

        
At the luncheon, tables were topped with mixed cloths in delightful designs of greenery with lemons, green and yellow tiles complemented by country-style pressed glasses and centerpieces of bright yellow tulips and softly-hued hydrangeas.
        
The first course, or Primi, was a traditional caprese salad with a delicious balsamic glaze. Secondi was a lemon garlic chicken penne pasta in a zesty cream sauce with asparagus and lemon. Dolci was a perfect trio of desserts: lemon meringue, lemon posset and a classic tiramisu.
        
Fashion Notes continues to be one of the League’s most anticipated events of the season. Proceeds directly benefit programs that introduce young musicians to the orchestra, expand access to music education, and strengthen the cultural fabric of our community.
        
Sponsors also included: LimonCELLO Maestro: Mackenzie Brittingham, Anne and Bill Seanor. Amalfi Sonata: Meredith Allen Connally; Cortez Resources, Claire Catrino; Pendery’s Inc., Amy Green. Capri Virtuoso: Faith Baldwin, the Brittingham Family; Caroline Harrison Loehr, Elizabeth St. Marie and Gloria Steves. Positano Aria: Lori Allen, Marena Gault, Sara Woodall.
        
Proceeds from Fashion Notes benefit the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and its youth education and community engagement programs. Over the past 40 years, the DSOL has raised more than $25 million in support of the DSO.  To learn more about DSOL and its membership benefits and events, visit www.dallassymphonyleague.com

Funds raised by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League support transformative DSO programs, including:

• The Cecil and Ida Green Youth Concert Series, which introduces Dallas youth to the inspiring world of classical music through accessible concerts at the Meyerson. Each year, more than 10,000 children participate in these experiences.

• DSO Cares, which brings the wellness benefits of music to senior living facilities, hospitals, community centers and more. Each performance showcases a chamber ensemble of DSO musicians that is free for attendees and community partners.

• The Young Strings and Kim Noltemy Young Musicians programs, which annually provide free instruments and instruction to 400 children primarily from Southern and East Dallas. Collectively, these programs have served more than 7,000 students and outpace similar youth programs with highly intensive training. Young Strings students have  a 100% high school graduation and college acceptance rate.

• Bach’s Lunch, an ongoing adult education series of free, informal talks designed to connect music lovers through a shared passion for classical music.

About Mackenzie Brittingham:
              Mackenzie Brittingham is a Dallas-based designer and founder of her namesake luxury atelier, recognized for custom couture, bridal, eveningwear, luxury outerwear, and bespoke accessories.
         Known for a highly personalized design experience and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, Brittingham creates one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to life’s most meaningful moments—from weddings and galas to philanthropic events, milestone celebrations, and private commissions.
         Her work spans custom bridal gowns, mother-of-the-bride dressing, debutante presentations, cocktail attire, black-tie eveningwear, day-to-night wardrobe pieces, and specialty occasion dressing. In addition to couture apparel, Brittingham also offers custom fur designs, statement outerwear, and an evolving line of handcrafted luxury handbags and accessories.
         Celebrated for refined silhouettes, exceptional fit, and globally sourced textiles, Brittingham blends timeless elegance with modern femininity. Drawing inspiration from travel, architecture, old-world glamour, and Italian craftsmanship, each design is developed through an intimate collaborative process that honors both the client and the artistry of the garment.
         A longtime supporter of Dallas’ philanthropic and cultural communities, Brittingham’s designs have been featured at many of the city’s most prominent galas, charitable events, weddings, and social occasions. Through her growing atelier, she continues to shape a new chapter of bespoke luxury fashion in Texas while mentoring emerging creatives and championing craftsmanship for the next generation.

(Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio and Thomas Garza.)

Turtle Creek Association 2026 Azalea Luncheon Celebrating Spring on the Creek Features Fashions by Betty Reiter

Now in its fourth year, the Azalea Luncheon benefiting the Turtle Creek Association (TCA) has become one of Dallas’ most anticipated spring social events. Pat Kozak is Honorary Chair, Sharon Ballew is Luncheon Chair and JD Trueblood is CEO, Turtle Creek Association.

After selling out two years in a row, TCA is thrilled to elevate the experience in a stunning new venue. This year’s celebration will be held at the historic Warwick Melrose Hotel, inside the beautifully appointed Turtle Creek Room, the perfect setting for an unforgettable spring gathering.

The morning begins with champagne, photos, an opportunity to browse the Betty Reiter pop-up boutique, and a special treat: a live fashion illustration experience. A professional fashion sketch artist will be onsite to create designer-style illustrations inspired by guests’ outfits. This exclusive opportunity is available on a first-come, first-served basis during a limited two-hour window, so an early arrival is encouraged for the best chance to participate.

Guests will enjoy an elegant spring fashion presentation by Betty Reiter, followed by lunch. The morning also includes exclusive giveaways and plenty of picture-perfect moments before the program begins.

Most importantly, the Azalea Luncheon supports the Turtle Creek Association’s mission to Protect, Preserve, and Enhance the Turtle Creek corridor. Through events like this, TCA is able to continue vital work that keeps our parks, trails, bridges, and green spaces beautiful, safe, and thriving for generations to come.

Tickets are limited, and this event has sold out every year, so reserve your seat soon! Tickets can be purchased online at www.Turtlecreekassociation.org 

About Turtle Creek Association:

Turtle Creek Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  TCA’s core mission is to serve as the foremost guardian, advocate, and leader dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the Turtle Creek corridor.

Furthermore, the Turtle Creek Association takes on a range of vital responsibilities.  This includes orchestrating seasonal color transformations along the creek, managing irrigation and watering systems, overseeing litter and trash removal from the creek, and upkeeping 25 beautifully landscaped medians. We play a crucial role in sustaining 2,600 trees that offer a haven for wildlife, and we’re instrumental in providing essential amenities such as drinking fountains, trash receptacles, and benches throughout the parks. Remarkably, all of these efforts are achieved through the generosity of our donors.

For more information and to join our cause, please visit our website at www.turtlecreekassociation.org. Your support fuels our commitment to preserving the urban sanctuary that is Turtle Creek.  

Preservation Park Cities (PPC) landmarked two architecturally significant homes last November. The Park Cities' beautiful aesthetic, welcoming neighborhoods, and diverse architectural styles are a visual reflection of this community’s heritage, creating a distinct sense of place unlike any other. The PPC landmarking initiative is designed to celebrate the homes and homeowners who seek to preserve these wonderful assets of this community.
        
PPC shines a spotlight on those homeowners who have preserved (or renovated) homes in this community that maintain their original architectural integrity. Although the awards themselves have no bearing on future renovations (or even demolition), PPC feels many homeowners deserve public acknowledgement for their efforts.
        
As members and friends joined Jason Morski, PPC president, Larry Good, author of both of PPC’s books, gave details about each home and introduced the homeowners, who both so graciously invited everyone inside their homes, giving even more of an insight into specifics regarding architecture and behind-the-scenes stories about the origins of the homes, previous owners, renovations and more. Refreshments were served at the second home.
        
The 3505 Beverly Drive plaque is designation for Architecturally Significant/Historic and 4214 McFarlin plaque is Architecturally Significant/Renovation.
         Three award categories have been established in order to:

• Encourage the preservation of the fabric of the community we treasure.
• Make a statement about the importance of architecture and history in our community.
• Commend a homeowner for their care of a property.
• Raise the visibility of our Society in the community.

Award Categories

• Historic Significance
• Architectural Significance
• Renovation Excellence

Preservation Park Cities Mission:
Preservation Park Cities mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Proceeds of the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Historic Home Tour and the Classic and Antique Car Show will be used to fund:

• Property Landmarking
• Stewardship of the PPC archives at the UP Library
• HPISD Architecture/History Student Scholarship Award
• The Distinguished Chair for History at HPHS
• The “Save the Top 100” campaign and the new book: The Houses of the Park Cities: An Architectural Guide to the Historic Houses of Highland Park and University Park Texas

Membership in PPC is open to the community. For more information visit www.preservationparkcities.org

Overview:

• The Historic Home Tour, Distinguished Speaker Luncheon and the Park Cities Car Show are the organization’s only fundraisers each year. The proceeds are allocated to help further our mission to celebrate and promote the preservation of Park Cities architecture, history, aesthetics, and cultural traditions.
• The purpose of the annual Historic Home Tour is to showcase architecturally and historically significant homes of the Park Cities and illustrate how these homes have been restored or remodeled to serve the lifestyle needs of families today.
• The organization landmarks architecturally and historically significant homes in the Park Cities, some of which are on the Historic Home Tour.
• Members of the organization enjoy historic and preservation oriented educational programs.

Social Media: Facebook @preservationparkcities     Instagram @preservationparkcities/

Presented by Highland Park Village

The Preservation Park Cities Distinguished Speaker Luncheon presented by Highland Park Village featured Brent Hull, an award-winning builder and expert in historically accurate architectural millwork and moldings, as the keynote speaker on the topic “Texas Preservation.”
         
Chaired by Lauren Cooper and Porter Fuqua with Jan and Bruce Harbour as honorary chairs and Jason Morski as president, the reception began with guests enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres and wine, along with a VIP reception and book signing.

        
Jason began by welcoming everyone saying that Preservation Park Cities mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities.  He also shared insight into his own experience owning and carefully renovating an historic home, his was built in the 1800s, saying “Old is gold!” to a rousing round of applause. He gave insight into upcoming events, including the Historic Home Tour in May 2026 and the Park Cities Car Show in April 2026.
        
After the chairs thanked sponsors, including D Home as magazine sponsor, Brent presented a very interesting slideshow and spoke about how to build better and more beautifully. From the history of housing from post-war in 1946 when the focus was on supplies to the cookie-cutter homes of the 1950s, then through the housing crisis, modern houses and how construction has changed through the years. Focusing on historic buildings, he said that’s what ties the community together, the history of our homes, saying that when we save these buildings, we save who we are.
        
To learn more about Preservation Park Cities or to join, visit the website at www.preservationparkcities.org.   

Brent Hullis an award-winning master builder and expert in historically accurate architectural millwork and moldings. For over thirty years his craftsmanship has enhanced nationally registered properties and homes across the country. Hull honed his expertise at Boston’s North Bennet Street School where he trained in the art of traditional building and historic preservation prior to founding Hull Millwork & Hull Homes in Fort Worth, Texas. When Brent is not working with his teams, speaking or consulting about how to build better and more beautifully, he enjoys reading and writing about historic architecture. He has authored five books on historic millwork; his most recent book released this spring, Millwork: The Design and Manufacturing of Historic Millwork from 1740-1950.

Overview:

• The Historic Home Tour, Distinguished Speaker Luncheon and the Park Cities Car Show are the organization’s only fundraisers each year. The proceeds are allocated to help further our mission to celebrate and promote the preservation of Park Cities architecture, history, aesthetics, and cultural traditions.
• The purpose of the annual Historic Home Tour is to showcase architecturally and historically significant homes of the Park Cities and illustrate how these homes have been restored or remodeled to serve the lifestyle needs of families today.
• The organization landmarks architecturally and historically significant homes in the Park Cities, some of which are on the Historic Home Tour.
• Members of the organization enjoy historic and preservation oriented educational programs.

Preservation Park Cities Mission:
Preservation Park Cities mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Proceeds of the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Historic Home Tour and the Classic and Antique Car Show will be used to fund:

• Property Landmarking
• Stewardship of the PPC archives at the UP Library
• HPISD Architecture/History Student Scholarship Award
• The Distinguished Chair for History at HPHS
• The “Save the Top 100” campaign and the new book: The Houses of the Park Cities: An Architectural Guide to the Historic Houses of Highland Park and University Park Texas

Membership in PPC is open to the community. For more information visit www.preservationparkcities.org

Social Media: Facebook @preservationparkcities     Instagram @preservationparkcities/                                                            

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

 Join us for a very merry afternoon of photos with Santa, cookie decorating, holiday themed crafts for the young and young at heart! Enjoy delicious food, spirits and libations crafted and sponsored by Wendy Krispin Caterer.  

This event is absolutely purely fun for the kids, lots of fun activities and photos with Santa. It’s a lovely event at the home of Helen and John Carona in a huge covered outdoor area which is tented – so join in rain or shine! – and full of surprises and delicious treats for both adults and the children.  It all benefits the Dallas Historical Society.

Happening on Sunday, December 7th from 1:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.  Exact address will be sent with event confirmation. 

$125 Family of Four, includes 4 photos with Santa. Options include additional photos with Santa, extra adult family members can attend.  Sponsorships are $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 with varying benefits. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased here:
https://www.dallashistory.org/event/cocoa-with-santa-2025/?instance_id=767

Contact:  Office Assistant at Dallas Historical Society: assistant@dallashistory.org or call 214-421-7500.

About Dallas Historical Society

Established in 1922, the Dallas Historical Society is the preeminent organization of its kind in Dallas, collecting, preserving, and exhibiting the heritage of Dallas and Texas to educate and inspire future generations. Housed at the Hall of State in Fair Park since 1938, the Society presents these collections through education programs, exhibitions, tours, access to research materials and workshops. Each year, the Dallas Historical Society is visited by more than 160,000 people and serves more than 20,000 students through guided tours and educational programming at the Hall of State, as well as outreach programs at school locations. More information is available at https://www.dallashistory.org/.

About Hall of State

Built by the State of Texas for the 1936 Centennial Exposition in Fair Park, the Hall of State has hosted events honoring presidents, royalty, heads of state, and other dignitaries for over eighty years. Located just minutes from downtown Dallas, the Hall of State can be rented for private functions ranging from corporate dinners or meetings to weddings or gala social events. Rental fees support the operations of the Dallas Historical Society, which calls the Hall of State “home.” IG: @dallashistory  FB: @DallasHistoricalSociety   

Photos by Thomas Garza.