Mad Hatter’s Tea Party 2011

Even a drizzly day couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the southern belles who put on their finest chapeaus for the 23rd annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the Dallas Arboretum.

Magnificent Millinery Creations

Marilyn Hailey’s vintage hat collection and sketches were on display in the courtyard during the champagne reception. Hailey has collected toppers over the years, and a favorite were the original hats and designs from Frank Olive, who designed hats for Neiman Marcus back when she herself modeled for them.

D’Andra Simmons, Phyllis Comu, Doris Jacobs and Dee Wyly were among the ladies enjoying the wild array of millinery creations.  Wandering the crowd were celebrity judges Valerie Elizabeth, Lisa Garza, Daniel Winson Lewis, LeeAnne Locken and David Wren, looking to dole out fabulous prizes to the best hats.

After a champagne reception, guests enjoyed a fashion show produced by the imitable Jan Strimple, and hosted by Michael Faircloth, which featured luscious fashions from Tory Burch, Karen Millen, Tootsie’s, Betty Reiter and Anne Fontaine.

(left) Jill Rowlett with Honorary Chair, Yvonne Crum a.k.a. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum sporting McKenzie Childs teapots that they had converted to purses for the occasion

(right) America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru, Steve Kemble, who took home honors for Most Outlandish Hat

At the end of the show, the judges selected their favorites and awards were given out for ‘Most True to Theme’, ‘Most Botanical’, ‘Most Whimsical’, ‘Most Elegant’, ‘Best of Show’, and ‘Most Outlandish’.  Attendees then meandered out to a beautiful tented pavilion where the day dwindled down with a beautiful seated luncheon.

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