About Us

On a rainy Spring day in 2005, I was attending a fashion show at Neiman Marcus downtown. Sitting in the hallowed Couture Salon of the historic store, I was overcome with a divine inspiration. The idea of a fashion museum in Dallas struck me and I became wholly consumed with bringing that vision to reality. The next day I created a stack of membership forms for a group I'd call THE FASHIONISTAS, for those who shared my love and appreciation of fashion. Standing at the corner of the Chanel store in Highland Park Village, I coerced friends for a $200 membership fee to join my new group. Uncertain if it was their commitment to fashion or their way of getting me off their back, I embarked on this remarkable journey, which has brought me here today. At our kickoff party, I proposed a toast to raising the money to construct an internationally renowned fashion museum in the heart of downtown Dallas. Today, because of your support, we draw closer to making that vision a reality.  THE FASHIONISTAS is an exciting, compelling group of people who's commitment to celebrating fashion permeates style, culture and history. Join us in toasting this vibrant city and it's penchant for the finest things in life.

Stay Fabulous

 

MANIFESTO 
 
To be an international champion of the fashion arts through exhibitions, education and cultural festivals, positioning Dallas as a portal to the global fashion community.

About THE FASHIONISTAS

THE FASHIONISTAS, founded in 2005 by Heidi Dillon, is comprised of members fully committed to building Fashion Gallery in downtown Dallas. Fashion Gallery will be the first independent fashion exhibition space in the United States and will become a cultural platform for international fashion. Dillon’s vision is to celebrate fashion past, present and future through historically significant exhibitions and works by contemporary and cutting edge fashion designers, photographers and illustrators. Dillon says, “Forwarding the knowledge and understanding of this art form through Fashion Gallery is important because fashion creates an intangible allure which attracts money, talent, beauty and enterprise to a city”. Fashion Gallery will change the face of fashion forever.


Establishing a cultural and economic bridge between Dallas and the international fashion world, The Fashionistas are civically responsible and socially expressive- supporting designers, creative educators and students in their dedication and passion for fashion.  It is THE FASHIONISTAS commitment to convey the story of fashion, the appeal of fashion, and the experience of fashion.   The best of fashion, like the best of fine art, offers not only nuance to the connoisseur but pleasure to the uninitiated.
The Fashionistas have hosted numerous fund-raising events honoring notable individuals including “Sex and the City” author, Candace Bushnell, famous paparazzo Patrick McMullan and Vogue's European Editor-at-Large, Hamish Bowles. Partnering with top American and European design houses and couturiers, THE FASHIONISTAS has become THE exemplar of taste, style, and elan for the city of Dallas.


THE FASHIONISTAS TWO (F2, the student group, has hundreds of members from local high schools and colleges.  These individuals generate a fresh perspective on the relevancy and future of fashion.  F2 events create opportunities designed for exposure to the many elements of the fashion industry.


THE FASHIONISTAS  is the preeminent benchmark of Dallas’ fashion community.  Delivering interesting and unique programs, THE FASHIONISTAS receive resounding accolades from an ever-increasing membership base. Join us and become part of the cultural revolution.

ADVISORY BOARD

  • Amy Vanderoef, Host, WFAA, Good Morning Texas
  • Angie Barrett, Philanthropist
  • Barbara Buzzell, Owner, The Buzzell Company
  • Brian Bolke, Owner, FortyFiveTen
  • Cindy Rachofsky, Philanthropist
  • Connie Sigel, Owner, Elements
  • D. Gilbert Friedlander, Partner, Weil, Gotshal & Mangers, LLP
  • Dave Lopez, Strategist
  • Douglas Newby, Douglas Newby Associates
  • Dr. Valerie Steele, Director, the Museum at FIT
  • Dr. William R Dillon, Senior Associate Dean, Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University
  • Gail Sachson, Philanthropist
  • Gloria McCall Godat, Philanthropist
  • Hamish Bowles, European Editor-at-Large, Vogue, Editor-in-Chief, Vogue Living
  • Holly Moore, Editor-in-Chief, Paper City
  • Jeanne Marie Clossey, Philanthropist
  • John Libby, Senior Vice President, Regional Director, Nonprofit & Philanthropic Services, Wachovia
  • John Sughrue, Executive Officer, Founder, Brook Partners, Inc.
  • Ken Downing, Fashion Director, Neiman Marcus
  • Ken Foret, Manager, Barneys Dallas
  • Kenny Goss, Goss Michael Foundation
  • Kim Askew, Partner, K & L Gates LLP
  • Lance Avery Morgan, Publisher, Brilliant Magazine
  • Mark Esposito, Owner, Espositio Securities 
  • Mary Lou Connor, Director, Oscar de la Renta Dallas
  • Maxine Trowbridge, Founder, Publisher, PinkMemo
  • Meeling Wong
  • Myra Walker, Curator/Director, The Texas Fashion Collection, University of North Texas
  • Nancy Dedman, Philanthropist
  • Nicole Dabbert, Director, Cartier Dallas
  • Peggy Sewel, Philanthropist
  • Phil Bush, Partner, Lock, Liddell & Sapp LLP
  • Shelle Sills, Manager, Downtown Neiman Marcus
  • Stephen Croncota, Chief Marketing Officer, Hagar Clothing Comany
  • Terri Provencal, Group Publisher, Modern Luxury Dallas
  • Vanessa Dabich, Director of Public Relations, Lancome USA 

FASHION. YOU LOVE IT. ADMIT IT. IT MATTERS - Guy Trebay, New York Times