Art From The Heart Celebrity Art Auction 2014

Rich Emberlin, LeeAnne Locken,
Lindsay Lee McCain, John McCain

Local nonprofit Dallas Challenge held its 5th Annual ART FROM THE HEART Celebrity Art Auction & Benefit at Seven for Parties in the Dallas Design District on Friday, April 25, 2014.

Co-Chairs LeeAnne Locken and Lindsay Lee McCain welcomed guests and encouraged attendees to mix and mingle with some of the celebrities and professional artists who’s work was up for grabs and enjoy bites and beverages, all while listening to tunes spun by DJ Danny Salinas.

Jody Dean of KVIL and Melissa Poe Carson from Big Rich Texas were in attendance and working the crowd to drive up the bidding price on their artwork. I was in love with a couple of darling superhero pillows made by TV personality Hilary Kennedy (see photo below), but alas I was outbid!

Among those vying for these one-of-a-kind pieces were D'Andra Simmons Locke and new husband Jeremy Locke, Rick and Janet Fresquez, J.B. Hayes, Shane Walker and Steve Kemble.

Fashion Stars For A Cause are announced for 2014 Inaugural Event

Yvonne Crum
photo Sterling Steves

Philanthropist Yvonne Crum is leading the fight for suicide prevention in our community with the launch of a new event called Fashion Stars For A Cause.  (If this concept sounds vaguely familiar it's because this event is the reincarnation of the gala previously known as Fresh Faces of Fashion.)

After the death of her oldest son, Yvonne Crum sought a way to bring attention and understanding to the usually taboo subject of suicide. Through the Suicide and Crisis Center Fresh Faces of Fashion program, she paired the unlikely topics of suicide and fashion together and created an annual event in partnership with Modern Luxury, Stanley Korshak and Park Place Motorcars that has raised more than $1 million in its first five years.

Earlier this year, Modern Luxury decided to take Fresh Faces in another direction, so Crum chose to take her vision, freshen it up, and has partnered with Beverly Drive Magazine to create Fashion Stars for a Cause.

She explains, "Fashion Stars For A Cause will be an annual event with seated dinner and fashion-themed with a big focus on the cause of suicide prevention and how it has an impact in the community. One of the big changes (from fresh Faces of Fashion) is that we will be having small luncheon get togethers with the Fashion Stars, inviting guests that want to hear more about the cause and tour the center."  There will also be a gala dinner at Dallas Country Club on March 21, 2014.

Buying Local Isn't Just About Food

The sustainable movement has been underfoot for some time now.  There's a growing movement encouraging us to buy locally to not only support local farmers and small businesses but it perpetuates the thought that you can get fruits and vegetables that have been grown with less hormones and pesticides. People, this may come as a shock, but apples and lettuce are not meant to have a 6-week shelf life.

This theory applies to other industries as well - like fashion and jewelry. Dallas has some amazing creative talents and events like this one are designed to put a spotlight on the fact that not all great design comes from New York and Los Angeles.  And that if you "make it" you don't have to leave Dallas either!

The Fashion Group International of Dallas hosted their annual Gala called a "Night of Stars" at the Dallas Trade Pavilion last Friday. Amy Vanderoef of WFAA presented several Career Achievement Awards to local talents: Kent Rathbun, Richard Krall Photography and Charles and Joanne Teichman from Ylang23. Rising Star Awards were also given out to up-and-comers in the fashion industry.

A runway show produced by the fabulous Jan Strimple ended the night with a display of stunning fashions from six Dallas-based designers:

Elli Grace  |  Shirin Askari   |  Abi Ferrin  

Nha Khanh  |   PrashE  |  Nest

My date, Daniel Lewis of Green Peridot Salon.  He was on Paper City's Fashion Police team this year and got to walk in the show.  He stomped down that runway like a Calvin Klein model!

I wasn't a bit surprised to run into the lovely ladies of You+Media, Elisabeth Jordan and Hilary Kennedy.  Also pictured is my friend, Bri Crum of Plan B PR.

Me with local designer (and Project Runway star) Shirin Askari and Bri Crum.

I'm not saying to never shop at The Gap or Target again. But, you can support your local economy and look fabulous in designs you won't see on 200 other people by taking a closer look at the talent pool we have right in our own back yard.

I'm just sayin'.