Thousands flock to Midtown for an All-White French Party: International Phenomenon Flouts All the Rules

What:  Le Dîner en Blanc — Houston

Where: Midtown Park

PC Moment: We all know that according to the fashion bible, one is forbidden to wear head-to-toe white after Labor Day. The French tossed that tradition out the window. Created more than 30 years ago, the annual Le Dîner en Blanc, or The Dinner in White, brought thousands from around City of Light and across country to partake in celebratory activities, live music, and delectable foods.

This now global phenomenon has spread to otherworldly metropolitan cities from Tokyo, Montréal, Mexico City, Johannesburg, Abidjan, New York City, Miami, New Orleans, Sydney, Los Angeles, Singapore, and more than 80 more locations around the world. Including Houston.

The third annual Dîner en Blanc Houston brought more than 2,000 Houstonians to an all-white fete at Midtown Park. It was a sea of partygoers that included foodies, fashionistas and cultural enthusiasts. All dressed in white. The outdoor dinner featured the evening skyline of midtown and downtown while drawing attention to new developments and community revival projects surrounding the Midtown Park and the Midtown Parks Conservancy.

Fashion was the focal point of this happening celebration and locals made sure their best was on full display. Attendees showcased their eclectic taste in design and southern elegance — and, of course, savored the gastronomic dishes and treats. The party kept jumping into the wee morning hours thanks to live entertainment and tunes by DJ Donte Shepard, violinist Richard Punch, local singer-songwriter Natalia Roxanne, and drummer–percussionists duo Sean Torres and Darius Hutson.

Who: Niya Key, Tiffany Monique, Zach Haynes, Shay Davis, Shaun Batiste, Bella Stephanie, Invicta Rose, Evelyn Hall, Jacqueline Edison-Mouton, Candace Krenek, and Le Dîner en Blanc producers Erica Gordon, Cleveland Spears III, Michelle Tarallo.