Some of Dallas' most fashionable and philanthropic arrived at the Neiman Marcus flagship store downtown on September 12, ready to "oooh" and "aaah" at Oscar de la Renta's pre-spring 2025 collection while also raising big funds for local beneficiaries.
The Crystal Charity Ball's Ten Best Dressed Luncheon and Fashion Show is considered by many to be the unofficial start of fall society season, which spans galas to luncheons with celebrities galore.
This year's luncheon was not only celebrating its 50th anniversary, but also the sixth year that Neiman Marcus has hosted Oscar de la Renta for Crystal Charity events, making the brand the most frequent collaborator since the event's inception in 1974.
With Champagne and sparkling water in hand, guests mingled among jewelry and perfume on the luxury retailer's first floor before heading upstairs for the fashion show.
The luncheon began on Neiman Marcus' first floor.Photo by Tamytha Cameron
Neiman Marcus president Ryan Ross welcomed the excited crowd, followed by words from fashion show chair Kim Hext and Crystal Charity Ball chair Cheryl Joyner.
Dallas Cowboys executive vice president and chief brand officer Charlotte Jones was next at the podium, explaining the annual tradition of celebrating the ‘Ten Best Dressed Women’ for their dedication to community service and commitment to personal style.
Jones then introduced this year's honorees: Monica Eastin, Tracey Kozmetsky, Meredith Land, Tracy Lange, Anne McPherson, Wendy Messmann, Lisa Rocchio, Kim Quinn, Katherine Wyker, and Sunie Solomon.
The 2024 Hall of Fame Award, a distinction earned after being named to the Ten Best Dressed list for three consecutive years, was presented to Lisa Cooley.
Lisa and Clay Cooley.Photo by Tamytha Cameron
Each of the women glided down the runway dressed in Oscar de la Renta and adorned with jewelry from David Webb. The iconic fashion designer's pre-spring 2025 collection focused heavily on florals — groundbreaking — with elegant neutrals offset by vibrant pops of rose, lapis, and butter yellow. Orchid flowers appeared throughout — perhaps you've seen the stained glass-inspired gowns on social media? — in addition to the introduction of a day-to-night snakeskin concept.
Lunch on the fourth floor immediately followed, with guests dining on sliced beef tenderloin, a beet and goat cheese terrine, and roasted corn lettuce "tostada" accented with jalapeño crema and raisin chorizo. A decadent slice of triple chocolate mousse cake and berries closed out the meal.
The independent nonprofit's grand finale, the Crystal Charity Ball, is set for December 7 at the Hilton Anatole. This year's theme, "New York Holiday," brings the Big Apple to Big D.
Since 1952, Crystal Charity Ball has distributed more than $191 million to the children of Dallas County. The 2024 recipients include:
- Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
- HHM Health
- Methodist Health System Foundation
- Parkland Health Foundation
- The Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology
- Traffick911
- Vogel
- The Crystal Charity Ball 70th Anniversary Project
Photo by Tamytha Cameron
The 2024 honorees.
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