Under the radiant Texas sun, the Rockwall Women’s League hosted their beloved Marvelous Big Hat luncheon last week, an afternoon filled with music, fashion, community, and most importantly, show-stopping hats. As lively jazz quartets played in the background, ladies from all over Rockwall county brought their most eye-catching headwear, turning the luncheon into a vibrant, almost fantastical garden party. Though every ensemble featured touches of glamour, none attracted more attention than the hats themselves. Ranging from floral crowns to feathered turbans, wide-brimmed garden styles to petite pillboxes, it seemed no material or shape had been left untouched by the creative stylings of Rockwall’s fashion-forward women.
“I look forward to this event all year,” shares long-time Leaguer and self-proclaimed hat connoisseur Bitsy Caldwell. “It’s such a delight seeing what unique takes on hat elegance all my friends will bring.” This joyful energy, both from participating and observing Rockwall’s interpretation of millinery magic, electrified the afternoon. Groups oohed and aahed over artfully constructed whimsical scenes, intricate manipulation of fabrics, and awe-inspiring brims the size of hula-hoops. The more audacious the better appeared the motto amongst guests, elevating the glamorous spirit already overflowing. During the highlight Hat Contest, excitement reached its peak, the audience erupting in rapturous applause for jaw-dropping winners like the pastel floral fantasy Bloomin’ Beauty worn by Clara Rutledge and the vibrant Phoenix Rising phoenix feather creation modeled by Stephanie Cho.
However, The Marvelous Big Hat soiree represents more than a vibrant expression of personal style; its also one of Rockwall Women League’s largest annual fundraisers, this year specifically benefitting Rockwall-based non-profits like Lakeside Helping Hands Food Bank. Raffles, auctions, contests and ticket sales help supply the funds that keep these community pillars running smoothly year-round. “I like that I can have fun with my friends while helping out amazing groups around town that need support,” explains Leaguer President Amelia Carter, her emerald green wide-brimmed straw hat catching the afternoon light.
This coming together of style, entertainment and charity aptly channels the League’s central mission – to serve the Rockwall area through effective, compassionate outreach. Since its founding in the 1960s by a collection of neighborhood women looking to do good close to home, the group has offered thousands in scholarships, organized clothing and food drives, sponsored families in need and generally spread goodwill however possible. The event has ballooned in recent years, allowing Rockwall residents to join the fashionable philanthropic party.
As the afternoon wound to a close, Leaguers hugged their goodbyes, already chatting excitedly about crafting concepts for next year. The vibrant memory of Rockwall ladies indulging joyfully in show-stopping style, all while supporting beloved local causes, will stay strong till the next year’s Marvelous Big Hats & Community Hearts soiree sparkles across the county again.
