FGI Dallas Celebrates Emerging Talent In Fashion, Beauty, Art and More

Scroll through the gallery for more photos from this event


On Thursday March 1, 2018, Fashion Group International of Dallas (FGI) a global, non-profit professional fashion organization, hosted its 21st annual Rising Star Awards Ceremony at the Design District's Seven for Parties. The fete celebrated the extraordinary accomplishments of Dallas' emerging talents in the areas of Women's Fashion, Men's Fashion, Photography, Art, Fashion Blogging, and MakeUp Artistry. Courtney Kerr of "Kerrently" returned for her fourth year as emcee, with pop-up men's and women's fashion presentations produced by Jan Strimple Productions. Art and media installations were vividly dispersed, reflecting the works of the nominees spanning MakeUp Artistry, Photography, Art, and Fashion Blogging. Guests mixed and mingled throughout, enjoying cocktails by Kruto Vodka and light hors d'oeuvres. Among those in attendance was prior Rising Star Nominee and designer of Smith the 2nd, Charles Smith, Heidi Dillon, Real Housewives of Dallas star LeeAnne Locken, Steve Kemble, musician Larry g(EE), Leah Frazier, Dawn Mellon and Khanh Nguyen, designer of Nha Khanh. A surprise performance by local music artist, HANNA, rounded out the evening, making it one of the most buzzed about events for the season.

2018 Rising Star Award Winners  

Rising Star Winner in Men's Fashion: Jason Simmons of DeadSoxy 

Rising Star Winner in Women's Fashion: Venny Etienne of Levity 

Rising Star Winner in Photography: Aaron Fairooz 

Rising Star Winner in Art: Lindsey Meyers 

Rising Star Winner in Fashion Blogging: Amber LaFrance of DFW Style Daily 

Rising Star Winner in MakeUp Artistry: Jo Franco 

People's Choice Award: Jo Franco 

Photo Credit: Bob Manzano & William Neal

EXCLUSIVE: Photos from LeeAnne Locken and Rich Emberlin's Engagement Party

Photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


On February 1, 2017, LeeAnne Locken and Rich Emberlin hosted friends and family for an intimate gathering at the Prashe showroom in the Dallas Design District to celebrate their engagement. This party was filmed for the Season 2 finale of the Real Housewives of Dallas - which is why I am just now showing you scenes fro the event. Bravo doesn't like spoilers! Flip through the gallery to see images from the party. Viewers of the show know that LeeAnne grew up spending summers on the carnival circuit, so it was fitting that the party had an (upscale) carnival theme. In attendance to celebrate the couple were "real" friends Heidi Dillon, Steve Kemble, Ken Weber, Shane Walker, Jane McGarry and me, of course. LeeAnne was radiant in a custom dress designed by Dallas-based designer, Nardos Imam. Since this soiree was part of the season finale, it was an all-cast event, which meant that Stephanie Hollman, Brandi Redmond, Cary Deuber, D'Andra Simmons and Kameron Westcott were also milling about - some happier to be there than others. While there were no games to be played by guests, the cast played many. You can see how the soiree played out on the finale episode of #RHOD on Bravo Monday, October 30 at 9:00 PM/CST.

Fashion Group International of Dallas Honors Angela Missoni At Annual Gala, Night of Stars

Angela Missoni to receive Lifetime Achievement Award
Image Source: Getty / Scott Barbour

Fashion Group International of Dallas (FGI Dallas) will host their annual Night of Stars on November 10, 2017 at the Hall of State at Fair Park. As in previous years, the glamorous event will honor individuals and businesses for their contribution to fashion and related industries with Career Achievement and Lifetime Achievement Awards. 

Angela Missoni will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Missoni is heir to one of the most famous fashion brands in the world and has emerged as a successful designer in her own right. She is the third child of Tai and Rosita Missoni, the co-founders of the Italian brand famous for its kaleidoscope and zigzag knits. Angela began assisting her mother in the conception and creation of the women’s collections at the age of eighteen. Today Angela is co-owner of Missoni S.p.A., along with her brother Luca. Beyond her role as creative director of the women’s collection, she assumes sole responsibility for the company’s style, including the men’s collection and licences. Angela is also totally committed to infusing the family brand with new energy. In just a few years, Missoni fashion has taken on a fresh new identity. As for the Missoni shows, they again mark important and popular occasions and make an authoritative, international statement in the communication of trends and ideas.

Quick And Easy Recipes From The Unlikeliest Of Chefs

Quick and Easy Recipes from Jane McGarry and Heidi Dillon
as seen of Good Morning Texas

I love food. Especially flavorful food that packs a punch. But that doesn't always lead to the healthiest of choices. I joined my #BFFs Jane McGarry and Heidi Dillon on Good Morning Texas today to watch them prepare their favorite quick-and-easy recipe that not tastes amazing but packs a powerful healthy punch. I helped out with colorful commentary and to taste test. We all have our talents.

Enjoy! - OSC


Jane McGarry's Kale Salad

Ingredients:
1/2 bag Taylor Farms Sweet Kale Chopped Salad
1/2 bunch fresh Lacinato Tuscan  Kale (chopped)
1/2 bunch Red Kale (chopped)
2 thick slices red onion, diced (optional)
Chopped jalapeno to taste (optional)

Toss greens, onion and jalapeno.

DIFFADallas Auctions Off Holiday Spirit At The 21st Holiday Wreath Collection

On Thursday, November 10, the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, DIFFADallas, hosted its 21st Holiday Wreath Collection at the Fashion Industry Gallery to ring in the holiday season. The holidays were in full swing at this year’s event, which was hosted by John Erdos, Ferrell Drum, Morgan Cox and Ralph Randall. Guests mixed and mingled amongst 100 one-of-a-kind wreaths displayed beautifully on standalone doors throughout the Gramercy Park themed space. This year’s Holiday Wreath Collection boasted an expansion of gift and home items available for auction, including a chic modern living room curated entirely by Erdos at Home. The extraordinary wreaths were designed by Stanley Korshak, Neiman Marcus, Mary Kay, Dylan’s Candy Bar, Christofle, Moet & Chandon, Etro, Beaux Arts, Wildman Framing, Nine-Eighteen Big Mango, Akola Jewelry, Amy Berry Design, Kathy Kincaid Interiors, Bungalow 5, Studio Ten 25, Susie Rosmarin, Paper Affair, Molton Brown and many more. Click here to view a gallery of photos from this event 📷

FGI's Night of Stars Shines Bright For Dallas Fashion

photos c/o Shana Anderson and Thomas Garza Photography


On November 4, Fashion Industry Gallery was the setting for an evening of glitz and high-glamour when the industry elite of Dallas fashion gathered to pay homage to those who have put – and continue to keep – Dallas on the world fashion scene. Fashion Group International of Dallas (FGI Dallas) hosted their annual Night of Stars gala and honored a select few for high achievements in art, fashion, jewelry design, and interior design. This year the gala co-chairs were Rachel Roberts and Britt Harless. Chuck Steelman was honored for the 3 years he served as Regional Director. Incoming Regional Director, Ken Weber, will lead FGI of Dallas beginning in 2017. Guests were greeted with champagne as they passed through a formal English garden which included live foliage and real flowers. Models posed in the garden wearing the Monique Lhuillier Spring 2017 collection. Dallas native, actor, and former fashion model, Greg Vaughn, emceed the event.

Standing Strong At PositiviTea

photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


PositiviTEA benefitting Legacy Counseling Center took place on Wednesday, November 2nd at the Westin Dallas Hotel co-chaired by Real Housewives of Dallas star LeeAnne Locken and Heidi Dillion. PositiviTEA is Legacy’s way of raising awareness for the number of women in Dallas County living with HIV/AIDS, which currently numbers over 4,000. All proceeds raised through PositiviTEA benefit the Grace Project Conference, the largest conference in the world for living with HIV/AIDS right here in Dallas’ backyard. The conference seeks to support, educate and empower women living with HIV. Among those in attendance were Tina Craig, Jamie O'Banion, Jenny Anchondo, Gina Ginsberg, Carmen Surgent, and Alison Volk. Locken's #RHOD co-stars Brandi Redmond, D'Andra Simmons, and Kameron Westcott were also in attendance. Cameras were rolling so look for this event to be featured on Season Two of the Real Housewives of Dallas next year. 👍🏻

Save The Date: Legacy Counseling’s PositiviTEA

Legacy Counseling Center invites you to attend PositiviTEA, an afternoon of moving performances, important speakers and delicious refreshments sponsored by Galleria Dallas on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 1:30 – 3:30 PM at The Westin Galleria's San Antonio Room. This year's event will be chaired by RHOD's LeeAnne Locken and Heidi Dillon will serve as the Honorary Chair.

PositiviTEA will feature women from Legacy’s Grace Project, which produces the largest conference for women living with HIV/AIDS in the nation. Fans of RHOD will recall that this is the event where LeeAnne spoke publicly about her troubled past and encouraged those in attendance to share their stories to take away the shame and empower other women. This event is an opportunity to meet some of these incredible women and hear their stories and learn why LeeAnne calls the Grace Project and PositiviTEA “a HUGE part of my heart.” And if I had to put money on it, I would bet that there's a good chance cameras will be rolling at this year's event as well. Just sayin'...

Diane Reeve, featured on Oprah and 20/20, will share her riveting story of the betrayal of love transformed into powerful strength. Legacy Executive Director Melissa Grove will share how “all proceeds from this fully-underwritten event will expand and enable year-round, life changing programming for the Grace Project Program and Conference.” A general admission ticket costs $150, and tables are available starting at $1,500. Tickets and tables at www.legacycares.org or call Angela Huddy at (469) 767-6755.

Fur Ball 2016 Raises Funds For SPCA of Texas

Photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


The SPCA of Texas' Fur Ball 2016, “Shedding Light on Their Future,” was held on Saturday, September 24 at the Omni Dallas hotel. The elegantly futuristic, totally sold out, black-tie evening included dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions for 1,200 guests. Guests were greeted with passed bubbly and savory hors d’oeuvres as they made their way up to the Omni’s Dallas Ballroom. During cocktail hour, elegantly clad ladies and gentlemen walked the purple carpet and chatted with M.C. and Real Housewives of Dallas star LeeAnne Locken and America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru Steve Kemble about everything from what they were wearing to why supporting the animals is so important. A three-piece combo from Limelight jazzed it up and a whole passel of puppies from the SPCA of Texas’ iFoster program (all spayed and neutered!) romped and played as they were cooed over and petted by the glittering guests. Competition was fierce at the over 300-item silent auction, which featured everything from sports memorabilia, fabulous spa packages, high-end jewelry, dining experiences (from the fun to the fine) and so much more.

Oh So Fashionable: Fashion X Dallas 2016

Scroll through the photo gallery for visual delights:

photos by Danielle Ellis, Shana Anderson, Thomas Garza and Todd White

Fashion X Dallas is our version of “fashion week” and features 3 nights of runway shows each Fall. The event was created in 2014 by Matt Swinney, creator of Austin Fashion Week and each night featured at least 9 full runway collections from local DFW-based designers, Season Winners and All Stars from the hit Lifetime Television show Project Runway, and emerging designers from across the globe. FXD also gives opportunities to the youngest of designers through CAPSULE, mini 3-look collections allowing for an accessible runway experience. Finally, over 20 curated Gallery spaces will feature the best in emerging jewelry and accessories designers each night. This September 8-10, Fashion X Dallas returned for its 3rd year and to keep things fresh, the event is adding a new component called "Style Setters". Linda Gray, Steve Kemble, LeeAnne Locken and Heidi Dillon were selected not only for their iconic style, but also for their tireless work and dedication to nonprofit organizations. Fashion X Dallas donated a portion of all “Style Setter” tickets to each designated nonprofit. I've been a supporter of the event since its inception and can attest that every year, Matt and his team elevate the level of fun and sophistication higher and higher. I encourage you to peruse through this photo gallery of fabulous fashion and save the date for next year's FXD. www.fashionxdallas.com

Fashion X Dallas 2016 Announces Style Setters

Fashion X Dallas is the premiere “fashion week” in the DFW market and features 3 nights of runway shows each Fall. Each night in 2016 will feature at least 9 full runway collections from local DFW-based designers, Season Winners and All Stars from the hit Lifetime Television show Project Runway, and emerging designers from across the globe. FXD also gives opportunities to the youngest of designers through CAPSULE, mini 3-look collections allowing for an accessible runway experience. Finally, over 20 curated Gallery spaces will feature the best in emerging jewelry and accessories designers each night. This September 8-10, Fashion X Dallas will return for its 3rd year and to keep things fresh, the event is adding a new component called "Style Setters". Four influencers in the local community have been selected not only for their iconic style, but also for their tireless work and dedication to nonprofit organizations. Fashion X Dallas will be donating a portion of all “Style Setter” tickets to each designated nonprofit. This year's Style Setters are...

One Arts Plaza Goes Bollywood When PRASHE Takes Over

Touch your mouse to the image below to scroll through a gallery of images:
photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


On Friday, June 17th Dallas designer, Prashi Shah, presented her PRASHE 2016 Ready-to-Wear and Couture Collections at One Arts Plaza in the Dallas Arts District benefitting the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Jan Strimple produced an exquisite event that combined dance, vibrant garments, sound and lights. Among those in attendance were Heidi Dillon, Dawn Mellon, Jeanette Chivvas, Melissa Rountree, Naila Malik, and Allison Mitchell. Guests enjoyed complimentary mule cocktails featuring Stoli® Gluten Free Premium Vodka, champagne courtesy of Republic National Distributing Company and mineral water provided by TopoChico. The show began with an electrifying performance by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre followed by the PRASHE Ready-to-Wear collection. Toni&Guy provided hair and makeup for the models who strutted around the One Arts fountain. Preceding Prashi’s couture evening wear, members from the Dallas Black Dance Theatre performed an original piece utilizing fabrics from the PRASHE collection and movement inspired by her designs. The show ended with an appearance from Real Housewives of Dallas cast member, LeeAnne Locken walking the runway in a stunning crimson gown. Following the show guests were invited to attend an after party at Proof + Pantry, the bar and restaurant featuring new American cuisine. Ready-to-Wear pieces range from $100-$400 while Couture pieces range from $500-$3000. All of the looks from the runway and more are available to shop at the PRASHE showroom open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm located at 163 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75207, as well as online at www.prashe.com.

Photos: #RHOD Dallas Watch Party With LeeAnne Locken and Tiffany Hendra

photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


KVIL hosted a Dallas watch party for the debut episode of the Real Housewives of Dallas on Monday, April 11, 2016 at their CBS Studios. ‪#‎RHOD‬ stars LeeAnne Locken and Tiffany Hendra posed for photos with fans and gave commentary during the commercial breaks. Among those in attendance were Ken Weber, Allison Mitchell, Jeremy Locke, D'Andra Simmons, Heidi Dillon and Dawn Mellon. Tune in to Bravo every Monday night at 9:00PM CST to watch the RHOD and join me on twitter at www.twitter.com/ohsocynthia as I live tweet every episode. It will be meme-tastic! To read more inside scoop on the cast from the Dallas blogger who knows them best, click HERE.

VIPreview of Decadence: Fashions from the 1920s Offers Eye Candy Galore

Photos c/o Thomas Garza, Bob Manzano and Danny Campbell


Decadence: Fashions from the 1920s, a fashion exhibit celebrating the beauty and elegance of the 1920s, kicked off with a VIPreview on Wednesday, January 20. Presented by Galleria Dallas, curated by Ken Weber of Vintage Martini and featuring pieces from the Susan Denn and Robert Schmidt Collection and The Texas Fashion Collection of UNT College of Visual Arts & Design, Decadence showcases the allure of the 1920s in fashion and accessories. The exhibit is timely given the resurgence of 1920s-inspired silhouettes on the runways of designers such as Gucci, Marchesa and Prada and the popularity of shows such as Downtown Abbey. Local style stars and fashionistas such as Jan Strimple, Heidi Dillon, Dawn Mellon, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, handbag designer Allison Mitchell, Chuck Steelman, Carmeleta Whitely, Yvonne Crum, Jack Son, Holly Quataro, and Gina Ginsburg turned out to view rare pieces from French, Spanish and Italian couturiers including Madeleine Vionnet, Mariano Fortuny, Maria Monaco Gallenga and Lucien Lelong. The exhibit is incredibly displayed and breathtaking to behold. I can't say enough great things about it - and it's FREE - so get over to the Galleria this month and take it all in! Decadence: Fashions from the 1920s is free to Galleria shoppers and can be visited at the Galleria Dallas/Level One near Banana Republic January 22 – February 28, 2016. Visit www.galleriadallas.com for exhibit hours.

Dallas Dweller: Heidi Dillon

Ken Downing, Heidi Dillon, Bill Dillon and Dallas Dillon at the 2015 FGI Night of Stars Gala

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.

Dallas Dweller: Heidi Dillon

Heidi Dillon Hosts Holiday Soiree at TOM FORD

Touch your mouse to the image below to scroll through a gallery of images from this event.

Photos c/o Quoc Cong QC - XO Photography


The dramatic TOM FORD store represents Ford’s extremely modern vision of a complete world of menswear and womenswear that is made to the highest level of craftsmanship, personalized to the wearer’s needs, and delivered in a sumptuous and sensual atmosphere. (At least that's what the Highland Park Village website says.) Heidi Dillon hosted a holiday soiree earlier this week for select fashionable friends to view the latest collections and experience an interactive makeup tutorial. The Fashionistas founder has always been known for her style, but this past year she has developed a new obsession with makeup - even training at the MAKE UP FOR EVER Academy in NYC to harness her prowess with a brush and palate. The Tom Ford boutique, run by manager Joe Flores, encompasses the complete menswear and womenswear collections, including ready-to-wear, men’s made-to-measure, footwear, accessories, eyewear, fragrance, and beauty under the TOM FORD label. You can visit this beautiful boutique in Highland Park Village at Preston and Mockingbird.

FGI Night of Stars 2015 Dazzled and Delighted

Touch your mouse to the image below to scroll through a gallery of images from this event (which have been photoshopped to high hell, I might add): photos by Rhi Lee


Fashion Industry Gallery (better known as FIG) was the setting for an evening of glitz and high-glamour when the industry elite of Dallas fashion gathered to pay homage to those who have put – and continue to keep – Dallas on the world fashion scene. Actress Morgan Fairchild, who hails from Dallas, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in film and television. Nancy Nasher, owner of NorthPark Center, was the recipient of the Career Achievement Award in Business. David Sutherland was the recipient of the Career Achievement Award in Interior Design for his namesake furniture line, and Nancy Carlson was the recipient of the Art Patron of the Year award. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Prabal Gurung, recipient of the Career Achievement Award in Fashion. Prabal (whose name rhymes with trouble, he slyly told the crowd) presented his Spring 2016 Collection for guests’ enjoyment. The collection paid tribute to his home country of Nepal with fluid silhouettes in hues of orange, rose and saffron for spring 2016.

FGI Night of Stars might as well be the Academy Awards of Dallas fashion because that is how one dresses for the occasion. I always try to wear a Dallas designer to this event because, well, that's the whole purpose of the night - to honor Dallas fashion! This year, I was thrilled to wear a hand-beaded and hand-painted gown from Ese Azenabor's SS 2016 Collection. Attendees entered the gala on a red carpet and walked straight onto a paparazzi-like photo stop. A strategically placed silent auction was positioned in the center aisle of the gallery so one couldn’t avoid it – and no one did. A menu of cauliflower soup, a gourmet chicken pot pie and a pumpkin spice cake delighted those in attendance such as Nancy Rogers, Neiman Marcus’ Ken Downing, Chuck Steelman and Rachel Roberts, Brian Bolke, Tiffany Hendra, Melissa Rountree, Carmen Surgent, Jan Showers, and Ken Weber. Shout out to my table hosts, Heidi and Bill Dillon, for letting me a part of the cool kids table along with LeeAnne Locken, Hamilton Sneed, Gina Ginsburg, Dallas Dillon, Prashe Shaw and Dan Pritchett.

The event is FGI Dallas’ largest fundraiser of the year and proceeds from the event fund FGI Dallas’ foundation scholarships. This year marks the 66th year of Fashion Group International of Dallas (FGI Dallas). FGI Dallas is part of Fashion Group International, Inc., a global, non-profit, professional organization with more than 6,000 members representing all areas of the fashion industry. Fashion Group International, Inc. provides a high-profile forum to promote the fashion business by hosting events that educate and facilitate the exchange of ideas by giving back to the community. For more information about FGI Dallas visit http://dallas.fgi.org/.

Traffic LA Introduces Germany's Boulezar to Dallas

On Thursday, October 8th, Dallas style and social influencers attended the U.S. launch of international clothing brand, Boulezar. Hosted by Jessica Nowitzki and Anna-Sophia van Zweden at Traffic LA at The Joule, guests shopped to the beats of DJ Ralph Will, sipped Veev cocktails, and enjoyed bites by The Joule. Boulezar founder, Sebastian Kaiser describes the brand as a luxury casual wear brand known for its expert tailoring and utilization of premium fabrics. “True luxury - in my eyes - lies in the renunciation of the unnecessary, in true quality, fairness and the focus on the essential." mused Kaiser. At the event, Guests included: Tim Headington, Dirk Nowitzki, Brandon Carr, Chandler Parsons, Melissa Rountree, Heidi Dillon, LeeAnne Locken, Devin Harris, Zaza and Tina Pachulia, Dawn Mellon, Dwight Powell, John Jenkins, Justin Anderson, Kyle Noonan, Melbourne and Jamie O’Banion, and Joyce Goss. A portion of proceeds from the evening benefited the Autism Treatment Centers of Texas. The un-official after party happened next door at The Joule's new restaurant, Americano, which had opened that night. Thanks to CultureMap and the Dallas Observer for noting that my presence there made this night eminently more cool.

Touch your mouse below to scroll through images from this event: 

Photos by Shana Anderson

Forty Five Ten kicks off Art For Advocacy with Donald Robertson and Linda Rodin

Linda Rodin, Brian Bolke, Donald Robertson

Art for Advocacy kicked-off its annual auction event at Forty Five Ten on Thursday, September 24th. Store owner Brian Bolke welcomed celebrated artist Donald Robertson and Linda Rodin, the famed stylist and founder of Rodin Olio Lusso. Event Chairs Paige and John Slates were joined by Art Chairs Holly Johnson and Cris Worley, Friday Roundup Chair Nancy Cohen Israel, Christen and Derek Wilson, John Erdos, Heidi Dillon, Lael Brodsky, Gina Ginsberg, Lisa Moore, Lynn McBee, Jamie and Melbourne O’Banion, Jennie Reeves, Claire Emanuelson, Shelle and Michael Sills, Muffin Lemak and a host of other Dallas socials. Donald Robertson, known for his cheeky illustrations and almost cult-worthy Instagram account (@drawbertson) signed his latest children’s book, Mitford at the Fashion Zoo and revealed his design for “Chic Dallas Ladies”- Forty Five Ten’s Fall campaign with illustrations of some of Dallas’ most fashionable women on Forty Five Ten shopping bags. His work is also featured in the store’s Fall catalog, windows and in-store displays. Linda Rodin shared her new Facial Cleansing Powder and limited edition holiday products with her devoted fans. Ten percent of the evening’s sales benefited the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center.

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.