The 29th Annual Royal Savoy Ball - Ballo di Savoia 2026
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 7:00 PM
The University Club
1 West 54th Street
New York, NY 10019
It is with great pleasure that we announce the Royal Savoy Ball - Ballo di Savoia 2026, held under the patronage and in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia, Duke of Savoy, Prince of Piedmont, Prince of Venice. He is the Grand Master of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy.
While the American Foundation of Savoy Orders was founded in 1993, it proudly upholds the enduring spirit of honor, friendship, and service that has defined the historic Savoy orders for nearly a thousand years. This rich legacy inspires our 2026 theme for the Royal Savoy Ball.
We will be honoring Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Chief Executive Officer of the Exemplar Luxury Group, who enjoys a long history of devoting time to philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, with a focus on the arts, music education and nurturing the next generation of talent. This year’s Ballo proceeds benefit the New York Philharmonic Youth Mentorship Program.
The Ballo is chaired by H.R.H. Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia and Dame Giosetta Capriati of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George.
We warmly invite you to join us for this memorable evening of tradition and charity.
We look forward to welcoming you to this special celebration rooted in a proud heritage of chivalry and service.
Under the Patronage of
H.R.H. Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia
Ball Chairs
H.R.H. Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia
and
Dame Giosetta Capriati
Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George
Honoree
GEOFFROY VAN RAEMDONCK
Chief Executive Officer, Exemplar Luxury Group
Honorary Patrons
Francesca & Robert Agostinelli
Dinner Committee Chairs
Stefano & Carole Haarmann Acunto
Frank & Barbara Desiderio
Thomas & Janice Pecora
Event Chair
Carole Bellidora Westfall
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Honorary Chair
Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia
Delegate
Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia
President
Frank J. Desiderio
Vice Presidents
Frank Craparo
Anthony J. Viscogliosi
Treasurer
Thomas Pecora
Members
Vivian Cardia
Daniel J. McClory
Joseph Sciame
Honoree
Geoffroy van Raemdonck is Chief Executive Officer of Exemplar Luxury Group, a position he assumed in January 2026 to lead the company through a transformative period and into its next chapter. He oversees the organization's portfolio, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman. Since taking the role, he has guided Saks Global through its restructuring process, helping position the company as a stronger and more focused enterprise.
A respected luxury retail executive, van Raemdonck brings decades of experience leading global consumer brands and retail organizations through complex transformations, driving profitability and sustainable growth. Prior to Saks Global, he served as CEO of Neiman Marcus Group from 2018 until its acquisition in 2024. There, he led a successful turnaround and strategy, guiding the company through Chapter 11 restructuring while fostering innovation, disciplined decision-making, and a customer-centric culture.
Beyond business, van Raemdonck is committed to philanthropy and community engagement. Throughout his career, he has championed corporate social responsibility initiatives, supported charitable organizations, and promoted programs focused on education, inclusion, health, and community well-being, reflecting a belief that business leadership carries a broader responsibility to society.
Beneficiary
This year's Ballo proceeds benefit the New York Philharmonic Youth Mentorship Program.
Designed for pre-professional musicians, the Youth Mentorship Program sparks excitement while developing musicianship and ensemble skills.
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