Upcoming events

Grand Opening Party of Insight Complete Eye Care

Mark your datebook for February 19th to laud the grand opening party of Insight Complete Eye Care. This nighttime event will open the doors of Dr. Ivan Bank’s latest achievement in high-end eye care and glasses boutique. With over 25 years of eye care experience, Dr. Bank will show us the latest in eyesight technology for the fashionably discriminating patient. THE FASHIONISTAS cannot wait to view the selection of designer sunglasses because as we all know, a great pair of shades is the only accessory we need for the long Dallas summers. Insight Complete Eye Care is located at 8611 Hillcrest (at Northwest Highway). Sponsored by FD Luxe and benefiting THE FASHIONISTAS as well as the American Foundation for the Blind’s The Visionaries. For more information, please visit www.insightdallas.com

Fall 2010: Shirin Askari Fashion Show

Pull out your iPhone and mark your calendar for Friday, February 26th for Project Runway alum Shirin Askari’s Fall 2010 Fashion Show, to be held at South Side on Lamar. While most of the cast from this season’s Project Runway chose NYC’s Fashion Week to host their debut presentation, Shirin decided to partner with THE FASHIONISTAS (we’re thrilled!) and house her first-ever fashion show in downtown Dallas. Askari, a Dallas native and recent graduate of the University of North Texas, auditioned for the sixth season of Project Runway after nixing plans to head to Europe due to knee surgery. With just three days until the application deadline, Askari entered the competition. With a little luck and a lot of talent, she breezed through the interview process and was asked to join the show. After surviving the majority of the way through the sixth season (and famously having her first reality show meltdown), Shirin was cut just three episodes away from the finale. She will get her chance to showcase her signature designs (fresh twists on ladylike classics) very soon. We have so many exciting things planned for the event that you will definitely want to check our website weekly for the latest updates on who is in and who is (coming) out to the most reality chic fashion event of the season. Sponsored by Jeffrey Bowen and South Side on Lamar. Benefiting THE FASHIONISTAS. For more information, contact Bri Crum at bri.crum@thefashionistas.org

Designing with a Vision: Sergey Ermakov

We are pleased to be a part of the American Foundation for the Blind’s Center on Vision Loss 2010 “Designing with A Vision” two-day event, beginning Friday, April 16th. Blind Ukrainian fashion designer Sergey Ermakov (he can only see 5% of what you see) has agreed to come to Dallas from Kiev to host two runway shows and a master class, with the focus to be on living successfully with vision loss. He will also design and donate a couture dress for chance raffle at the event. The first day will include Blintz’s & Bellini’s Bruncheon Show, a trunk show and a nighttime runway show with cocktails and dancing afterward. The second day, Saturday, April 17th, will consist of a master class taught by Sergey himself. Major sponsors: The Fairmont Hotel, Modern Luxury Magazine – Dallas, American Airlines, Essilor of America, Oncor, Inc., Nokia, and DVA Navion. Proceeds to benefit the AFB and THE FASHIONISTAS. For more information contact Abi Erickson at aerickson@afb.net

PAST EVENTS

By Rachel Courts

F2 TALK with San Francisco based designer Christopher Collins

The Fashionistas Two were delighted and honored to host San Francisco–based designer Christopher Collins and business partner Erica Tanamachi for our second F2 TALK. While earning his degree in fashion design at San Francisco State University, Christopher worked as a visual merchandiser for Neiman Marcus where he gained insight into the luxury market. After years of designing evening wear under other designer names, Collins began his own Contemporary Couture collection with his lifelong friend, Erica Tanamachi. In Fall 2008, Christopher and Erica launched the much-anticipated first collection of the Christopher Collins line. Christopher and Erica chatted openly with our F2s about their struggle in starting a design house under a tough economy, pleasing department store buyers, and the ongoing battle to stay ahead of the fashion curve. The following day, Christopher and Erica made a personal appearance at their trunk show hosted by The Blues Jean Bar in Snider Plaza. The duo presented their Fall 2009 collection as well as their Spring 2010 samples, which are now available for pre-order. To learn more about Christopher Collins and to view the collection online, please visit www.christophercollinscollection.com Sponsored by The Blues Jean Bar in Snider Plaza and Studio Movie Grill – Addison.

Christopher Collins Collection

F2 TALK with fashion illustrator and designer Chesley McLaren

Emily Bates

On November 6th,The Fashionistas Two hosted our third F2 TALK with fashion designer and illustrator Chesley McLaren. The F2s were seated amongst McLaren’s chic Francophile illustrations currently on display (as well as for purchase) at the 4th Wall Gallery in Uptown, while Chesley spoke about her fashion illustration career which began years ago, having garnered her work for Neiman Marcus, Henri Bendel and Bergdorf Goodman – as well as her newest venture, fashion design. You can currently find her whimsical collection of aristocratic-inspired pieces titled Demoiselle, in famed Madison Avenue boutique Yuta Powell. After the lecture, Chesley signed both of her current books, “The Gospel According to Coco Chanel” and “When Royals Wore Ruffles”, as well as her playfully unique sketch created specially for THE FASHIONISTAS. To see more of Chesley’s work, please visit www.chesleymclaren.com Event sponsored by the 4th Wall Gallery.

Dallas Rocks Gala Benefiting the Diamond Empowerment Fund

On November 14th, Russell Simmons, along with too many celebrities to count, took over the historic Union Station for the second annual Dallas Rocks Gala benefiting Simmons’s charity, the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) which aims to raise money to support education initiatives that develop and empower economically disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. The blinged-out guests of the evening (there were well over 500) were entertained by pop music icon Smokey Robinson, whose audience included Barbara Bush and Jenna Bush Hager (who received an award for their work in Africa and other impoverished nations), legendary basketball star Dikembe Mutombo, Simmons’ good friend Anthony Anderson, who served as the evening’s emcee, a noticeably low-key Veronica Webb (as Simmons’s date), and Run DMC’s Rev Run and his entire family, which included his daughters Vanessa and Angela Simmons who happen to have a hit reality TV show of their very own as well as starring in their famous pop’s show. Though our CEO and one of the co-chairs of the event, Heidi Dillon, was noticeably missed (she was in Hollywood meeting with…well, you will have to wait and see), the night was a great success and raised close to half a million dollars for DEF. The highlight of the evening? Rev Run’s surprise trip to the dance floor with mic in hand, for a mix of his most famous hits from Run DMC. Dallas Rocks Sponsors: Zales, Modern Luxury Dallas, Palomar Dallas, Grey Goose, W.J. Deutsch & Sons Ltd., American Airlines, Wolfgang Puck Catering and Union Station, Rebecca Hackel Events and The Richards Group.

Russell Simmons and Annika Cail

Burberry and W magazine host author Frances Osborne

Frances Osborne and Heidi Dillon

On Wednesday, November 18th, THE FASHIONISTAS had the honor of hosting British author Frances Osborne at NorthPark’s Burberry store. The author, who happens to be the wife of George Osborne who may be England’s next Prime Minister, signed copies of her latest tome, “The Bolter.” Osborne’s book expands on a character, the Bolter, who was first mentioned in a novel by the author’s relative, acclaimed novelist Nancy Mitford. The subject of the book is a madcap woman named Lady Idina Sackville, who ran wild with affairs and was a five-time divorcee during the time between the World Wars. The book is full of British high society adulterousness and positively shocking (for the Edwardian era) behavior; as Osborne (who happens to be Lady Idina’s great-granddaughter) aptly quotes in the first chapter, “It was an age of bolters, but Idina was by far the most celebrated.” Before we toasted the author, Osborne shared with us her life-long curiosity concerning Lady Idina’s intimately detailed letters, which Osborne discovered in a trunk while still in her teens. Though it took some years before Osborne was able to put the letters to use, she proves that like the long line of ancestral female writers before her, she can compose a beautifully written and quite entertaining tale. Hosted by Burberry, W magazine and THE FASHIONISTAS.

THE FASHIONISTAS Holiday Party

Our annual Fashionistas Holiday Party, thrown to thank our board members (the very best-dressed men and women in all of Dallas), was held on December 1st at our brand-new office space inside South Side on Lamar. We couldn’t have been more pleased by the turnout (considering the rapidly cooling temperature outside) of our three boards – Fashionista, LimeLight and F2 – plus a few wonderful people who have worked hard to make our organization that much more special this year. While we were just wrapping up the unpacking and decorating of the office (Heidi definitely knows her art direction) minutes before the members arrived, we stepped out of our office door and into the main hallway to see the entire building decorated from top to bottom with Christmas trees, poinsettias and lights, all delightful winks to the holiday season ahead. Spotted mingling together were LimeLight Group President Kirby Allison and Myra Walker, discussing various ideas about what to show in our office’s display window; a Marilyn Monroe–esque Shannon Brower, presenting Heidi Dillon with her very own Swarovski encrusted monogrammed champagne bottle; and F2 Director Bri Crum chatting with our F2s about the following night’s fashion show benefitting our organization. Also spotted in the Fashionista crowd were D’Andra Simmons, Gina Ginsberg, Lynn McBee and Janet Fresquez. Before the evening came to a close, we toasted our success this year and good luck in all of our endeavors for the next with a tasting of Louis XIII luxury cognac. Sponsored by Abacus and Louis XIII Cognac.

Scott and Gina Ginsburg

P.S. Styling Premiere Event Benefitting THE FASHIONISTAS

P.S. Styling's Fashion Show at Trees

Fresh off the high of THE FASHIONISTAS Holiday Party, Heidi Dillon (with chic crew in tow) joined the hundreds of guests who took over the newly renovated Trees nightspot in Deep Ellum for P.S. Styling’s Premiere Fashion Show. The crowd (young, hip and ready for fun) couldn’t have shown more excitement or had a better time if they tried. The clothes and accessories were right on trend – styled by Jillian Prado; and the makeup and hair were classic yet very now – created by Ashley Sartor. The models marched to the tunes of the live band The Boss Level (Jillian’s brother is the drummer), which everyone wowed over (“really good” was overheard more than once). Fashionistas in the crowd – Dan Pritchett looking as dapper as ever, Toni Duclottni sporting the fiercest thigh-high boots we have seen all season, F2s Maddison McKinley, Cristy DeLaRosa and Jacqueline Padilla all participating in the behind-the-scenes action, and American Idol alum Jason Castro spotted in the audience enjoying the show. Sponsored by P.S. Styling, Trees Dallas and THE FASHIONISTAS.

Fashion as Architecture

by Douglas Newby

When Heidi Dillon, founder of THE FASHIONISTAS, asked me to discuss the similarities of fashion and architecture, I couldn’t resist. Fashion and architecture are two forms of design, each serving a very practical purpose: a roof over your head and clothes on your back.

Initially, I would have said that fashion is transitory and architecture is permanent. Then I thought about people like Heidi who understand, purchase and wear avant garde fashion well. A truly well-dressed person knows how to mix in pieces from five, ten, even twenty years ago with this season’s purchases. Kelli Questrom mentioned that the key is, of course, to buy what you love, but just as important, to buy the best of a designer, not necessarily what is most expensive, but the pieces that really resonate. Pieces that are pure design, that will have lasting value.

The same is true in architecture. There are a lot of houses built each year, but only a few will stand the test of time. Good design is good when it is current and when it is retro. So I must reexamine my original impulse that architecture is permanent. In fact, in the most expensive neighborhoods, a builder home is a candidate to be torn down in 20 to 25 years. I’ve known cases where a 20-year-old builder home was torn down just to make the lot more valuable for resale. Just like trendy fashion, builders go to trade shows and pick up the latest railings, fixtures, faucets and floor plans. Within two or three years a builder house can look incredibly dated. Appraisers usually discount a newer house 2% for every year after it’s built, partly because of wear, but mostly because of “functional obsolescence;” in other words, outdated design. The good houses and good clothes survive. Just as it’s easy to change a hemline, it’s easy to put in a new countertop if the design is strong. And just like mixing in older or even vintage pieces, the most celebrated houses in Dallas combine the underlying elements of the period in which they were built with current design and technology.

Does fashion relate to modern architecture and eclectic architecture in the same way? I think it does. As interior designer Mil Bodron says, “Modern design is just classic design with the ornamentation stripped away.” Modernists emphasize function more in their discussion of architecture, but eclectic architecture is just as rooted in function. Often, modern architects just reverse the hierarchy found in eclectic design. For instance, the Crespi/Hicks estate is a great example of architect Maurice Fatio’s designing, with a lovely, wide, sweeping staircase under large windows for use by the family. Fatio designed a very narrow rear steep staircase that was intended for the servants to use to reach the bed chambers. In the Richard Meier–designed Rachofsky House, the narrow, steep staircase is by the front door and is intended for the owner, while the wide, breathtaking open-tread staircase along a wall of windows is intended for guests to reach the second floor to view the art. On the other hand, generic builders tend to have two equal size staircases not far from each other, for show, not utility.

Utility was the basis of the great conventions seared into our consciousness when it comes to men’s suits. We often think of the components of a suit as pure ornamentation and style, but they were all designed for utility and function. I recall many years of conversations with a great artist and designer, John Coggin, an East End Londoner who apprenticed and worked on Savile Row for 40 years. When I think of a velvet jacket it connotes high elegance and a profound indulgent casualness. Not, of course, the country casual feel of a Norfolk country tweed with a belted waist and worn with boots, but the luxurious nap of velvet paired with low vamp house shoes. The velvet jacket was not a fashion affectation, but served a very real need. It was designed for comfort and utility in drafty castles and country estates heated only by logs in the fireplaces. The soft material was for comfort and warmth, with the deep pile of velvet protecting the jacket from the burning ashes falling from a cigar. A modern velvet coat has maybe changed in color, weight and length of the nap. Nonetheless, a velvet jacket has an elegance that begs to be worn with a black tie, but it is so rooted in casual comfort it is more likely to be worn with jeans.

A suit with a ticket pocket over a traditional suit pocket makes an elegant suit more casual, a little more fun. John Coggin explained to me that the ticket pocket was originally the only pocket (not counting an inside pocket for a flask) on a “hunting pink” – what some, including me, think of as a scarlet coat. On a hunt, this small pocket kept coins for gratuities given to farmers who would open the gates to their land so the riders would not have to dismount to open them.

Another convention designed for utility is sleeve buttons on a suit coat. We have all seen paintings of early surgeons who would never have affronted their patients with attire that did not include a coat and tie. Out of necessity, a surgeon rolled up his suit coat sleeves during an operation. Kelli’s husband, Allen Questrom, who probably knows more about fashion and retail than anyone else in the world, once commented on the cuff buttons on my suit coat. He told me that when he was a young man just getting started in the industry, an old, very distinguished gentleman told him the proper way to wear a suit was with just the top button on the left sleeve unbuttoned. The next time I saw John Coggin, I asked him his thoughts on the coat sleeve buttons. He said he always leaves the top left button unbuttoned. I asked why and he told me when he was just getting started on Savile Row, a very distinguished aristocrat said, “Young man, if you are working on Savile Row in a proper suit, you
should always keep the button closest to the top of the sleeve on the left side unbuttoned.” John Coggin said he has done so ever since, and I have since followed the convention myself.

Most suits have a button hole in the lapel; seldom are they used, but they were designed for a very important reason. The button hole was originally requested by a lord during a time when chamber pots were emptied out windows into the streets, and the equestrian transportation system left the streets filled with muck. A fresh flower in the lapel helped fortify the lord to make it through these unpleasant streets.

May we all wear a flower in our lapel to brace us against an onslaught of bad design, as we keep our focus on good design in fashion and architecture.

Douglas Newby is Dallas’ premier Realtor®, who specializes in selling architecturally significant homes.

Fabulous Fashionistas

Fashion Illustrator and Designer Chesley McLaren

by Rachel Courts

Illustration by Chesley McLaren

Chesley McLaren initially set out in life to become a fashion designer but as life sometimes pushes you in a direction you should have already chosen, Chesley found fashion illustration to be her success story. McLaren’s Francophile style of drawing garnered her praise and respect in the hard-knock business of fashion, and before she knew it, Bendel’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bergdorf’s came a-calling for displays, painted windows and ad illustrations. Finding happiness and fame in her drawing and later her books, McLaren decided to give fashion design another shot. She now sells her whimsical collection, Demoiselle, in a chic dress shop on upper Madison Avenue. We are so honored that McLaren graciously spoke to our students during our third F2 TALK lecture, and for those of you who missed what Chesley had to share…enjoy!

What is the secret of your wonderful technique?

There really is no secret, as long as I am working on the subject I love – fashion and style.

What projects are you currently involved in?

I am working on a set and backdrops for my Spring ‘10 collection as well as a small series of painted jackets. Also, I am starting an illustrated blog with my coauthor of “When Royals Wore Ruffles”.

Is there a dream project you wish to pursue?

Being involved in designing clothes and sets for a period film or opera. Also doing my book on fashion.

What fashion magazines have featured your work?

Travel & Leisure, Town & Country, InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar, American Vogue, British Vogue, Harpers & Queen, German Vogue, Spanish Vogue and more.

Who or what is your favorite artist/piece of artwork?

There are so many, but a few that stand out are Henri Matisse, Niki de Saint Phalle, Christian Berard and Edgar Degas’ “Little Dancer.”

Who is your favorite designer, or any that specifically inspire your illustrations?

Always the European designers – Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Azzedine Alaia, Hussein Chalayan, Comme des Garcons, Dior. Anything fun and over the top.

What is the story on your fashion line? Will we see more of it in the future?

I have always been involved in fashion. I love what I call a “Costume” (not a costume as we know it but a “look”). My collection started from traveling as the artist for Louis Vuitton. I needed an “artist smock” to complete my look. I designed my ultimate smock of muslin and organza. I had such a wonderful response that I decided to design a few more and launched the collection – Demoiselle.

What are some of your favorite projects that you have completed?

My first project as an illustrator – the Vive La France campaign for Bloomingdale’s. I became known as the “French Illustrator in New York.” I loved covering the haute couture collections for Spanish Vogue in Paris. I had great fun writing and illustrating my book “Zat Cat, A Haute Couture Tail”, and now working on my Demoiselle collection.

What advice can you give our student group, the F2s, about entering the world of fashion illustration and trying to create a look of their own?

Do what you love and it will develop itself. Do not get discouraged and when you do open your portfolio, remind yourself how much you love it. Try to listen to what critics, clients, friends and family say, and then throw it away if it’s not useful. You can never be everything to everyone! It is not easy; just try to follow your heart and ride the highs and lows.

OF THE MOMENT

By Rachel Courts

Santa Baby…

Jotting down one’s holiday wish list is never very difficult, but when your career is focused on supporting the arts, in my case fashion, your list itself takes on something of an art form. I have been writing my list (and checking it twice) all year. Below, you can definitely find gift giving inspiration for your fashionably minded nearest and dearest in my high-low holiday most wanted. Subscription to French Vogue – Though I love my former place of fashion slave labor – interning at American Vogue – I honestly cannot help but admire the cutting edge, avant garde styling of the French magazine. A full year worth of Carine Roitfeld (the Anna Wintour of France) and her tres chic team of editors is well worth its import price tag. Rodarte for Target Collection– To say that I like Rodarte is an understatement. I adore it. Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the sisters behind the line, credit their favorite films – Harold and Maude, Bonnie and Clyde, and Rosemary’s Baby – as their inspiration for their first collection for Target. Expect to see playfully feminine – with just a hint of dark humor – dresses, sweaters and accessories to be available both online and in stores by December 20th. It is exactly what my closet has been lusting for.

Rodarte for Target Collection

The Met Costume Institute Gala – Hopefully holiday wishes do come true, as I really cannot imagine anything more thrilling than attending THE fashion event of the year, where tickets are more covetable than a croc Birkin and there is never any doubt that an endless stream of celebrities, models and designers will be out in full couture to support NYC’s Costume Institute. This year’s Gala in May will open the exhibit titled “American Women: Fashioning a National Identity,” which will examine American women from 1890–1940 and how these women have influenced our perceptions of the modern woman, all through fashion of course.

Oh, and what am I giving this holiday season, you might ask? Lots of Star Wars books and the classic trilogy DVDs for my nephews, beautifully illustrated (by Chesley McLaren) children’s books for my niece, and a pair of warm and cozy slippers for my beloved grandfather. Happy Holidays!

JOIN THE FASHIONISTAS TODAY!

When you join The Fashionistas you become a champion of the fashion arts, a mentor to fashion design students, a sponsor of fashion exhibitions, and a supporter of educational programming. Collectively, we position Dallas as a portal to the global fashion community.  

Founded in 2005 by Heidi Dillon, The Fashionistas now has more than 2,000 members. And we are proud to support 700 Fashionista Two members from local high schools and colleges with scholarships and real-life experience in the fashion community.

We invite you to join us in this noble cause. Call 972.504.6354 or visit www.thefashionistas.org.

MANIFESTO

To be an international champion of the fashion arts through exhibitions, scholarships and educational programs, positioning Dallas as a portal to the global fashion community.