Philanthropy meets fashion
We always say yes when Neiman Marcus big wigs Ken Downing and Karen Katz talkshop
Philanthropy and fashion? Yes, please. Especially when the keynote speakers are Karen Katz and Ken Downing of Neiman Marcus, group president and CEO and senior vice president and fashion director, respectively.
The dynamic duo attracted more than 600 ladies — and, yes, a few men — to the Omni Dallas for the Yes! Event benefiting the Legacy Preston Hollow, a Dallas home for Jewish aged.
To begin the daytime fete, Legacy chairman of the board Jerry Rasansky thanked everyone for "saying yes" and recognized honorary chair Carol Aaron and co-chairs Lisa Albert, Linda Garner, Tricia Gold, Amy Korenvaes and Ilana Narosov.
Then Michael Ellentuck,president and CEO of the Legacy Senior Communities, took the stage and talked about the past 60 years of leadership — supporting the seniors in the Legacy homes via volunteerism, health care, home care and financial support. "This year is no exception," he said.
Then he invited Aaron to the stage, calling her a "vision" for all the work she has done for the organization. "Everything you ask, my answer will be 'yes,'" Ellentuck said. "That's the way I like it," Aaron responded.
After a video presentation about Legacy's health care and housing communities, guests dined on a light lunch before Katz and Downing took the stage. These are but a few of our favorite quotes from their conversation:
- "Ken should be an honorary member of the Jewish community," Katz said.
- "I go to over 400 [fashion] shows by the end of Paris and Milan [fashion weeks]," Downing said. "That's in one season — over 1,000 by the end of the year."
- "Orange is my new neutral," said Downing about the hot new spring color.
- "Trends shouldn't just be for a colorful moment," Downing said.
The fashion executives chatted about fashion bloggers, designers and spring 2013 fashion trends. About the latter, Downing noted gladiators (heels, flats and boots), blue, orange, colorful lace and prints.
Spotted in the chic crowd: Linda Garner, Brooklyn Garner, Ilana Narosov, Amy Kornevaes, Lisa Albert, Tricia Gold, Helen Wunsch, Dawn Aaron, Tracy Aaron, Nicole Blue, Erica Robins, Angela Horowitz, Laurie Judson, Melissa Ackerman, Emily Ackerman, Stephanie Prescott, Janet Baum, Andrea Statman, and Michael Fleisher.