Paige Denim, Johnny Was Lead Dallas Awards

Paige Premium Denim, Johnny Was, Brighton and Le Top were among the California companies picking up prizes at the 32nd Annual Dallas Fashion Awards, held Oct. 21 at the Dallas Market Center.

The event was attended by more than 700 dignitaries and retail and industry professionals.

Awards were presented in eight categories.

Paige won the casual contemporary category. Brighton won the jewelry category, while Johnny Was captured the award for best contemporary brand. San Francisco– area resource Le Top won in childrenswear.

Paige Adams-Geller, designer for Paige Premium Denim, accepted the award for the company and said she appreciated the fact that buyers voted for her label.

“Because quality and customer satisfaction are two of the most important things we strive for on a daily basis, it makes me smile ear to ear to know that the buyers who voted for us recognize that we are delivering on what we promise,” she said. “My goal has always been to make women feel good about themselves, and to win this award means my message is getting through to customers on an emotional level.”

Other winners included Francesco Biasia for accessories, Nicole Miller for afterfive wear, Tyler Boe for modernwear and Lafayette 148 for bridge/designer.

As previously announced, the evening’s main “Fashion Excellence Award” was presented to Neiman Marcus by Pamela Fiori, editor in chief of Town & Country.

The “Rising Star Award” was awarded to designer Phillip Lim by Ken Downing, senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman Marcus. Both Neiman Marcus and Lim were honored with video tributes during the event, and a runway show highlighted Lim’s 2008 resort collection.—Robert McAllister