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We loved these gowns at The Academy of Music's annual concert and ball

From right to left Anne Callahan wears green Giambattista Valli, Ellie Lewis in strapless Milly and Flo Celender in Juan Carlos Pinera
From right to left Anne Callahan wears green Giambattista Valli, Ellie Lewis in strapless Milly and Flo Celender in Juan Carlos PineraRead moreCharles Fox
    by Elizabeth Wellington, FASHION WRITER | Columnist
    Published 

They twinkled in varying shades of gold, deep crimson and earthy greens. Many were topped with illusion lace. Some of the floor-length confections were flushed with winter florals. The number of exposed one shoulders was almost countless.

But oh wow, how the gowns stunned!

As usual Philadelphians showed off their fabulousness  at  the annual Academy of Music Anniversary and Concert Ball. Comedian Martin Short was the featured performer for the orchestra's 160th birthday Saturday night, but the designer frocks were the true stars.

Not to mention, many of this year's gowns waited a year to make their glittery high society debuts.

Last year ball-goers were disappointed when the Blizzard of 2016 dropped a whopping 22.4 inches of snow on the city, forcing  organizers to cancel the festivities.  In recent weeks  ladies, eager to wear the gowns  kept zipped up in garment bags and tucked deep inside walk-in closets, tried them on.  Fingers crossed.

"I was so hoping my and praying it would fit," said Anne Callahan, who looked delightful in a one-shoulder, green floral, Giambattista Valli gown.  "And it did!"