California Wins Big in Dallas
It was a California moment at the 29th annual Dallas Fashion Awards, held on Oct. 23 in the Great Hall of the former International Apparel Mart. Several Southern California companies were honored at this year’s award ceremony, hosted by the Dallas Market Center.
The California companies nominated this year were Mandalay, Da- Nang, Juicy Couture, Sue Wong, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Chip & Pepper, Mary Frances Accessories, AG Adriano Goldschmied, Hot Kiss, Casablanca Bridal, Monkeywear, David Meister and Seven for All Mankind.
The winners were Mary Frances Accessories for Accessories, Laundry by Shelli Segal for After 5, Lilly Pulitzer for Better Classics, Casablanca Bridal for Bridal, David Meister for Bridge/Designer, Mulberribush for Childrenswear, Juicy Couture for Contemporary, AG Adriano Goldschmied for Denim, Cosabella for Intimate Apparel, Elle Jewelry for Jewelry, Hot Kiss for Juniors Contemporary, Tiffany Designs for Prom/Pageant, Seven for All Mankind for Men’s Contemporary/ Urban, Lacoste for Men’s Sportswear, and Calvin Klein for Men’s Tailored.
In addition to presenting awards in 15 apparel categories, the DMC honored John Loring, design director of Tiffany & Co., with a special Dallas Fashion Award; the Missoni family with the Fashion Excellence Award; and Nygaring;rd owner Peter Nygaring;rd with the Best of Scene Award. According to Bill Winsor, president and chief executive officer of the DMC, Loring and the Missoni family both “maintain constant originality and abiding good taste.”
The Dallas Fashion Awards event is a retailer- chosen awards program honoring designers and manufacturers for excellence in design, craftsmanship and retail performance. Finalists are nominated by a national committee made up of fashion editors, industry representatives and trend experts. Winners are chosen by retailer votes.
The gala event was attended by approximately 650 fashion industry executives, retailers, manufacturers, sales representatives, designers and press members.
The evening included a cocktail reception with models adorned with Tiffany jewels, dinner, a silent auction, a runway show featuring denim jackets donated by Levi Strauss & Co. and decorated by Dallas Fashion Awards finalists, and a 50-year retrospective Missoni runway fashion show.
Philanthropist and Texas native Lynn Wyatt presented John Loring with the special Dallas Fashion Award celebrating his 25 years with Tiffany & Co., and Burton M. Tansky, president and chief executive officer of the Neiman Marcus Group, presented Vittorio Missoni with the Fashion Excellence Award honoring the Missoni company’s 50 years of excellent craftsmanship and design. Council of Fashion Designers of America President Stan Herman and Dallas Morning News Fashion Editor Jackie Bolin also made presentations.
The event benefited the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS and Fashion Group International’s Career Day Scholarship fund.
The ceremony was held during the Dallas October Apparel Market.
Market traffic reports from the showrooms were mixed, but mart executives reported increased attendance and crossover buying between apparel and gift resources.
“We enjoyed double-digit increases in attendance, including buyers taking advantage of our gift and home resources,” Winsor said. “Overall, there were significant gains in traffic outside our region, especially the Midwest and Southwest. And new resources continued to enter our marketplace, especially in our new temporary show, Scene. We end the year very pleased with the momentum of FashionCenterDallas.” —N. Jayne Seward
