The Queen of Hearts Vintage Fashion Show and Afternoon Tea was presented by the Dallas Woman’s Forum Fashion and Style Department on Saturday, February 27. Special Guest Presenter Steven Porterfield of the Antiques Roadshow traveled from his home base in Midland, Texas to narrate this unique style show featuring fashions from 1950’s to 1980’s.
“Steven is THE expert in his field,” said event Chair Aileen Brady. “He is brilliant and charming. His knowledge of vintage fashions and antiques is amazingly diverse.”
The show had originally been scheduled on Valentine’s weekend when the severe winter storm blanketed the city. The event was delayed by several weeks, and then the location had to be changed when the Alexander Mansion suffered severe damage from burst water pipes. The Chocolate Angel Café and Tea Room stepped up to host the event.
The models were all members of the Fashion and Style Department of the Dallas Woman’s Forum. They had visited Steven’s store The Cat’s Meow in Midland a few weeks prior to pick out the fashions. The dresses were perfectly accessorized with hats, gloves and beautiful jewelry.
Driving more than 45,000 miles a year Steven Porterfield traverses the country in his quest for antique and vintage fashion and accessories. His current collection spans the decades of 1740 to 2000. Betrothed: 250 Years of Wedding Fashion was his own recent fashion exhibition in Odessa, Texas at the Ellen Noel Art Museum. He spent over 20 years collecting the unique gowns in the show and about two years to get them mounted, prepared and restored for the show.
Proceeds from the tea will benefit the restoration efforts of the Alexander Mansion by the Dallas Woman’s Forum.
Rich in history and tradition, The Dallas Woman’s Forum was founded in 1906, two years after the Alexander Mansion was built. The Forum, which has been ensconced in this unique and priceless example of Dallas’ rich cultural history since 1930, is celebrating its second century of community service and historic preservation.
Contemporary in its mission and purpose, the organization’s heritage continues in its focus on the values of service, compassion, concern, knowledge, involvement, initiative, creativity, and courage. This foundation has made the Dallas Woman’s Forum a leader in the development of our city and endeavors to promote women’s leadership now, and in the future.
The Mission of the Dallas Woman’s Forum is to empower women and children through education and advocacy. The purpose of the woman’s forum shall be: the support of benevolent, charitable, educational undertakings, and preservation of an historical landmark.
Photos by John Brady and Deborah Brown