On the Cowl: Southwest Florida Gala Vogue within the Backyard

With the season’s first soirées underway, Southwest Florida’s social calendar returns in full swing—and with it, a brand new temper in eveningwear. Photographed on location at Selma Nettles’ historic Old Naples property, these seems to be seize the drama of gala dressing in 2025: feathered robes that ripple within the backyard breeze, tailor-made reds that command the room and couture that turns cocktail hours into theater.

Together, they set the tone for a season the place style rises to fulfill the grandeur of the event and the generosity behind it.

 The black column is all modern strains from the entrance, whereas the low-cut again and billowed overskirt go away a long-lasting impression from behind. Bold stacked bangles steadiness the quantity. Isabel Sanchis robe; bracelets from Alexis Bittar; footwear from Flor de Maria. Top unfold: Monsoori robe; earrings from Alexis Bittar.

Couture engineering meets pure chaos as baroque appliqué on French tulle dissolves into feathers that dance within the backyard breeze. Wade Allyn robe; earrings by Alexis Bittar.

Lebanese couturier Jean-Louis Sabaji pushes corsetry and skirting to operatic extremes, reshaping basic femininity into spectacle. Skirt and corset high by Jean-Louis Sabaji; Vera Wang gloves; Alaïa footwear.

Siren purple—the perennial energy hue for night—finds contemporary pressure in a tailor-made pant and flowing silk charmeuse cape. Pants and cape by Wade Allyn; earrings from Alexis Bittar.

Texture creates two narratives—gauzy tiers that float in daylight and dense feathers that darken the temper after nightfall. Gown and cape by Anamika Khanna; bangles from Alexis Bittar; footwear by Flor de Maria.

Gustavo Arango robe; bracelet and earrings from Alexis Bittar. 

Photography: Omar Cruz

Styling: Veronica Porras

Model: Eliza Finskaya

Hair and make-up: Duality Artistry

Shot in Selma Nettles’ personal gardens, Old Naples