It’s no secret that we’ll be the first to send in our response card to attend a shoe-centric event. On this particular occasion at Neiman Marcus NorthPark, we gathered for a special fete honoring Jane Weitzman, the wife of shoe maven Stuart Weitzman and vice president of the company, to celebrate her new book and an even greater cause.
The sold-out event, which was spearheaded by Lizzie Greif and hosted by the Dallas Jewish Book Fest, raised funds for the Breast Cancer Support Services at Jewish Family Services.
Chic altruists — including Stephanie Prescott, Janet Baum, Donna Weitzman, Linda Johnson, Wendy Stanley and Ethel Zale — rendezvoused on the third floor to purchase Art & Sole and admire the handmade shoes on display before the main event began. While noshing on dainty bites provided by Simcha Kosher Catering, Weitzman floated through the crowd in a poppy red dress and leopard boots (designed by her husband, of course).
Once seated, Book Fest chair Liz Liener thanked everyone in attendance, the underwriters and Greif for her dedication to making the event possible. Then Greif, who helped organize the event in honor of the late Margot Rosenberg Pulitzer, talked about the beneficiary and how vital the support group was to her mother when her sister died of breast cancer.
She proceeded with Weitzman’s accolades, including leading the company to raise funds for breast and ovarian cancer research and serving on the boards of many philanthropic organizations, such as the American Jewish Joint Distribution Company and the trust board of Boston Children’s Hospital.
Weitzman humbly took to the microphone and began talking about her experience overseeing the windows of Stuart Weitzman on Madison Avenue. She was always on the hunt for beautiful handmade shoes made by artists from all over the world.
Weitzman explained that the customer’s response to the ornate windows was so great that she decided to write a book and showcase the artists’ magnificent work. As she shared stories about the artists and their inspirations, the crowd admired a slideshow of fantastic shoes.
Later, someone in the crowd asked, “How many shoes do you have?” Weitzman replied simply “a lot” and added that she only wears her husband’s designs (except when it comes to sneakers).
Before the dessert-filled book-signing portion commenced in the shoe department, Weitzman credited her and her husband’s success to their continuous devotion to giving back to the community.
Other devotees in attendance were over-the-top bar mitzvah boy Sam Horowitz and his mom Angela, Shirley Rovinsky, Janis Gayle, Molly Mirsky, Jaynie Schultz, Ron Romaner and Laurie Judson.
Donna Weitzman, Jane Weitzman
Inspired by more than a century of Shiner brewing tradition, the collaboration celebrates Texas heritage with apparel designed for everything from brewery patios to dance halls.Photo courtesy of Texas Standard and Shiner