Riviera style

Women turn out for annual Mad Hatter’s luncheon

Finding the perfect chapeau for the Baton Rouge Symphony League’s annual Mad Hatter’s Luncheon & Fashion Show has always been a quest women in the Capital City take very seriously. The anté was upped in the late 1990s when luncheon-goers went in quest for not one hat but 10. That’s when the competition for best table theme began to heat up, even though the prize was simply bragging rights.

This year’s competition at the April 23 fundraiser, “Rhapsody on the Riviera,” was as fierce as ever and featured everything from champagne and pearls to white shrimper boots. Bragging rights for the year went to the ladies at Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry’s table, who were positively “Blingin’ on the Riviera.” The accordion-playing Frenchman and French poodle provided the perfect finishing touch.

And, as competitive as the table contest is, make no mistake, having your hat proclaimed “Most Beautiful,” “Most Creative” or “Most Outrageous” is pretty cool, too.