Best Dressed fashion show bids farewell to downtown Neiman Marcus store
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was updated at 6:44 p.m. Dec. 3 to include a new statement from Saks Global about the future of the downtown Neiman Marcus store.
As the first floor of the downtown Neiman Marcus filled up with champagne-sipping women of all ages, the air was tinged with nostalgia and poignancy for likely the last such fashion show at the venerable store location.
With the historic store facing dramatic changes after this year’s holiday shopping season, patrons have been pondering the end of an era, one which has included the store hosting the Crystal Charity Ball Committee’s presentation of The Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas.
This September’s occasion with a Brunello Cucinelli fashion show marked the 51st anniversary of the Crystal Charity Ball luncheon.
“We are especially proud that Neiman Marcus has served as the fashion show sponsor for 50 of those years,” said Saks global president and CCO Emily Essner. “I want to thank the Neiman Marcus corporate and store team. Today is a reflection of your dedication and creativity in bringing the Neiman Marcus magic to life for our customers and community.”
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Others also got nostalgic, talking about the history of the store, the event, and the impact.
“Today reminds me that cultural impact is not solely about heritage, beauty, or tradition,” Brunello Cucinelli vice president and co-creative director Carolina Cucinelli said. “It’s about human dignity, about giving back, and about leaving behind something meaningful for generations to come.”
Since 1952, Crystal Charity has distributed more than $198 million to the children of Dallas County. With a 2025 fundraising goal of $7,459,305, the charity will benefit seven worthy beneficiaries in the areas of health, education, and social services making a difference in the lives of many underserved children in our community.
“This legacy would not be possible without our dear friend Neiman Marcus,” asserted Ball Chair Mary Martha Pickens, “who, for over 50 years has helped us raise millions of dollars for children’s non-profits in Dallas, all the while honoring some of the most fashionable and charitable women in our community.”
Jacquelin Sewell Atkinson, Julie Bagley, Shelby Goff, Shannon Ligon Graham, Tracey Kozmetsky, Tracy Lange, Wendy W. Messmann, Lisa Rocchio, Sunie Solomon, Katherine Wyker, and Hall of Fame Honoree Aileen Pratt took to the runway in glamorous, largely neutral fall tones — silvers, whites, and shimmering greys and blacks.
Accessories were resplendent with sparkling diamonds and traditional pearls.
The ensuing Cucinelli runway show featured more autumn shades in browns, beiges, greys, and burgundies with flashes of silver and navy blue.
Full-length evening gowns and double-breasted suits were contrasted with sweater dresses, oversized herringbone patterns, belted fur coats, suede jackets, and a touch of whimsy with knit-covered riding helmets. A final sequined tope strapless stunner of an evening gown brought a hearty round of applause from the accomplished crowd.
Amongst the gaggles of lunching ladies in the aftermath, the subject of this being the swan song of such fashion shows came up amongst other gossip.
“It’s the last one here,” one attendee lamented. “Saks wants to close the store. So, they’ll probably move (Best Dressed) to NorthPark. It is sad. But Neiman’s dabbled with closing before.”
As the stylish, primped ladies slowly flowed out of the store to chat and wait on their valeted cars on the sidewalk in the late summer heat, at least a few wistfully glanced back and smiled at the old Neiman Marcus façade.
Whether the downtown store will close in 2026 is unclear. Saks has talked about reimagining it, possibly with a much smaller footprint.
On Dec. 3, the company issued a statement about the store’s future: “We continue to have productive conversations with the city of Dallas to potentially reimagine the Neiman Marcus Downtown Dallas location. The store will remain open past the 2025 holiday season while this process continues in 2026. We remain committed to serving our loyal Dallas customers and look forward to sharing more soon.”
