Cynthia Smoot
Philanthropists, Fashion Lovers, And Arts Patrons Gathered At The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center For The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s Sold-Out Fashion Notes “Limoncello Luncheon,” Where Italian-Inspired Elegance, Design Creations By Mackenzie Brittingham, And A Celebration Of Music And Philanthropy Created One Unforgettable Afternoon
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Thomas Garza, David Truong and Rob Wythe
THE SCENE: The 2026 Fashion Notes LimonCELLO luncheon, hosted by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, benefited the DSOL’s 80th Anniversary season. Dallas designer Mackenzie Brittingham was named as its Fashion Design Award honoree, a distinction that proved, over the course of a dazzling few hours, to be thoroughly warranted. Chaired by Meredith Allen Connally, Amy Green, and Elizabeth St. Marie, with Honorary Chairs Anne and Bill Seanor alongside DSO League President Claire Catrino, the sold-out affair attracted Dallas philanthropists, socialites, and tastemakers in full force.
From the moment guests arrived, the tone was unmistakably festive: de Boulle’s signature yellow vehicle, engulfed in a cascade of blue, green, and yellow blooms, stood sentinel at the entrance, while Avondale Dealerships-sponsored valet attendants welcomed the crowd. Inside, a hand-painted blue-and-white tiled backdrop served as the backdrop du jour for photographs, and Limoncello and Aperol spritzes flowed freely alongside passed hors d’oeuvres and a separate station offering crème brûlée cheesecake espresso martinis. The Dallas Symphony Young Strings cellists Vincent Ramirez Boyce and Carlos Vargas provided a live musical prelude that struck precisely the right note of cultured ease.
Welcoming guests, Catrino spoke to the evening’s deeper resonance. “When fashion and music come together,” she told the crowd, “something extraordinary happens.” She reflected on a season of momentum and meaningful impact and on a theme that honored both the cello’s Italian origins and the DSO’s remarkable Young Strings students. Connally offered thanks to sponsors and collaborators; Green recognized Brittingham with warmth and gratitude; and St. Marie presented Catrino and the honorary chairs with gifts in appreciation of the year’s work.
Michelle Miller Burns, DSO’s Ross Perot President & CEO, captured the broader spirit of the occasion. The gathering, she noted, beautifully unites creativity, community, and purpose, and is made possible by a league of volunteers whose passion and generosity help the DSO thrive on and off the stage.
THE VIBE: The fashion show was emceed by Calvert Collins-Bratton, and the runway presentation opened with a procession of personal significance: Catrino walked with her daughters, Grace and Katherine; Chair Meredith Connally followed with her son, Allen; Faith Baldwin descended with her daughter, Blake. Models ranged from Gloria Steves to Chair Elizabeth St. Marie, accompanied by children Charlotte and William, to Honorary Chair Anne Seanor, a community unfurling itself in couture, one look at a time.
Fifty-five looks in total graced the runway, spanning luxury evening wear, custom gowns for mothers of the bride and groom, debutante presentations, and distinguished occasion dressing. Brittingham’s 2018 fur collection made a dramatic return, draped over the shoulders of models in statement gowns, alongside her line of exotic, meticulously handcrafted handbags.
When Brittingham finally walked the runway herself to close the show, the applause was immediate and sustained. Flanked by models, she received an armload of flowers and, in her remarks, spoke with evident feeling. Being recognized by the DSO League, she said, was deeply meaningful, particularly having watched the collection come to life in a room that values both artistry and philanthropy in equal measure. “Fashion Notes represents the heart of what makes Dallas so unique,” she reflected.
Luncheon followed in the same spirit of Italian indulgence: tables dressed in lemon-and-greenery linens, country-style pressed glassware, and centerpieces of golden tulips and soft hydrangeas. The menu moved from caprese with balsamic glaze through lemon garlic chicken penne and closed with a trio of desserts: lemon meringue, lemon posset, and a classic tiramisu, that felt like a love letter to the country that inspired the whole affair.
THE NON-PROFIT: Proceeds from Fashion Notes benefit the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s youth education and community engagement programming, including the Cecil and Ida Green Youth Concert Series, the Young Strings and Kim Noltemy Young Musicians programs, DSO Cares, and Bach’s Lunch. Over four decades, the DSOL has raised more than $25 million in support of the DSO, a number that speaks, perhaps more than anything else, to what an elegant morning in Dallas can accomplish.
7 Standout Highlights From Fashion Notes LimonCELLO…
The Meyerson Was Transformed Into An Italian-Inspired Escape
Lemon-and-greenery tablescapes, hand-painted blue-and-white tile backdrops, golden florals, and flowing limoncello cocktails created a vibrant “La Dolce Vita” atmosphere.
Mackenzie Brittingham’s Couture Collection Captivated The Crowd
Fifty-five runway looks showcased luxurious eveningwear, mother-of-the-bride gowns, debutante fashions, exotic handbags, and the dramatic return of Brittingham’s celebrated 2018 Fur Collection.
Aperol Spritzes And Espresso Martinis Set A Festive Tone
Guests sipped Italian-inspired cocktails while mingling among Dallas’ leading philanthropists, tastemakers, and arts patrons.
The Runway Opened With Heartfelt Family Moments
DSO League leaders and community figures walked alongside their children, adding warmth and personal meaning to the couture presentation.
Young Strings Musicians Provided A Sophisticated Musical Prelude
Cellists Vincent Ramirez Boyce and Carlos Vargas welcomed guests with live performances that beautifully tied together the luncheon’s music-and-fashion theme.
Calvert Collins-Bratton Kept The Runway Energy High
The beloved Dallas emcee guided the audience through the stylish presentation with charm and flair.
Fashion Notes Continued Its Legacy Of Supporting The Arts
Proceeds from the luncheon support Dallas Symphony Orchestra education and community programs, including Young Strings, DSO Cares, Bach’s Lunch, and youth concert initiatives.
