Sandra Stillwell Goes to New Orleans, Pt. 7

It's been so durn long since my last installment you probably forgot I had one more report to go. Better late than never? I hope so!

The Saturday Night PJ Party showcased a beautiful tribute the late Marilyn Hook. Titled "Sweet Dreams Marilyn," it also came in purple.



I thought it was such a beautifully vintage creation!



Here's the original fashion that inspired Sandra's design:



Attendees also got to see this amazing OOAK outfit by Michael Basala titled Sazerac:



Helen Hall won the doubloon collecting game and was crowned Queen of the Mardi Gras; her prize was Sazerac. I admit I was a little jealous; I should have worked harder at collecting doubloons!



You could tell that the contests were Michael's favorite part of the weekend. He made each one so much fun.



Larry Pemble, Susan Fowler, and Judy Richardson were the finalists in the PJ contest:



Judy took home top honors:





The next morning, Garden Party Farewell Breakfast attendees were greeted by the centerpiece Camellia Pink:



A beautiful miniature basket of pink roses was given to all:



Michael unveiled the attendee gift outfit, Fleurty Girl:



A slide show of inspirations revealed that the intricate outfit Vivien:



...was inspired by this gown that actress Vivien Leigh wore to the re-premiere of "Gone with the Wind" in 1964:



The last photo shows the crew that worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes to make this convention a smashing success that people are still talking about today. From left to right: Kay Stemnock, Sandra Stilwell, Helen Hall, Michael Basala, Sherlyn Lovell, Michael Zepada, and Florie Hirsch. They were all amazing and deserve a HUGE round of applause. Many thanks to them for making my first Sandra Stilwell Experience so memorable!



See more Sandra Stillwell Belle of New Orleans Convention photos at my website.

Sandra Stillwell Goes to New Orleans, Pt. 6

You've hung in there long enough to make it to dinner, appropriately titled The Belle of New Orleans. Dressed in this incredible ensemble titled Queen of the Carnival, Gene certainly was the prettiest Mardi Gras Queen ever.



At our plate, we had a miniature crown and scepter, titled The Queen's Regalia:



Michael's big reveal showed what all attendees would receive: The Belle of New Orleans outfit.



Pictures do not do it justice:





As if that wasn't enough, here are some of the other fashions that were presented for sale. These went quickly! Costume de Rigeuer in pink, green, and gold:



The craftsmanship and detailing on Violet Bouquet caused a traffic jam at her display:



Vivien is a reproduction of what actress Vivien Leigh wore in Atlanta in 1964 to the 25th Anniversary re-premiere of "Gone with the Wind":



We were treated to a second presentation by Wayne Phillips:



This one was on designer Helen Clark Warren.



I am in love with her fashion sketches!





As a thanks for all his help and support, Wayne received The Magic Season from Sandra. I think a new Gene collector might have been born here!



OK. I lied in my last post. I need to do ONE more installment!

See more Sandra Stillwell Belle of New Orleans Convention photos at my website.

Sandra Stillwell Goes to New Orleans, Pt. 5

We've now made it to Saturday, with only 24 hours left at Sandra's Convention. Let's savor it while we can! Breakfast was titled French Connections, and featured the doll above, Entre-nous, as the centerpiece.

Attendees received Ca C'est Bon, pictured posing here inside that incredible diorama. I want it!



Once again, Patsy had outdone herself with these miniature magazines/posters:



Some of the other fashions for sale included Mon Cher:



Since I usually go for black and white, I changed it up this time and pre-ordered the coral version:



My Years and Seasons in blue could possibly be my favorite outfit from the Convention:



A highlight of the Convention was meeting Kathy Johnson (left), hair-stylist supreme of the doll world. Just as nice in person as she is to work with. On the right is Aretha McCrary-Tennessee.



Designer George Sarofeen spoke on French Connections:



Jacques Fath:



See the connection?



Hubert Givenchy:



He helped make Audrey Hepburn a fashion icon:



and last but not least, Jacques Griffe:





What happens between meals behind the scenes? Feverish last minute detailing in the work room, as shown by Helen:



And then before you know it, it's time for lunch, titled New Orleans Style. And stylish it was! Bed of Roses was the centerpiece:



I had to get The Magic Season:



If you recall from the previous post, I had seen its real-life inspiration in the archives of the History Museum:



The vintage magazine where it made its society debut:



Frou-Frou and Southern Comfort were a hit; Trent really looked like he belonged on the plantation with a mint julep!



If Canal Street Clientele looks familiar...



its because its inspiration was also at the archives. Again...gorgeous detailing!



Those who stayed for the Pat Boone movie "Mardi Gras" were able to see Trent in Dance with a Movie Star:



It really was a cute movie! And of course, Patsy pulled through again:



Hang on - just one more installment to come!

See more Sandra Stillwell Belle of New Orleans Convention photos at my website.