Love was in the air at the 29th annual Saint Valentine's Day Luncheon and Fashion Show benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Just days before Valentine's Day, ladies (and a smattering of gents), decked out in all shades of pink and red, gathered at the elegant Meyerson Symphony Center for the largest springtime fashion show in Dallas.
After a bubbly-filled reception, guests — including Amanda Ward, Lynn McBee, Linda Ivy, Sharon Adams, Leigh Brock, Doris Jacobs, Teffy Jacobs, Nancy Gopez, Bunny Cotten, and Pat and Emmitt Smith — found their seats in the main performance hall, where they were welcomed by emcee Clarice Tinsley of Fox 4 News. She spoke of the luncheon's "Heartstrings" theme and explained the heart refers to the charitable members in the crowd, while the strings represent the orchestra that calls the Meyerson home.
Tinsley called upon Pat Thompson, executive director of the LLS North Texas Chapter, to say a few words. "The time is now," Thompson said. "We're on the brink of finding a cure, today."
Then Tinsley recognized the "perfectly tuned trio" — event chairs Paige Slates, Maggie Kipp and Angela Chouquette. The lovely ladies came to the stage and recognized honorary chairs Myrna and Bob Schlegel and reminded guests to join them for a post-lunch reception at Stanley Korshak.
Speaking of Korshak, owner Crawford Brock was this year's recipient of the Heart of Gold Award. Real estate guru Ellen Terry presented Brock with the honor, calling him as a man with a can-do spirit and philanthropic heart. Upon acceptance, Brock said his charitable efforts are not his alone, but rather the efforts of the entire Korshak family.
Before the fashion show began, Alicia Landry, escorted by her son, Tom Landry Jr., presented Josh Cobler with the Spirit of Tom Landry Character Award. Cobler, honored for saving his brother's life with a bone marrow donation, urged guests to sign up for bone marrow registry and "give the greatest gift of saving a life."
After the presentations, an emotional crowd switched gears for the fashion show. Models strutted down the runway in looks provided by Korshak, from such designers as Lanvin, Roberto Cavalli, Missoni, Akris Punto/Fuzzi, Carolina Herrera, Etro, Naeem Khan, Fendi and Prabal Gurung.
For the main event, a conductor came out and stood at the top of the runway. As the music began to play, the girls emerged wearing gorgeous gowns from Monique Lhuillier's spring 2013 collection, then took a seat in ghost chairs positioned onstage.
After the show, enlightened guests enjoyed a light lunch in the main lobby, with visions of designer fashions dancing in their heads.
Fly By Midnight.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Carter Brown.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Landon Richie.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Liliana Villarreal, Kelley Robinson, Brandon Wolf, Dustin Vyers.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Cynt MarshallPhoto by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Jason Lamoreaux and Black Tie Dinner beneficiaries.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company