When some of St. Louis’ most fashionable tastemakers gathered Friday night as part of the Raceway to Runway Enjoy Illinois 300 kickoff festivities, they were doing more than getting an exclusive preview — and opportunity to purchase — items from Oscar de la Renta’s Pre‑Spring 2027 collection.
Each step down the runway poured into the legacy of the first African American driver and team owner to compete — and win — across NASCAR’s top divisions.
“We are proud to be part of this incredible weekend alongside World Wide Technology Raceway, the Wendell Scott Foundation, NASCAR and the Confluence Music Festival to celebrate the energy and spirit of St. Louis,” said Daniel Kramer, vice president and general manager of Neiman Marcus at Plaza Frontenac.
A portion of the proceeds from sales made over the race weekend will benefit the foundation established in Scott’s honor. The foundation provides scholarships and resources for young people.
“I am so proud to be here, honored to be here and thankful to be here,” said Warrick Scott, CEO of the Wendell Scott Foundation. “Mr. Steward has championed my grandfather’s legacy from the moment we met. And because of his generous support, we have been able to save lives. We’ve been able to provide scholarship dollars for youth — critical dollars for what we do. We all know that the children are the best investment.”
After brief remarks, the second floor of Neiman Marcus became a runway for a first‑hand look at what the fashion house will serve up for 2027.
Highlights from the collection included a structured floral mini dress with embroidered appliqué, defined shoulders and a sharp waist that holds its shape from daytime to evening. A satin column gown featured a straight, floor‑length silhouette and a neckline that sits just above the collarbone.
The audience let out a collective gasp as an olive‑green ensemble came down the runway.
A metallic strapless cocktail dress with a structured bodice and controlled shine, along with the fashion house’s embroidered bridal gown in a soft shade of ivory, were also crowd pleasers.
Warrick Scott said his grandfather would have appreciated the evening — especially the diversity among the models.
“One thing about him is that he had style — he was so stylish,” Warrick said. “And he and Oscar de la Renta were both trailblazers in their fields. They both have connections with what they had to do as far as creativity and ingenuity.”
Nearly 35 years ago, de la Renta became the first Dominican to design for a French couture house with his haute couture collection for Balmain.
Warrick pointed out the similarities between race car drivers and fashion designers.
“You have to be creative. You must be able to work with your hands, and you have to believe in yourself,” Warrick said. “Often, you’ll tell people what your dreams are or what you want to do — and be met with skepticism. And you have to have the confidence to pursue it.”
Warrick called the late Wendell Scott a vanguard in the sport.
“He knew that he was one of a kind,” Warrick said. “And he knew what he was doing and that it would pave the way for so many others.”
Warrick sees World Wide Technology Raceway and the Steward Family Foundation’s eagerness to generate energy around his grandfather’s legacy and what he did for the sport —and what his foundation continues to do in his honor—as a blessing.
“I wish I had a way to describe the Steward family’s contribution to our foundation and to honoring the legacy of my grandfather,” Warrick said. “But it has been paradigm shifting, and it has been heaven sent. No other institution, entity or foundation of this stature has done this on behalf of my grandfather as far as recognizing his legacy.”