Looking at the Meyerson Symphony Center lobby on Thursday, October 10, was like gazing upon a garden of spring flowers. Thanks to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Fashion Notes, guests donned a full bloom of floral designs.
Perhaps it was also due to the day’s honorees that included Honorary Co-Chairs Dr. Linda Burke and her daughters Dr. Jane Gilmore and Linda Gilmore, plus fashion designer Esé Azénabor Grembowski.
Following guests like Michelle Miller Burns, Richard Eiseman, Brian Bolke, Mary Clare Finney and Tanya Rice taking their places at tables throughout the lobby, the program got underway with emcee Leslie McCastlin introduced DSOL President Dixey Arterburn who thanked Nikki Beneke and introduced Luncheon Co-Chairs Whitney Cameron and Madelaine Lam and the Burk trio.
Representing the event’s theme — “Birdsong” — a mammoth birdcage dazzled with an Esé gown surrounded by blue and white flowers was set atop the landing, serving as a backdrop for the presentation. While the placement of the cage and the nearby podium may have been picture perfect at other times of the day, the sun just before noon created all types of blinding lights and shadows on stage.
Leading down to the lobby from the landing, the handrails were smothered in blue and white flowers, eliminating any use by the guests and models as they stilettoed down to the lobby to stroll among the tables.
In addition to the day’s presentation being delayed due to the lobby’s acoustics, the PA system was a bit of a challenge for guests seated throughout the lobby.
But once the rollout of Esé’s collection got underway, who cared about the sound? All attention was focused on the DSL supporters and their youngsters in Esé fashions followed by dozens of professional models.
After appearing on the landing the models stepped down the stairs to parade among the tables following a route designated by black arrows taped to the floor.
While the volunteer models adjourned to their tables, the professional models returned backstage via the stairs. Doing an admirable job especially were those with the billowing gowns.
With hems rangjng from north of the knees to sweeping the floor, the guests enjoyed the look of this Esé’s collection that had just returned from a fashionable turn during New York’s Fashion Week.
Two favorite looks of the collection were the season’s popular sheer skirt that left little to the imagination and the “front-short-long back” design. While both proved that a prerequisite was great legs, it was interesting to note that while the professional models wore see-through skirts and shorter-than-short dresses hardly covering their bare essentials, none were seen in the hi-lo designs which were a favorite pick of the volunteer models.
And then there was the flatwear. The stilettos were fine even for climbing up and down the staircase. But the season’s platform shoes worn by some of the volunteer svelte models seemed a wee bit heavy-handed partnered with the lighter than air gowns as they clomped among the tables.
As the showing concluded, Esé appeared on the landing to the applause of all including her husband Eric Grembowski and daughter Elah Grembowski before accepting her award.
For a look at all the day’s fashions, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.