Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/504918
Aileen Pratt Pam Perella Angie Kadesky Jeff Byron Claire Emanuelson BY JANE ROZELLE. PHOTOGRAPHY MELISSA MACATEE. AND THE OSCARS GO TO … THE CRYSTAL CHARITY TEN BEST DRESSED REVEAL A t Neiman Marcus Downtown, the well-heeled members of the Crystal Charity Ball waited in suspense for the announcement of the 2015 Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas. On the scene in the Couture Salon were Crystal Charity Ball chairman Michal Powell, in an Oscar de la Renta tulip-print dress, and fashion show and luncheon chair Mary Clare Finney, in a hot-pink flare dress, also from Oscar … Sensing a pattern here? The pair dressed to reflect this year's celebrated designer, House of Oscar de la Renta, and the man behind the resort collection, creative director Peter Copping, who will dress the Best Dressed at this year's luncheon and fashion show Friday, September 18. Neva Hall, executive VP of Neiman Marcus, welcomed Powell and Finney to the dais to share in the remarks. Cue Jeff Byron, VP and general manager of Neiman Marcus Downtown, who took over the mic to say, "This is truly one of my favorite days of the spring season" before announcing the highly anticipated roster. Without further ado, the 2015 Crystal Charity Ball Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas are Francie Moody- Dahlberg, Heather Esping, Margaret Hancock, Ashley Hunt, Patty Leyendecker, and newbies Katherine Coker, Janie Condon, Pat Harloe, and Julie Hawes. Also making the list is hall of famer Sarah Perot. And, for only the fourth time in the 41- year history of Best Dressed, the luncheon will have an honorary chairman: Dallas legend Ruth Altshuler. Merrymaking: Vicki Chapman, Angela Nash, Heather Furniss, Lauryn Gayle White, Brooke Shelby, Muffin Lemak, Pat McEvoy, Linda Secrest, and Kim Miller. MAY | PAGE 14 | 2015 Patty Leyendecker Christi Urschel Cheryl Joyner Susan Roberds Lynn Collins Jennifer Dix Brooke Shelby Kristi Hoyl Patsy Donosky Franco Salluce Patricia Jefferies Ruth Altshuler Francie Moody- Dahlberg Neva Hall Sarah Perot Mary Clare Finney Beth Theole Kristina Whitcomb Christie Carter Vinnie Reuben Ashley Hunt Leigh Anne Haugh Janie Condon Margaret Hancock Heather Esping Nancy Ross Katherine Coker Paige Slates Abigail Powell Michal Powell Pat Harloe O ur story begins in October 2011, when the scrappy newcomer to the statewide fair circuit, the Texas Contemporary Art Fair, took over the George R. Brown Convention Center for four days. Collectors and curators sensed something novel as they strolled the wide-bodied aisles that year; the fair felt messy and cool, from the site-specific Andy Coolquitt installation that quirkily spilled into public spaces to Glasstire's impromptu Western saloon, where proprietors Rainey Knudson and Bill Davenport dispensed bons mots and peddled wares crafted by Davenport himself. We should mention Max Fishko and Jeffrey Wainhause, the creatives behind the Texas Contemporary. These purveyors of fresh fair-going experiences are the most art- smart duo around — and, for two gentleman from New York, they're awfully laid back and chill. (Fishko honed his chops as the scion of Manhattan's legendary Forum Gallery, while Wainhause's expertise is in the tech field and event planning.) Flash forward. Fishko and Wainhause are at the top of the game, having developed six fairs under the umbrella of New York- based Art Market Productions (including the Texas Contemporary): Miami Project, considered one of the top events surrounding Art Basel Miami Beach; the innovative Art on Paper during Armory Week; the recently minted Seattle Art Fair; their first fair, Art Market San Francisco; and the rebranded Market Art + Design in Bridgehampton. For year five this fall, Fishko, Wainhause and team have surprises in order, even as they continue to partner with museums, nonprofits and cultural collaborators that have defined the Fair's success and unique Houston vibe. The dates — October 1 through 4 — place the Texas Contemporary in the heart of the fall art season in Houston. Opening Night once again benefits Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (to date, the Fair has raised $100,000 for the CAMH). Watch for innovative projects with Glasstire, FotoFest, Houston Center for Photography and Rice Gallery, the latter's legendary booth stocked with democratic collectibles by artist headliners. Expect Fair time to extend to an entire week, underscored by the leitmotif of engagement — reaching expanded audiences, tapping into the city's penchant for performing arts and nodding to intriguing public art. Tune to this spot in the coming months for the latest, including the looming announcement of a new international component. Canvas: Insider Preview — TEXAS CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR, YEAR FIVE October 1 – 4, 2015 H O U S T O N txcontemporary.com MaRS-designed VIP Lounge from the 2014 Texas Contemporary Max Fishko, Lucinda Loya, Jeffrey Wainhause, Javier Loya at Texas Contemporary Art Fair party, 2014