Christy Lorio (photo by Leslie Almeida)
When the air is laden with enough moisture to wring it like a towel, I go into hibernation. That’s not to say I don’t get excited about summer. I suspect our brains are wired to look forward to the hot, sticky months, even though there’s no break in classes for those of us out of school, just a break in tolerable temperature. And no matter what vacation plans I scheme up, I inevitably take trips during milder months versus escaping the heat. Go figure.
It seems like every year more summer social functions get added to the calendar that demand specific dress codes. Can ya blame us? We have a long ways to go until Halloween, and whether you’re donning a costume or adhering to proper event attire, New Orleanians love any excuse to dress up. There’s White Linen Night, Running of the Bulls, Red Dress Run, and Midsummer Mardi Gras, to name a few. And to start it all off, Sippin’ In Seersucker is this evening. Benefitting the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the party gives a great reason to don a traditional get up, within the air conditioned Shops at Canal Place. And no matter if you err on the conservative side or prefer to buck tradition, it’s fun to indulge in group dressing.
Seersucker is a Southern staple, but one with roots that branch beyond the Mason-Dixon line. The word itself is derived from the Persian “shir o shakara” meaning sugar and milk- the puckered stripes are both slightly rough in texture yet cool on the skin. Made popular during British colonial time it has become synonymous with classic, preppy style thanks to local clothier Haspel bringing the seersucker suit out from the South and into the national limelight.
Sippin’ attendees will be entertained by Los Hombres Caliente, nosh on hors d’oeuvres from top local restaurants such as The Grill Room at the Windsor Court, Butcher, and Baru Tapas and many more. There are also raffle items, including Voodoo Music Experience weekend passes, gift cards to restaurants, hotel stays, and Mignon Faget jewelry. It’s just the excuse you needed to get out of the house.
Sippin’ in Seersucker
Friday, May 18th 6-9pm
The Shops at Canal Place
Museum members: $30; Nonmuseum members: $50
Validated parking is available.
Christy Lorio, a native New Orleanian, writes on fashion at slowsouthernstyle.com and is also a freelance writer whose work has been featured online and in print magazines both locally and nationally.
