Aaron Hendra Lights Up Tomorrow at the House of Blues

Touch your mouse to the photo below to scroll through a gallery of photos from this event:

photos: Bob Manzano and Thomas Garza


The Aaron Hendra Project and fashion designer Abi Ferrin joined creative forces to present a benefit concert and fashion presentation on May 19th at the House of Blues Foundation Room. I met Aaron and his wife Tiffany through a mutual friend in December of 2013, right after they moved to Dallas from Los Angeles. Tiffany has become one of my besties (and was the subject of last week's Dallas Dweller feature) and had given me his latest CD, Octobersong, months ago - but I had never heard him play live until this evening. And what a treat it was! The Aaron Hendra Project is the musical odyssey of Australian born singer/songwriter Aaron Hendra and superstar drummer Gigi Gonaway who has performed with Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Steve Winwood.

Never let it be said I am not fun at a party...
Cynthia Smoot and Tiffany Hendra

The show gave attendees the opportunity to experience an intimate concert from Australia’s newest import to Dallas and view a live fashion presentation from the Abi Ferrin Collection. "The opportunity to combine my music with fashions by designer Abi Ferrin for a global cause was a dream come true,” said Aaron Hendra. “Working with Abi, who has a heart for similar causes, brought greater reach and added an element of glamour to the event. Funds raised from this "Light Up Tomorrow" event will be used to build state-of-the-art off grid solar farms in the various East African orphanages, schools and facilities built by our friend Sam Childers, the Machine Gun Preacher, through the Angels for East Africa organization."

With a message, voice and sound that is fresh yet authentic and heartfelt, guests like Heidi Dillon, Candy Smith, Shona Gilbert, Cary Dueber, Courtney Rider and Angela Choquette were enthralled with the band’s adult contemporary sound combined with the visual aspect of beautiful fashions of Abi Ferrin. “I was thrilled to present the newest Abi Ferrin creations at Aaron Hendra's concert. This collaboration meant so much because we can both use our gifts to raise money and awareness for the beautiful children in Peru and Africa that mean so much to Aaron and my team,” said Ferrin. Abi's charity choice was Niños Del Sol, a home for orphaned and abandoned children in the Sacred Valley, Cusco, Peru. The highlight of the night for me was having Aaron dedicate my favorite song, "Fire" to me. It's very exciting to get a shout out from the stage (See photo below)! You can learn more about The Aaron Hendra Project at www.AaronHendra.com or check out their CD on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/octobersong/id848829974.

My hair and makeup c/o La Bichette. 
Dress is from Hunter Bell at Haven Boutique in Uptown. 

Light Up Tomorrow with Abi Ferrin and Aaron Hendra

Readers of this site know how much I love to party for a cause. The Aaron Hendra Project and fashion designer Abi Ferrin have joined creative forces to present a benefit concert and fashion presentation on Tuesday, May 19th at the House of Blues Foundation Room. “Light Up Tomorrow” will give attendees the opportunity to experience an intimate concert from Australia’s The Aaron Hendra Project and view a live fashion presentation from the Abi Ferrin collection. With a message, voice and sound that is fresh yet authentic and heartfelt, attendees will be enthralled with the band’s adult contemporary sound combined with the visual aspect of beautiful fashions from Abi Ferrin. "The opportunity to combine my music with fashions by Dallas-based designer Abi Ferrin for a global cause is a dream come true,” says Aaron Hendra. “Working with Abi, who has a heart for similar causes, brings greater reach and an element of glamour to the event. Funds raised from this "Light Up Tomorrow" event will be used to build state-of-the-art off grid solar farms in the various East African orphanages, schools and facilities built by our friend Sam Childers, the Machine Gun Preacher." And as for Ferrin's reasoning to join the party, Abi said “I am thrilled to be presenting the newest Abi Ferrin creations at Aaron Hendra's concert. This collaboration means so much because we can use our gifts to raise money and awareness for the beautiful children in Peru and Africa that mean so much to Aaron and my team.” Tickets are just $25 on Eventbrite. Proceeds will benefit Angels of East Africa and Ninos del Sol. The House of Blues is located at 2200 N. Lamar St, Dallas, TX 75202. Please note this event will be filmed for television.

Love at First Sight

Roberto Cavalli's Fall 2014 Collection glided down the runway at the Dallas Opera's First Sight Luncheon on October 23, 2014 inside the Winspear Opera House (photos: Cynthia Smoot)

I have always been a fan of opera and classical music. The love affair started early listening to Mozart and Beethoven as background music for my favorite Bugs Bunny cartoons and I delighted as Alfalfa crooned to his beloved Darla arias from Figaro in The Little Rascals. The first opera I ever saw was Pirates of Penzance when I was 10 or 11 years old at the Music Hall at Fair Park and I was hooked. The pageantry and extravagance combined with the theatrics and beautiful music was not lost on me and opera has held a special place in my heart ever since that outing so I was thrilled to attend the First Sight Fashion Show and Luncheon chaired by Elizabeth Kimple held at the Winspear Opera House on Thursday, October 23, 2014.

This annual event kicked off the Dallas Opera's 2014-15 "Heights of Passion" season and the featured designer was Roberto Cavalli, a luxury boutique that offers the Italian designer's lifestyle brand of women's ready to wear, accessories, handbags, shoes, and sunglasses. Roberto Cavalli is synonymous with joy and optimism, with glamour and success. It was a perfect pairing for The Dallas Opera. The fashions presented at the luncheon were from the 2014 Fall Collection and included sensational evening wear selections. Cristiano Mancini, Director of Marketing for Roberto Cavalli International was in attendance to introduce the show. In addition to the Cavalli presentation, this lavish event, co-chaired by Lynn McBee and Nicholas Even, also include six custom-made gowns created by internationally renowned designers inspired by each of the operas presented this season:

Designer Abi Ferrin hosts Fashion for Freedom

Rekha (Mosaic Service President), Nancy Rogers, Al Biernat, Juliette Longuet and Abi Ferin

What does it take to get one of Dallas' most popular restaurants to close its doors during the lucrative lunch rush for a private charity event? For Al Biernat, it just took a request from Dallas fashion designer Abi Ferrin for an amazing cause. The first annual Freedom For Fashion luncheon to benefit Mosaic was held on May 7 and featured designs by Ferrin as well as NYC-based fashion designer Juliette Longuet. Fashionistas and influencers enjoyed a Mosaic Martini reception where guests like Mayor Mike Rawlings, Nancy Rogers, Jill Tananbaum and D'Andra Simmons mingled.  A professionally staged and choreographed fashion show was enjoyed over lunch and afterwards guests could purchase their favorite items from the runway at a pop-up store. A percentage of proceeds from the pop-up store will also be donated to Mosaic Services.

Dress 4 Yellow Patron Party 2013

So many parties, galas, events, shows... It's impossible to attend every fabulous thing I receive an invitation to! So, from time to time, I call in the troops to help me cover the scene. Today, I am pleased to introduce you to a new Contributor for OSC - Dawn Mellon. (More about her at the end of this post...)  Dawn recently attended the Dress 4 Yellow Patron Party and brings us more about this charity's efforts to support cancer research. Here's her recap:

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Steve and Lee Nagel with Robert Morris and Rob Sumner of Park Place Motors

The color yellow symbolizes wisdom, attracts people of high intellect and is associated with joy and happiness. Not surprising then, that Steve and Lee Nagel chose this color to represent the non-profit organization they established in 2009, the 4 Yellow Foundation, to benefit local and national cancer programs. Last Thursday, supporters and patrons of the upcoming Dress 4 Yellow Luncheon and Fashion Show, gathered at Park Place Motorcars in Dallas to celebrate the second annual event to be held March 28th at the Adolphus Hotel. Guests enjoyed yellow-themed libations and culinary creations by Chef Tiffany Derry, a member of the Advisory Committee along with last year’s featured designer, Abi Ferrin.

Lee, a cancer survivor herself, thanked the group for their support, noted that the 4 Yellow Foundation has raised more than $1.5 since its inception, and recognized Rob Summer from Park Place Motors who became visibly choked up as he shared his experience with Lance Armstrong, the controversial founder of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Sumner, an avid cyclist himself, fondly recalled the time he spent with Armstrong, before the cyclist was stripped of his Tour de France medals and resigned from the foundation. Also, in attendance were Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Murray, Lesley Atkinson, Bailey Langdon and Geraldine Williams from Cook Children’s Cancer Center, and Colleen O’Farrell from the LIVESTRONG Foundation, the beneficiaries of this year’s luncheon and fashion show.

Winter skin care tips from Renee Rouleau on Access Hollywood

Renee Rouleau and Billy Bush

Dallas-based skin care expert, Renee Rouleau, tackles the beauty issues of some of Hollywood's most beautiful faces. From Jessica Simpson to Sofia Vergara and Demi Lavato to Cynthia Smoot (that's me!) - Renee Rouleau is the go-to expert for keeping skin looking healthy and radiant.

This past Monday, she traveled to Los Angeles to visit the set of Access Hollywood where she gave hosts Billy Bush and Kit Hoover tips on how to keep your skin looking great during the harsh winter weather conditions.

For her big television appearance, Renee gave some love to local designer, Abi Ferrin, wearing the Harper blouse from Ferrin's 2013 Spring Collection.  I love how Dallas is all about supporting their own!

To learn more about products from Renee Rouleau, visit http://www.reneerouleau.com.

 

Click here to view this video segment online

FGI Night of Stars Shone Brightly in 2012

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.

Dress for Success: Light the Runway 2012

Dress for Success launched Light the Runway, their first annual Father/Daughter runway show at Tootsies last Thursday.  Good Morning Texas host Amy Vanderoef introduced the show along with Dress for Success' local celebrity Ambassador, Courtney Kerr of Bravo TV's Most Eligible Dallas.

The celebrities that lent their talents on the runway included Gary Jackson & Alexia Figgous, Ricardo & Alissa Ortiz, Mike Degani & Sharon Blumberg, Leonard & Alsion Volk, Benny & Brianna Black, Rick & Rachel Fresquez, Vaughn, Gigi & Jade Miller, Brian & Bryn Neufeld, Freddy, Sofia & McKenzie Vaca, Daniel, Candice, Caydence & Caylee Hernandez, Mike Leatherwood & Jamie Lain Siegel, John Conte & Brianna Beasley, Stephen & Kelly Giles, James, Katy & Sara Ryan, Joe, Sara & Katherine Ho, Dean & Kennedy Ann Niewouny, Elgrie & Klarc, Joy Vida Hurd, Mitch Carr & Rose, Willow Skidmore, and Gene & Abi Ferrin.

Katy Messersmith, Kristen Fagelman and Courtney Kerr

Rick Fresquez, Rich Emberlin, guest, Amy Vanderoef and Alison Volk

Samantha Crum givers her Mama, Bri, some love

My favorite runway participants were the Daddy's with their little girls. 
Pictured here are Daniel Hernandez, FC Dallas Soccer Captain, with his two girls and former Dallas Cowboy, Ryan Neufeld with his daughter, Bryn.

Kristen Fagelman models a maxi dress from Katydid Collection | Rich Emberlin and LeeAnne Locken

Dress for Success beneficiaries, staff and supporters!

Dress for Success Dallas is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Dress for Success Dallas provides each woman in their program with one suit when she has a job interview.  When she successfully lands a job, she returns to Dress for Success Dallas for a second suit and up to a week’s worth of business appropriate separates. She also receives an invitation to join the Professional Women’s Group (PWG), our employment retention service. To learn more about this organization, or how to donate, visit their website.

Photos courtesy of Shana Anderson. Click here to see a gallery of photographs from this event.

Dallas Dweller: John Piermarini

Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments.  Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces and this week, I want to introduce you to a young man who's taking the Dallas fashion scene by storm:

John Piermarini

John Piermarini
photo by Beau Bumpas Photography

In November of 2010, 20-year old John Piermarini decided to thrust himself into the competitive Dallas fashion scene by opening Piermarini Boutique in Uptown with the vision of bringing fresh and unique looks to the Dallas fashion scene at an affordable price point.

His uptown boutique features international, local and new designers that are off the beaten path to mainstream fashion avenues, with each store item being hand-picked by John himself. Maintaining an heir of exclusivity, Piermarini Boutique showcases designs under $500, only orders one item in each size and has a strict no re-order policy.

I recently became acquainted with John, and was so impressed with his talent - but more importantly, his entrepreneurial drive ay such a young age - that I asked Piermarini to share some of his insights about Dallas with me so I could get to know him better. 

Q:  What's your life story in a couple of sentences?

A:  Born in Houston, raised in Dallas - I've lived in Texas my entire life.  I always tell people that I didn't have much of a choice to be in the fashion industry - the moment my mother could take me out of the house she brought me straight to the Chanel make-up counter at Neimans, and I've been a professional shopper ever since. I started designing clothing when I was 15. One day, I just decided to get a sewing machine and I taught myself the basics.  From there I made a custom wedding dress for an actual bride, and then I met my friend and mentor, Abi Ferrin.

Abi and I have been mentoring each other since the day we met, and we still work together today.  I worked as an intern for Abi on special events, and even worked alongside her pattern maker.  Today, Abi and I have a collaboration together called Abi & John of just basic pieces that everyone needs in their wardrobe.  After graduating High School, I decided to open my store.  I wanted to be able to design, buy, and work directly with customers - and opening a store was the best way to do all of the above!  I wanted to make something different, and I wanted people to take risks with their wardrobe.  In order to do that, I needed to take the risk of opening up my own business at the age of 19.

Piermarini outside his namesake boutique.  Photo: SMU Daily Campus

Q:  Name a few of your favorite places to shop for yourself.

A:  I love to shop! Really, I do. I love Forty Five Ten (who doesn't?) and of course, Barneys - those are my two favorites in Dallas.  Going through my closet it's, "I got this at Piermarini, this at Barneys, and all of those shoes from Forty Five Ten.

Make Mothers Day Magic With The Perfect Gift

I find Mothers Day immensely satisfying.  It's an entire day that my husband and son have to lavish me with attention, compliments and praise for the awesome person I am and the amazing job that I am doing as a Mom. (sigh) Who wouldn't love that?!  It's heaven.

Show your Mother how much she means to you with some of these amazing finds from local vendors and retailers:

It's a Mother's nature to put their family before themselves, so while I can justify spending $200 on a new lacrosse stick or a new pair of sneakers for my son because he "needs it", I would never in a million years buy a $20 bar of soap or a massage for myself.  I think most Moms are the same way, so spa-type gifts are always fantastic and hugely appreciated. 

I am in love with a line called BEAU TYE created right here in Dallas:

photos courtesy of Sylvia Elzafon Photography

Among my favorites from this line is the Honey Almond Oat Bar ($6). The colloidal oats provide a mild, gentle exfoliant and the smell of Honey, Milk, Almond and Oats is just heavenly.  As we move into the hot, humid, mugginess of Dallas Summer, I adore the Beau Legged Body Powder ($12). It has a uni-sex scent loved by women and men. Slather on the Beau-Nita Clay Facial Mask (BONITA -the spanish word for beautiful) ($16) to make your skin feel clean, fresh and 10 years younger.  What woman doesn't want soft, kissable lips, so a standard favorite is the always popular SUPA-MINT lip balm.

Shop online at  WWW.MYBEAUTYE.COM or find them at these local retailers:

The Wicker Basket-4715 W. Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX

The Silver Star Mercantile - 1102 W. Main St., Carrollton, TX

IndieGenius - 409 N. Zang Blvd. Dallas, TX

What Mom doesn't deserve to be pampered with some spa treatments!? 

V Spa Dallas is a premier spa on the second floor of the Verandah Club at the Hilton Anatole. It has been recently nominated in D Magazine's Best of Dallas and noted in SELF Magazine as top 7 decadent spa services in the country.

V SPA’S MOTHER’S DAY PACKAGES 

Thank You from Head-to-Toe 

• Express Massage (25 min) 
• Express Facial (25 min) 
• Express Manicure (25 min) 
• Express Pedicure (25 min) 

$165 includes gratuity

Mom-to-Be

• Mom to Be Massage (50 min) 
• V-Spa Pedicure (50 min) 

$160 includes gratuity
*Available for guests after their first trimester

The V Spa Dallas is a premier spa located on the second floor of the Verandah Club at the Hilton Anatole. A sublime setting for a true spa experience, the V Spa offers a multitude of treatments ready to revitalize and pamper, heal and refresh. Offering a variety of soothing services and treatments, from facials to massages to pedicures, the V Spa is the preferred choice for a spa in Dallas. Spa services are available Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 9AM to 8PM.  Reservations are available by calling 214.761.7800 or visiting www.vspadallas.com

photo from Huffington Post

If you want to give a gift that gives back, check out Sak Saum clutches by Abi Ferrin.  They are made by women in Cambodia and Nepal. The women are paid fair wages so that they can support themselves. ($75)  https://shop.abiferrin.com

And finally, what woman doesn't love jewelry!? You can't go wrong with a beautiful bauble and I love designs from local jewelry designer, Amanda Sterrett.  Her incredible creations will make a statement without breaking the bank. Here are a few of my favorites from her current collection:

Kylie birthstone earring is delicate yet makes a statement
Ester earring ($195) comes in 14K gold or sterling silver ($160)
Julia birthstone charm ($55) comes in all kinds of stones choices, chain sold separately 
Arden Earring is Peruvian opal wrapped in 14K gold wire ($225)

Of course, the absolute BEST gift you will give a Mom is one that costs nothing.  Any Mom will tell you that her favorite Mother's Day gift of all time - EVER - wasn't diamonds or cars or roses. Nope, it's the handmade cards from your kids or a love poem from your husband.  This is the gift that will have her boo-hoo'ing and hugging you all day long and mean more than anything money could buy.  So, take 5 minutes to have your kids draw her a picture and scribble I Love You Mommy. It's the gift she'll remember for a lifetime. And that's a money-back guarantee!

Whatever you choose, I hope that you do SOMETHING to make it a beautiful day for the woman in your life who has done so much for you! Happy Mothers Day to all my Moms out there!!

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You can VOTE one a day, every day, until May 6, 2012.

Dress 4 Yellow 2012

Cynthia with Lance Armstrong

I followed a yellow brick road carpet into the beautiful historic Adolphus Hotel on Thursday, April 5, 2012 for the highly anticipated Dress 4 Yellow event held to raise funds for LIVESTRONG and Cook Children’s Cancer Center through a high-profile fashion show, luncheon and silent auction.

"Dress 4 Yellow is designed to inspire and empower those affected by cancer,” Lance Armstrong said. “Through dollars raised, we will increase awareness, provide critical navigation services, fund research and survivorship programs and work to end the stigma of cancer around the globe.”

The Adolphus Hotel provided a baroque and luxurious environment for this lavish event. Gene Jones, Tre Wilcox, Tiffany Derry, New York Times best-selling author Sandra Brown, Amy Vanderoef and her Congressman-hopeful hubby Grant Stinchfield, Pat Smith, Courtney Kerr, Matt Nordgren and Heidi Dillon started the day with a champagne reception in the historic French Room (my favorite spot ever and the best place in Dallas to go for a romantic evening)

(top left) Pat Smith and Tre Wilcox  (top right) Shelley O'Neal, Heidi Dillon and Gina Ginsburg 
(bottom) Judge Diane Haddock, Bobbie Marshall, Nancy Brown and Sandra Brown

We moved down to the Century Room where LIVESTRONG founder and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, along with Co-Chairs Jennifer Applbaum and Lee Nagel,  kicked off the runway show featuring designs by more than 20 of the world’s top designers. Each designer produced a custom-made yellow piece or select a yellow design from archived collections.

 Click here to see many more photos on Facebook

 Dallas fashion designers Shirin Askari, Nha Khanh, Lela Rose, Abi Ferrin and handbag designer Laura Ginsburg were represented. Other designers included Donna Karan, Isaac Mizrahi, Carmen Marc Valvo, Catherine Malandrino, Thakoon, Christian Siriano, Zang Toi, Cole Haan, Nike, Oakley, Ruffian, Sachin + Babi, Elie Tahari, David Meister, Rachel Roy, Chadwick Bell and more. Runway designs were beautifully styled with Kendra Scott Jewelry.

Dress 4 Yellow designs by Lela Rose, Nha Khanh, Abi Ferrin and Shirin Askari

The show was masterfully produced by Bret McKinney, who has been part of the Stanley Korshak team since 2000, and has been the driving force behind the store’s fantastic visual displays, as well as the producer of Texas Ballet Theater, DIFFA/Dallas and Fresh Faces of Fashion. 

Immediately following the runway spectacular, was a seated luncheon in the Grand Ballroom where four of the runway looks were feted in a live auction, including a pair of Justin Boots embossed with the yellow rose of Texas, and yellow dresses by Carmen Marc Valvo, Abi Ferrin and Tibi.  Cole Hahn provided fabulous wristlet clutches in a rainbow of colors for each guest.

The yellow theme left everyone feeling sunny and optimistic about the fight against cancer. The war might not be over, but this event was a battle won and that's something to celebrate! 

DIFFA 2012 Was Smoking Haute

On Saturday, March 31, 2012, more than a thousand socialites, drag queens, fashionistas and charitable do-gooders gathered at the Hilton Anatole for Smoking Haute: DIFFA Collection 2012 - a silent auction including smoking jackets, live auction, dinner, an amazing runway show, theater, after party, spectacle and excitement in a way that only DIFFA can deliver. All benefiting North Texas HIV/AIDS charities.

In 1966 Yves Saint Laurent introduced Le Smoking, a tailored fitted tuxedo jacket for women. A revolutionary idea that brought traditional male tailoring to the feminine form.  DIFFA took this as their inspiration for this year's theme and decided to reinvent this fashion classic in 2012, asking top name designers from around the county interpreting the Smoking Jacket with one-of-a kind couture designs for both men and women.  

(top left) Rene Rouleau and Shona Gilbert (top right) Buster and Cathy Williamson
(bottom left) Hillary and Eric Gilbert  (bottom right) Victoria Snee, Amy Vanderoef and Abi Ferrin

I came of age in the 1980's when HIV/AIDS first hit the mainstream as the "gay disease" that resulted in a painful and certain death.  In the next ten years, we discovered that you could also get the disease from sharing needles and that Mothers could pass it to their unborn children in the womb. The scientific community moved swiftly to discover drugs that would cure, prevent or at least treat the disease. 20+ years later, while no cure exists, we have been successful in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. But with these medical advances comes complacency for a new generation no longer faced with the fear my generation had about this disease.

Clint Bradley, DIFFA Chairman says, "HIV/ADIS is now a top-5 killer within mainstream communities worldwide, the US and especially Dallas. I am greatly alarmed with the bullet-proof misconceptions our youth possess towards the AIDS pandemic today.  DIFFA/Dallas has increased our focus on providing funding for preventative education."  With Federal funding diminishing, fundraising events like DIFFA are critical. 

(top left) LeeAnne Locken and Danielle Vollmar  (top right) Cynthia with Matt Nordgren
(bottom left) Heidi and Bill Dillon  (bottom right) Justin Bundick and Jose Reyes

Co-Chairs, Matt Wilkerson and Darin Kunz kicked off the event, welcoming attendees and introducing the 2012 Style Council.  Every team needs cheerleaders, and each year DIFFA selects a new group of Ambassadors, which include some of our town's most stylish trendsetters and movers-and-shakers.  But, these individuals aren't just pretty faces rah-rah'ing for the event - they are selected for their valued commitment to raising awareness of the fundraiser and money for North Texas AIDS service organizations who provide direct care to those living with HIV and AIDS.

This year's 2012 Style Council included:  Gillian Breidenbach, Anne Stodgehill, Raymund C. King, Bret McKinney, Hillary Gilbert, Jeri Johnson, Tara Harper, Abi Ferrin, Ken Foret, Chuck Steelman, Laura Ginsburg, Amy Vanderoef, Shay Geyer and Alberto Lombardi. 

photos courtesy of Quoc "QC" Cong of XO Photography

After a bland dinner of a breaded chicken breast, green beans and one baby carrot (seriously, for $300 a ticket they need to kick this up a notch next year) the fashion show began.  Produced by Jan Strimple, it was an over-the-top extravaganza of style and pop performance.  Of course, it's just not a DIFFA show without a drag queen show-stopper - and this year held a FABULOUS performance by some of my favorite girls lip-syncing to the Spice Girls. 

After they got the crowd all pumped up, it was time to boogie into the after-party. The DJ started spinning and everyone took to the dance floor. I immediately commanded my entourage, "Shoes off!" and we made a pile of stilettos in the middle of the dance floor, followed promptly by our clutches and other assorted accessories. We then proceeded to dance with wild abandon around the pile like gypsies around a campfire. It was hilarious fun and I can't wait for next year's event!

My dance posse:  LeeAnne Locken, Cynthia, Rene Rouleau and Dawn Neufeld.

Click here to see many more photos 

from this event on Facebook.

About DIFFA:  
The mission of the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) is to raise funds and grant those funds to organizations which fight HIV/AIDS by providing preventative education programs targeted to populations at risk of infection, treatment and direct care services for people living with/impacted by HIV/AIDS and that support public policy initiatives which add resources to private sector funds.

About my ensemble:
Special thanks to Watters for my beautiful gown, Kendra Scott for the beautiful jewelry and to Daniel Lewis at Green Peridot Salon for sculpting my tresses into a sophisticated up-do for the evening. I felt like a Princess! 

Dallas Fashion Week Designer Profile: Abi Ferrin

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is happening February 9-16 in New York City. Buyers, bloggers, stars and stylists from all over the world will be descending on the Big Apple this week to decide what we will be wearing this Fall.  I thought I would refocus your attention to the tremendous talent pool we Dallasites are lucky enough to have right in our own backyard!

Meet Abi Ferrin

Abi Ferrin

When Dallas native Abi Ferrin launched her fashion design business in 2006 with $500, a single sewing machine and a mission—to help women overcome the notion they must suffer in uncomfortable clothes in the name of fashion—she could only dream that her unique take on women's attire would become an international sensation.

Today, the spunky, yet down-to-earth Ferrin is living that dream, having grown her upstart design business into a global enterprise. With hundreds of boutiques across the U.S., Mexico and even Abu Dhabi now offering her pieces, as well as major distribution channels through Nordstrom and her own website at AbiFerrin.com, Ferrin's company has posted nearly 400 percent net revenue growth in the past year alone (WOW!) and dressed numerous high-profile celebrity clients with her chic Made in the U.S.A. pieces that go from desk to dinner with a quick twist or smart accessories.

Abi Ferrin Fall 2011 Collection

"I'm living proof that, despite all the economic gloom and doom that dominates the news these days, the American dream is still very much alive and well—it just takes dedication, hard work and discipline," Ferrin said. "I've also been extremely fortunate to surround myself with a team that shares my vision and drive, and is willing to work really hard with me. We're all in this together and everyone participates in the creative process. No one skates by here—everyone rolls up their sleeves and works really hard."

With her new Spring line recently unveiled at Coterie in New York and available now, Ferrin's unique, dimensional motif has evolved to include seasonally bright colors in her signature style that integrates well into all areas of today's on-the-go lifestyle—from car pool to board room.

For more information about Abi Ferrin Designs and to check out her new Spring line, visit www.abiferrin.com or visit her South Side on Lamar showroom by appointment.  Follow Abi on Twitter or become a Fan on Facebook.

source

Rock N Runway Celebrates 25 Years for Stanley Korshak

Cynthia Smoot, Matt Nordgren & Courtney Kerr

As part of their 25th Anniversary celebration, Stanley Korshak hosted "Rock N Runway" last night  benefiting the PARK. Dallas' fashionistas enjoyed 3 mini-fashion shows held on a colossal curved runway in the courtyard.  

DJ Lucy Wrubel and BMP Trio got the crowd jumpin', there were bites by Lombardi’s Catering, sips by Stolichnaya and wheels by Aston Martin Dallas.

"America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru" Steve Kemble, actress LeeAnne Locken, designer Abi Ferrin, Most Eligible Dallas stars Matt Nordgren, Tara Harper and Courtney Kerr and Big Rich Texas stars Melissa and Maddie Poe were among those in attendance.  Also making a rare late night appearance was WFAA Daybreak morning show anchor, Ron Corning.

Click here to see more photos on Facebook

LeeAnne Locken

The soiree was held inside Korshak on the first floor and also utilized the courtyard of the Crescent. Bless their hearts, they tried to cool it off with massive outdoor fans, but it was so HOT that 20 minutes into the event, I went to a girl at the make-up counter and begged her to fin me a rubber band so I could put my hair up in a ponytail.  So much for glamor!

LeeAnne Locken made the most of the outdoor fans and worked her super model skills while keeping cool.  The heat didn't seem to bother party goers who ooh'd and aaah'd over luxe Fall fashions and bopped around to Lucy's techo tunes.

Tara Harper, Abi Ferrin, Laura Flores and Regina Bruce

Congrats to Crawford Brock and Stanley Korshak for an amazing 25 year run. We look forward to seeing what the next 25 years has in store for you!!

Thanks to Uptown Consignment for helping me find an amazing dress by Karen Millen to wear and to Jeremiah Garcia at Salon Pompeo in Uptown for doing my make-up. They made me Rock Star-ready to Rock the Runway!  It takes a village, people...

PS: Have you voted for me today as Dallas' Most Influential Lifestyle Blogger? I hope you will!!  You can vote once a day, every day, until September 9. I would so much appreciate your support!