Perfect 10
Record $638K raises the bar at Best Dressed luncheon
There was a lot to get excited about at the Houston Chronicle’s Best Dressed Luncheon and Neiman Marcus Fashion Presentation.
From the event landing on the first day of spring to beneficiary the March of Dimes’ 80th anniversary, the odds were stacked in favor of a momentous fundraiser. Factor in that the Houston Chronicle’s 36th annual midday soirée became the first major charity event held at Tilman Fertitta’s shiny new Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston. The Rockets owner and Landry’s CEO had welcomed his first overnight guests days earlier.
To top it off, co-chairs Dr. Sippi Khurana and Laura Davenport and nearly 600 attendees helped raised a recordshattering $638,000 for the organization, thanks in part to presenting sponsor the Woman’s Hospital of Texas and CEO Ashley McClellan. March of Dimes advocates for expectant mothers and their children by promoting the “best possible start” for all babies.
Honorees Lindley Arnoldy, Karina Barbieri, Brigitte Kalai, Shawntell McWilliams, Alicia Smith, Claire Cormier Thielke and Hallie Vanderhider joined Hall of Famers Stephanie Cockrell, Paige Fertitta and Millette Sherman, all of whom made the Best Dressed list for the third time.
The fashionable and philanthropic bunch were introduced by Houston Chronicle chairman Jack Sweeney and fashion writer Joy Sewing on a colorful stage with a dozen crystal chandeliers glittering overhead.
Neiman Marcus Houston’s top brass, Bob Devlin and Stacey Swift, presented an Akris runway show worthy of Fashion Week.
The man behind the Swiss fashion house — designer and creative director Albert Kriemler — made a rare appearance. It had been 18 years since he was last in Houston. At that time, he immersed himself in Houston’s rich arts scene, taking in tours at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Menil Collection and the Rothko Chapel.
“Many other cities have only arrived with the arts offerings in the last 10 years, but Houston, you were ready 20 years ago,” Kriemler said as he waited for the program to begin.
The designer gushed about indulging in Mexican fare at Hugo’s the night before, too. “I know when I come to Texas, I must have Mexican food . ... Yes, I had a margarita for sure. Fortunately, I remained composed,” he said with a chuckle.
The catwalk at the luncheon was so convincing that Neiman Marcus senior vice president Ken Downing surprised the crowd by live-auctioning tickets to an upcoming Akris show in Paris. Maureen Hackett and Best Dressed Hall of Famer Sheridan Williams won the spoils after a bidding war against interior designer Lucinda Loya.
Also among the previous honorees and supporters in the ballroom: Lester and Sue Smith, Lynn Wyatt, Rufus and Yvonne Cormier, Phoebe Tudor, Susan Sarofim, Kristy Bradshaw, Phyllis Williams, Mandy Kao, Jana Arnoldy, Isabel David, Gina Gaston, Gayla Gardner, Carol Linn, Frances Marzio,