For over 50 years, the downtown Dallas Neiman Marcus has been the primary host for a fashion show that’s featured names like Oscar de la Renta and Brunello Cucinelli. On Thursday, it held the event there for the last time.
Hundreds filled a packed room on the second floor for the Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show and Luncheon. This year’s featured designer was Carolina Herrera, whose clothing was showcased on the runway amid bright lights and peppy music.
Yet the store itself is set to close in less than two weeks, making the Thursday gathering the last major event for the retail site. Neiman Marcus is part of Exemplar Luxury Group, which unveiled its plans for the store closure in June amid a bankruptcy process that’s now behind it.
“This city, Dallas, is much more than a market for us. It is the heartbeat of Neiman Marcus brand, and it remains very important to Exemplar Luxury Group,” Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Exemplar Luxury’s CEO, told attendees.
Neiman Marcus was acquired by what was then Saks Global, now Exemplar Luxury Group, at the end of 2024, combining forces with Saks Fifth Avenue’s operations. With this closure, the company is putting its focus in Dallas at NorthPark Center mall, which is a roughly 10-minute drive away.
A “reimagined” Zodiac Room, the legendary restaurant at the downtown building, is set to be open before the holidays, according to Mary McGreevy, chief stores officer.
“Today, we honor the memories that each of you have for the downtown store, including the five decades of Crystal Charity events,” McGreevy said during the event. “Our commitment is stronger to this city than ever.”
The Crystal Charity Ball aims to aid, support and make contributions to children’s charities in Dallas County. Its committee members have distributed over $209 million to beneficiaries since the 1950s.
The event on Thursday included “the ten best dressed women of Dallas” and drew some well-known names in the local community. Jerry and Gene Jones were in attendance along with Laura Bush. Also, Nancy Nasher, co-owner of NorthPark Center, was named honorary chair.
The fashion show showcasing Carolina Herrera’s designs came at the end of the event. It covered everything from skirts and dresses to jeans. Amid the sparkles, the runway showed off prints, solids and plenty of color.
“This is the last Crystal Charity in this fabulous building,” said Wes Gordon, global creative director at Carolina Herrera. “But it’s bittersweet because we all know the future of Neiman’s has never been brighter, thanks to the amazing Geoffroy.”