Cynthia Smoot and DFW Style Daily's Lisa Petty
I recently attended the FGI Dallas’ Fashion and Lifestyle Awards, “Night of Stars” gala. The event is FGI Dallas’ largest fundraiser of the year and directly supports more than $40,000 in multiple scholarships to local fashion students.This is always one of my favorite events of the year. When the fashion community gets together, you can be rest assured that good people-watching will ensue. These fashion divas go all out to showcase their personal style and show off the latest trends.
I was thrilled to represent Dallas design at this gala by working with Abi Ferrin who styled me in this fabulous teal gown and with the fabulous Stephanie Anne who lavished me in beautiful jewelry (see photo). My gorgeous pal Lisa Petty, had the same idea, wearing Paulette Martsolf of Allie-Coosh.
Neiman Marcus' Chuck Steelman and Pink Memo's Maxine Trowbridge were back again as this year's event chairs. “Night of Stars is currently the only Fashion & Lifestyle Award gala that recognizes both local businesses and supports education and talent in Dallas,” said Trowbridge. “FGI Dallas prides itself on supporting the next generation of fashion, design and lifestyle brilliance that will keep North Texas at the forefront of the fashion and design industries.”
Victoria Snee with NorthPark Center served as the evening's emcee and kicked off the night by giving ME a shout out from the podium! "Has everyone checked in tonight?" Victoria began. "Where's Cynthia Smoot... have you tagged everyone on Facebook? Are you Instagramming this," she exclaimed. I raised the thumbs-up sign from my seat at Shay Geyer's table to signify that all was well in the world of social media activity.
2012 FGI Fashion Police
That diatribe kicked off the runway show starring FGI's Fashion Police. Every year FGI selects 11 local philanthropic notables and this year's class included: Julia Andalman, Robyn Chauvin, Dallas Dillon, Shay Geyer, Gina Ginsburg, Norma Johnson, Hanh Merriman, Toni Munoz-Hunt, Ken Powers, Elizabeth Showers and Michael Wilson.
Lela Rose, Chuck Steelman & Maxine Trowbridge
Career Achievement Awards:- Sue Wade, Founder of Wade College received the Honoree of Lifetime Achievement Award in Fashion Education
- Lela Rose, Designer/President, Lela Rose Design received the Honoree of Career Achievement in Fashion
- Terri Provencal, Editor-in-Chief, PATRON Magazine received the Honoree of Career Achievement in Media
Rising Stars Awards:
- Fashion Design: Nha Khanh Nguyen, Nha Khanh Fine
- Art: Bret Slater
- Interior Design: Beth Dotolo & Carolina Gentry, Pulp Design Studios
- Accessories: Angela Scott, The Office of Angela Scott
- Fine Art Photography: Alex Remington
This year’s Fashion & Lifestyle Awards gala was especially momentous with the inaugural Shelly Musselman Design Award being awarded to a local fashion student. Brian Bolke, owner of Forty Five Ten and the former business partner of fashion influencer Shelly Musselman, and her daughter, Meredith Musselman selected the $10,000 award winner from over 700 students that participated in this year’s Career Day. “Dallas has always been a vibrant contributor to global fashion; producing amazing designers and breakthrough trends,” said Steelman. “Through fostering the ongoing education of fashion students we hope to enable this to continue.”
I couldn't agree more...
Photos: Kristina Bowman
