Cynthia Smoot
Fashion’s Galaxy of Greats Gather To Raise Scholarship Funds At Night Of Stars Gala
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron and Thomas Garza
THE SETTING: Fashion Group International of Dallas welcomed guests to their annual Night of Stars gala at The Ritz Carlton. Dallas’ most fashionable came together to honor and celebrate the careers of four industry luminaries, who were presented their awards by special guests. The event was preceded by Fashion/Creative Director James Aguiar and co-chaired by Fallon Bock, Melissa Ellis, and Holly Quartaro, while Victoria Snee, Chief Marketing Officer of Highland Park Village, served as the evening’s honorary chair.
Legendary interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard received the Excellence in Design Award, which was presented to him by industry icon Tommy Hilfiger. Founder and Creative Director of Dee Ocleppo and Creative Director of Judith Leiber, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, received the Achievement in Accessory Design Award, presented by dear friend Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Prolific Illustrator, Donald Robertson, received the Innovation in Art Award from Dallas’ District Director and Chief Customer and Experience Officer for Stanley Korshak Chuck Steelman. Fashion designer, Jonathan Simkhai, was awarded for Achievement in Fashion, and was presented his award by Moda Operandi Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer April Hennig.
and Maryanne Grisz
and Zach Sutton
Hamilton A. Sneed
THE VIBE: This year’s live auction featured the opportunity to commission personal works of art by honoree Donald Robertson and tickets to Jonathan Simkhai’s 2025 show at New York Fashion Week. Following the dinner, auction, and awards presentation, guests were treated to a full runway fashion show featuring Jonathan Simkhai designs spanning his career including lavish Met Gala creations worn last year by Mindy Kaling and in 2021 by Barbie Ferreira.
and Fallon Bock
Other notable guests in attendance included Dawn Mellon, Hamilton A Sneed, Javier Burkel, Marisa Howard, Susie Straubmueller, Reed Robertson, Kristin Kosis, Rosie Shaw, Ashley Anderson Smith, Tiffany Forsberg, Max Trowbridge, as well as FGI of Dallas Regional Director Alex Cohen, District Director Chuck Steelman and FGI Global CEO, Maryanne Grisz.
THE NON-PROFIT: During the program, a live auction was hosted to raise money for the Fashion Group Foundation of Dallas, which awards scholarships to deserving students during the annual FGI of Dallas scholarship competition. Fashion Group International of Dallas is dedicated to connecting and supporting fashion professionals at every level, from startups to seasoned professionals. By providing access, education, and connection, FGI seeks to spark creativity, fuel innovation, and advance the business of fashion.
