Ladies looking for an important dress for a big event know that department store shopping is usually the way to go. Unless you know a specific brand that fits you well, such as Salvatore Ferragamo (known by designer shoppers as a fantastic dress destination) or Versace, then shopping a store with multiple brands makes much more sense. While most department stores will carry a big variety of dresses, there is one store that has been a destination for evening looks for decades - Saks 5th Avenue. Saks has invested in the designer salon for as long as they have been in business since the early 1900's. The store is as much a source for the latest luxury designs from the US and Europe today as it was over 100 years ago. I'd choose SAKS as the best destination also because of the number of locations the company has around the country. With 39 fully stocked stores in 22 states - it's easy to see how they have strength in numbers when purchasing designer collections.
The store speaks for itself. I cut through the 5th Avenue flagship early one morning last week and was stopped in my tracks by these lovely ladies - hanging out in the Fine Jewelry Department (another historic department for Saks).