(Photos from a collection by George Walker IV, The Tennessean) Music City has more than its share of red-carpet events, but Old Nashville has the grande dame of elegant arrivals: the Swan Ball, benefitting the Cheekwood center for the arts. In looking over what the ladies wore, I was disappointed that there were so few risk-takers, like Johnna Watson. She pulled the look off perfectly and made an arrival to match. This year's chairladies, Sandra Lipman and Jacqueline Hutton, represented the creative and the classic, respectively. Both hit the mark beautifully. Elizabeth Nichols took the classic route in the style of her gown and the gossamer shawl, a lovely recurring theme at these things. She took a risk with the olive hues and notes of violet in her jewelry. The alchemy was a sensation. Why go any way but classic when it works as well as it does at right? My old friend, photographer George Walker IV, captured a tableau that should be framed and hanging in this unnamed girl's home. Nothing says classic like a black dress, and the timeless Fran Hardcastle wears it well. Just the right jewelry, just the right touch for a lady who is comfortable in her own skin. The venerable Francis Guess always arrives with a pretty girl on his arm, but none as gorgeous as his hdaughter, Maria. She gets it just right with a gown that is perfection, top to bottom. Wish we could have seen all of adorable Amy Joiner's aubergine gown. She opted for something different -- that much we ican see -- and it clearly was an excellent choice. Lise Morrow's dress, like the number worn by Maria Guess, shows the craftsmanship of perfectly-placed detailing, probably worked by hand. Lise took a chance, and the result couldn't have been prettier. I am forever smitten with silk dupioni taffeta and the easy way it drapes. From the imperial, above left, to the sultry, above right, it makes magic. Every city is graced with a scant few women whose beauty is without peer and whose grace is nothing but natural, regardless of what they wear. Nancy Cheadle, above left, and Trevania Henderson, the one on the right in the right hand photo, are two of whom Nashville can be most proud. Their dresses this year are fabulous as always, as is Nancy's forever date, John Cheadle, always the best-looking guy in the room. Nashville, like most places, has its unfortunate plastic surgery catastrophes, and there is always a selection of the waxworks on view at the Swan Ball, just like they are at the country music awards. (Though never the same women, mind you.) Too bad everyone isn't as comfortable with herself as the original Natural Woman, Aretha Franklin, who sang for this year's Swan Ball guests. With the Swan Ball behind them, off they go to Sea Island and Rock Island to recover. A little sunscreen goes a long way, girls. à bientôt...Tatie - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad