The unofficial start to fall society season had distinct la dolce vita vibes this year, as The Crystal Charity Ball's Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas fashion show and luncheon swept its guests away to Italy.
Well, technically, Neiman Marcus Downtown, where philanthropic fashionistas gathered on September 11 to toast the honorees and featured designer Brunello Cucinelli.
Suited male models and a champagne reception greeted the mostly female crowd, many of whom donned the chocolate-brown and shimmering ivory shades prominent in the Italian designer's fall/winter 2025 line.
The event took place at Neiman Marcus Downtown.Photo by Tamytha Cameron
Then everyone was whisked upstairs to the fashion show, where Saks Global president and chief commercial officer Emily Essner welcomed the buzzing attendees.
Carolina Cucinelli, one of the designer's two daughters and his brand's vice president and co-creative director, came all the way from Italy for the event, which helps raise funds for a collection of nonprofits in North Texas.
The fashion show — chaired this year by Amy Hegi and honorary chair Francie Moody-Dahlberg — bookends with The Crystal Charity Ball in December, currently chaired by Mary Martha Pickens.
This year's beneficiaries will be funded with a collective commitment of $7,459,305. They include:
- Café Momentum
- Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep
- Dallas CASA
- Foundation For The Callier Center For Communication Disorders
- Retina Foundation Of The Southwest
- The Stewpot
- West Dallas Community School.
Elaine Agather, global vice chair at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, then introduced the 2025 crop of Ten Best Dressed. Though the women are certainly stylish, the title truly reflects their dedication to philanthropy and commitment to community service.
Strutting down the runway in Cucinelli couture were: Jacquelin Sewell Atkinson, Julie Bagley, Shelby Goff, Shannon Graham, Tracey Kozmetsky, Tracy Lange, Wendy Messmann, Lisa Rocchio, Sunie Solomon, and Katherine Wyker.
Aileen Pratt was the 2025 Hall of Fame Honoree, a distinction earned after being named to the Ten Best Dressed list for three consecutive years.
A model walks the runway in the Cucinelli style show.Photo by Tamytha Cameron
The fashion show then had the crowd yearning for crisp fall days and snowy Aspen vacations — "That sweater would be great for the two days I could wear it!" quipped my seatmate — showcasing tailored menswear, equestrian-themed separates, and ending with a delicately knit white gown befitting a winter queen.
Lunch on the fourth floor brought everyone back to sun-soaked Italy, complete with Cucinelli's own brand of olive oil for dipping.
Antipasti primed appetites for a slow-roasted beef tenderloin tagliata served with Caprese salad, followed by a classic tiramisu for dessert. Pours of Veuve Clicquot champagne and Antinori Castello Della Sala Cervaro white wine inspired several toasts around the room.
The organization's grand finale, the invitation-only Crystal Charity Ball, is set for December 6 at the Hilton Anatole, with the theme "Expedition d’Elegance." Black-tie-clad guests will be surprised with the gala's "final destination" when the ballroom doors are swung open.
The event took place at Neiman Marcus Downtown.Photo by Tamytha Cameron
A model walks the runway in the Cucinelli style show.Photo by Tamytha Cameron
