Every year in New Orleans, on the first Saturday in August, the people in the city dress up in their white linen and stroll down Julia Street admiring the many art galleries along the way.
Why white linen? Well, in the “years before air conditioning in homes and vehicles, New Orleanians did a number of things to lessen the effects of the summer heat. One of them was wearing white linen clothing. Men wore white suits to reflect, rather than absorb, the sun’s heat, and women wore white dresses for the same reason.” source.
I’m not going to lie, White Linen is one of my favorite New Orleans festivities. Yes, it is hot as hell and you will be drenched in sweat, but that’s the worse of it. I love looking through the galleries, walking around with friends and running in to people I haven’t seen in a while.
This year was no different.
My friend Elizabeth {get used to this name for this post} had a Stella & Dot party earlier in the day, and she was sweet enough to let us stay there and finish the wine before catching a cab to Julia street.
Our crew? Well, this is where you will get used to the name Elizabeth -
Elizabeth, Me {Liz}, Elizabeth and Elizabeth.
I can’t make this up people.
We started at my friend Martine’s gallery, and picked up another Elizabeth.
Martine was so sweet and let us look around her gorgeous gallery {air conditioning}, use her restrooms and refill our cups.
Thank you, love!!
Next we strolled to another gallery …
… and then stopped by one of the Elizabeth’s friend’s jewelry table, Porter Lyons. I fell in love with her work, and purchased two of her bracelets.
Hello, LSU football season.
It was an amazing night with friends, seeing the art and admiring everyone in their best whites! I wish I would have taken a picture of the crowd so y’all could see the massive amount of people in their white linen.
I love this city.
Do you have any events like this in your city?
Xoxo,
Tags: lyons porter, martine chaisson gallery, new orleans festivals, white linen, white linen night
