This Kentucky Derby Hats Preview Brings a Glorious Fashion Show With a Serious Mission

Just days before jetting off to Paris on assignment, Tootsies creative director Fady Armanious joined the boutique’s customer experience and events manger Shelley Ludwick for a midmorning champagne preview of Kentucky Derby worthy hats and for a moment of gravity.

The social was a prelude to Bo’s Place lively “Hats, Hearts & Horsehoes” Derby event set for May 4 in a River Oaks home. Known for its assistance to those who have lost a family member, Bo’s Place was the focus of Ludwick’s remarks. The mother of two sons lost her husband last year to a heart attack and knows too well the pain of loss experienced by all family members and the invaluable grief counseling that Bo’s Place is known for.

Her brief remarks were followed by a glorious parade of spring fashions and fabulous chapeaux that had all the ladies thinking wardrobe upgrade. The event was tied in with the trunk show of hat designer Christine A. Moore, who jetted in from New York for a personal appearance. From petite fascinators to grand chapeaux, the colors and designs seemed unlimited.

Of course, when shown with fashions from Alice + Olivia, Cinq A Sept,  Oscar de la Renta and more, the hats practically begged for purchase.

Not only does Bo’s Place Derby party command a fashionable chapeau, but also the Hermann Park Conservancy‘s “Hats in the Park,” the River Oaks tennis tournament luncheon, Easter Seals “Hats Off to Mothers” luncheon and any other number of fashionable fêtes.

“Hats, Hearts & Horseshoes” chair Hallie Vanderhider was on the front row as were Hannah McNair and Megan Hotze, who with their husbands Cal and Luke, respectively, will serve as honorary chairs of the afternoon of al fresco partying and racehorse considerations.

PC Seen: Bo’s Place board chair Meredith Chastang, Ericka Graham, Christie Sullivan, Sue Smith, Stacey Lindseth, Sushma Yalamanchili, Elise Lubanko, Amanda Boffone, Lisa Pitts, Kaitln Scheurich, Tonja De Sloover, Susan Neuhaus,  Jade Shine, Courtney Byrnes and Bo’s Place executive director Mary Beth Staine.