With the St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon And Fashion Show less than a week away, Luncheon Co-Chairs Roz Colombo and Nancy Gopez made news last night at NorthPark’s Bulgari. With Luncheon patrons including KJ Sanger, Jodi Benefiel, Julie Buschman, Andrea and David Nayfa, Kimberly Alexander, Lisa Singleton, Mary and Joe Parker, Heather Randall, Lynn McBee, Lisa Cooley, Kristen Gibbins, Kim Schlegel and two-dimensional photo bomber Gina Lollobrigida surrounded by glorious gems and flutes of adult beverages, the “Team Colo-Go” revealed the NorthPark merchants whose fashions would be on the runway in NorthPark’s tented CenterPark Garden on Thursday, February 8. The Jan Strimple-produced fashion extravaganza will include Canali, CH Carolina Herrera, Elie Tahari, Neiman Marcus, Rebecca Taylor, Roberto Cavalli and Children’s Clothing by Peek Kids.

Raising the gorgeous factor for the models will be the team from Toni and Guy.

Besides this year’s change of locations to NorthPark, Roz and Nancy also revealed that the annual raffle has really ramped up. Unlike years past when the limited number of items could only be purchased at the patron party and luncheon, Raffle Co-Chairs Jenna Alexander, Andrea Nayfa and Lisa Bhattacharya have not only put together 19 pretty remarkable packages, they’ve also made the chances available online!

According to Nancy, “We have packages such as a trip to New York City to visit the Carolina Herrera showroom, a beautiful Lucrecia Waggoner installation art, suites for the Mavericks, Stars and Pink concert, a meet-and-greet with Brooks and Dunn, two tickets to Taylor Swift, a Versace handbag, beautiful jewelry and much more!”

There are various levels of opportunities with Pink Level ($50 ticket), Gold Level ($150) and Platinum Level ($300).

If you can’t make it to the luncheon because the tickets are getting scarce, you can still buy a raffle ticket.

Proceeds from the annual sweetheart event will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of North Texas.

While Officine Panerai was filled with guys partying, Bulgari was blooming with fashionable gals like  Lynn McBee, Mary Parker, KJ Sanger, Megan Fisher Flanagan, Lisa Cooley, Kim Hext, Lisa Singleton and Heather Randall for the St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon And Fashion Show on Thursday, February 1, at NorthPark.

2018 St. V-Day Co-Chairs Roz Colombo and Nancy Gopez were doing double duty, since Roz is first lady of NorthPark’s Bulgari and Nancy is one of the NorthPark Ambassadors along with Kimberly Schlegel Whitman.

What some folks didn’t realize was that Roz had been at Communities Foundation Of Texas since 8 a.m. for the Crystal Charity Ball beneficiary selection.

In addition to the champagne and gems filling the surroundings and a photo-bombing Italian film legend Gina Lollobrigida on the wall, was the reveal by NorthPark’s Kristen Gibbins of the luxury merchants —Canali, CH Carolina Herrera, Elie Tahari, Rebecca Taylor, Roberto Cavalli, Peek and Neiman Marcus — whose fashions would be on the runway on Thursday, February 8, benefiting the Leukemia And Lymphoma Society Of North Texas.

Another announcement was the fundraiser’s raffle. This year Raffle Co-Chairs Jenna Alexander and Andrea Nayfa had assembled 19 packages including

Much to Roz’s and Nancy’s delight, this year’s raffle would be online the next morning.

More than 200 people dedicated to helping Camp Sweeney—a summer camp in Cooke County for children with Type 1 Diabetes—gathered at de Boulle Diamond And Jewelry on Thursday, February 8, for the seventh annual Sweethearts for Sweeney fundraiser.

None of them were more dedicated, though, than David Genever-Watling. The London-born “G.W.” is a close friend of deBoulle owner Denis Boulle and, nearly a decade ago, identified a need to replenish the special scholarships for underprivileged children to attend Camp Sweeney, giving rise to the Sweethearts for Sweeney event.

“One hundred percent of what we raise goes to scholarships for kids,” G.W. said, standing at the entrance to deBoulle as the evening’s guests poured in. Each scholarship amounts to $3,600 for a full three-week session, he explained. “The JDRF is trying to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. But the problem is, what do you do in the meantime? All these kids that are affected … we’re teaching them to take care of themselves.”

Not far away was Dr. Ernie Fernandez, the camp director. “Ernie is the closest thing to a saint I ever saw,” G.W. said. Ernie, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children’s Hospital, said this was his 34th year of involvement in the program. During camp, he went on, a driver takes him from his office in Dallas to the Cooke County site every day. That’s 72 miles each way.

At the party, donors like Josie and Carl Sewell III and Camp Sweeney Chair of the Board Dr. Milton Dickson, could purchase tickets for high-end raffle items, including a Rolex watch donated by G.W. and deBoulle, benefiting Camp Sweeney, which has been owned and operated since 1947 by the nonprofit Southwest Diabetic Foundation. Another highlight of the evening was a bagpipe performance by Pipe Major Robert Richardson, who played on the smash 1970s hit, “Mull of Kintyre” by Paul McCartney and Wings.

Host committee chairs for Sweethearts for Sweeney were Stefanie and Michael Prentiss and Patricia and Mike Prentiss.

Leave it to the Genesis Young Leaders to don the masks, conga the line, shake the dice and bring the Big Easy to the Big D. That’s what they did for the Fifth Annual Genesis Young Leaders Masquerade at Sixty Five Hundred on Saturday, February 17. What better way to spend the Saturday night before Lent! With Co-Chairs Kirstin and Holden Godat and Sarah and Hayden Godat leading the charge, the more than 700 gowned and tuxedo types raised funds for the Genesis Women’s Shelter And Support. Here’s a report from the field:

With masks firmly in place, Kirstin and Holden Godat and Sarah and Hayden Godat co-chaired the sold-out Fifth Annual Genesis Young Leaders Masquerade on Saturday, February 17, at Sixty Five Hundred. Presented by the Genesis Young Leaders (GYL), a group of young professionals who work to end intimate partner violence through volunteerism, education and community awareness, it raised funds for the women and children of Genesis.

As guests arrived to the premier warehouse venue, they crossed the threshold from the heart of Dallas into a night in the Big Easy. The room was softly lit with New Orleans-style lanterns and strings of fairy lights. Park benches perched amid a spring garden of white hydrangeas and lush green hedges. A woman atop a giant tricycle served champagne in the French Quarter, amid colorful tiers of macaroons, sponsored by Hazen And Co. Food Glorious Food Catering provided hors d’oeuvres like Cajun chicken and Andouille Skewers, mini Muffaletta sandwiches, jambalaya served over Creole rice and warm New Orleans-Style beignets topped with powdered sugar. Guests sipped on signature drinks like the Masquerade Mule and the Whimsical Whiskey courtesy of Absolut.

The Project Band performed live music from Frank Sinatra to The Black Eyed Peas and everything in between. While many of the more than 700 guests in elegant gowns and tuxedos donned sparking masquerade masks and moved to the dance floor with Kirstin leading the conga line, others headed to the casino tables to play black jack and craps. As the chips multiplied, the lucky winners turned them into raffle tickets to win prizes including 250,000 Hilton Honors points, 12 months of gift cards to the best Dallas restaurants and a VIP valet pass to NorthPark Center for a year.

Genesis Women’s Shelter CEO Jan Langbein thanked GYL Board Presidents Jenny and Dan Harris and all of the general members for planning such a spectacular evening. Platinum Sponsors for the event included Jackson Durham, Locke Lord, Perch Event Décor, and Sewell Automotive Companies. Genesis Senior Director of Fund and Community Development Bianca Jackson told the liberating story of a client who came to Genesis and realized everything her abuser had told her had been a lie. Inspired attendees were invited to text-to give to help spell out “Genesis” at the light wall, where each light bulb represented a $100 donation that will help women and children create the abuse-free lives they deserve.

Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to bid on silent auction packages like an Austin weekend-getaway for a UT game or a stay-cation at the Rosewood Mansion for a Sam Smith concert. For a fun surprise, guests participated in a designer jewelry pull to win Kendra Scott necklaces, Tory Burch watches and Julie Vos earrings and bracelets. In the VIP Quarter, special guests enjoyed the lounge area with mixed drinks made with Mighty Swell spritzers. Toward the end of the night, servers passed cheeseburger sliders with tiny matchstick fries.

* Photo provided by Genesis Women's Shelter

As dazzling as Highland Park Village may seem, this 2018 Art Ball auction package puts a whole new polish to its image and for the winner. Valued at more than $23,000, the nine totally different goodies in this one-of-a-kind offering will showcase the shopping mega at its finest.

• Fachini (Value: $5,000) — One private holiday lunch party at Highland Park Village’s Fachini for 50 guests with Chef Julian Barsotti. Must be booked four weeks in advance.
• Highland Park Shopping Experience (Value: $5,000) — Two seasonal closet curating sessions with $2,500 Highland Park gift card personal shopping experiences accompanied by Highland Park Village’s expert stylists twice a year.

• Tom Ford’s Fashion Week — Two exclusive tickets to Tom Ford’s New York Fashion Week Spring 2019 runway.
• Frédéric Fekkai (Value: $1,200+) — A “Day of Beauty Soiree” at Frédéric Fekkai Salon for five guests including a blowout, manicure, and makeup application with chilled champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Winner has to bring the physical gift card to redeem (not a duplicate or letter from auction. No substitution of services, must be redeemed the same day, and expiration date of April 21, 2019.

• Luxury Shoes (Value: $4,000) — Four pairs of swoon-worthy shoes purchased with four-$1,000 accessory gift cards.
• Highland Park Jewelry Shopping Spree (Value: $5,000) — Jewelry shopping spree at Cartier, Harry Winston or William Noble.
• Bistro 31 (Value: $2,500) — Chef tasting dinner for up to six guests with wine pairing (hosted by owner Alberto and Vivian Lombardi) at Bistro 31 in Highland Park Village. Gratuity and Tax not included, date must be mutually agreed upon, valid Monday through Thursday – please email lombardicatering@lfcco.com to book dinner.

• Carriage Ride (Value: $300+) — Ten guests are invited to soak up the spirit of the season during a horse drawn carriage ride throughout the enchanting streets of Highland Park.
• Deno’s (Value: $700+) — Step out and look your best with 10 complimentary resoling services at Deno’s in Highland Park Village. To be used by November 2019, limit one pair per month and can also be used for lower priced service on a single pair, but user will forfeit any residual value for that pair.

Compliments of Highland Park Village

* Photo provided by Dallas Museum of Art

Kendra Scott is known for hosting all types of sip-and-shop parties that support North Texas nonprofits. While enjoying adult beverages and chatting, the guests have the opportunity to buy goodies with a portion of the purchases going to the charity du jour.

Last May the Kendra Scott team stepped out of their jewelry boutiques and headed to Children’s Health Dallas with “more than 130 jewelry via their Kendra Cares Mobile Color Bar program and Mother’s Day gift baskets” for the young patients and their moms.

One of the first patients to experience the Kendra Care Mobile Color Bar was 16-year-old Diweni, who had just been diagnosed with cancer that day. The unexpected gifts made the day a little less daunting for the daughter and mother. While some might have thought it to be a piece of jewelry, others might have considered it as a medal for a young warrior in the battle against cancer.

Over the next four months, Diweni underwent her treatments at Children’s Health. It was in September that she and her mom once again participated in Kendra Cares Mobile Color Bar along with 50 other patients and their “plus one” (aka mom).

But battle against pediatric cancer requires more than providing a little dazzle for a child and Kendra Scott knows it and is once again stepping up to help provide the funds. On Monday, April 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. The West Village location will host the 2^nd Annual Kendra Gives Back Shopping Event with 20% of the proceeds benefiting the Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Health.

With Mother’s Day, graduations and weddings just around the corner, why not get it all done on Monday? And while you’re at it, pick something up for yourself. You deserve it.

* Photo provided by Children's Medical Center Foundation

Standing in the lobby of the Meyerson on Wednesday, May 9, it was hard to imagine that just 24 hours before the marble floors had been filled with women and men in dark attire. They were there waiting for the doors of the Eugene McDermott Hall to open for the memorial service for Margaret Milam McDermott.

But on this day, the dark clothing had been replaced with colorful, spring outfits on 98% women for The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary’s 2018 Fashion Show and Luncheon’s “Giving In Style.” The few men included Event Chair Lisa Singleton’s husband, Marvin Singleton, with his mother Barbara Singleton, and Presenting Sponsor Anne Davidson’s pal Mark Porter.

Before the doors opened, the silent auction on the main floor provided a lot of eye candy especially the Sue Gragg white gold earrings with whiskey quartz and 1.99 karats diamonds valued at $5,200. Upstairs the Chic Boutique coordinated by the Tootsies team was being shopped nonstop. Joyce Fox spotted a pink jacket that she thought would be perfect for daughter Stephanie Fox.  New Acquisitions Chair Bela Cooley was scouring the racks for that green Versace blouse that she had spotted earlier in assembling the goodies. She not only found it with a price tag of $20, she also spotted some other top designer labeled clothes nearby.

Another favorite activity was catching up. Kelly Green admitted that due to the summer heat, she and husband Norm Green would be looking forward to Canada’s cooler temps… Lisa Troutt was in an adorable dress with big roses. She wore it to the Kentucky Derby last year and decided to bring it back to life, since the Troutt’s Justice won the Run for the Roses Saturday… Another knockout was Kelly Ford in gold Chanel, who said she just might wear it from now on…Jimmy Westcott reported that following the Monday night’s Triumph Over Alzheimer’s, she had had breakfast with Rudy Tanzi, who shared his vision on things to come in the battle against the disease… Tucker Enthoven was in great spirits despite the bruised left side of her face and her left arm. The black and blues were the result of a cycling accident at White Rock. Luckily, Tucker was wearing a helmet and only suffered a minor concussion. Still, she’s following doctor’s orders and chilling with exercise until he gives her the okay… Also on the mend was Reservations Co-Chair Carol Seay, who picked up a nasty bug from her grandchild over the weekend. She was so weak from “the episode,” she had to have her co-chair Nancy Gopez drive her to the Meyerson Tuesday afternoon to go over table assignments… Still another in recovery was Lisa Cooley, who in trying to be healthy, by-passed her usual Sunday night Whataburger and had sushi. Evidently it didn’t prove to be all that healthy resulting in Lisa’s missing Monday’s Can Do! Luncheon and just now getting back into the swing of fundraising… Fashion Producer Jan Strimple was sporting some peach fuzz on the top of her pate. It’s hard to think that since December Jan has produced St. Valentine’s Day Fashion Show, Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Debutante Presentation, Mad Hatter’s Tea Fashion Show and the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show while going through cancer treatments. Evidently cancer picked the wrong person to hit. Jan hit back strong!

Other fashion lovers in the crowd included Honorary Chair Michal Powell with daughter Abigail Powell and daughter-in-law Felicia Powell, Brooke Shelby, Cindy Stager, Annette Simmons, Nancy Dedman, Kelli Ford, Gene Jones, Anita Arnold, Marilyn Augur with daughter Margaret Hancock, Ramona Jones, Lynn Townsend, Ellen McStay, Amanda Goldstein, Shelly Slater, Brill Garrett, Barbara Marinelli, Anne Williams, 2018 Margot Perot Service Awardee Jan Pickens and Lisa’s Underwriting Co-Chairs Nikki Webb, Merry Wyatt, Candace Winslow and Kim Quinn.

At 11 a.m. the doors opened for the 600 guests to get their places for the fashion presentation that ran as well as the Troutt’s Justice. Okay, there were a couple of oops, but more about that later.

Lisa Singleton was first at the podium thanking various key people, who had helped her throughout the project. When she pointed out that former First Lady Laura Bush was in the audience, the room filled with applause. Following Lisa, Major Barbara Rich’s provided the invocation and told how The Salvation Army works with children through their various programs. The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary President Betsy Willis and Margot Perot presented the Margot Perot Service Award to longtime Salvation Army supporter Jan Pickens, who said that while receiving the award from the Army was truly appreciated, it meant all the more with Margot present.

As Betsy and Jan exited the stage, Margot paid tribute to the late Ruth Altshuler, who had been an important part of The Salvation Army D/FW Metroplex Command.

Lisa returned to the podium and asked for guests to donate for what she described as “Labors Of Love” benefiting The Army’s children’s programs. Transitioning to the fashion show, Lisa introduced Tina “Bag Snog” Craig to provide fashion tips for the season.

Tina knocked it out of the park blending tips with humor and she rallied the guests to disregard friendship when it came to post-fashion show bidding on the new and recycled fashions that would be on the runway.

The runway featured more than 100 outfits that curated by Jan from clothes that had been donated. The labels included Christian LaCroix, Oscar De La Renta, Chanel, Herrera, Patti Flowers, Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Escada, Yves Saint Laurent, Dolce And Gabbana, Abi Ferrin, Lanvin, Stella McCartney, Zac Posen, Fendi, Nardos, A. Stone Custom and Bladi Duran. And that last one was the double oops of the day.

As the model wearing the Bladi was walking past the model in the A. Stone, she fell. As the crowd moaned in sympathy, A. Stone immediately stopped in her heels to help her cohort back on her feet. Then the parade continued… only as the A. Stone struck her pose at the end of the runway, Bladi fell again just before going off stage. Another feel of cringing and sympathy was felt.

But moments later as the lineup of models took place, there seemed to be a greater applause as A. Stone and Bladi took their places with heads held high and smiles.

With that the lights went up, the guests headed to the tables in the lobby for lunch and the bidding got underway for the day’s finds.

But the shopping didn’t stop at the Meyerson. The clothes that hadn’t found homes were shipped over to 9216 Harry Hines Boulevard for the annual Wearhouse Sale that would end Saturday, May 12.

The munchkins wandering through the Anatole toward the hotel’s Peppermint Park must have thought the Crystal Charity Ball’s “An Evening In The Alps” was part of the Park layout on Saturday, December 2. So did their parents, as they shot photos of the kids standing in front of the snowy hill scene with red sleigh tilted picture-perfect on the upper level of the Chantilly Ballroom’s lobby.

The backdrop proved to be ideal also for the CCB crowd in their finery. First to try it out was 2017 CCB Chair Pam Perella and her family (husband Vin Perella, mom Carolyn Curl, dad Bob McCreath, daughter Lauren Perella with Adam Ryan and son Brandon Perella with Medley Wollenman). That was quickly followed by a snap of Pam with the members of her leadership committee (Anne Besser, Leslie Diers, Elizabeth Gambrell, Cheryl Joyner and Kristina Whitcomb).

No sooner had the final official photos been taken than the 1,500+ guests, including Diane and Hal Brierley, Barbara and Ralph Babb, Luanne and Aaron McWhorter, Wendy and Boyd Messmann, Martha and Doug Hawthorne, Liat and Amit Berger, Calee Dillon, Christina and Christopher Durovich, Lee Bailey, Brent Christopher, Robin Robinson, Lindalyn Adams with grandson Carlton Adams, Greg Bieberding, Eddie Ortega, Isabell Novakov with Trey Higginbotham, Kathleen Gibson, Kim and Greg Hext, Linda Perryman Evans, Joanna Clarke with Michael Royal, Cindy Stager with Oscar Durham, Kristen and Reed Gibbins, Kristi and Ron Hoyl, Angela Nash with Billy Martin Jr., Margot and Bill Goodwin, Louise and Guy Griffeth, Caroline Rose Hunt with Del Frnka, Karen and David Shuford, Barbara and John Stuart, John Clutts, Dr. Sami Arslanlar, Billie Leigh Rippey with daughter Paige Locke, Norma Hunt with son Dan Hunt and his wife Toni Munoz-Hunt, Brenda and Bob White, Su-Su and Jerry Meyer, Dana and Greg McGowan, Scott Everett with Kristy Lohse, Elizabeth and Paul Dougan, Susan McSherry with John Zogg, Jan and Fred Hegi, Peggy and Dr. Dan Meyer, Laura and Paul Hudson, Andrea Devaldenebro and Leonardo Gonzalez Sangri, Amy and Michael Meadows, Kimberly and Justin Whitman, Stacey and John Relton and the Neiman’s crowd (Mimi and Rich Sterling, Neva Hall and soon-to-retire Malcolm Reuben with wife Vinnie Reuben), arrived through a tree-lined entry hall that immediately set the mood with a whiff of the evergreen.

Since the evening’s temperatures didn’t require outerwear, guests bypassed the coat check and headed to the gaming tables, the lavish silent auction gallery, James French’s pop-up studio, The Alpine Shop for perusing and the rustic “warming hut” with its mountains of shrimp and buffets of other delicacies.

And, of course, there were the CCB committee members with the balloons selling chance tickets for the 2018 Lexus. CCB newbie Lisa Singleton was joined by CCB vet Lynn McBee in selling raffle tickets. Her goal was $15,000, but within the first 20 minutes she had only sold $350. A few minutes later, she had doubled that amount. Things were looking up.

CCB-ers Lisa Cooley and Alison Malone set up shop at a table to the left of the entry and next to the bar. They had come in second last year and were bound and determined to sell the most tickets this year. Not only did they, but Alison’s husband/advertising guru Mike Malone told Katherine and Key Coker that Alison won the raffle last year and it would bring them good luck to buy their ticket from her. He was right. The Cokers had the winning ticket. And, yes, Lisa and Alison sold the most tickets of the night.

Among the first-time guests in the crowd were Baylor Scott Scott and White Health CEO Jim Hinton and his wife Kristen Hinton and Dallas Summer Musical’s Ken Novice and his wife Kouy Novice. Despite having been in town just seven months, Ken reported that the DSM had just signed a 20-year partnership agreement with Broadway Across America and is planning on an aggressive outreach to young people — around Fair Park and via the Dallas Independent School District. He admitted that, “We’re going to need to increase our budget,” which means stepping up fundraising efforts. He also wants to update the Music Hall at Fair Park, including changes in parking and traffic flows and increasing seating capacity.

And speaking of business, RED Development’s Paul Rowsey was optimistic about Amazon’s coming to North Texas. He believes Amazon will split its new headquarters between two cities, with Dallas having a good chance of being one of them… Ben Lange was introducing Evelyn Costello, who had just been named executive director for Luke’s Fastbreak Shirts.

But it wasn’t just guys talking business. Former CCB Chair Robyn Conlon was beaming over her son Keith Conlon’s recent accomplishments. Not only did he get $10K taken off the price of his Rangers 2018 season tickets after hitting a home run over the Bud sign at Globe Life Park, but Keith had just been named general manager at Allie Beth Allman and Associates as well.

Midway through the cocktail reception, word was passed — “Do you know Tagg?” Was it a new social media hashtag? There was just a bit of distress as the question continued to be asked. The answer was that, thanks to high-tech cars, “Mr. Tagg” had left his car running with the valet and joined the throng inside. Only problem was he had taken the key with him. When he disappeared into the throng inside, the car dutifully came to a grinding stop, creating an unplanned conversation piece blocking the valet line. Finally, he …or, more importantly, his key was found and the flow of high-end vehicles rolled back into place.

And while the crowd grew in the lobby, the final preparations were being made in the Chantilly Ballroom for the doors to open at 9 p.m. The ballroom’s walls were covered with shimmering floor-to-ceiling draping, with towering screens displaying videos of wintry ventures. A mammoth stage was set up along the back of the ballroom for the bands.

At Pam’s and Annette Simmons’ table were monogrammed napkins along with gargantuan floral arrangements. 

Other tables also impressed with centerpieces highlighted by candles in suspended globes hovering over silver tablecloths, crystal. In the chairs were such favors at Tiffany boxes containing Tiffany weave porcelain bowls and the 2017 Children’s Book and the 2018 Calendar.

Right on cue, the Anatole’s Catherine New did the countdown for the staff to open the doors at 9 p.m. to the elegant dinner starting with a first course (poached lobster and roasted beets , arugula and frisée salad and grilled figs, shaved fennel, pickled watermelon radish, citrus mountain blooms and champagne vinaigrette) followed by the entrée (grilled filet of beef, roasted Cipollini red wine demi-glace, gratin dauphinoise, grilled farmer’s market carrots and turnips and seared asparagus). For dessert, it was Toblerone Swiss milk chocolate mousse with honey and almond nougat, Basler Brunsli crisp and coconut snow.

But as glorious as the room and menu were, the CCB guests once again were setting a standard for OMG fashion with the ladies in labels bearing such names as Herrera (Pam Perella, Christi Urschel, Jennifer Dix, Piper Wyatt, Kristina Whitcomb, Laura Moon), Zac Posen (Claire Emanuelson, Pat McEvoy, Delilah Boyd, Patty Leyendecker), Pamela Roland (Lisa Troutt, Gail Fischer), Armani (Paige Slates), Anne Fontaine (Amy Hegi), Chanel (DeeDee Lee), Dior (Betsy Crousen, Kara Goss and Dianna Miller), Badgley Mischka (Nikki Webb), Tom Ford (Heather Esping), Galvan (Lynn McBee), Oscar (Annette Simmons, Lisa Singleton), Tom and Linda Platt (Cheryl Joyner) Lela Rose (Linda Secrest), Marchesa (Ciara Cooley), Etro (Janie Condon), Escada (Caren Kline), Mackenzie Brittingham (Bela Cooley, Nancy Collins), Worth Collection (Alicia Wood), Patti Flowers (Lisa Cooley, Tanya Foster) and Michael Faircloth (Tracy Lange, Tiffany Divis, Mary Martha Pickens, Libby Allred, Elsa Norwood, Diane Byrd, Sue Scala, Stephanie Scala). Michael is probably in designer recovery.

On their well-pedicured feet were such slippers as Jimmy Choo, Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Weitzman, Rene Caovilla, Gianvito Rossi and Adrianna Papell.

Needless to say, Judith Leiber dominated the clutch department, followed by Chanel, Charlotte Max Design, Alexander McQueen, YSL and Jimmy Choo.

And, of course, it just wouldn’t have been a glittery affair without the bling-bling from Eiseman, Diamonds Direct, Bachendorf, Neiman’s, Sue Gragg, deBoulle, Julianna LeBlanc, William Noble, Cartier, Tiffany and family treasures.

But the most popular look of the night for the ladies was the caterpillar false eyelashes that would have made Liz Taylor’s double row of lashes look thin. It seems that along with having hair done, makeup applied and nails polished, one must have an appointment to have an extra layer of lashes.

On the other hand, the gents in the crowd held their own with tuxedos by Bob Baumann (Richard Dix), Chris Despos (Clay Cooley), Isaia (Vin Perella), J. Hilburn (Kenny Troutt), Bruno Cucinelli (Dwight Emanuelson), Edward Baumann Clothiers (Scott Wood), Zegna (Charles McEvoy), Q Custom Clothier (Al Allred) and loads of Armani (David Condon, John Slates, Les Secrest).

As Atlanta’s Simply Irresistible took the stage, Amy Simmons and husband Joe Crafton were the first on the dance floor followed by Francie Moody-Dahlberg and husband Kevin Dalhberg, Laura and Dennis Moon, Mary and Robert Black, Gail and Cliff Fischer, Christie Carter and Hudson Weischel, Connie and Denny Carreker, Pam and Vin and Leslie and Bryan Diers.

Having just as much fun on the sidelines were Michal Powell, Aileen and Jack Pratt, Mary Clare Finney with Chris Branscum and Annette Simmons’ “Jerry table” including her husband Jerry Fronterhouse, Jerry Ford with wife Kelli Ford and Jerry Jones with wife Gene Jones as well as Anita and Truman Arnold and Gayle and Paul Stoffel. But the music was too hard to resist, so soon Annette and her Jerry were on the dance floor, too.

There is no truth that Eiseman Jewels has become the most luxurious drinking hole in these parts. But with events being held there for area nonprofits with guests sipping wine and trying on bling, it just might be mistaken for an exclusive venue.

On Thursday, December 7, the crowd being feted by Betsy and Richard Eiseman among the showcases of gems were the parents of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League‘s 2018 debs. Here’s a report from the field:

Betsy and Richard Eiseman welcomed more than 75 attendees on Thursday, December 7, to the annual holiday party at Eiseman Jewels celebrating the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League 2018 Presentation Ball’s Debutante and Honor Guard parents and Ball patrons. Guests like Cathy and Robert Allday, Catherine and Michael Merritt, Kristin and Robert Cordiak and Nancy Labadie were treated to holiday cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while perusing Eiseman’s stunning collection of jewelry and timepieces. 

Mid-way through the evening, Eiseman president and CEO Richard Eiseman gathered the crowd to welcome and to thank everyone for their longstanding support of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He then recognized 2018 Ball Chair Lori Routh and DSOL President Mari Epperson, who added her gratitude to all in attendance, including Betsy and Richard and Eiseman Jewels for own ongoing commitment to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League by gifting a pair of pearl stud earings to each Debutante each year, and for hosting the annual holiday fete. 

As the evening came to a close, three lucky winners’ names were drawn for an opportunity to wear “Red Carpet Jewels” from Eiseman for the ball on Saturday, February 17, at the Morton Meyerson Symphony Center. 

* Photo provided by Eiseman Jewels

With the St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon And Fashion Show less than a week away, Luncheon Co-Chairs Roz Colombo and Nancy Gopez made news last night at NorthPark’s Bulgari. With Luncheon patrons including KJ Sanger, Jodi Benefiel, Julie Buschman, Andrea and David Nayfa, Kimberly Alexander, Lisa Singleton, Mary and Joe Parker, Heather Randall, Lynn McBee, Lisa Cooley, Kristen Gibbins, Kim Schlegel and two-dimensional photo bomber Gina Lollobrigida surrounded by glorious gems and flutes of adult beverages, the “Team Colo-Go” revealed the NorthPark merchants whose fashions would be on the runway in NorthPark’s tented CenterPark Garden on Thursday, February 8. The Jan Strimple-produced fashion extravaganza will include Canali, CH Carolina Herrera, Elie Tahari, Neiman Marcus, Rebecca Taylor, Roberto Cavalli and Children’s Clothing by Peek Kids.

Raising the gorgeous factor for the models will be the team from Toni and Guy.

Besides this year’s change of locations to NorthPark, Roz and Nancy also revealed that the annual raffle has really ramped up. Unlike years past when the limited number of items could only be purchased at the patron party and luncheon, Raffle Co-Chairs Jenna Alexander, Andrea Nayfa and Lisa Bhattacharya have not only put together 19 pretty remarkable packages, they’ve also made the chances available online!

According to Nancy, “We have packages such as a trip to New York City to visit the Carolina Herrera showroom, a beautiful Lucrecia Waggoner installation art, suites for the Mavericks, Stars and Pink concert, a meet-and-greet with Brooks and Dunn, two tickets to Taylor Swift, a Versace handbag, beautiful jewelry and much more!”

There are various levels of opportunities with Pink Level ($50 ticket), Gold Level ($150) and Platinum Level ($300).

If you can’t make it to the luncheon because the tickets are getting scarce, you can still buy a raffle ticket.

Proceeds from the annual sweetheart event will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of North Texas.

While Officine Panerai was filled with guys partying, Bulgari was blooming with fashionable gals like  Lynn McBee, Mary Parker, KJ Sanger, Megan Fisher Flanagan, Lisa Cooley, Kim Hext, Lisa Singleton and Heather Randall for the St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon And Fashion Show on Thursday, February 1, at NorthPark.

2018 St. V-Day Co-Chairs Roz Colombo and Nancy Gopez were doing double duty, since Roz is first lady of NorthPark’s Bulgari and Nancy is one of the NorthPark Ambassadors along with Kimberly Schlegel Whitman.

What some folks didn’t realize was that Roz had been at Communities Foundation Of Texas since 8 a.m. for the Crystal Charity Ball beneficiary selection.

In addition to the champagne and gems filling the surroundings and a photo-bombing Italian film legend Gina Lollobrigida on the wall, was the reveal by NorthPark’s Kristen Gibbins of the luxury merchants —Canali, CH Carolina Herrera, Elie Tahari, Rebecca Taylor, Roberto Cavalli, Peek and Neiman Marcus — whose fashions would be on the runway on Thursday, February 8, benefiting the Leukemia And Lymphoma Society Of North Texas.

Another announcement was the fundraiser’s raffle. This year Raffle Co-Chairs Jenna Alexander and Andrea Nayfa had assembled 19 packages including

Much to Roz’s and Nancy’s delight, this year’s raffle would be online the next morning.

More than 200 people dedicated to helping Camp Sweeney—a summer camp in Cooke County for children with Type 1 Diabetes—gathered at de Boulle Diamond And Jewelry on Thursday, February 8, for the seventh annual Sweethearts for Sweeney fundraiser.

None of them were more dedicated, though, than David Genever-Watling. The London-born “G.W.” is a close friend of deBoulle owner Denis Boulle and, nearly a decade ago, identified a need to replenish the special scholarships for underprivileged children to attend Camp Sweeney, giving rise to the Sweethearts for Sweeney event.

“One hundred percent of what we raise goes to scholarships for kids,” G.W. said, standing at the entrance to deBoulle as the evening’s guests poured in. Each scholarship amounts to $3,600 for a full three-week session, he explained. “The JDRF is trying to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. But the problem is, what do you do in the meantime? All these kids that are affected … we’re teaching them to take care of themselves.”

Not far away was Dr. Ernie Fernandez, the camp director. “Ernie is the closest thing to a saint I ever saw,” G.W. said. Ernie, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children’s Hospital, said this was his 34th year of involvement in the program. During camp, he went on, a driver takes him from his office in Dallas to the Cooke County site every day. That’s 72 miles each way.

At the party, donors like Josie and Carl Sewell III and Camp Sweeney Chair of the Board Dr. Milton Dickson, could purchase tickets for high-end raffle items, including a Rolex watch donated by G.W. and deBoulle, benefiting Camp Sweeney, which has been owned and operated since 1947 by the nonprofit Southwest Diabetic Foundation. Another highlight of the evening was a bagpipe performance by Pipe Major Robert Richardson, who played on the smash 1970s hit, “Mull of Kintyre” by Paul McCartney and Wings.

Host committee chairs for Sweethearts for Sweeney were Stefanie and Michael Prentiss and Patricia and Mike Prentiss.

Leave it to the Genesis Young Leaders to don the masks, conga the line, shake the dice and bring the Big Easy to the Big D. That’s what they did for the Fifth Annual Genesis Young Leaders Masquerade at Sixty Five Hundred on Saturday, February 17. What better way to spend the Saturday night before Lent! With Co-Chairs Kirstin and Holden Godat and Sarah and Hayden Godat leading the charge, the more than 700 gowned and tuxedo types raised funds for the Genesis Women’s Shelter And Support. Here’s a report from the field:

With masks firmly in place, Kirstin and Holden Godat and Sarah and Hayden Godat co-chaired the sold-out Fifth Annual Genesis Young Leaders Masquerade on Saturday, February 17, at Sixty Five Hundred. Presented by the Genesis Young Leaders (GYL), a group of young professionals who work to end intimate partner violence through volunteerism, education and community awareness, it raised funds for the women and children of Genesis.

As guests arrived to the premier warehouse venue, they crossed the threshold from the heart of Dallas into a night in the Big Easy. The room was softly lit with New Orleans-style lanterns and strings of fairy lights. Park benches perched amid a spring garden of white hydrangeas and lush green hedges. A woman atop a giant tricycle served champagne in the French Quarter, amid colorful tiers of macaroons, sponsored by Hazen And Co. Food Glorious Food Catering provided hors d’oeuvres like Cajun chicken and Andouille Skewers, mini Muffaletta sandwiches, jambalaya served over Creole rice and warm New Orleans-Style beignets topped with powdered sugar. Guests sipped on signature drinks like the Masquerade Mule and the Whimsical Whiskey courtesy of Absolut.

The Project Band performed live music from Frank Sinatra to The Black Eyed Peas and everything in between. While many of the more than 700 guests in elegant gowns and tuxedos donned sparking masquerade masks and moved to the dance floor with Kirstin leading the conga line, others headed to the casino tables to play black jack and craps. As the chips multiplied, the lucky winners turned them into raffle tickets to win prizes including 250,000 Hilton Honors points, 12 months of gift cards to the best Dallas restaurants and a VIP valet pass to NorthPark Center for a year.

Genesis Women’s Shelter CEO Jan Langbein thanked GYL Board Presidents Jenny and Dan Harris and all of the general members for planning such a spectacular evening. Platinum Sponsors for the event included Jackson Durham, Locke Lord, Perch Event Décor, and Sewell Automotive Companies. Genesis Senior Director of Fund and Community Development Bianca Jackson told the liberating story of a client who came to Genesis and realized everything her abuser had told her had been a lie. Inspired attendees were invited to text-to give to help spell out “Genesis” at the light wall, where each light bulb represented a $100 donation that will help women and children create the abuse-free lives they deserve.

Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to bid on silent auction packages like an Austin weekend-getaway for a UT game or a stay-cation at the Rosewood Mansion for a Sam Smith concert. For a fun surprise, guests participated in a designer jewelry pull to win Kendra Scott necklaces, Tory Burch watches and Julie Vos earrings and bracelets. In the VIP Quarter, special guests enjoyed the lounge area with mixed drinks made with Mighty Swell spritzers. Toward the end of the night, servers passed cheeseburger sliders with tiny matchstick fries.

* Photo provided by Genesis Women's Shelter

As dazzling as Highland Park Village may seem, this 2018 Art Ball auction package puts a whole new polish to its image and for the winner. Valued at more than $23,000, the nine totally different goodies in this one-of-a-kind offering will showcase the shopping mega at its finest.

• Fachini (Value: $5,000) — One private holiday lunch party at Highland Park Village’s Fachini for 50 guests with Chef Julian Barsotti. Must be booked four weeks in advance.
• Highland Park Shopping Experience (Value: $5,000) — Two seasonal closet curating sessions with $2,500 Highland Park gift card personal shopping experiences accompanied by Highland Park Village’s expert stylists twice a year.

• Tom Ford’s Fashion Week — Two exclusive tickets to Tom Ford’s New York Fashion Week Spring 2019 runway.
• Frédéric Fekkai (Value: $1,200+) — A “Day of Beauty Soiree” at Frédéric Fekkai Salon for five guests including a blowout, manicure, and makeup application with chilled champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Winner has to bring the physical gift card to redeem (not a duplicate or letter from auction. No substitution of services, must be redeemed the same day, and expiration date of April 21, 2019.

• Luxury Shoes (Value: $4,000) — Four pairs of swoon-worthy shoes purchased with four-$1,000 accessory gift cards.
• Highland Park Jewelry Shopping Spree (Value: $5,000) — Jewelry shopping spree at Cartier, Harry Winston or William Noble.
• Bistro 31 (Value: $2,500) — Chef tasting dinner for up to six guests with wine pairing (hosted by owner Alberto and Vivian Lombardi) at Bistro 31 in Highland Park Village. Gratuity and Tax not included, date must be mutually agreed upon, valid Monday through Thursday – please email lombardicatering@lfcco.com to book dinner.

• Carriage Ride (Value: $300+) — Ten guests are invited to soak up the spirit of the season during a horse drawn carriage ride throughout the enchanting streets of Highland Park.
• Deno’s (Value: $700+) — Step out and look your best with 10 complimentary resoling services at Deno’s in Highland Park Village. To be used by November 2019, limit one pair per month and can also be used for lower priced service on a single pair, but user will forfeit any residual value for that pair.

Compliments of Highland Park Village

* Photo provided by Dallas Museum of Art

While the annual Crystal Charity Ball new members lunch at Highland Park Village’s Carolina Herrera‘s salon is a festive occasion, this year’s gathering on Tuesday, May 15, was rather poignant. It would be the showcasing of the last collection orchestrated by the legendary Venezuelan designer. Moving forward Lady Herrera will still be a part of the Herrera team, but she will be serving as the luxury ambassador for the brand’s assortment of fashions, perfumes and accessories.

As the 2018 CCB newbies (Ashley Allen, Kara Axley, Marybeth Conlon, Lissie Donosky, Anne McPherson and Lisa Rocchio) went through the typical get-to-know-you motions, the old timers compared notes like Meredith Bebee due to deliver any day… La Fiesta De Las Seis Banderas Co-Chairs Anne Besser and Elizabeth Gambrell were preparing for the La Fiesta’s week of activities starting Tuesday, June 5… Tiffany Divis was just back from Europe…. While a number of the guests were in floral designs by Herrera, Janie Condon was a standout in Alexander McQueen slacks.

And while Herrera clothes may have been the featured item of the program, jewelry also had back stories worth repeating. Christie Carter‘s delicate silver charm necklace had been a gift from her late mother… Emilynn Wilson had transformed a broach that she had discovered into a necklace… Recent Salvation Army Fashion Show Chair Lisa Singleton‘s new Sue Gragg earrings were a Mother’s Day gift from husband Marvin Singleton. Unbeknownst to Lisa, he had made the winning bid for them at the Salvation Army Fashion Show Luncheon silent auction.

Then the ladies took their places in country-style chairs at a table extending the length of the salon for the introduction of the new CCB members and the showing of the fashions which was a visual delight.

It’s a good thing the gowns and dress spoke for themselves, since the PA’s music made hearing the commentary a challenge.

For loads more photos of the faces and fashions ala Herrera, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Looking around his jewelry emporium in Preston Center East on Wednesday, August 29, Lawrence Bock admitted this annual event was always a popular one. But this year it was different. Not only was Bachendorf’s filled to the rafters with 2018 Cattle Baron’s Ball committee members, underwriters and pals like Susan and John Farris, Diana Hamilton, Dawn Spalding, Marjon Henderson, Kristi Bare, Paige Westhoff, Isabell Novakov, Paul Dorman, Terri Anderson, Heather Randall and CBB 2018 Live Auctioneer Mike Jones checking out the live auction items that would be up for grabs on Saturday, October 20, Lawrence’s wife, Katy Bock, was co-chairing the fundraiser at Gilley’s with equally blonde Jonika Nix.

While CBB-ers like JB Hayes button holed guests for raffle tickets and other guests like Stevan Hammond discovered new items to take home, past CBB chairs like Tia Wynne, Brooke Shelby, Olivia Kearney, KJ Sanger, Andrea Weber, Sunie Solomon, Cara French and 2019 CBB Co-Chair Wendy Messmann were on hand for the sake of the current crop of CBB-ers and to eyeball the 21 live auction items.

But halfway into the evening, Katy and Lawrence had a surprise. Song sheets were handed out to the guests and with mic in hand, Lawrence’s mom, Elaine Bock led the crowd in a sing-a-long of a tune she had penned.

BTW, since these luxury packages are pretty darn spectacular with some old favorites and some brand newbies, MySweetCharity will feature one daily leading up to the fundraiser on Saturday, October 20. Here is the first one:

2019 Tag Heuer Indy 500 VIP Experience*

As the official timepiece of the world’s most legendary race, the Indianapolis 500, TAG Heuer is offering you and one guest an opportunity to win a once-in-a-lifetime weekend for two at the 2019 running of the Indianapolis 500.

The VIP package includes two domestic business class round-trip airfare tickets to and from the race, ground transportation to and from local airports, two nights in a premium hotel in Indianapolis, two private dinners, and on race day, a police escort to and from the Indy 500 track with special access to the TAG Heuer VIP Lounge. Enjoy special access to the “pits” where you can get an up-close view of all the sights and sounds of this race. You can experience the thrill of victory as you cheer for your favorite driver. All in TAG Heuer style!

Long after the checkered flag has been raised, you will be able to enjoy a special edition of the brand’s most iconic chronograph, The Monaco Gulf Special Edition. The Monaco was launched in 1969 and is historically the first Swiss made automatic chronograph that is both square and waterproof and was crafted in honor of the long-standing partnership with the Monaco Grand Prix.

TAG Heuer ambassador Steve McQueen famously portrayed driver Michael Delaney, while sporting a Monaco Calibre 11 in the 1971 film, LeMans, which depicts the golden age of motor racing. The McQueen-LeMans legacy is symbolically portrayed in this chronograph showing off the Gulf stripes, which served as the racing colors of his Team Gulf Porsche 917.

The special edition Monaco Gulf with its orange and blue parallel stripes, blue leather strap with orange top-stitching, offset crown, and bearing the classic HEUER logo, pay tribute to the rich history and 50th anniversary of the Gulf Racing stripes.

Valid only during Indy 500 Race in May 2019. No exchanges or refunds on TAG Heuer timepieces. Trip details to be booked through TAG Heuer.

* Donated by Tag Heuer and Bachendorf's 
** Photo provided by 2018 Cattle Baron's Ball

For ages the British gentleman has been a cut above others when it came to his dress. While some may attribute it to his valet’s care of his boss’ wardrobe, it’s actually due to the world-respected designers along Savile Row in Mayfair,  with Huntsman & Sons serving as the crown jewel. The winner of this 2018 live auction package will not only have the perks of having their African safari look-tailor made, they’ll also accessorize it with gold that an elephant would envy. And while in town, stash the diet the evening you and your guest dine at Annabel’s. Yum! Check out the details below.

Huntsman Savile Row And Patrick Mavros**

Iconic Savile Row Bespoke Tailoring firm Huntsman & Sons has collaborated with world-renown African jeweler, Patrick Mavros to create the ultimate African Safari ensemble. The lucky winner and a guest will hop across the pond to London and visit Huntsman at their legendary Savile Row establishment. There the winner will be measured for a bespoke safari suit by their Head Cutter. You’ll then be dined by Huntsman Chairman Pierre Lagrange at the exclusive Annabel’s private members club in London.

To complete the look the winner will also receive the much sought after Elephant Hair Bangle, Cufflinks, and Dress Studs handmade in 18ct yellow African gold by Patrick Mavros. Representative of brotherhood, virility and wisdom, the Elephant Hair Bangle was first brought to the West by Clark Gable, as the ultimate design of male adornment and was believed to have magical power. Gable wore the now famous Elephant Hair Bangle during the filming of “Mogambo,” dressed by Huntsman.

This experience is complete with a three-night stay at the world-famous Claridge’s London in a Deluxe King Room with English breakfast each morning. Winner also receives 440,000 miles provided by American Airlines for use towards their trip. Ground transportation to/from DFW Airport provided by Wynne Transportation.

* Donated by Huntsman, Savile Row, Patrick Mavros, Claridge’s London, American 
Airlines and Wynne Transportation 
** Claridge’s London reservation for two guests only. Subject to availability, 
and nights must be used together in one booking. Wynne Transportation is based 
upon availability and must be booked in advance. Guests may only be picked up 
and dropped off at one location for airport transfers. Claridge’s and Wynne 
Transportation expire October 20, 2019. Huntsman expires December 31, 2019. 
Dinner with Pierre Lagrange subject to his availability. For subsequent 
fittings, winner will be responsible for travel to Huntsman’s pied-a-terre 
in New York or a city on their trunk show list. Please note, depending on 
fittings, appointments final lead time may be changeable.
*** Photo provided by 2018 Cattle Baron’s Ball

One would have thought it was a meet-and-greet for Beyonce and Jay Z on Thursday, September 13. Rather it was the 2018 Crystal Charity Ball Ten Best Dressed Fashion Show Cocktail reception. The lineup of Rolls-Royces, Maseratis and luxury SUVs on Walnut Hill just west of the Dallas North Tollway had North Texas well-heeled and uber-well-dressed types momentarily cooling their wheels.

The occasion was enough to draw the tony crowd, but 2018 Crystal Charity Ball Chair Claire Emanuelson and CCB Ten Best Dressed Fashion Show Chair Heather Esping had arranged for the destination to be the 21^st century-refreshed, 30,000-square-foot Crespi mansion previously owned by Tom Hicks, Andy Beal and Howard Hughes (that final name was a joke).

Thank heaven, the grounds had managed to dry after days of wispy drizzle and torrential showers for the luxury vehicles to park on the south acreage. For one vintage event type, the rows of vehicles parked on the hill harkened back to the Cattle Baron’s Ball years of pasture parking.

After drivers maneuvered down the winding lane past the tennis and bocce ball courts, they found themselves negotiating through the narrow front gate to the auto courtyard. At this point a Gold Crown valet played traffic cop, waving some arriving cars in and others out for the parking grounds.

Once arriving at the base of the grand mansion now owned by Mehrdad Moayedi and on the market for $38.5M, it was a brief walk to the steps leading to the front door. One or two of the gals had to take a brief break before climbing the steps. Seems the itty-bitty gray gravel in the driveway had found its way into their delicate stiletto sandals.

As they made their way inside, they were greeted by a peppy music soundtrack (it had been crafted for an AIDS fundraiser by Lucy Wrubel) and JP Morgan’s Elaine Agather. Then word was passed: “Check out the bunker.”

They were talking about the mammoth mansion’s underground compound, which is bigger than some homes and a sight to behold with its media room, a series of locked rooms, a wine cellar with tasting room and much more. Real estate doyenne Allie Beth Allman said she was offering the Crespi manse for the third or fourth time, adding, “I think it’s the prettiest house in Texas.”

And Matching the Wow! factor of the mansion was the list of 265 guests, including the 2018 class of Ten Best Dressed — Anita Arnold with husband Truman Arnold, Delilah Boyd with husband Sam Boyd, Lisa Cooley with husband Clay Cooley and son Chase Cooley with his wife Bela Cooley, Jennifer Dix with her husband Richard Dix, Tucker Enthoven with mom Julie Ford and sis-in-law Martha Enthoven, Cate Ford with husband Jeremy Ford and papa-in-law Jerry Ford and his wife Kelli Ford, Cara French with husband Jim French and mom Prissy Gravely, Amy Hegi with husband Peter Hegi, Kimberly Whitman with husband Justin Whitman and parents Myrna and Bob Schlegel and Piper Wyatt with husband Mike Wyatt, 2018 Hall of Fame honoree Robyn Conlon with husband Don Conlon, 2018 Honorary Chair Norma Hunt with her sons — Clark Hunt with wife Tavia Hunt and Dan Hunt with wife Toni Munoz Hunt.

Neiman Marcus President Geoffrey van Raemdonck arrived with NM PR gal Mimi Sterling. According to Geoffroy, his husband Alvise Orsini was at work decorating their East Dallas home formerly owned by Stephanie and Hunter Hunt. But the sky-high-tall Belgian laughed when someone teased him that he wouldn’t get a chance to enjoy the new home due to his hectic travels to NM stores. As for Alvise, he was MIA due to a commitment in NYC.

And speaking of the Big Apple, the Oscar de la Renta team including the late designer’s stepdaughter Eliza Bolen with her husband Oscar de la Renta CEO Alex Bolen and designers Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia arrived in time for the party before showcasing their 2018-2019  Resort Collection the next day.

Lee Bailey was just back from visiting with the president of Rolls Royce and was on her way to settling her sister into new digs in Ohio. … Homebuilders Richard Dix  and Phillip Huffines reported that their businesses were going great guns … Jill Rowlett recalled how, as a high school student, her friends used to try to sneak into the Crespi estate to check out its “Grape” statue, located near the entrance. Not Jill, though; she’s the one who warned them, “You’re gonna get in trouble!”

For loads of more photos of the night, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Before the doors of Neiman Marcus Downtown opened on Friday, September 14, a sales associate told a friend, “Today there’ll be partying, but there will be no sales.” But like Brigadoon, the NM flagship for one day became a four-floor fashion extravaganza — the Crystal Charity Ball Ten Best Dressed Fashion Show. No doubt, sales would follow.

To kick things off, the ground floor was filled with guests sipping wine while NM staffers put the finishing touches for a seated luncheon that would follow the fashion presentation.

The second floor’s couture salon had already been totally transformed for the 10 Best presentation and a fashion show featuring Oscar de la Renta’s 2018-2019 Resort Collection. Before a run-through with the 10 (Anita Arnold, Delilah Boyd, Lisa Cooley, Jennifer Dix, Tucker Enthoven, Cate Ford, Cara French, Amy Hegi, Kimberly Whitman and Piper Wyatt), Honorary Chair Norma Hunt and Hall of Fame Honoree Robyn Conlon, NM Corporate Special Events VP Sandy Marple was personally arranging chairs and providing additional place cards for NM VIPs.

After doing a mic check, NM Sr. VP and fashion director/emcee Ken Downing, who had just returned to Dallas, told the staff he was going to have some height added to his hair. As he disappeared backstage, he was heard to say, “At my age, that’s all you have is height and hair.” The staff laughed.

After the run-through was accomplished, a very pregnant NM Downtown PR Marjon Henderson gave the marching orders to the 10, Norma, Robyn, 2018 CCB Chair Claire Emanuelson and 2018 CCB Fashion Show Chair Heather Esping. They were free to go to “Nancy’s party,” Marjon said, but they had to be back by 11:10 a.m.

Much to their chagrin, she also shared the news that the ladies couldn’t wear the on-loan Margot McKinney jewelry to “Nancy’s party” due to insurance restrictions.

No problem. After all, when at NM, there are always choicy alternatives. Claire found a faux diamond necklace. How much was the sparkly piece? $50.

Upstairs on the sixth floor, Nancy Rogers‘ pre-show party was just getting underway. Instead of as in years past, when the reception celebration for the 10 Best was in the Michael Flores Salon, Fancy Nancy had Gro’s Nathan Johnson turn the Zodiac Room into a chic lounge. On long tables down the center of the room were faceless white mannequins in Oscar fashions ruling over a garden of fall flowers in the middle of the room. Around the draped walls were couches separated by larger-than-life settings of more mannequins on stages, with shiny silver frames and even more floral displays.

Gina Betts took cellphone snaps of the displays as Dwight Emanuelson was settling into a good place. In just a couple of weeks, he’d be retiring from the board of Washington and Lee University; his wife was chairing the Crystal Charity Ball; and he was seated on a couch with a flute of Cristal. He smiled and asked, “How many glasses of Cristal are too much?

It soon became apparent that the move to the Zodiac Room was wise, as more than 75, including the 10, Norma, Robyn, their families and near-and-dear, arrived.

As Nancy made her way to the couch where Dwight was, she appeared to be like Hurricane Florence with rings of guests surrounding her. For an hour the Cristal flowed, a DJ at the entrance played music and people like NM President Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Kelli Ford, Neva Hall, 2019 CCB Chair Pat McEvoy, Moll Anderson, Nancy Dedman, Michael Flores, Muffin Lemak, Justin Whitman, Kristi Hoyl, Martha Enthoven, Billy Esping, Brian Bolke, Lisa Ogle, DeeDee Lee, Niven Morgan, Marybeth Conlon, Lisa Singleton, NM Downtown GM Tim Adair, Ginny Bailey, Jonika Nix, Tia Wynne, Tracy Lange and Conlons (papa Don Conlon, Casey Conlon, Marybeth and Keith Conlon, Meagan and Kevin Conlon) warmed up for the show that would soon take place. Getting out of school on their mothers’ special occasion were Gracie Dix and Charlotte Esping.

At one point the sound of glass crashing on the floor turned heads in the direction of one of the entrances. Seems a server had lost control of his tray, resulting in the surrounding floor sparkling with broken flutes awash with Cristal .

At 11:05 a.m., the 10 Plus 2 disappeared like stars in morning light. They quickly headed down to the dressing rooms of the 2^nd floor for last-minute touch-ups. Downing supervised each one. Claire’s McKinney necklace needed to be moved higher around her neck; Tucker’s blouse needed a touch of fashion tape to keep the top in place.

As the girls chilled in the dressing rooms’ hallway, they looked like dorm residents sharing stories. It was now time for the “shoe shot” of the ladies of the hour, which had become a tradition of sorts. But some were still being finalized. So, photos were taken of their earrings. While most of the lobe decorations cost big bucks, one admitted that hers went only for the price of a nice big lunch.

In the meantime, the narrow showroom was jammed with Dallas Who’s Whos like Laura Bush, Annette Simmons, Lee Ann White, Gene Jones, Lisa Troutt, Sheila Grant, Lynn McBee, Elaine Agather, Lynne Sheldon, Regan Fearon, Georgina Hartland, Jan Miller, Melissa Stewart, Lucy Billingsley, Jan Langbein, Heather Furniss, Ashley Allen, Nancy Carter and her entourage (Beth Layton, Di Johnston and Vicky Lattner), Christina Durovich, Kim Hext, Amy Turner, Tricia George, Jill Rowlett, Amy Green, Tanya Foster, Anne Stodghill, Rebecca Fletcher, Michaela Dyer and past CCB Chairs Aileen Pratt, Connie O’Neill, Sally Berry, Christie Carter, Gloria Eulich, Caren Kline, Lydia Novakov, Pam Perella, Michal Powell, Jill Smith and Vicki Chapman with daughter Lauren Chapman.

And speaking of mother-daughter guests, there were also Peggy Sewell with daughter Jacquelin Sewell, Jan Pickens with daughter Alison Farrow, Jacqueline Fojtasek and daughter-in-law Ola Fojtasek, Joan Eleazer with daughter Layne Pitzer, Debbie Raynor with daughter Molly Raynor Carson, Billie Leigh Rippey with daughter Paige Locke, Nancy Dedman and daughter-in-law Rachael Dedman and Amy Hegi with daughter Kate Hegi.

Soon it was showtime, with Ken entering from backstage like a rock star. He got things moving right along introducing Geoffroy, who said he felt like he was “becoming a real Texan where I start liking the heat… not minding 100 degrees and more. Last weekend when it turned to be 80 degrees I decided it was time to wear a cashmere sweater. My little son Adrian looked at me and said, ‘Papa is fou,’ which in is English for, ‘Daddy is crazy.'” One guest, obviously taken by Geoffroy’s Belgian accent, claimed that Geoffroy could recite the instructions to build a carburetor and make it sound delicious.

Handlers did take note that Geoffroy did go off script. But it was a good ad lib endearing him to all.

Next up was Claire, who said she loved the way he said her name. Then she admitted having trepidation about pronouncing his name. Following Claire were Heather and Oscar de la Renta CEO/son-in-law of the late designer, Alex Bolen.

The presentation kicked off with Honorary Chair Norma escorted by her sons Clark Hunt and Dan Hunt followed by the 10. The final presentation was Hall of Famer Robyn Conlon escorted by her husband Don Conlon. The couple, some knew, would soon be celebrating their 40th anniversary.

Also getting a show of appreciation were Oscar co-creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia following the presentation of the endless stream of fashions.

There were a couple of unplanned moments during the show thanks to daughter power, though. Lisa Cooley got a cellphone salute from daughter Ciara Cooley and daughter-in-law Bela Cooley. As Jennifer made the runway’s hairpin curve, she waved at daughter Gracie Dix, who blushed and proudly smiled. When the group photo of the Ten plus Two was taken, blonde Curran Ford was spotted in the crowd. Despite coaxing from the ladies of the hour and photographers, Curran was way too shy to join the group. That’s when Ken stepped in, offered his hand to the youngster and said that he would escort her to the lineup. Curran took Ken’s hand and obediently followed his direction to her mother’s lap. Oh, that Ken once again had his way with the ladies!

But by the time the group departed for lunch, some were starting to feel the heat from the blinding stage lights. Not to worry. The fourth floor was so chilly, Fernando chivalrously took off his jacket and put it over Laura’s shoulders. One guest wondered aloud why NM wasn’t selling furs.

While the guests lunched on classic lobster salad with roasted red peppers, cherry heirloom tomatoes, hearts of palm and white balsamic dressing and roasted herb lemon chicken with watermelon, feta cheese, olives avocado and baby greens complimented with Chateau Miraval Rose (Cotes de Provence 2016) and Nicolas Feuillatte Brut of Epernay NV, the second-floor fashion showroom underwent a miraculous transformation. It tiers of chairs, backdrops and production stand suddenly vanished, and the couture salon was restored to regular order, just in time for afternoon business.

For more pictures of the day, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

This 2018 Cattle Baron’s Ball live auction package may be the ultimate memento from the Saturday, October 20th “Sapphires and Spurs.” While anybody can snag a pair of spurs, only the winner will wear a 6.06 carat sapphire selected by Diamonds Direct. To enhance the beauty of this magnificent gem, the winner and friend will be flown to NYC to join world-renowned jewelry designer Christopher Slowinski in his very private Christopher Designs studio to create an exclusive design for this oval shaped treasure. As Christopher put it, “I have always been intrigued with taking something established and making it even more beautiful.”

To learn the details of the trip, the sapphire and an extra perk or two, read the details below.

Sapphire In The City **

A weekend away in New York City is just the beginning of this sparkling excursion package donated by Diamonds Direct. The lucky winner will receive a stunning 6.06 carat oval-shaped natural blue sapphire, hand selected by the experts from Diamonds Direct and certified by GRS Swiss Lab, to be crafted into the jewelry piece of their dreams by world-renowned designer and longtime partner of Diamonds Direct, Christopher Slowinski of Christopher Designs.

Pack your bags and get ready to enjoy business class round-trip flights to the Big Apple and a two-night getaway in a five-star hotel for two. You’ll be able to see all the wonders that the Christopher Designs studio has to offer during your exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of his state of the art facilities and get a peak at some of the jewelry that lands on red carpets all over the world. During your visit, Diamonds Direct and Christopher himself will sit down one-on-one to sketch your new prized possession for you to ensure that every detail is just right. While you’re there customizing your dream piece, Diamonds Direct will also gift you with a gorgeous one-of-a-kind painting from Christopher’s personal works to commemorate the unforgettable experience.

A true visionary in his field and a highly acclaimed artist, Christopher is opening his studio to two guests for the very first time. There will be plenty of inspiration to be found throughout your exploration, which will be just the thing to get your creative juices flowing to help you envision the perfect setting.

* Donated by Diamonds Direct
** Trip to be coordinated based on the availability of the Christopher 
Designs team. Blackout dates may apply and must take place on mutually 
agreed upon dates
*** Photo provided by 2018 Cattle Baron’s Ball