The Second Annual Le Diner en Blanc Atlantic City was held this past Saturday, June 24, 2023. The event was held on the North Beach end of the Boardwalk. The weather reports were very iffy, but the weather held up and it was a beautiful night of connection, entertainment, food and of course, fashion.
This elegant pop-up picnic event was originally started in Paris. It always involves a surprise location and guests don their best white ensembles and create incredible tablescapes to enjoy an evening of dinner and dancing. The Philadelphia Le Diner en Blanc celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2022. The inaugural Atlantic City Le Diner en Blanc was held in 2022 and it is amazing to see the event grow and continue this year. Organizers Natanya DiBona and Kayli Moran along with countless others make this dining event a true experience.
I personally spent my night a Le Diner en Blanc as I did last year, walking up and down the boardwalk seeing friends and talking to complete strangers about their outfits. So here are the guests that impressed me the most this year. Enjoy!
The first standout I encountered was Thea Fitzpatrick of Mays Landing. Thea’s dress was custom-made for her when she retired in 2015 from a career in probation and wanted something special for her retirement event. She selected the fabric herself used to create this beautiful lace gown. Her earrings and bracelet were purchased from local black owned businesses. Thea also serves as a church minister and wears so many hats that she could not recall where this one was purchased.
Next, I met the lovely Frankie Davis from Atlantic City. You could spot her voluminous tulle gown from quite a distance! Her mother, Frances Davis, made the dress for her. Her headpiece was from Claire’s. She told me how proud she was to represent her hometown and attend the event. Her passion certainly came through. She is a real beacon of style.
Akeesha Washington (from Philadelphia) looked like a fashionable and statuesque mermaid! Her dress was from Fashion Nova. Her headpiece was purchased from Amazon but she added lights, pearls and feathers to the headpiece to make it a real one-of-a-kind statement piece. Her earrings were also an Amazon find. She told me she just turned 40 and was channeling her “inner Beyonce.” She talked about how women all have insecurities and it was important to her to “let it all hang out and be my best self.” She also set a goal of looking fab on a budget and she sure met that goal.
Continuing down the boardwalk I encountered brothers Matthew Gendelman (Atco, NJ) and Dave Gendelman (Conshy). After I started speaking to them, I realized that I had featured Dave in my coverage of the Philly fashion last year at Le Diner en Blanc. This year, he convinced his brother to attend as well. They told me they were going for “a steampunk, Victorian, Bridgerton look.”
Next I met Kyle Bacon (from Maryland) who had a ton of swagger with his suit and sporty vibe. His suit was by designer Stanlion in Laurel, MD. His hat was from K & G Fashion Superstore. He had a great crown pin on his lapel as well that he told me was from Persona Custom Clothiers in Columbus, Ohio. He wanted a look that no one else had. He wears the pin as a reminder to “think of yourself as a king.” I loved it King Kyle!
My next standout was Latoya Gordon of Pine Hill, NJ. Her ensemble was from Fashion Nova and these fabulous flower earrings that I wanted to take for myself were from Shein. It was her first time attending a Le Diner en Blanc event and she said her goal with her ensemble was, “flowy and over the top.” It is never too over the top in my opinion, Latoya.
Finally, I encountered Brian Davis from Bridgeton, NJ. He said he was going for a “summer chic” look. He was also inspired by the Harlem Renaissance Era. His suit is by Joseph Abboud. Shoes are by Stacy Adams. Hat is by Bruno Capelo. He was a first time attendee of Le Diner en Blanc.
Although everyone I featured here clearly understood the assignment, here are my personal picks for Best Dressed:
Akeesha Washington & Brian Davis
It was a magical night and I look forward to covering the fashion on August 10, 2023 at the Philadelphia Le Diner en Blanc. Look for me there.
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