Rain and Shine — PaperCity Dallas’ 20th Anniversary Bash Defies the Weather as Gorgeous Models Stun: Hot Fashion, Wonderful Memories and a Reunion Feel

It was the perfect storm — pun intended. The days leading up to PaperCity’s 20th anniversary party called for perfect weather: partly cloudy, not too muggy, and zero percent chance of rain.

And then, because this is Texas, three hours before the bash was set to commence at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek’s gorgeous new outdoor lawn space, that zero percent changed to 40 percent.

By 7 pm it was pouring down buckets — the kind of only-in-Texas storm that comes just as fast as it goes. Needless to say, the outdoor décor, which had been designed flawlessly by Todd Fiscus and his event wizards, was a bit too damp for guests, and a quick decision was made by PaperCity’s events and partnerships manager, Kaley Hanna, along with the Mansion’s wonder team (Tracy Fitz, Terry Shields, and Erica Hoelscher) to move everything inside.

And so it was that we found ourselves in the Mansion’s ballroom and promenade, awaiting the arrival of 300 of our closest friends, scurrying to transform the gorgeous space into a setting befit the PaperCity bash we had promised.

DJ Lucy Wrubel moved her turntable and Showtech productions equipment inside. Scot Redman — founder of MotusRed’s stop-action video photo-booth — packed up his camera contraption and staged an impromptu photo backdrop of framed PaperCity covers and giant numeral 20 cutouts.

The Mansion staff quickly prepped the bar, while dapper waiters passed flutes of Rosegold Rose and Deep Ellum Vodka cocktails. Even the Mansion’s new chef, Sebastien Archambault, accommodated the weather, employing his culinary team to whip up quick gourmet bites in a pinch.

Meanwhile, a few busy hands from NorthPark Center, along with Roberto Cavalli’s store manager Natalie Lo, were in a Mansion suite, putting the final styling touches on four gorgeous models all wearing the latest from Cavalli’s fall collection.

Throughout the evening, said models made their turn about the room, posing for photos and chatting up guests — no doubt, they were the most fashionable ones in attendance.

Clearly, no amount of rain could dampen the spirits of the party set, nor stop them from celebrating. Within minutes of the party’s start, there was a valet line wrapped around the block — a glamorous gridlock, as we like to call it.

As guests packed in, several pulled us aside to tell us how the entire soiree felt a bit like a high-school reunion — the kind you actually want to attend. Old friends reacquainted and new relationships ignited.

It was the kind of party where it felt like you saw everyone and no one, as the ballroom as packed to the max. Glasses clinked. Air kisses flew. It was a true testament to the idea that all you need for a memorable party is good friends, strong drinks, and a superb soundtrack (thank you, Ms. Lucy).

Perhaps the best part about moving the party inside was this: As the event neared its end, most partygoers took advantage of the easy access and sauntered into the Mansion Bar for more cocktails — perhaps a plate of truffle fries — and an evening that lasted well past midnight. We do love a good silver lining.

PC Seen: PaperCity’s Holly Moore, Monica Bickers, and Jim Kastleman, in from Houston; plus guests including Kelle and Joe Jackson, Meaders and Robert Ozarow, Heidi Dillon, Janet Gridley and David Schechter, Michael McCray and Gonzalo Bueno, Jennifer Klos, Susan Bednar Long and John Long, Leon Banowetz, Christy Callahan, Jana Houston, Leslie Brenner and Thierry Peremarti, Hedda Dowd, Nan Coulter, Dianna Miller, Dawn Wilson, Myrna and Bob Schlegel, Krystal Schlegel, Nancy Gopez, Kate Rose Marquez, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Meredith Marceau, Kristen Gibbins, Kristin Casner, Sarah Haemisegger, Julie Hawes, Crawford Brock, KJ Murphy, Martha Leonard, Bret McKinney, Michael Faircloth, Jim Strong, Chuck Steelman and Scott Kehn, John Reoch, Matthew Trent, Brooke Hortenstine, Rob Brinkley, Margaret Stafford, Mark Doty, Rob Wilson, Jean Bateman, Suzanne Droese, Lael Brodsky, Kaleta Blaffer, Maggie Kipp, Melinda Knowles, Mackay Boynton, Gregg Asher and David Martin, Vodi Cook, Jane Rozelle Humphry, Jenifer Strauss, Lindsey Miller, Christy Berry, and Robert Weatherly.