Let the Fall Social Season Begin: Last night I attended two events. Global Philadelphia’s 2024 World Heritage City Celebration at the Crystal Tea Room, which I will write about next week, and The Good Gala at Union Trust. Both events were Finley Catering spaces.
Established in Philadelphia in 2019, Friends for Good (FFG) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) social philanthropic organization bringing together young professionals with a commitment to community service.
Laila Imam, Dayna Sobanko and Michele Voltz
Supporting and assisting unhoused individuals around Philadelphia has been one of our important areas of focus since 2019. Providing access to food security, clothing and mental health assistance has been something we’ve been proud to provide our partners with – Friends for Good
Doug Foulkes of Bazaarvoice and Joanna Joye
Vanya Sax, Frank Criniti, DJ Smooth and Michael Wynne – Smooth Entertainment
Eric Visnov and Hannah Krupa, ChitChat “It Girl “One To Watch” 10 years ago, Hannah is now pursuing her dreams in NYC, but stopped by last nights gala to sing a few songs for the worthy cause.
Alexandra Hussain and Cassidy Sheppard
Vanya Sax doing his thingLisa Washington, Samaya Brown, Nyashe Felder and Teneasha Billingsley
Ali Volpe and Mina Massaro, MD.
Mike Giangiordano, Helen Liu Gerhad and Alexandira BilderBrooke Storms, and Peter Mastrogiacomo , his company Graysonky was a sponsor the event, Zuna and Scott Cohen, both couples are long time PhillyChitChat readers. It was so nice to be out and about and see everyone again.The Fords: Janine, Wayne and Ryan. Ryan is the Director, Marketing and Operations at Warrington Country Club. I’ve photographed a few events at his scenic venue.Friends for Good: The Good Gala was formal cocktail attire and attended by over 300 people.
If you didn’t see your photo here, you might see it in the November issue of Philly Style Magazine.
There are two big galas coming up in the next 2 week. The Hair of the Dog affectionately known as HOD is January 20 and the Academy of Music 161st Anniversary Concert and Ball on January 27. People always ask me what should they wear when they attend these galas. I have a few examples from my “Best Dressed List” of both parties last year. (Need a Tux or White Tie, head to MenWearhouse on 1600 block Chestnut Street. For you guys going to Academy, we have a group number set up. Anyone will do, but if Will Speed is there, ask for him. -Ad)
First up is the Academy Ball.
The Academy Ball is a White Tie Gala. The most gallant, and strictest in criteria for dress.
For women it means formal, floor length evening gown, best jewels and often women will wear gloves. For men it’s black tail coat (not a white one like I originally thought the first time I went, opps) matching pants with a single satin or braid stripe, a white wing collar shirt, a white vest or white pique’ waist coat, studs and a white bow tie. Black shoes.
Not the correct bow tie or vest Mr Short
Gorgeous
Perfect
This duo is always on my best dressed list at a lot of parties,
but in this case his shoes may not be appropriate for a White Tie Gala
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Hair of the Dog is a Black Tie event
Formal evening gown or dress, or dressy cocktail dress. Males: Black tuxedo jacket, matching trousers, formal (pleated front or pique’) white shirt, black (silk, satin) bow tie, black cummerbund to match tie, optional suspenders, black patent shoes, black dress socks.
Jen Sherlock’s gown is perfect for either gala, although too much of a “nude” panel would not be acceptable at Academy Ball, while Jen’s friend cute cocktail dress is perfect for HOD
Vivian’s gown is perfect for HOD, and would be ok for the Academy Ball.
It’s gorgeous!!
These dresses are perfect for the HOD
Definitely adorable for HOD
Gorgeous gown, but the Academy Ball frowns on too much breast, where at HOD we celebrate it.
Hopefully these examples will give you an idea of what is appropriate for each event.
