Heidi's World
Hello Fashionistas,
As everyone now knows, I founded The Fashionistas because of my love of fashion. I have loved fashion since I was a little girl. Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of shopping with my mother or sitting at my grandmother's side while she made me outfits from Vogue Patterns to wear to my school dances. Believe me, I was the only girl at the seventh grade "Stomp" who wore a Dior design.
What many people do not know, however, is that I also have a deep love of art and have spent most of my adult life as a professional artist. I received my Bachelor of Fine Art and Master of Fine Art degrees from the University of Massachusetts and went on to exhibit my work extensively throughout New England and later South Carolina. It wasn't until I moved to Dallas that I transformed myself into a "socialite" and subsequently became known as a fashion maven.
Fashion and art have enjoyed a synergistic bond for the last century. During the first half of the twentieth century, fashion design tracked and echoed trends in modern art such as Art Deco and Cubism, reflecting the developing aesthetic and asking the question, "What does it mean to be modern?" Today fine artists such as Takashi Murakami are collaborating with fashion houses for fine art-inspired apparel and accessories. Chanel created a touring art exhibition, Mobile Art - Chanel Contemporary Art Container - a futuristic pavilion created by the architect Zaha Hadid, and museums around the world frequently display fashion exhibitions. The Fashionistas' mission is to educate the public about the art form that is fashion - a story that can only be completely understood by learning of the relationship between art and fashion.
In this newsletter you will hear Steve Carter's take on the relationship between art and fashion, and my dear friend Kelly McCall gives us his frank opinion about luxury and mediocrity. Take a minute to click on to Todd Eberle's link to his Vanity Fair piece, where you can see an exhilarating array of sculptural footwear. If you have been wondering how to make the most of what you already have in your closet, you won't want to miss reading about the Uniform Project. Finally, fashionista Rosanne Hart reports on the goings-on at our fabulous events.
I wish all of you a wonderful fun-filled summer. My family and I are off to Malibu and will return two minutes before school begins in August!
Stay Fabulous,
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Announcements
New Fashionistas:
Megan Cloud, Elisa Summers, Natasha Desai, Maggie McQuown, Alan Busch, Amanda Montgomery, Mary Kay Sheldon, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Juanita Couch, John Reoch, Michelle Renault, Linda Ivy, Joanne Teichman, James Ragsdale, Shirley Kerin, Christine Handy, Jason Treu, Carla Ferrer, Barbara Buzzell, Barbara Adelglass, Monica Grosz, Stanley Light, Jo Guerin, Blake Stephenson, Andrea Hugg, Lysa Rohan, Sally Rosen, Doris Jacobs, Leslie Baker, Connie Dieb, Ellen Haddigan, Huma Mahtani.
New LimeLight Members:
Rajan Patel, Kristi Motley
New F2s:
Charlotte Richardson, Ellie Gilchrist
New Membership Level:
We now have a new membership level at $50 called The LimeLight Group for our 21-35 year old set. LimeLighters will be invited to monthly cocktail parties at Dallas' hippest and trendiest spots.
The Fashionistas Board of Directors:
Heidi Dillon, Founder, CEO, Kirby Allison, LimeLight President, Suzanne Bock, President. Shannon Brower, Michelle Esposito, Secretary, Joyce Goss, Liani Kotcher, Alonso Martinez, Vice President, Dan Pritchett, LimeLight Director, and Alvin Steffey.
Please welcome new Board of Directors: Bri Crum, Rodger Kobes, Lynn McBee and D'Andra Simmons.
The Fashionistas LimeLight Board:
Kirby Allison, President, Ayaan Ahmed, Lindsey Amos, Ryan Bent, Chris Butcher, Anika Cail, Heather Bray Cleaver, Bri Crum, Ernesto Gallegos, Matthew Giese, Daniella Giglio, Lexi Hammonds, Antonia Hubert, Kristen Kensell, Sara Kite, Katherine Matangos, Megan McCracken, Brett McKinney, Nicole Santos, Bobby Schandra, Alicia Slay, Hamilton Sneed, Emilee Upson.
Please welcome new LimeLight Board member:
Nick Rajsakha
The Fashionistas Two Leadership Board:
Clint Norton, President, Casey Kearns, Vice-President, Jasmine Huntington, Christy DeLaRosa, Sarah Bray, Clarissa Torres, Amy Reeder, Hannah Jones, Jacqueline Padilla, Fiona Kirby, Emily Bates, Patrick Brewer, Shantessa Lynch, Emilee Upson, Sarah Secor, Shayla Alexander, Atiqua Meer, Jill Smith, Samra Pittillo, Sara Nino, Eric Oliver, Nhi Tran, Kelly West, Maddison McKinley, Truett Ogden, Katherine Pully.
The Fashionistas Advisory Board:
Doss Alexander, Kim Askew, Lance Avery Morgan, Brian Bolke, Hamish Bowles, Barbara Buzzell, Mary Lou Connor, Stephen Croncota, Nicole Dabbert, Vanessa Dabich, Michael Kors, Nancy Dedman, Ken Foret, D. Gilbert Friedlander, Kenny Goss, Dr. William Dillon, Jeanne Marie Clossey, John Libby, Holly Moore, Douglas Newby, Terri Provencal, Cindy Rachofsky, Gail Sachson, Peggy Sewell, Connie Sigel, Shelle Sills, Dr. Valerie Steele, John Sughrue, Amy Vanderoef, Myra Walker, and Meeling Wong.
Please welcome new Advisory Board member:
Russell Simmons
FACEBOOK & TWITTER
Join The Fashionistas group and fan pages on Facebook. F2s can join The Fashionistas Two group page. You can follow Heidi Dillon on Twitter and friend her on Facebook.
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Calendar of Events
LimeLight cocktail parties: Parties are the last Thursday of each month from 6-8pm at Dallas' hot spots. To get on the list, join The LimeLight Group for $50. Ticket prices are $5 for LimeLight members and $10 for non-members. For more information, contact Kirby Allison, kirbya@hangerproject.com.
Thursday, October 1
Gala dinner at The Crow Collection of Asian Art for the preview of Yeohlee: Design for Now. Tables $5,000 & $2,500. Dinner tickets $250 & $500. Cocktails 6:30-7:30, seated dinner 7:30. Benefiting The Crow Collection of Asian Art and The Fashionistas. For more information, call Joyce Goss 214-696-0555. www.crowcollection.org.
Friday, October 2
FASHION TALK with fashion designer Yeohlee. The Crow Collection of Asian Art. Lecture 6:30-7:30, opening of Yeohlee exhibition for The Fashionistas and Crow Collection members only, 7:30-9:30. $20 to attend the lecture and/or cocktail party.
October 9 - December 18
Flapper Style in the Jazz Age. Fashion on Main, 1901 Main Street at the Universities Center at Dallas. 214-752-8151
Saturday, November 14
Dallas Rocks. Russell Simmons' black tie gala benefiting Diamond Empowerment Fund. Union Station. For more information, contact Ayaan Ahmed, 646-515-7786, ayaan@diamondempowerment.org.
April, 2010
Designing With a Vision, The American Foundation for the Blind. Fashion show with blind Ukrainian designer Sergey Ermakov. For more information, contact Abi Erickson, 469-522-1804, aerickson@afb.net.
ESSAYs
A FAREWELL TO ARMS
It’s time to declare a truce between the symbiotic worlds of Fashion
and Art, recognizing the creative nexus that links and enriches each
By Steve Carter
It was just over three years ago that the traveling exhibition Waist Down—Skirts by Miuccia Prada made fashion waves at Prada’s SoHo store—the celebratory elevation of a utilitarian, albeit designer, garment to the rarified realms of fine art. As metaphors go, it was a cogent illustration of the unavoidable conclusion that Fashion is Art. While pundits have long waged war on either side of the line, often declaring Art’s cerebral supremacy over Fashion’s quotidian functionality, the relationship between the two is basic. Artistic expression, whatever the canvas, is by its very nature a genuine reflection of Zeitgeist.
Fashion is Art on multiple levels: at play are considerations of pattern, texture, design, scale, color, purpose, craftsmanship, and even shifting dimensionality—an empty garment’s absolute two dimensions gain a third when a wearer dons it, as if a painting had metamorphosed into a sculpture. Whether haute couture, prêt-à-porter or mass market, each segment of the market represents a telling visual embodiment of the now. While fashion may be ephemeral, its very temporality speaks to the human condition and the unquenchable, fundamental, eternal quest for beauty. Our fascination with fashion may be in part a recognition of the fleetingness of this good life. Each in its own way, Art and Fashion yearn for the immortal.
The self-proclaimed “King of Fashion” Paul Poiret, whose groundbreaking design concepts in the first half of the 20th century have been analogized to Picasso’s impact on the art world, mused, “Am I a fool when I dream of putting art into my dresses, a fool when I say dressmaking is an art? For I have always loved painters, and felt on an equal footing with them. It seems to me, that we practice the same craft, and they are my fellow workers.” Who would argue?
LUXURY AND MEDIOCRITY
By Kelly McCall
Did you ever have that weird period where in every conversation you had, with a lot of very different people, the same couple of words seem to show up in every one of them?
I'm having one of those periods. And the words that are "dogging" me are LUXURY and MEDIOCRITY.
The discussions that I was involved in were about just what one of the words actually means (Luxury) and why we, as a society, seem to condone and sometimes celebrate the other word (Mediocrity). It was time for me to look further into this problem.
I had always believed that luxury meant "fine quality, expensive and opulent." What I found, when I looked up the word was...
Luxury - 1) Choice or costly surroundings, possessions, food, etc. 2) Something desirable for comfort or enjoyment, but not indispensable. 3) Providing great comfort; expensive.
Well...color me surprised! Not once was quality even mentioned in that definition. When I had conversations with people about this, most of them had said quality was what they believed that luxury meant. I was staggered to think that you could spend a foolish amount of money on a space that looks like Scheherazade blew up in it and it's luxury!
After the surprises of "luxury", I then had to confront "mediocrity". I'm sure you can imagine my fear at this task.
Mediocrity - The state of being mediocre.
Ok...not really helpful. So, that, lead me to find out what "mediocre" really meant.
Mediocre - Of middling quality, neither good nor bad.
The shock that we were celebrating being AVERAGE?!?!? Impossible, right?
Once I had started looking around at what was being celebrated - music, fashion and television, I was frightened! Popular music, granted with catchy hooks, playing on the radio and on MTV was not really worth the praise when you REALLY listened.. Clothing that was nothing special was getting major publicity in magazines.. And don't even get me started on THE REAL ANYTHING that is flooding the digital world, on TV and the web!
Is this joyous praise for the average just because we don't want to take the time to find what's better out there? Are we becoming complacent because if it's not in front of our faces we can't find the best product out there? Or is the cause of this celebration due to the media consistently shoving the mediocre at us and we accept it as good?
For me...it's time to be much more discerning about what deserves praise. The time has arrived to stand up and shout down what comes out as mediocre. Maybe the majority, who allow themselves to be led like sheep, can praise the average. I won't be in that group any longer. If that's going to land me in the midst of critics telling me to keep quiet if I can't go along with them, so be it. My "sheep" days are over! You don't like it?
WELL, TOO BAAAAAAAAD!
FASHION AS AN ART FORM
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The Uniform Project
Wearing the same thing twice has always been considered a cardinal sin, particularly for social butterflies whose pictures regularly appear in the local society pages. I sometimes shudder when I'm snapped carrying the same handbag multiple times. In this economy, however, we no longer have the luxury of wearing a different outfit every time we go out. The challenge then is how to make the most of what you have in your closet and create as many different looks with the same dress as possible. I recently came across this website and thought you would find it interesting as well.
Sheena Mathieken has made a commitment to wear the same custom-made black dress (she had seven made) for an entire year, in an effort to raise money for a children's education project in India and to raise awareness about fashion sustainability. While the thought of wearing the same dress for 365 days might send chills up the spines of most fashionistas, Sheena continues to come up with unique and creative ways to create an entirely different look every day. See for yourself.
http://www.theuniformproject.com/
http://flavorwire.com/25706/sheena-matheiken-interview-uniform-project |
PAST Events
Guiltless Gucci for A Cause
by Rosanne Hart
Long-time Dallas pals Tonya Martin and Michelle Fraser offered Dallas’ smart and savvy shoppers a chance to profit from cleaning their closets, with their first The Ultimate Exchange event in May. It couldn’t come at a better time, as we’re all tightening our fashion belts.
Benefiting The Elisa Project, Dress for Success, and The Fashionistas, TUE opened with a VIP Pre-Sale event May 3 at Texas Star. Guests flipped through racks of gently worn and new pieces from top designer names and oohed and aahed over the bag and shoe tables, filled with some fab buys! We spotted like-new Coach bags, Prada patent flats, and beaded Jimmy Choos. The pink Pradas were snapped up fast!
Shoppers from SMU sorority sisters to soccer moms enjoyed the lively sip-and-shop atmosphere, with nibbles provided by Trece, and Sublime Chocolate and beverages from Little Black Dress Wines, Smart Water and Vitamin Water 10. A silent auction added to the excitement. Fashionistas CEO and founder Heidi Dillon donated a never-worn stunning citron silk two-piece outfit from Celine. Tonya and Michelle plan to make TUE a semi-annual affair to benefit their charity partners. We wouldn’t miss it!
www.theultimateexchange.com
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A Storybook Opening
by Rosanne Hart
Guests popping in to welcome The 4th Wall Gallery to Fairmont Street’s art scene May 27th connected with their inner child - and some of America’s top children’s book illustrators and fine artists.
Gallery Director Jordan Alexander Roth played host to The Fashionistas, as well as uptown’s young and hip crowd. Gallery Owners Kristine and Matthew Abramovitz were on hand to talk up the art with local collectors, as well as discuss plans to move to University Park this summer from their California home.
Strolling through 4th Wall Gallery was a trip through fairy tales and favorite bedtime stories, as many of the artists have translated their illustrations for children’s books into nostalgic original art for anyone who loves the Land of Make-believe. Miguel Paredes enthused over the sculpture of his likeness of his daughter on a tricycle and his hip-hop inspired paintings. Also on hand were painters Cynthia von Buhler, a fave of Arts & Antiques Magazine, and Scott Bakal, whose work hangs at the Museum of American Illustration in NYC.
We heard fashion illustrator/artist Chesley McLaren may launch a clothing collection in Dallas come fall. The Fashionistas are plugged in!
VeeV added the spirits with its organic-infused vodka, mixed with mango juice or offered straight up on the rocks. www.the4thwallgallery.net
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4th Wall Gallery Artists Scott Bakal, Miguel Paredes, Cynthia von Buhler |
Fabulous Fashionistas
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Lynn McBee |
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Lynn McBee
Lynn McBee is a seventh-generation Texan and great-great-great-great-granddaughter of Emily Austin, sister to Stephen F. Austin, The Father of Texas.
She is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. She has been employed as a consultant with New England Biolabs, a privately held biotech firm, for almost 17 years.
Lynn is best known for her leadership roles in the Dallas community. Currently she serves as Chairman of the TACA Board of Directors, Chairman Emeritus and Life Member of the Board of Directors for the Visiting Nurse Association, Board Member, The Visiting Nurse Association Foundation, Board Member, The Trinity Trust, Advisory Board member of The Salvation Army, Community Partners of Dallas Advisory Board, Heroes for Children Advisory Board, The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ Women of Tocqueville Steering Committee, The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ Tocqueville Cabinet, UTD Center for Brain Health Board of Directors, The Chiapas Project Board of Directors, Dallas Historical Society Trustee, Dallas Center for the Performing Arts President’s Advisory Council, member of the 2011 Super Bowl XLV Host Committee Kick-Off Concert Series, member of the Crystal Charity Ball and associate member of The Cattle Baron’s Ball. Ms. McBee is also a past President of the Junior League of Dallas. She has chaired numerous luncheons and charity events and was named a "Dynamic Woman of Dallas" by Modern Luxury Magazine and "Star of the City" at an event at the Nasher Sculpture Center. She also recently received the "Rising Star" award from The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. |
D'Andra Simmons
Hard Night Good Morning founder and president, D’Andra Simmons, spent 11 years in the nutritional and skin care industry prior to producing her own new skin care line. As Vice-President of Ultimate Living International, Inc., a company started in 1996 by her mother, Dee (who as a breast cancer survivor became interested in general nutrition and wellness), D’Andra has studied and worked extensively in the field, gaining great insight into production and development as well as sales and marketing of products of this nature. Having traveled the world extensively in search of the finest ingredients, D’Andra brings a unique level of expertise to the D’Andra Simmons™ product line.
Early in her career, D’Andra was associated with West Coast entertainment companies such as Warner Brothers and worked on Grammy award-winning projects. Additionally, she wrote, produced, and directed a number of short films and documentaries. On behalf of Ultimate Living® nutritional and skin care products, D’Andra has appeared on numerous television programs and is the co-author, along with her mother Dee, of “Natural Guide for Healthy Living.” In addition, D’Andra starred in TLC’s 2005 TV show Sheer Dallas. She recently finished the pilot Life Coach Dallas for Endemol Entertainment, and is currently shooting a show entitled Cancer Angel. A former Presidential appointee at the Department of Energy in Washington, D’Andra is a sought-after public speaker.
D'Andra takes great pleasure in actively supporting numerous charitable organizations, including the Junior League of Dallas, Cattle Baron's Ball, Dallas Summer Musicals, Genesis Women's Shelter, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Heroes for Children, Kidney Texas, TACA, and the Dallas Museum of Art, to name just a few. We are pleased to announce that D'Andra is now serving on The Fashionistas Board of Directors.
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Fashionistas Picks
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Hard Night Good Morning
Back in the day, I could party until the wee hours and still look fabulous in the morning. Now, if I stay up past 10 and drink a couple of glasses of champagne, I look like a truck hit me when I wake up. Enter Hard Night Good Morning, a refreshing drink for the skin which helps to tone, tighten and firm both morning and night. Developed by D'Andra Simmons, this miracle product contains tighteners, antioxidants and essential oils needed for flawless and fresh-looking skin. It invigorates lackluster complexions, revealing refreshed, glowing, beautiful skin. Thank you, D'Andra! Order on line at www.dandrasimmons.com
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ADVERTISEMENTS
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.
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
25 Highland Park Village Suite 100-826 Dallas TX 75205 - 972.504.6354 - fashion@thefashionistas.org
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