Esé Azénabor x Sharon Lee Clark Presents
Hand-Painted Couture on the Runway Benefitting Children's Cancer Fund

Couture Designer, Esé Azénabor, collaborates with artist, Sharon Lee Clark, in bringing a unique runway show presenting wearable hand-painted art designs.The Runway Show will be Friday, May 19th at 12pm at the Esé Azénabor Dallas Showroom located at 100 Cole Street. Esé Azénabor will be debuting 40 new pieces along with select pieces painted by fine art artist Sharon Lee Clark.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Children's Cancer Fund. The Children's Cancer Fund is a non-profit organization based in Dallas, Texas. The organization helps kids in their fight against cancer through strategic investments in research and care in North Texas. They strive to create a better future for kids as well as bringing families together and inspiring hope. To learn more about the Children's Cancer Fund, visit their website at https://www.childrenscancerfund.com/.

Tickets $300-$400 and are now available for purchase:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ese-azenabor-x-sharon-lee-clark-presents- hand-painted-couture-on-the-runway-tickets-608843075027

Further information may be found at www.eseazenabor.com or by contacting 646-799-9172 or assist@eseazenabor.com

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Esé Azénabor
Nigerian-born Canadian designer, Esé Azénabor-Grembowski, is the owner and creative designer / head designer for her namesake brand Esé Azénabor. She attended the University of Windsor in Windsor, Ontario, Canada majoring in Accounting. Afterwards she moved to Dallas, TX to pursue a Master's Degree at Southern Methodist University. She made a detour to follow her dreams and started designing handmade dresses for herself, friends and family. She designs for clients that love art and understand the craftsmanship that goes into each haute couture and bespoke garment. Esé Azénabor is known for her hand beading with Swarovski crystals, pearls, hand embroidery on fine French lace and tulle, her structuring with hymo, creating texture, boning and attention to detail. The Esé Azénabor brand has produced a total of 21 different collections. Her designs have been seen on national and International stars such as Taraji P Henson, Tyra Banks, Michelle Williams, country star Kelsea Ballerini, Latin superstar Thalia, Vivica A. Fox, and so much more. The Brand has been published in Huff Post, People Magazine, Vogue, Cosmo, Essence, Munaluchi Bridal, Modern Luxury Weddings, and CEO Moms, to name a few.

Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee Clark is a Korean-American fine artist and designer based in Dallas, Texas. She studied painting at UCLA Art School and has a Masters of Interior Architecture from UCLA/Cal Poly. 3rd in a lineage of artists after her mother and grandfather, Sharon modernizes traditional Korean art. Her paintings have exhibited at Carolina Herrera, the Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii, the Korean Cultural Center, Jasper Showroom, and more. After working as a designer at Michael S. Smith during his tenure as the White House decorator, she launched Krane Home in 2012 with wallpaper, fabric and decor created from her art. Sharon and her work have appeared in nearly every major interior design magazine including House Beautiful in an 8 page spread, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, Luxe Magazine’s recent cover, Traditional Home, and many more.

Braniff Style Tour & Fashion Show 

“Put your try tables up and fasten your seat belts,” said David Preziosi as he began the program for the sold out Braniff Airways style show and luncheon at the Alexander Mansion on March 11. Attendees “stepped aboard” for a delightful program reminiscing about the history and legacy of Braniff Airways. Before American and Southwest Airlines, there was only one hometown Dallas airline and that was Braniff International with their signature slogan, “Based Here! Best Here! First Here!”. The occasion was to celebrate Braniff Airways Foundation’s momentous 95th year of public service for Braniff International. 

The event was hosted by The Dallas Woman’s Forum to raise funds to restore the Alexander Mansion which suffered extensive damage during the ice storm of 2021. The Forum’s Barbara Cervantes welcomed the guests and shared information about the activities and benefits of membership with the organization. 

Preziosi, Braniff Airways Foundation board member and executive director of Texas Historical Foundation, presented the story of one of the most groundbreaking and revolutionary airlines in history, Braniff’s incredible focus on design and marketing, and a mini fashion show featuring Braniff’s flight attendant uniform designs from haute couturier’s Emilio Pucci and Halston. All the way from the little Stinson Detroiter single-engine six-passenger airplane that flew the first flight from Oklahoma City to Tulsa on June 20, 1928, Braniff has defined the times for the last century and continues that tradition of pioneering and innovation.

Collin Ice, Braniff Airways Foundation Chief Operating Officer, shared how the Foundation preserves the history of Braniff Airways, Inc., through collecting, preserving, promoting, and protecting the carrier’s legacy. It curates the Braniff International Heritage Archives, formerly Braniff Flying Colors Collection, which includes the original Braniff Airways Advertising Department records and archives. The collection was founded in 1972, and has become the largest and most comprehensive collection of Braniff memorabilia known to exist. The Foundation administers the intellectual property of Braniff Airways, Inc, including its copyrights and trademarks. Since 1983, over 700 licensing agreements have been executed authorizing the use of Braniff’s intellectual property. A unique line of products featuring the colorful look of Braniff Airways as their main theme are available at the Braniff Boutique available on the Foundation’s website. 

Former flight attendants modeled the iconic uniforms designed by Emilio Pucci and later by Halston. In the 1960s, the uniforms changed from navy blue suits in the military style to the Pucci designed wild prints and bright colors. 

Former flight attendant Terri Hatch modeled the iconic 1971 uniform and serving apron designed by Emilio Pucci. Asked about some of the famous passengers she served, Terri reminisced about the flight with Joe Namath, former New York Giants quarterback football who was a spokesman for Hanes Hosiery at the time. A fellow flight attendant asked him to autograph her panty hose which she framed to the chagrin of her husband. Namath invited them to a restaurant opening in Florida which they attended and had a wonderful time with the gracious host. 

After the program, guests made their way downstairs for the luncheon. The decorations on the tables were aviation themed and included orange table runners and napkins. Orange was one of the first of Braniff’s flying colors airplanes. The orange plane flew non-stop flights to Hawaii and was known as the Great Pumpkin. 

The First Class lunch menu was inspired by a vintage Braniff menu: salad and dinner roll, chicken Romanoff (breast of chicken in cream sauce w/mushrooms), garden vegetable medley, strawberry cheesecake dessert, water, ice tea, and lemonade. Chocolate Angel provided the catering. 

Former flight attendant Penny Patton Puetz said on May 12, 1982, the day Braniff filed for bankruptcy, her flight landed at DFW, she had to tell all the passengers to deplane with their belongings and seek assistance with other airlines.

“I was crying and my heart was absolutely broken,” said Puetz. “I don’t believe for one second that our Braniff executives woke up this morning with the intent to ruin my life. Braniff Airlines has afforded me a life and a lifestyle that I don’t believe I would have ever had otherwise. And, furthermore, if Braniff were to start flying again tomorrow I would be right there waiting for the doors to open.” 

Proceeds benefit the restoration of the Alexander Mansion. https://dallaswomansforum.org/

For more information about Braniff Airways Foundation visit the website www.braniffinternational.com

Photos by Chuck Clark

Gowns and curtseys were all the rage as 26 Symphony Debutantes took their bows at the 37th Annual Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ball on Saturday, February 11 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. The spotlight was on the debs, their families, and dapper members of the Honor Guard.

The Honorary Chairs for the Ball were Lisa and Clay Cooley, longtime supporters of the DSO and the Dallas community. The Presentation Ball Chair was Karen Cox and DSOL President is Cynthia Beaird. All knew well what to expect during the debutante season. The Cooley’s daughter Ciara made her debut in 2016 and Karen’s daughter Isabella was presented in 2020. Cynthia was the Presentation Ball Chair in 2011 and her daughter Jane made her debut in 2008.

“Serving as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ball Chairman has been a distinct honor and a true joy,” said Karen. “Our 2023 debutantes are bright, accomplished and driven to make a positive difference in their communities. Our Debutante families and our generous donors are making a lasting impact on our beneficiaries, the extraordinary education and outreach programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.” 

The incomparable Jan Strimple was given recognition on the stage as this was her final year as Choreographer of the ball. She is turning the reins over the Densil Adams who cofounded Preston Center Dance in 1990. Assisting Densil will be Mia Davis, who has had two Debutante daughters. Jan brought grace and sophistication to each of the presentations for the past 24 years and has taught close to a thousand girls how to do the Texas Dip with poise and confidence.   

There were several legacy families who have been involved with the Presentation Ball since its founding.

Vaughn Miller’s mother Tincy Miller founded the event in 1987 and he was among the first Honor Guard group in the inaugural year. This year, daughter Gigi made her debut and brothers Vaughn and Vance served as Honor Guards.

Members of the Averitt/Duvall families were present for the debut of Natalie Duvall. Her mom Susan Averitt Duvall made her debut in the inaugural presentation ball and sister Madelyn Duvall was presented in 2020. Susan’s brother Mark Averitt was a member of the first group of Honor Guards, and brother Don Averitt worked behind the scenes and graciously greeted the guests. Their work and support has continued since that time. Don is on the Honor Guard Board of Governors, his wife Barbara Averitt has assisted the debutantes since the first ball and sister-in-law Kendra Averitt has worked with the honor guard for many years. The Averitt family has continued their support of the Dallas Symphony for the past 37 years.  

There were numerous parents who have had debutante daughters in prior years including Heather and Bill Esping, Megan and John Pigott, and Dawne and Patrick Tribolet, along with Michelle and Erik Ward.

Among those in attendance included Sarah and Mark Hardin, Linda Burk and John Gilmore, Kim Noltemy, Marena Gault, and Kristi and Ron Hoyl.

The 2023 Debutantes are: Britton Barcus, Margaret Bracken, Stephanie Ciarochi, Kate Clark, Sarah Crow, Elena Dewar, Gracie Dix, Natalie Duvall, Arden Eiland, Charlotte Esping, Kaitlin Ann Kelly, Celeste Lay, Ella Marks, Ellie Michaelson, Gigi Miller, Lydia Pigott, Morgan Potter, Sasha Schwimmer, Ellie Steindorf, Catherine Stiles, Elizabeth Thompson, Lucy Tilden, CeCe Tribolet, Danielle Ward, Paige Williams, and Nicole Zimmer.

The Presentation Ball was created with the vision of long-time League member Tincy Miller, who also chaired the first ball.

The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL. Over $13 million has been raised for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through the annual event. 

Founded in 1946, the DSOL's mission is to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education and fundraising activities. Since 1998 the League has contributed over $21 million in support of the Dallas Symphony Association’s Community Outreach and Education programs, which help bring the wonder of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra to thousands of youths and adults in the Dallas Metroplex.

Photos by GITTINGS and Deborah Brown

The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting on January 21 for the grand opening of Art on Main, a new endeavor by Principal and Founder Andrea Lamarsaude. The new gallery is located at 4438 Main Street, Suite 200. It is a gallery filled with beautiful art and provides artist studios, an art gallery, art exhibition space for group or solo shows and art class and private event space. It supports local artists and creatives while fostering a vibrant arts community in Old East Dallas and DFW.

Andrea Lamarsuade was born and raised in Dallas. After graduating from SMU, she enjoyed a career in marketing communications for over 25 years. After a personal tragedy in 2014, she began creating art as a healing process and became a visual artist specializing in mixed media. With the opening of the gallery, she is combining her passion and love for art and marketing, mentoring other artists and helping them to market their work. 

The gallery is currently fully leased with a waiting list. Current artists include:  Fadekemi Adetoun (Kemi), Artsey Art/Joi Holmes, Blue Dragon Fine Art/ Logan Renfrow, Kaitlyn Coffee, Pam-ela Harrelson, Andrea Lamarsaude, Lourdes Lavalle, Katrina Rasmussen, Fiera Michelle Smith,, Kelly Christine Sutton, Karen Vanderpool-Haerle, Tom Ross, Vickie Ross, Shannon Wylie, SLANT Artist Collective, Rita Barnard, Sheila Cunningham, Jacque Forsher, Karen Jacobi, Laurie Mahoney, Patricia McMillan, VET. 

About the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce
The purpose of the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce is to promote the cultural, educational and industrial interests of the East Dallas Area so that its businesses, neighborhoods and citizens shall prosper.

The multifaceted approach of the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce provides benefits to its members in a variety of different arenas. A number of forums are offered for the promotion of all member businesses. Members are provided with relevant information regarding the East Dallas community, as well as insight into local, state and national government issues. The events that provide a conduit for these benefits, and others, include our luncheons that highlight a variety of topics addressed by featured keynote speakers. The annual Economic Summit is essentially a "state of the union" with respect to the Dallas Economy. Member businesses and guests are encouraged to gather and exchange information through the numerous networking events, especially Business After Hours which is hosted by a spotlighted member business. Sponsorship opportunities abound for these events, as well as for many of the other Chamber gatherings. For more information, visit  www.eastdallaschamber.com. 

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League hosted parties and bow rehearsals for the 37th Annual Presentation Ball debutantes during the busy holiday season. The events lead up to the Presentation Ball to be held on February 11 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center where 26 debutantes will be presented. The event is the largest fundraiser for the League. The Honorary Chairs are Lisa and Clay Cooley. Karen Cox is the Presentation Ball Chair and Cynthia Beaird is the DSOL President.

Dr. and Mrs. Lewis Frazee hosted the holiday party in their elegant home on December 18th for the debutantes, honor guard and their families. A mother-daughter luncheon was held at the Meyerson on December 20. Other events included a mixer at Park House and bow boot camp.

After a semester away, the Debutantes and Honor Guard were meeting back up with the new acquaintances they met this year as well as seeing old friends.

“These events are so fun and enjoyed by all”, said Ball Chair Karen Cox. “The friendships formed through the season will last a lifetime.” 

The Miller and Averitt families have both been a part of the Presentation Ball since the inaugural event in 1987. Vaughn Miller and Mark Averitt met up during the evening, recalling the first ball and how far the event has grown and evolved through the years. Ball founder Tincy Miller recruited her son Vaughn and also personally invited Mark. They have remained friends through these many years and both currently serve on the Honor Guard Board of Governors.

Vaughn has three children participating this year: daughter Gigi will make her debut and sons Vaughn Miller and Vance Miller are Honor Guards. Mark Averitt has a niece Natalie Duvall who is being presented this year.

Photos by Deborah Brown