Cynthia Smoot
The City’s Most Stylish Philanthropists Gathered For The 43rd Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea, Where Artistic Hats, Garden Glamour, And A Dazzling Couture Runway Presentation By Acclaimed Designer Esé Azénabor, Transformed The Venue Into One Of The City’s Most Fashionable Spring Celebrations.
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Thomas Garza and Rob Wythe
THE SCENE: Themed “The Art of the Garden,” patrons of this annual soiree were encouraged to draw inspiration from all genres of art, resulting in a spirited, lively display of hats and fashion statements that had spectators and participants alike in awe.
As it so happened, the celebration was surrounded by Hunt Slonem’s first large-scale exhibit, “Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies,” which had just been installed earlier in the week.
Chaired by the dynamic team of Reagan Pace and Sheridan Reeder, with Anne Stodghill as Honorary Chair, the morning was beautiful: the rain had let up the day before, clouds had cleared, and the sun peeked out, revealing the perfect day for the al fresco champagne reception and fashion show.
As DJ Lucy Wrubel spun tunes, hat judges Capera Ryan, Hannah Fagadau Kaye, Eliot Whittall, Dr. Nicole R. Myers, John Sughrue, and Sharon Lee Clark strolled the grounds of A Tasteful Place and the reception in Ginsburg Plaza, eyeing the fantastical creations for prizes to be presented after the fashion show.
THE VIBE: A fanciful sight greeted guests as hundreds of white chairs were placed in rows along the gardens, topped with colorful parasols, offering a personal touch of shade. Esé Azénabor was honored as the featured designer, bringing her signature couture craftsmanship and statement-making aesthetic to the afternoon in an eye-popping, elegant, and fun fashion show produced by the renowned Jan Strimple.
Beginning with couture for the younger set, the fashion show was stunning, showcasing formal and fun fashions for all ages. After the fashion show, everyone gathered in Ginsburg Plaza for the hat judging winners’ announcements. The chairs chose this year’s theme to pay tribute to the Dallas Arts Community, including Dallas’ first-class museums, local artists, the Dallas Art Fair, and the burgeoning gallery scene.
As the chimes rang, everyone took their seats inside Rosine Hall and A Tasteful Place, where the beautiful tables were set with fanciful floral place settings, and garden-style pressed glasses, all topped with green moss-covered vases filled with fresh floral arrangements of colorful hydrangeas, roses, ivy, and more.
Luncheon began with a Signature Spring Salad and followed with a tip-of-the-hat to one of the most favorite lunches in Dallas, Neiman Marcus-inspired popovers with strawberry butter, Mandarin orange gelatin, chicken salad, pimento cheese sandwich, and a Greek pasta salad, followed by a delicious, mouth-watering individual carrot cake with decadent cream cheese frosting.
This Year’s Hat Winners Include:
- Italian Masters: Debbie Murray (classical creations)
- Impressionists: Katie Kennemere’s group, D&M Leasing, (best group category)
- Surrealism: Elizabeth Smith (over the top creations)
- Rococo: Sarah Ring (best use of live botanicals)
- Cubism: Allison Brodnax’s group (monochromatic geometry)
- Pop Art: Erin Jett (brightly colored tribute to pop culture)
- The Inaugural Carole Ann Brown Best in Show: Prashe Shah
THE NON-PROFIT: Since 1982, the major goal of the Women’s Council has been the design, construction, funding, and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, a principal garden at the Dallas Arboretum. A Woman’s Garden is the only public garden in the United States conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women, and dedicated to the spirit of women. Celebrating its 43rd year, the support of over 600 members of the Women’s Council makes possible the continued expansion and development of A Woman’s Garden. The 2025-2026 Theme for the organization is “Rooted in Friendship – Blooming with Purpose,” and focuses on the women behind A Woman’s Garden: longstanding members and welcoming new women into our garden community through friendship, fundraising, and fun.
Here Are The 7 Standout Highlights From The 43rd Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea…
The Dallas Arboretum Became A Living Work Of Art
This year’s “The Art of the Garden” theme inspired guests to blend fashion, florals, and creativity into one unforgettable spring celebration.
Esé Azénabor Delivered A Couture Runway Spectacle
The Dallas-based acclaimed designer wowed attendees with a vibrant, elegant, and playful fashion presentation produced by renowned fashion producer Jan Strimple.
Hundreds Of Colorful Parasols Created A Picture-Perfect Scene
Rows of white garden chairs topped with bright parasols transformed the outdoor runway into a whimsical wonderland.
Fantastical Hats Took Center Stage
Guests embraced artistic themes ranging from Impressionism to Pop Art, with elaborate hats competing for honors like Best Use of Live Botanicals and Best in Show.
Hunt Slonem’s ‘Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies’ Exhibit Added Artistic Flair
The newly installed large-scale exhibit provided a stunning backdrop that elevated the immersive art-inspired atmosphere.
The Luncheon Menu Delivered A Nostalgic Dallas Favorite
Guests enjoyed a chic garden-inspired meal featuring Neiman Marcus-style popovers with strawberry butter, chicken salad, pimento cheese sandwiches, and individual carrot cakes.
The Event Continued A Beloved Dallas Tradition Supporting A Woman’s Garden
For more than four decades, Mad Hatter’s Tea has supported the Women’s Council’s mission to fund and preserve the nationally celebrated A Woman’s Garden at the Dallas Arboretum.
