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Heidi's World
Hello Fashionistas, At this point we cannot deny that we are living in very tough and trying times. Every time we pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV we are bombarded with more tales of doom and gloom. I have to be honest with you, the economic conditions have greatly affected The Fashionistas - several large sponsors have bailed, it's increasingly difficult to get new members and our old members are not renewing. This is not an unusual story for a non-profit these days. The good news is that we have zero overhead (for those of you who don't know this, Fashionistas "World Headquarters" is located in my kitchen, I work for free and we have several talented, bright interns who donate their time) so we can keep plugging along. Sometimes, though, it gets me down and I find myself succumbing fatalism. Usually my husband will snap me out of my funk and remind me of the work we are doing, who we are doing it for and why it is important. And, let's face it, there is no moral high ground to be gained by moping around wallowing in depression. Instead, we need to focus on the positive, accept that we are blessed as ever and continue to work as hard as we can to reach our goals. Two years ago we started our Fashionistas Two (F2) group. I knew that this would end up being an important part of The Fashionistas, but I had no idea how important. Today we have over 700 members from local fashion design and fashion marketing programs including the Art Institute of Dallas, El Centro, UNT and SMU's Retail Club. We also have members from our high schools including Greenhill, Hockaday, and Highland Park. Over the last six months, Fashionistas board members Karen Garrett and Keith Livingston have been very busy laying the foundation for our Young Designer's Showcase, a signature event that will exhibit our F2's design and leadership talents. It's important to note that the money we raise from YDS will go fund scholarships for our local fashion students. To get this important event off the ground, Karen and Keith have selected 26 young men and women to serve on the F2 Leadership Team. Prospective Team members had to endure a rigorous application process - a written application and two letters of recommendation were required. Those who made it past phase one were subjected to an interview conducted by three Fashionista board members. Very intimidating! Leadership Team is now off and running. They must attend monthly meetings and dress for success every time. Team members have been broken down into various committees and are in the process of conducting their own interviews for their committee members. Lots of real-world experience going on here already. We had our first meeting with the Team a couple of weeks ago and I was so moved by these incredible young people that I got all choked up. They are so full of joy, hope, enthusiasm, drive and talent. This is what gets me out of bed in the morning. This is what keeps me out of the doldrums. This is why the work we are doing is important. We have some very exciting events on our social calendar. The opening bash for Equinox Fitness should prove to be one of the best parties of the season (and, by the way, invitations are only going out to those whose memberships are up-to-date). You won't want to miss hearing Dr. Valerie Steele discuss the work of Isabel Toledo for our FASHION TALK series and who could possibly pass up an opportunity to relive their old high school days at Dallas Prom 2009. If you're like me, your closet could probably use some cleaning out. Gather up all of your gently worn designer duds and head over to the Ultimate Exchange event in May. Who knows what treasures you might find! Stay Fabulous,  |
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Announcements New Fashionistas: New F2s: New Threads Member: New Sponsors: New Membership Level: The Fashionistas Board of Directors: The Fashionistas Limelight Group Executive Board: The Fashionistas Advisory Board: The Fashionistas Two Leadership Team:
Calendar of Events
Friday, March 27, 8:00-11:00 pm Lee Park - Success and the City Friday, May 1, 9 - 12 pm Sunday, May 3-Thursday, May 5 The Ultimate Exchange. Purchase gently worn designer duds. Benefiting The Fashionistas. Visit www.theultimateexchange.com for more information. |
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Future Events Equinox Fitness Friday, March 27 On Friday, March 27th, Equinox Fitness Club will host a celebration of spring to commemorate the grand opening of their first outpost in Texas. The five-star fitness club is also marking the occasion by honoring three non-profit organizations that bring balance to life in Dallas. The three organizations being fêted are: The Fashionistas, Friends of the Katy Trail, and the Greer Garson Gala. I have to confess, I am already addicted to this place. If you haven't already done so, you MUST join. You will be amazed by the numerous, fascinating classes like "skinny jeans workout" and "powernap" (a personal favorite). I have spent more than a few hours indulging in their spa treatments and have even found some extremely fashionable workout wear in the in-house shop. The large parking garage is a breeze, but they have valets at hand if you don't want to waste your precious energy walking a few extra steps. Expect an evening of energy and excitement complete with the sounds of DJ Frenchy and a mojito bar by Tommy Bahama Rum. The invitation only event (your Fashionistas membership must be up to date in order to receive an invitation) will be held from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Equinox Fitness Club, 4023 Oak Lawn, in Dallas. FASHION TALK
The Dallas Prom 2009 Friday, May 1 The Dallas Prom 2009 is an opportunity to create the prom experience, while supporting local non-profit organizations. The Prom Shop Project will receive 300 donated dresses and proceeds from the evening will be donated to The Fashionista’s. During the event on Friday, May 1st from 9 p.m. to midnight at The Historic Old Red Museum, guests will be crowning their pick for prom king and queen just after the Saks 5th Avenue fashion show that will highlight the latest prom fashions. The Ultimate Exchange Sunday, May 3-Tuesday, May 5 Have you ever wanted to raid your best friend's closet? Now is your chance. With The Ultimate Exchange you can profit from cleaning out your closet and shop an upscale, fun event featuring designer fashions at "got to have it" prices. You can also benefit The Fashionistas by becoming a consignor in the sale and donating items or a portion of your earnings. Go to www.theultimateexchange.com for all the details and join us May 3rd - 5th for this eco-friendly, economically savvy fashion experience you won't want to miss. So what's in your closet? YOUNG DESIGNER'S SHOWCASE - A Fashionistas Signature Event In March of 2010 The Fashionistas will premier the Young Designers Showcase. This signature event will showcase the design and leadership talents of students with aspirations of careers in fashion design and fashion retail management. The Fashionistas, by hosting and promoting the Young Designers Showcase, will create a leadership structure for the Fashionista Twos, promote the emerging talent that is prevalent in the Dallas – Fort Worth area, create a positive atmosphere for this talent to network with industry professionals and launch a scholarship program supporting their education. Board members Karen Garrett and Keith Livingston have done an incredible job of launching this program. They have just finished interviewing the top fashion students from the Dallas-Ft. Worth area and have put together The Fashionistas Two Leadership Team. Team members have been assigned positions and will be responsible for orchestrating this year-long project. Please welcome Clint Norton (AID), Chairman, Casey Kearns (AID), Vice-Chairman, Jasmine Huntington (UNT), F2 Development Chair, Christy DeLaRosa (AID), F2 Development Co-Chair, Sarah Bray (SMU), Public Relations Chair, Clarissa Torres (AID), Public Relations Co-Chair, Amy Reeder (El Centro), Social Chair, Hannah Jones (AID), Social Co-Chair, Jacqueline Padilla (El Centro) Showcase Application Development Chair, Fiona Kirby (AID), Showcase Application Development Co-Chair, Emily Bates (SMU), Event Chair, Patrick Brewer (AID), Chief Technical Officer, Shantessa Lynch (AID), Underwriting/Sponsorship Chair, Emilee Upson (UNT), Underwriting/Sponsorship Co-Chair, Sarah Secor (AID), Underwriting/Sponsorship Co-Chair, Shayla Alexander (AID), Treasurer, Atiqua Meer (AID), Hospitality Chair, Jill Smith (AID), Hospitality Co-Chair, Samra Pittillo (AID), Planning Committee, Sara Nino (AID), Planning Committee, Eric Oliver (El Centro), Community Membership Chair, Nhi Tran (AID) Community Membership Co-Chair, Kelly West (AID) Community Memership Co-Chair, Maddison McKinley (Highland Park High School), Administrative Assistant, Truett Ogden (Highland Park High School), Administrative Assistant, Katherine Pully (Hockaday), Administrative Assistant. Congratulations to these remarkable students! Fabulous Fashionistas
Fasionistas Picks Bella Bella Restaurant & Bar, an upscale American bistro with a diverse wine list and an affordable menu, has a neighborhood feel to it, yet with a chic modern atmosphere that expresses a personal touch. Bella features Executive Chef Christopher Short who for 11 years worked as the Executive Chef at the Crescent Hotel and for two as the Private Dining Chef at The Mansion at Turtle Creek. Robert “Peach” Petrie’s and Anthony Porcaro’s restaurant careers started in New York City over 18 years ago. Peach and Tony tended bar, valeted, and managed some of New York’s famous hot-spots including Edmundo’s Restaurant, Mulino’s Italian Restaurant and the world renowned Scores Cabaret. The duo then headed west where they brought the same levels of professionalism and expertise to Caesar’s Palace and to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. After a 3 year stay, Tony and Peach headed to Dallas, Texas, where he was a managing partner at Nick & Sam’s Restaurant and Peach was the face of the bar. Now they have joined in partnership to form Bella Bar & Restaurant, named after Peach’s daughter and Tony’s god-daughter Mariabella. Another childhood friend, Michael Abruzese, has incorporated his talents to bring flare to the bar. The former Il Mulino Dallas and Coal Vines Chef has decided to support his friends on the journey they always dreamed of. Bella has quickly become the favorite restaurant of the Dillon family. Bella Restaurant & Bar is located at 2626 Howell Street, Suite 100, in Uptown Dallas (in the former location of Tin Star & Mooyah). Phone: 214-855-5001 info@belladallas.com
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 have 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.
Our Mission THE FASHIONISTAS FOUNDATION is a group of dynamic, talented people committed to transforming the social and cultural landscape of Dallas by celebrating the art form that is fashion.  |
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