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. 4

One tour down, two to go! Today we start at The Presbytère Museum on Jackson Square. As you enter, you can see Fats Domino's piano, which was rescued from his house after Katrina.



There were also vintage gowns and costumes:



Vintage Mardi Gras "jewels," like this crown from 1933:



I really enjoyed seeing the vintage costume sketches by the talented Helen Clark Warren:





Outside in Jackson Square, you just never know what you might see:





Last tour of the day was of the 1850 House Museum; my favorite part was the staircase.



Gorgeous interiors!



Of course, the fun is all in noticing the details:



Friday dinner was titled "The San nicholas Touch," featuring fashions inspired by San nicholas. Here's a shot of the centerpiece, "The Captain's Wife":



Available for pre-order were Beignets and Coffee:



Lady of the House:



and Private Supper:



Sandra with Louisiana State Museum curator Wayne Phillips, who gave a fantastic talk about San nicolas.



Wayne at the Podium, talking about San nicholas, who went by "San":



A few of San's sketches:





I don't even want to know what San had underneath his costume here!



The best part of the Convention was making new friends that have the same crazy interests! Here are Darin and Larry from Houston:



The Centerpiece for the movie, Elvis' "King Creole," was "Hard Headed Woman" sporting an Illyria wig. She looked very much like Carolyn Jones from the film!



The appropriately themed paper miniatures that were at almost every meal were astounding!



Still more to come!

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

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