GUEST DIARY• BY: KAREN KLOPP AND HILARY DICK
Get ready for one of the most fashionable and glamorous gathering of philanthropists feteing in Palm Beach. On January 19th, the best and the brightest will flock to the Flagler Museum in support of Palm Beach Island Hospice Foundation, where the stage will be set for an exhilarating evening of fashion and fabulous festivities.
Over 35 years ago a handful of dedicated islanders founded Palm Beach Island Hospice Foundation to provide resources that support end of life care for patients and families. Every day, more than 2000 individuals receive their care. Now the need is greater than ever.
Mark Cook, President of the Foundation Board, graciously credits others with the ongoing success of the event: “This is Palm Beach Island Hospice Foundation’s 36th annual runway fashion show and thanks to our dedicated sponsors, donors and supporters, the Foundation can continue to provide assistance for the Hospice programs and services in our community.”
The island is buzzing with excitement as the gala chairs have set the most stylish stage for Palm Beach Fashion Night. Fashion industry darling Wes Gordon, new to the helm of Carolina Herrera, will present his highly anticipated collection. As Creative Director, Wes has taken the reigns of this venerated house imparting his own romantic style into the celebratory elements of the CH brand. He is taking the brand back to its vibrant South American roots with vivid colors and free flowing forms.
Nicole Atkinson, one of the evening’s Chairmen, shares her enthusiasm: “We are thrilled that creative designer Wes Gordon will feature the timeless fashions of Carolina Herrera at Hospice Evening 2019 and that he will personally be attending our event.” Betsy Turner concurred, “Hospice’s partnership with Saks brings a piece of Fashion Week to Palm Beach.”
Wes described his first collection for CH as “Happy.”
We can’t wait to see what he will do next … and by the way where DID they find such a dashing heart-throb?
We had a ball coming up with our what to wear moment. There is such excitement generated by this spectacular soiree, we strutted our stuff right to SAKS.com to find our ensembles. I chose two jacquard (also known as brocade) frocks, each with their own vibe — one demur, the other flirty. The shimmer is inherent in the fabric and says “let’s party” in the most expedient way. The Theia is an instant classic with its flattering off-shoulder silhouette complete with lovely Juliet sleeves. While the feather hem Kate Spade is pure fun and fancy. Notice the accessories carry the theme to a plumed conclusion. Sarah Jessica Parker’s shoe designs continue the statement making style.
Accessories: Kenneth Jay Lane Jet Filigree Crystal Earrings $340 Lizzie Fortunato Rose Modern Earrings $195 / Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Ruffle Clutch / Attico Feather & Velvet Pouch SALE $162
Shoes: SJP By Sarah Jessica Parker Satin Point Toe Bow Pumps SALE $395 / SJP By Sarah Jessica Parker Vesper Bow Mules $365
Hilary and I both went for florals but in a decidedly different way. “For me, the night calls for color and florals. Yellow is not a color I wear often, but this MSGM ruffle mini spoke to me. It will make a splash in the Flagler Museum and the sleeves balance out the short style. Tanya Taylor is a new favorite designer of mine and I love this floral purple handkerchief dress with its billowy silhouette, perfect for both cocktails and dancing the night away. Add a touch of the tropics to your look with these floral statement earrings and you are ready for a night of fashion for a cause PB style.”
Accessories: Lele Sadoughi Mosaic Garden Water Lily Earrings $220 / Lele Sadoughi Crystal Lily Clip-On Earrings $198 / Nancy Gonzalez Gramercy Crocodile Box Clutch $1750 / Loeffler Randall Carrie Ruffle Frame Leather Clutch $350
Shoes: Aquazzura Gin Strappy Metallic Stilettos $795 / Aquazzura Tequila Crystal Studded Leather Sandals $1350
Board Member Hillie Mahoney shared her insights into the Foundation: “I first joined the Palm Beach Island Hospice Foundation in 1985 because I was impressed by the tremendous palliative care given their end-of-life patients. The patients live in cheerful, bright and sunny rooms, each of which has a little garden or terrace attached to it. There are music programs for patients and their families as well as grief counseling for relatives of all ages. There are many other outpatient services as well. Nurses give support to caregivers when terminal patients, who would rather stay at home have medical needs. It is a beautifully run organization and is known to be one of the top Hospices in the country.”
If you haven’t read Hillie’s book, Journey Interrupted, put it on the top of your must reads. It tells the story of her family isolation while stranded in Japan for six years during World War II. It is a fascinating story of hardship and sacrifice. The experience shaped the author’s view of her place in the world and the importance of coming to the aid of others.
Evenings such as this remind us of the purpose of charities parties — dress up, catch up, drink up, and dance the night away all while raising critical funds for organizations that take care of others. It’s a win-win!
What2WearWhere helps today’s busy women shop for life’s events, sports, workplace and travel. The site is a synthesis of the latest looks and trends compiled by Karen Klopp & Hilary Dick: www.what2wearwhere.com
