When JoLynn Falgout signed on to chair the River Oaks tennis tournament luncheon, she decided that on the 80th anniversary of the tournament and the 30th anniversary of the popular, always sold out, two-day event, she wanted something extra.
Thus, the jungle "animals" that alluringly gyrated a la Lion King characters down the catwalk which was built over the country club swimming pool. The dancers and Phat Strad, an all-girl rock electric string quartet, were flown in from Las Vegas for the back-to-back luncheons. Thanking JoLynn and Gregg Falgout for the talent-filled twist on the traditional fashion show was Tootsies impresario Mickey Rosmarin, whose venerable emporium has provided runway looks for all three decades.
As is tradition when the weather cooperates, the tableau of ladies in hats and spring frocks was a colorful one that on both days attracted more than a dozen gents who perched like birds on a high wire on the balcony overlooking the spring scene.
Who did they see beneath those wide brims and behind the designer shades? In addition to the Falgout daughters — Christine and Kimberly — Greggory Burk, Carrie Colbert, Cynthia Allshouse, Margaret Lanier, Sheridan Williams, Berthica Fitzsimmons, Lisa Holthouse, Kelli Blanton, Lindsay Radcliffe, Isabell David, Michele Mendenhall, Bobbie Nau, Jessica Rossman, Elizabeth Stepanian and Hallie Vanderhider.
Dressed to the nines for their places at the luncheon tables were gents including Joe Bendy, David Modesett, John Eads, Bill Hurt, Jim Pearson, Jared Lang, Ceron, Mark Sullivan, Fady Armanious and Sam Governale.
For many, following the luncheon it was a few steps over to center court where the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship matches continued.
Gowns from Tootsies a splashing success on the runway built over the swimming pool.
