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Style Icon Jane Dudley BY ELLEN WILLIAMS
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rominent international socialite and philanthropist, Jane Dudley, was born in Nashville in 1925. In 1963, she was the founding chairman of the Swan Ball, beginning preparations for the first event in 1962. The Swan Ball continues to be known as the most exclusive party in Nashville, even prompting Town & Country magazine to write: “If you receive an invitation to the Swan Ball, drop everything else and accept at once!”
Jane Dudley and Lynn Wyatt photographed by Peyton Hoge Model on right wearing one of Dudley’s unforgettable pieces Dudley’s gowns for this shoot were provided by The Nashville Fashion Council
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Through the decades of countless events, Dudley’s love for luxury and all things glamorous only grew. Among her many undertakings, she also served on the board of Tiffany & Co., managing their corporate accounts for nearly two decades. She was even given the honor of being inducted to the International Best Dressed List, where such honors have also been given to legendary females like Audrey Hepburn, Coco Chanel and Sophia Loren. It is no wonder then that her renown style and sensible wardrobe are still relevant to this day.
“Not only was her wardrobe an inspiration for decades of social and fashion coverage in the media, but also lives on to inspire a new generation of young women seeking unforgettable style.”
There is no doubt that Dudley loved a party, chairing over 25 charity events around the world and raising millions of dollars in her lifetime. She planned each party meticulously, refusing to overlook any particular detail and ultimately having the final say in each decision. It is needless to say that those details were evident in both the events themselves, but also in her immaculate sense of style.
In this editorial, the stylist shows how some of her pieces are beyond timeless, as elegant today as they were when selected by Jane initially for her many appearances. Not only was her wardrobe an inspiration for decades of social and fashion coverage in the media, but also lives on to inspire a new generation of young women seeking unforgettable style.
