25 Mar Mad Hatters Tea 2026: Where High Fashion Meets Philanthropy in Dallas
On this episode of The Jeff Crilley Show, Jeff sits down with Shane Walker, stylist to the stars, along with Mad Hatters Tea chairs Reagan Pace and Sheridan Reeder, to preview one of Dallas’ most fashionable philanthropic traditions. The Mad Hatters Tea & Luncheon, founded in 1989, benefits A Woman’s Garden at the Dallas Arboretum—the only garden in the United States designed for women, dedicated to women, and funded by the work of women. The trio shares how this year’s theme, "The Art of the Garden," draws inspiration from major art movements including Renaissance, Rococo, Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop Art. Shane offers a behind-the-scenes look at designing award-winning hats, while Reagan and Sheridan explain how the event funds the garden’s $250,000 annual maintenance and new installations. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and purpose—where couture headpieces help preserve one of Dallas’ crown jewels.
Key Topics
- the Mad Hatters Tea and Luncheon
- A Woman’s Garden at the Dallas Arboretum
- the Art of the Garden theme
- the Renaissance, Rococo, Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop Art categories
- designing award-winning couture hats
- funding the garden’s annual maintenance and installations
- honoring founder Carol Anne Brown and the honorary chair
Episode Timestamps
- 00:00 – A party with a purpose: Introducing Mad Hatters
- 01:36 – The history of Mad Hatters and its 1989 founding
- 02:00 – Supporting A Woman’s Garden at the Dallas Arboretum
- 03:18 – From fascinators to birdcages: The fashion spectrum
- 05:08 – Award-winning hats and the six competition categories
- 08:37 – Unveiling the 2026 theme: The Art of the Garden
- 10:20 – The $250,000 goal to maintain the garden each year
- 12:50 – Behind the scenes of styling competitive couture hats
- 15:30 – What guests can expect: Reception, judging, and outdoor fashion show
- 18:30 – Honoring founder Carol Anne Brown with Best in Show
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