Of course, there was royal jewelry. Kelly wanted to wear
the crown that her sister wore as queen of Athenians in
order to start a family tradition. Moans Couture, the New
York jeweler that designed the crown, simply replaced
the original aqua center stone with a clear one and Kelly
was good to go. Moans also designed the plume-inspired
necklace and pear-shaped drop earrings. Just as it was time
to head downstairs to start receiving guests, Kelly darted
into her bathroom for "one last thing." I knew exactly what
she was doing. Referencing her late paternal grandmother,
she said "I'm putting on Mimi's favorite perfume. That way
she'll be with me all night."
This reception is just for women and allows guests to visit
with the queen in a more intimate setting. Hors d'oeuvres
such as fried Des Allemands catfish and beef tenderloin
bites were passed as Kelly greeted a steady stream of
guests. The little girls from next door that Kelly babysits
were priceless in their party finery as they chatted with
her majesty. I loved Bailey's strapless petal pink ball gown
44 ADORE • MARCH 2020