GALA OF THE YEAR

Opera carolina's bella notte Gala chairs Todd AND ALEX Holleman with Maestro James Meena. photos by Daniel Coston.

Looking back at Charlotte's impressive social scene in 2016, one gala stood out among the rest: Opera Carolina's Bella Notte fundraiser Oct. 29. During the cocktail hour, the glamorous guests sparkled outside Belk Theater in a lush man-made garden (or should we say John Lupton-made garden since he's the floral genius behind the event's opulent decor). 

Women in gorgeous gowns and debonair men in tuxedos then graced the theater's stage to dine and dance the night away amid the stunning Spanish-themed set for Verdi's The Barber of Seville.

The masterminds behind all the evening's beauty were charming gala chairs Alex Holleman and her husband, Todd. Alex is known for her exquisite taste and style, so her memorable details - from the gorgeous Bella Notte monogram created especially for the party to the orange tree topiaries that decorated the tables - added up to a spectacular evening.

As the evening's hostess, Alex looked stunning in a flamenco inspired black Rosie Assouline gown with a tiered ruffle accent and a cutout back that showcased the deep red blossoms woven into her chignon at the nape of her neck. Brava Alex!

Laura and Trip Park.

Another one of The O Report's favorite looks of the evening was from talented artist and textile designer Laura Park. She hand painted a design which was printed on silk and then used by fashion designer Luis Machicao to create a one-of-a-kind gown. 

Here are more photos of the stylish guests:

Ann Tarwater, Samantha McCall and Judy Raghavan. 

Lisa Dargan and Laura Vinroot Poole.

Pam Stowe and Perrin Dargan. 

Aubrey and Liz Hilliard.

Angela and Jesse Cureton.

George and Peg Povinelli.

Kitty Hall and John Bossard.

Scott and Ashley Mattei. 

Bill and Leigh Goodwyn.

Arlene Ferebee.

Jennie and Holt Wrenn.

Charlotte Wickham, Carolyn Hudson and Posey Mealy. 

John and Leslie Culbertson.

Jenn Lamarre and Al Waugh.

Dean and Ann Carter Smith.

John and Margaret Switzer.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

The O Report staff is not made up of overachievers. We're just now getting around to thinking about our holiday shopping. Here are our favorite gifts we've seen recently. The problem is, which do we buy for ourselves and which do we give away? 

For Her

So soft, so chic. We're mad "fur" these Tibetan Lamb Throw Pillows from LeighDeux Dorm & Home. Available in snow white, teal and light teal. $99. www.leighdeuxdorm.com. 

A modern earring that's timelessly beautiful. Ashlyn Ear Climbers in rose gold (also available in silver or gold). $100. Kendra Scott, SouthPark mall. 704-837-7689; www.kendrascott.com. 

The combination of European elegance, technical perfection and high-quality materials make any bag from Porsche Design a gift that will last a lifetime if cared for properly. Each bag is handmade in Florence, Italy, and is on the level of Chanel, Prada and Gucci. Prices start at below $1,000. Porsche Design, SouthPark mall. 704-366-5900; www.porsche-design.com.

Classic P8478 aviator sunglasses add instant cool to any outfit. There are four different sizes and around five different finishes to choose from. First produced in 1978, the frames are all metal but extremely light. And you can easily pop in different colored lenses depending on your mood for the day. Prices start at $500. Porsche Design, SouthPark mall. 704-366-5900; www.porsche-design.com. 

Give in to the coloring craze. The brilliantly colored Prismacolor Verithin 36 Colored Pencil Set can be sharpened to a very fine point without crumbling. $28.72. Binders Art Supplies, 284 S. Sharon Amity Road at Cotswold Village shopping center. 704-442-2608; www.bindersart.com.   Package it with this chic Vogue Coloring Book ($17) and adorable Beaver Pencil Sharpner from Alessi ($67), both from Neiman Marcus at SouthPark mall. 704-442-7900; www.neimanmarcus.com. (In-store coloring book supplies are limited but are also available online).

Her bridge game will never be the same. Christian Lacroix Paris set of two decks of illustrated playing cards. $35. Neiman Marcus at SouthPark mall. 704-442-7900; www.neimanmarcus.com.

This limited edition Verbena Holiday Ornament is filled with travel-sized hand cream, soap and body lotion in a refreshing verbena scent. $14. L'Occitane en Provence at SouthPark mall. 704-362-4324; usa.loccitane.com.

Purchase one of the gifts from the Love To Give Collection, including this cheery Holiday Collection Santa Platter ($35) and cute Emoji Linen Cocktail Napkins ($48 for a set of 4; other styles available), and 10 percent of the proceeds go to Children's Theatre of Charlotte. Neiman Marcus at SouthPark mall. 704-442-7900; www.neimanmarcus.com. 

For Him

It's one-stop shopping for the men in your life: The Founders Table at Alton Lane showcases unique items from around the world that are favorites of Alton Lane co-founders Colin Hunter and Peyton Jenkins. Most are priced under $100, including a selection of Italian silk ties (top left) that cost $95. Alton Lane, 2000 South Boulevard, Suite 440, at Atherton Mill and Market in South End. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Details: 888-800-8616; www.altonlane.com. 

Charlotte-based Buckskin and Mane, a line of high-quality, all-natural body and hair care products for men, was founded by three military veterans: Robert Mason, Luke "Buck" Yerrick and Lukas Biebinger. They are so passionate about supporting veterans that $1 from the sale of each of their products is donated to Charlotte Bridge Home, which helps Charlotte area veterans transition home after military service. All Buckskin & Mane products are handcrafted in Charlotte from naturally derived organic raw ingredients. Their top-selling product is the Camo Beard Oil ($18.64). Also popular are the Sunflower Seed Hydrating Shave Cream ($18.64), Aspen Bark Oil-Free Moisturizer ($16.78)  and the 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash with Fresh Hemp and Omega-3 ($16.78). Buckskin & Mane, 2120 South Boulevard at Atherton Mill and Market in South End or online at www.buckskinmane.com.  

Why limit yourself to celebrating just one holiday? Jonathan Adler Season of Socks Holiday Gift Set. One size fits most. $95. Neiman Marcus at SouthPark mall. 704-442-7900; www.neimanmarcus.com. 

For the sophisticated man in your life, pair the Brahmin wine tote ($75) with the matching set of coasters ($65). Other colors available. Brahmin at SouthPark mall. 980-430-1718; www.brahmin.com.

For Girls

The Graelian, an acrylic bag filled with multicolored sequins that dance around, is the perfect party accessory. $50. Aldo at SouthPark mall. www.aldoshoes.com. 

Pop Art chic from an original fashion sketch by "it girl" artist Blair Z in two colors (purple, shown, or teal) and two sizes ($70 for the larger Floor Pillow, $59 for the smaller Throw Pillow. A Blanket with the design in either purple or teal is also available for $59. www.leighdeuxdorm.com. 

Jewelz By Jesse, a line of handmade scented jewelry for young girls and tweens, is designed by nine-year-old entrepreneur Jesse Aaliyah Ricks of Charlotte who's the CEO of her own company. She creates super cute necklaces, earrings and rings that sparkle and smell as sweet as the treats the jewelry depicts - snow cones, ice cream, pancakes, waffles, cupcakes and more. Find her on Facebook under Jesse Aaliyah (Jewelz By Jesse) or click here.