Fashion Dynamo Turns Her Dallas Party Into a Parade

If fashion designer Lela Rose is known for something other than her impeccably chic line of women’s wear, it’s for her equally effortless knack for entertaining.

The Dallas native, who now lives full-time in New York, brought her expert hosting skills to town for an unforgettable eve. The invitation was emblazoned with three little words: “Join the parade!” And that’s precisely what Rose meant.

At promptly 6:30 pm, a group of fashionable gals gathered at the Lela Rose boutique in Highland Park Village, where Rose herself handed out chic pink and white parasols for the impending procession. (Rain clouds loomed, so it proved best to have proper parade accessories on hand just in case.)

After a cocktail or two (Casa Dragones was the sip of choice), a brass band — a la the Big Easy — summoned the group to follow them through the tony streets of Highland Park.

The parade made its final stop at the nearby home of Highland Park Village co-owners Stephen and Elisa Summers, where a dinner by chef Camille Becerra and more revelry awaited.

A Big Easy cocktail bar served Sazerac Slings, Pretty In Pimm’s, and Carondelet Cruisers. An artist stood ready to personalize and paint the umbrellas, which had been brought along by partygoers during the parade to shield them from scattered raindrops. There was a Rose Bar overflowing with flowers for guests to create their own take-home bouquets.

And, what would a New Orleans-style fete be without beignets. Naturally, a duo wearing Café Du Monde hats served the famous powdered doughnuts near evening’s end.

PC Seen: Highland Park Village co-owner Heather Washburne, plus Ashleigh Pogue, Lauren Gachkar, Cristina Lynch, Ashley Rutledge, Nicolette Lamont, Hallie Lamont, Meg McGonigle, Amber Venz Box, Emily Summers, and Catherine Rose.