The Society Diplomat, the brainchild of bRILLIANT magazine co-founder and all-around bon vivant Lance Avery Morgan, chose the perfect location to host its “Palm Springs meets Texas” soirée on a recent wind-swept evening.

Not only did the Gods smile on the weather, but also on the sun-kissed attendees who showed up in their spring best to celebrate the site’s launch and the highly-anticipated publication of Morgan’s tome about the legendary Texas social scene, aptly titled “The Society Diplomat.”

Scores of friends and admirers enjoyed a Champagne bar hosted by Veuve Cliquot and cocktails from Belvedere, all while mingling on the upstairs balcony at the W Austin in a desert oasis produced by “it girl” event designer Camille Styles Moore.

Local songstress (and accomplished musician) Larissa Ness performed a high-energy set for the crowd before DJ Johnny

Bravvo took over the decks as the sun set over City Hall and the hills to the west. More than one conversation about plans for summer escapes to Aspen, Nantucket and Santa Barbara were overheard, lending a chic touch to an already chic evening!