Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1546312
STYLE T wo grandes dames who remember their meet cute vividly, how they spied a kindred spirit (twinning in Chanel bouclé jackets) beyond a stunning arrangement of hot-pink roses, green spider mums, and blue hydrangea, and knew that years of fun were ahead. That was me, Billy Fong, and the 74-year-old Crystal Charity falling in love in 1997. PaperCity and the Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show and Luncheon have been such compatriots and confidantes for close to 30 years. As always, we've put aside an entire day for this year's event on Thursday, September 17. Here's a primer for those unfamiliar with the annual event. In 1974, Annette Strauss, who went on to become Dallas mayor, was chairman of The Crystal Charity Ball. That year, an idea was hatched, and a ballot was mailed out for the selection of the Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas. Voilà, a new fashion show was born. Held at the Fairmont Hotel, it was underwritten and hosted by Albert Lidji and the legendary Lou Lattimore boutique and raised $10,000. The next year, in 1975, the event was hosted by Neiman Marcus downtown — a three-day affair to accommodate the sell-out popularity. Other notable highlights of the past five decades (2026 is the 52nd anniversary) were the BBC television documentary of the 1984 event, attended by 800, and the 1989 edition, when the first Hall of Fame Honoree was bestowed and Arnold Scaasi came to town. Other noted designers who have air-kissed our Dallas' swans: Gianfranco Ferré, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Adam Lippes, and Zac Posen. And heading to Dallas for the 2026 runway presentation of his current collection is Carolina Herrera creative director Wes Gordon. SUBSTANCE S ince 1952, the sole purpose of The Crystal Charity Ball has been to support and make contributions to children's charities in Dallas County. As a nonprofit organization, independent of any national affiliation, members of The Crystal Charity Ball Committee have distributed more than $209 million to 160 worthy beneficiaries over the past 74 years. In 2026, the 100 active members of The Crystal Charity Ball Committee pledged to raise $7,875,664 to support eight Dallas organizations and give children hope for a healthier, more productive future. The generous spirit of underwriters, Children's Book participants, silent auction and special gift donors, and contribution ticket patrons will help turn promises into reality for children served by The Crystal Charity Ball. On December 12, 2026, the committee members will hold the gala honoring these philanthropic donors. STYLE AND SUBSTANCE THE 2026 CRYSTAL CHARITY BALL TEN BEST DRESSED WOMEN OF DALLAS FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON Save the Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026 Fashion Show and Luncheon Chairman: Kim Quinn Honorary Chairman: Nancy Nasher Hall of Fame Honoree: Tavia Hunt Fashion Destination: Neiman Marcus Downtown For Sponsorships and Information: 214.526.5868, crystalcharity.org Photographed at Neiman Marcus NorthPark. Photography Haynsworth. Fashion available at Neiman Marcus. FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON CHAIRMAN KIM QUINN CRYSTAL CHARITY BALL CHAIRMAN JENNIFER DIX 91