After eons of pandemic recovery, Tsunami Thursday has come roaring back into place for North Texas by-invite-only non-profit events. Just last night valet parkers were on the streets and folks were either making Solomon-like choices or trying to make at least two private parties.
Over at Pam and Vin Perella’s Beverly Drive palazzo, The Senior Source’s Spirit of Generations patrons were celebrating Micki and Mike Rawlings being the honorees for the luncheon at the Hilton Anatole on Thursday, March 9.
Across town at Allison and Brett Broadnax’s marvelous home overlooking the Browning Branch brook, 2023 Mad Hatter’s Co-Chairs Anne Stodghill and Kristina Wrenn announced the Majestic Mad Hatter judges for the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum’s show-and-swell fundraiser at the Arboretum.
With this year’s theme of “Majestic Mad Hatters,” both Anne and Kristina have had their hands full… or as they say, “herding cats.” Evidently, when the gals decided on the theme, they were surprised when the organizers of the coronation of Britain’s new ruler then decided to hold the royal affair two weeks later. As a result some judges were forced to send their regrets.
As Anne chagrined, “Charles had to bow out.”
But the collection of judges is still top drawer with the following categories crowning the day:
- The Queen’s Choice (Most True to Theme) — David Yarrow
- A True Princess Diana (Sure To Be A Lasting Fashion Legend) — Ryan Ross
- The Princess of Wales (Best Overall Ensemble) — Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia
- The Chelsea Flower Show (Most Creative Use Of Fresh Botanicals) — Cassie MacGregor
- The Hybrid (Best English Garden Hat With A Texas Twist) — Barbara Bigham
- The Head Turner (Best In Show) — Emberli Pridham
And, of course, there will still be the ever-popular People’s Choice.
While competitive peeps are discouraged from bribing judges in the days leading up to the luncheon on Thursday, April 20, who’s gonna tell? But seriously, nobody said that winking and flirty notes were not allowed.
Sponsorships, tickets and all those regal perks are available here.
* Photo provided by 2023 Mad Hatter's Tea
For an impressive rundown of the judges, follow the jump and bow/curtsy:
- David Yarrowis a pioneer of fine art photography, known for visiting isolated locations and communities to capture the sublime beauty of the natural world. His dramatic and highly evocative images, usually black and white, fuse the knowledgeable approach of David Attenborough with Ridley Scott’s visual drama and the exquisite composition of Ansel Adams. Yarrow’s images are on display in leading galleries and museums across Europe and North America, making him one of the most coveted photographers alive today. As one of the best-selling fine art photographers in the world, his limited edition works regularly sell at high prices at Sotheby’s and other auction houses. Yarrow has also shown an unchanging commitment to charitable causes and protecting wildlife through fundraising for organizations raising more than $10 million since 2019.
- Ryan Ross serves as President, Neiman Marcus (NM), responsible for leading the company’s iconic brand. As a values-driven leader, he oversees the customer-centric business across the integrated luxury retailer’s three channels: in-store, online, and remote selling. He was appointed President of Neiman Marcus in August 2022, in a new dedicated role established to drive a seamless brand and customer experience supporting the brand’s strategy – The Luxury of a Relationship. Ryan was previously President of Williams Sonoma, where he was responsible for driving integrated channel strategies, customer growth and evolving the relevancy of the brands. He previously held the position of EVP Marketing and Digital at HSN through the company’s acquisition by QVC. He also held leadership positions at Harrods, Pottery Barn and Gap Inc. Ryan received his B.S. in Management and Marketing from the University of Oregon. Ryan recently moved to Dallas with his husband, Robbie, and their three dogs. He is an advocate for The Trevor Project, No Kid Hungry, and Habitat for Humanity.
- Babi and Sachin Ahluwalia met as students at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where they were instant friends. The two were cut from the same cloth, bonding over their common interests, ambitions and upbringing in India. Friendship grew into love, and soon after, a company. Together, Sachin and Babi built a design and embroidery business, working for top houses including Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Manolo Blahnik, among others. Sachin and Babi were one of fashion’s best kept secrets behind-the-scenes, until they set out on their own. Driven by a commitment to incredible craftsmanship and a desire to connect with customers, Sachin and Babi launched our brand. By owning a family-run factory in Mumbai, we can control the design and production process from start to finish, cutting out the middlemen. The result: extraordinary clothing and accessories with tremendous value. As a brand, Sachin and Babi believe in celebrating every day and dressing with joy. Their collections are designed for the special moments in life, that can and do happen every day, both big and small. Attention to embellishment, color, and silhouette guides the design and is at the heart of the brand’s DNA. Inspired by the women who wear Sachin and Babi each season brings with it the desire to offer a uniquely beautiful, and infinitely wearable collection.
- Cassie MacGregor is an accomplished milliner. A stint in NYC led her to the millinery program at FIT where she found her passion. She loves how colors and patterns play with each other and never wants to do the same thing twice. In 2008, Cassie moved back to Dallas and has been making hats in the Bishop Art’s District ever since. In the spring the studio is all Kentucky Derby hats and she loves creating the icing on the cake for such a festive event. For those not familiar with millinery in May she works in straws for summer and Panama hats, in fall and winter she blocks men’s and women’s felt fedoras. Her favorite winter medium is rabbit fur velour, which molds to a client’s head size with a plush finish, and without the scratch of wool or the stiffness of beaver. She adopted a mantra that this is not science, it is art. No two hats turn out the same and you get the best hat when you allow some room for the materials to do what they want to do. The beauty of hats is that they are wearable sculptures on your head. This is not a factory operation but a craftsman-based business striving to maintain traditional high-quality service in a modern world. The House of MacGregor works with clients on fit and individual design to help bring their personal style to the outside.
- Barbara Bigham is a generous donor and longtime advocate of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. She is a founding member of the Women’s Council, is a past chair of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, a past chair of Holiday at the Arboretum and has been a recipient of the Founders Award. Bigham served on the Board of Directors of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society, Inc for six years and served in numerous capacities. She was instrumental in the development of the Caroline Rose Hunt Society, of which she has been a member since 2015. Barbara chaired the 25th Anniversary of the Women’s Garden and the opening of A Tasteful Place. She and her husband gifted the Barbara and Bob Bingham Scenic Overlook in a Tasteful Place that will be a wonderful location to chat and enjoy champagne and Hors d’oeuvres at Majestic Mad Hatter’s. She has both chaired and served as honorary chair for numerous Dallas fundraisers and the true definition of giving back to your community. The Bighams have been married for over 60 years and are extensive travelers having visited all 7 continents and over 100 countries. They have two daughters and two granddaughters. Barbara has an amazing sense of humor so make sure to introduce yourself. She may also be open to under the table bribes.
- Emberli Pridham grew up in Dallas, Texas inspired by her grandmother, an author, and a wonderful library of books. She, along with her husband David, are the co-authors of the Amazon best-selling STEM book series, ‘If Not You, Then Who?’, which aims to teach children about the inventions and patents in everyday life, inspiring and empowering them to imagine and create their own. Emberli is currently writing the next two books about inspiring and influential people for the Real Life Fairy Tale series. Her first charming book introduces Princess Diana to a new generation of children who can appreciate her service, kindness and legacy. She also spends her time taking care of her beautiful family and is extensively involved in philanthropic work on behalf of the Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Symphony, Elton John AIDS Foundation, and American Cancer Society among other charities. The Pridhams live in Dallas, Texas with their three ever-curious children Brooke, Noah and Graham.