Luncheon of firsts: Houston Chronicle's 2018 'Best Dressed' raises record $638K at Post Oak Hotel Honorees and March of Dimes' 80th anniversary celebrated at the brand new Post Oak Hotel

By Amber Elliott Updated 1:05 pm, Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Claire Cormier-Thielke, from left, Millette Sherman, Stephanie Cockrell, Shawntell McWilliams, Brigitte Kalai, Jack Sweeney, Bob Devlin, Karina Barbieri, Alicia Smith, Hallie Vanderhider, Lindley Arnoldy and Paige Fertitta at the Houston Chronicle Best Dressed Luncheon and Neiman Marcus Fashion Presentation. Photo: Gary Fountain, For The Chronicle/Gary Fountain / Copyright 2018 Gary Fountain

Photo: Gary Fountain, For The Chronicle/Gary Fountain Image 1 of 55 Claire Cormier-Thielke, from left, Millette Sherman, Stephanie Cockrell, Shawntell McWilliams, Brigitte Kalai, Jack Sweeney, Bob Devlin, Karina Barbieri, Alicia Smith, Hallie Vanderhider, Lindley Arnoldy and ... more

There was a lot to get excited about at Tuesday's Best Dressed Luncheon. 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.

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 raised a record-shattering $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, to provide 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. Recommended Video: Now Playing: Pitbull takes the stage at Post Oak Hotel

Grammy Award winning artist Pitbull performs during Houston Children's Charity's record-breaking $2.2 million gala. Media: Amber Elliott, Houston Chronicle

The fashionable and philanthropic bunch were introduced by Houston Chronicle chairman Jack Sweeney and fashion editor Joy Sewing, from the colorful stage. Of course, the dozen crystal chandeliers glittering overhead didn't hurt.

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 and Hall of Famer 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, Lora Clemmons, Isabel David, Gina Gaston, Gayla Gardner, Carol Linn, Frances Marzio, Winell Herron, Kelli Cohen Fein, Rosemary Schatzman, Merele Yarborough, Barbara Seymour and Duyen Nguyen.