A glittering “Ice” theme set the mood Saturday when the ladies of the Mystical Order of the Phoenix presented the 2026 Phoenix Fête, A Mystical Masquerade, as Phoenix VI arose from the ashes of Mardi Gras 2025 and greeted her sisters and their guests at Messina’s at the Terminal at Lakefront Airport.
The phoenix epitomizes the ideals of the Mystical Order of the Phoenix through grace, spirit, generosity and love of Mardi Gras. The phoenix reigns for one year and then is reborn for another Carnival season.
Since the founding in 2020, five have represented the organization and alternated between Fire and Ice phoenixes. Presented were Phoenix I, Ms. Gemelle Martin Linzy (Fire); Phoenix II, Ms. Carolynn “Lynn” Precup Isbel (Ice); Phoenix III, Shelby Elizabeth Saak (Fire); Phoenix IV, Ms. Carmelitta Gordon Favorite, (Ice); and Phoenix V, Mrs. Nicole Moss Dorignac, (Fire).
The presentation concluded with the entrance of the 2026 Phoenix, Ms. Thea E. Narkiewicz, to the song “Immortal Eve.” She wore a turquoise sequin jacket trimmed in silver with purple accents and ornate appliques that evoked a wintery feel. Her ensemble also included shimmering navy-purple pants with matching turquoise designs made to resemble images of scattered “ice” feathers. Her Phoenix wings of crystals and rhinestones were in the image of ice crystals. Her ensemble was topped off with a sequin cape.
The monarch is a social worker who works with some of the most vulnerable in the community. Her partner Ms. “Montana” and her parents are Edward and Dolores Narkiewicz.
The evening began with the introduction of the founders, board members and float lieutenants, Mesdames Caitlin Strother, Monique Breaux, Chanel Labat, Kelly Wright, Kara Borasch, Dawn Frick, Carla Catalano, Karen Boudrie, Mickey Milton, Jennifer Edwards, Selina Boone and Gigi Saak.
Following the entrance of Phoenix VI, the party was kicked off with the Zulu Tramps. After dinner, entertainment was provided by D.J. BIG Abe.
The fête was decorated with the theme including table centerpieces of Phoenix sculptures designed by Luis Colmenares. WVUE Fox 8’s Kristi Coleman was the emcee.
The Mystical Order of the Phoenix was formed in 2020 to unite women of diverse backgrounds for fun, friendship and the merriment of Mardi Gras. They encourage, foster, promote and cultivate a spirit of sisterhood among krewe members while also engaging in charitable activities and community outreach to give back to the city.
Special thanks were extended to the Keepers of the Flame, the order’s horseback riders, including Jason Tullos, Rhett Gonzalez, Julie Luna-Wheeler and Dawn Sprague.