Oh So Fashionable: FGI Night of Stars 2014

Lisa Dawson, Todd Fiscus, Linda Gray, Zac Posen, Emma Bell and Nancy C. Rogers were honored at the 65th Annual FGI of Dallas Night of Stars Gala, November 14, 2014

On November 14, Fashion Group International of Dallas (FGI of Dallas) hosted its 65th annual Night of Stars Gala at Fashion Industry Gallery. Every year, FGI brings in a big name designer to honor with a Career Achievement Award and show their Spring collection. Previous honorees have included amazing designers like Lela Rose, Billy Reid and Kay Unger.

Zac Posen and Cynthia Smoot

This year's honoree wasn't just big - he was jaw-droopingly, amazingly, awesomely, fantastically HUGE and everyone there was buzzing to get a moment with Project Runway's Zac Posen.  I was lucky enough to have interviewed him the day before at his penthouse suite at The Joule so when I saw him at the gala I didn't approach him because I wanted others to have their time with him.

But when he saw me he gave me that boyish grin of his and waved me over for a hug. "How's my new Instagram buddy?" he asked as we posed for a photo. His charm is palatable and everyone who met him couldn't stop talking about how approachable and delightful he was.

Highlights of the event included a silent auction, a fashion show featuring designs by Zac Posen, a cocktail reception, dinner, and an awards ceremony. Neiman Marcus' Ken Downing presented Posen with his Career Achievement in Fashion award, model Chandra North presented Lisa Dawson the Career Achievement in Business award, art patron Cindy Rachofsky presented Todd Fiscus with the Career Achievement in Event Design award, Peter Doroshenko presented philanthropist Nancy C. Rogers with the Art Patron of the Year and WFAA's Ron Corning presented DALLAS star Linda Gray with the Lifetime Achievement award. Linda's DALLAS co-star Emma Bell was the host for the evening. All the cool kids were at Table 17... shoutout to Heidi, Bill and Dallas Dillon for having me at their table. Other fashionable attendees included Chuck Steelman (FGI of Dallas Regional Director), Sheree Hartwell (FGI District Director), Nasiba Adilova, Renée Rouleau, Gregg Asher, Brian Bolke, Steve and Lucy Wrubel, Nha Khanh, and Elizabeth Anyaa.


FGI is all about empowering, mentoring and connecting up-and-coming fashion students to others in the industry so one of the things I always do at this event is to wear a Dallas designer. It's my way of giving back and shining a spotlight on our local fashion talent. This year I was fortunate enough to work with Andre Yabin at Benzario Couture. He custom designed this stunning gun-metal sequin dress I was wearing and I felt like a glam goddess in it. To complete my old-Hollywood look, Daniel Lewis at Green Peridot crafted my hair and Salon Pompeo did my nails and makeup.

Chuck Steelman and Emma Bell

Zac Posen accepts his award. Gowns from his Spring 2015 Collection

Zac posen gives mentor and friend, Ken Downing, a hug

Linda Gray and Ron Corning | Andre Yabin and Nazario Luis of Binzario Couture with Cynthia Smoot | Nancy C. Rogers struts her stuff

Proceeds from the event funded FGI of Dallas’ foundation scholarships. FGI of Dallas is part of Fashion Group International, Inc., a global, non-profit, professional organization with more than 6,000 members representing all areas of the fashion industry. Fashion Group International, Inc. provides a high-profile forum to promote the fashion business by hosting events that educate and facilitate the exchange of ideas by giving back to the community. To learn more visit www.dallas.fgi.org

photos provided by FGI Dallas