38th Annual Prix D'Elegance Awards Luncheon Held 3/15

On Monday, March 15, The Men and Women of Fashion will host the 38th annual Prix D'Elegance Luncheon at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel. This event, which will introduce the 2009 "Best Dressed" honorees, benefits the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) and BRAVO (Ballet Resource And Volunteer Organization), helping to continue NOBA's nationally award-winning scholarship program.

NOBA's education programs provide access to quality arts programs with 2,500 free dance classes and workshops annually at nine sites throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Annually, scholarships are provided for talented youth to study dance at prestigious schools around the country, including Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco's LINES Ballet, and American Dance Festival.

2009 Men and Women of Fashion Honorees

Men
Darren Aschaffenburg Christopher Devon Becnel
Warren Benoit
Frank D'Amico, Jr.
Dr. Warren McKenna
Woody Ogé
Chet E. Pourciau
Dr. David Silvers
Dr. Douglas P. Slakey
Sammy Steele
Women
Gene Alario
Cindy Chassaniol
Beverly Matheney
Jamie Moreau
Faith Peperone
Julia Reed
Norma Jane Sabiston
Julie Silvers
Ruth Sutton
Ana Zorrilla

Each year, the members of the Men and Women of Fashion organizations choose a former recipient to receive the special honor of Hall of Fame for sustained excellence. The Hall of Fame Honorees for 2009 are Gerri Valene and Dr. Mark Kappelman.

The Men and Women of Fashion are philanthropic organizations that recognize outstanding members of the community while supporting fashion and retail in New Orleans and creating a forum for further charitable outreach. For more than 38 years, the Men and Women of Fashion organizations have paid tribute to dozens of men and women in New Orleans who exemplify unique personal style, as well as excellence through business, civic and charitable endeavors that specifically better the local community.

"For more than 35 years, the Men and Women of Fashion organizations have had the honor and privilege of recognizing men and women not only of fashion and style, but also of substance, of integrity and of community involvement. Through their efforts, the annual award recipients truly exemplify outstanding leaders who make a difference in our community," said Kathleen N. Mix, Women of Fashion President.

This year's event is chaired by Jacquee Carvin and Teresa Guzzetta. Festivities will begin at 10 a.m with a patron party, followed at 11 a.m. by a silent auction featuring an array of items, including an exclusive live auction item-a three strand white pearl necklace with an art-deco style diamond clasp set in white gold, donated by Friend & Co Fine Jewelers. The raffle item is a pair of inside outside diamond hoop earrings, set in white gold and donated by Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry. The luncheon will also include a style show with the latest fashions by Mimi and Jeff's Haberdashery.
Tickets to the event are $75 (table of 10 for $750) and $100 (table of 10 for $1000), which includes a champagne patron party at 10am. For more information or to order tickets, contact NOBA at 504.522.0996.