Tennis fashion luncheon proclaims ‘Spring is Served’
It might sound odd that seats to a non-tennis event are such a hot commodity during Fayez Sarofim & Co.’s annual Men’s Clay Court Championship. Though in this case, “hot” is, indeed, the operative word.
Seasoned partygoers know that arriving early is key to maximizing face time at Tootsies’ “Spring is Served” Fashion Show and Luncheon at River Oaks Country Club. The valet fills fast, and only 30 minutes are allotted for pre-program schmoozing.
So most make their grand entrances fashionably early — one full hour before start time — for leisurely champagne service and choice photo ops.
Even though club members are limited to single table purchases, Wednesday and Thursday’s midday soirees rarely see more than a few empty chairs.
And competitive table hosts decorate to win. Chilled Veuve Clicquot and polka-dot umbrellas festooned Tootsies VIP centerpieces while official tournament visors and Miraval rosé topped another. Even the dessert course, edible flower pots de crème sculpted from fondant, was beautiful. Almost too pretty to eat — almost.
“We celebrate more than 30 years of proudly partnering with River Oaks Country Club on this event, which we feel is truly the official kickoff to spring, regardless of what the calendar or weather report says,” remarked Fady
Armanious, Tootsies creative director. “Of course, no soiree is complete without the perfect party dress and chapeau,” he said.
Loyal shoppers including Stephanie Pai Fleck ,ina leather Alexander McQueen skirt set, and Melissa Juneau, in ruffled red polka dots, both representing the boutique with panache.
Seasonal looks by Valentino, Victoria Beckham, Monique Lhuillier, Elie Saab, Fendi, Marchesa and Oscar de la Renta shimmied down the runway. Tournament attendees can pre-order outfits from the pop-up boutique inside the Clay Court Shop.
Tenenbaum Jewelers added extra swag in the form of silver keys, 40 of which will unlock prizes from the retailer’s treasure chest, also located in the temporary, Lexus Pavilion-adjacent shop.
As Juneau admitted post-lunch, “I don’t even go to the tennis, I just do this.”
It’s the stylish way to score.