Pretty in Purple

The royal hue can be calm or eye-catching

BY BENNETT HILL

SYMBOLIC OF WISDOM AND POWER, THE COLOR PURPLE ALSO carries a look, and feel, of femininity. Purple was once considered a luxury item due to its painstaking production process, but it’s now seen everywhere from the runways to the streets. In a variety of shades, there is sure to be a hue for every person to show off their softer or more striking emotions. This versatile color looks perfect on everything from a flowing sundress to a dazzling accessory or a graphic top. Time to embrace your inner royalty!

Bubbles & Blooms at OKCMOA

PHOTOS BY LOGAN WALCHER

A new event concept, Bubbles & Blooms, debuted on the Roof Terrace at OKCMOA during Art in Bloom. The 21+ cocktail party featured floral-inspired cocktails by WanderFolk Spirits and floral decor provided by Trochta’s Flowers and Garden Center, plus light bites, skyline views, a DJ and interactive performers in the galleries. Art in Bloom featured floral sculpture interpretations of works from the museum’s permanent collection, all crafted by designers from the Oklahoma City community. The floral installations were displayed in-gallery and throughout the museum.

Hometown Heroes

Visit Oklahoma City honored hometown heroes at an award ceremony held at Will Rogers Theatre. The honorees were selected based on their passion for OKC, leadership in the industry, collaborative spirit and ambassadorship for the destination. The Hometown Hero awards were bestowed upon 12 individuals and organizations that have energetically supported and promoted Oklahoma City tourism. Awards were presented to the following: EMBARK; Matt Kirouac; Brian Byrnes, Oklahoma City Thunder; Jim Glover and Dan Corder, Ground Floor Cafe; Mike Knopp, Riversport OKC; Denise Duong and Gabriel Friedman; Florence Jones, Florence’s Restaurant; Justin O'Neal, Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership; Avis Scaramucci, Painted Door Gift Boutique; Embassy Suites Downtown/Medical Center; The Ellison; and Gary Carpenter, National Reining Horse Association.

Hearts of Hope

PHOTOS BY DANIELLE MAYES

City Rescue Mission is a place of refuge in Oklahoma City for those experiencing homelessness that provides a clean, safe place to stay and successful programs and services to help transform lives. Its 24th Annual Hearts of Hope Luncheon at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum featured Amanda Taylor of as the

A Night in Asia

The OKC Asian Chamber held its first-ever gala with more than 360 guests at La Bella Event Center. During the event, Chamber President Scarlet Le-Cao introduced the organization’s first executive director, Cassie Kalancha. It also recognized three inaugural award honorees: The Civic Pioneer Award went to Super Cao Nguyen Market (Ba Luong, co-owner), the Vanguard Award to Jeff Chanchaleune of Ma Der Lao Kitchen — a James Beard Award finalist — and the Emerging Entrepreneur Award to Jenny Nguyen of Lee’s Sandwiches and Bun Box. Vietnamese, Filipino and Indian appetizers were provided by four guest chefs, including Chef Jeff Chanchaleune, Chef Bryan Le, Chefs Vangie and Ben Vilog and Chefs Khurshid and Israt Jahan. Dinner was a lavish and unique four-course culinary creation from Golden Phoenix.