Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1528557
OSCAR AND THE I 'm guessing many a hairstylist's schedule was booked months in advance for that morning — those early dawn hours before the 50th Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show and Luncheon. The annual fundraiser is pretty much the official first day of the fabulously frenetic fall social season in Dallas, and the ladies want to be well coiffed, as well as well-heeled and well- read on interesting new topics. After all, who knows when you might need to make idle chitchat while avoiding such verboten topics as politics and religion. Safe and chic arenas for discussion include celebrity gossip (the royals fit within this category), new tomes (everyone has been devouring The King of Diamonds, it seems), and, of course, fashion. Indeed, it's always wise to be well- versed in fashion for this occasion. The eagerly anticipated fashion show and luncheon, which supports numerous charities throughout Dallas (since 1952, The Crystal Charity Ball has gifted more than $191 million to 160 beneficiaries), is truly a marathon. The agenda starts with flutes of champagne handed out as early as 10 am for early-bird arrivals at Neiman Marcus downtown. Guests mingle and have their photos snapped; this is usually my time in the lounge (generously sponsored by Nancy Rogers) for catching up with friends I might not have seen since the start of summer. Next, the wrangling by the expert Neiman's team begins, as they navigate these swans to the floor where the runway show is presented. Finally, after oohing and ahhing over the year's designer's collection presentation, it's on to another floor for lunch. Many ladies don't end their day at Neiman Marcus Downtown; quite a few make their way to watering holes such as Park House or Café Pacific for post-event dishing and continued cocktailing. This year's marquee design stars were the creative design team behind Oscar de la Renta, Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim. The darling duo were in Dallas to showcase their most recent collection, Pre-Spring 2025, at Neiman Marcus' historic downtown flagship store. The hallowed department store and Oscar de la Renta have a longstanding partnership that includes the house founder, Oscar himself, receiving the Neiman Marcus Award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion in 1968. The design team enchanted the crowd as they made the rounds with Neiman's team members including Ryan Ross, president of Neiman Marcus and head of NMG customer insights; Jodi Kahn, vice president, luxury fashion; and Stefanie Tsen Ward, chief integrated retail and customer officer. GOES TO … By Billy Fong. Photography Tamytha Cameron. Anita Arnold, Lana Andrews, Gene Jones Tracy Lange behind the scenes A leggy moment Jennifer Dix DJ Steffi spinning at the pre-runway-show party Ryan Ross, Kim Hext Robbie Kruitoff, Stefanie Tsen Ward Scenes from the Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show and Luncheon