The best-dressed women in Dallas stunned in their sumptuous gowns as they sashayed into the Hilton Anatole Hotel for Crystal Charity Ball on December 7. The annual fête is considered not only the grand finale of Dallas' fall social season — raising millions of dollars for local children's charities — but also the biggest fashion moment of the year.
The looks ranged from voluminous ball gowns to sleek columns. They shimmered with sequins, shined with rich fabrics, and dazzled with delicate detailing. And, apropos of the evening's theme, “South American Mosaic,” they wove a tapestry of color throughout the ballroom.
Standout guests included Gracie Hunt in her sparkling cream-colored Carolina Herrera gown with a sweep train that swished on the dance floor. Ball chair Pat McEvoy looked the picture of perfection as she greeted guests in her decadent black Oscar de la Renta gown with gold embroidery throughout. Deborah Perry turned heads in a billowing, blue ombre-tiered ballgown by Marchesa.
Also choosing various shades of blue were Wanda Fearing in Valentino, Katie Robbins in Shoshanna, Gable Shikah in Hadleigh's, Holly Riefe in Mac Duggal, and Lisa Singleton in Lela Rose. Blue tuxes happened to be a trend for the dapper gentlemen, too, including Paul Divis, Frank Howard, Field Harrison, and Dean Fearing.
For every blue sapphire, there were other jewel tones in the crown. Ladies in ruby red included Anne Davidson in Oscar de la Renta Couture, Melinda Knowles in Lela Rose, Candace Winslow in Marchesa, Caroline Anderson in Chiara Boni La Petite, and Lisa Fortson in a custom creation.
Looking gorgeous in green were Kathryn Dunn, Sarah Klein, Nardos Imam and Patti Flowers in their own stunning designs, Sanida Grillo in Carolina Herrera, and Kim Quinn in Patti Flowers.
Pink and purple were the perfect picks for Sarah Smith, Blair Raylee, Kate Meyer, Christy Berry, DeLayna Minter, Wendy Messman in Terani Couture, Anne Besser in Patti Flowers, Sabrina Harrison in Alex Perry, Stacey Walker in Carmen Marc Valvo, and Tiffany Divis in Michael Faircloth.
Black and white were anything but basic, as proven by Tavia Hunt, Azemina Razoncic, Katherine Coker, Sally Taylor, Susan Gosslee, Meggan Panzino, Sarah Bowlby in BCBG, Tonja Wells in Carolina Herrera, Kristen Robbins in Monique Lhuillier, Emberly Pridham in Hadleigh's, Caren Kline in Marchesa, Kim Hext in Solis London, Elizabeth Meier in Bouguessa, and Marisa Howard in Sofia.
Stepping out of the jewel box, donning bold patterns and intricate designs were Emily Miller, Marjon Henderson in Aidan Mattox, Samantha Wortley in Prabal Gurung, Lauren Zugaro in Temperley London, Tucker Enthoven in Carolina Herrera, Kate Boatright in Tish Cox, and Olivia Kearney in Mackenzie Brittingham.
While they sipped Champagne during the cocktail reception, dined in a tropical paradise in the ballroom, and danced the night away, the city's chicest women carried the one accessory that never goes out of style — their Dallas grace and charm.
Greg Hext, Kim Hext in Solis London
Blood Cancer United executive director Leah Swanson, Spirit of Tom Landry Award recipient Vivian Haddad, Lara Haddad and emcee Clarice Tinsley.Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass
