ATG sends our thoughts and prayers to all our friends in the Northeast who are still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Director of Community Outreach Jared Rehberg shares his perspective while experiencing the highs and lows of Hurricane Sandy.
“Greetings from the Northeast! It’s been a crazy few weeks up here with days heading toward the Presidential election and the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. The city of New York stopped public transportation and braced itself for uncertainty and hope for the least amount of damage. Memories of last years’ hurricane kept many people in denial and at ease from the dangers of mother nature’s wrath. The storm came into town overnight, pummeling the area. NJ got hit the hardest, but many people would have to pause to remember such fury on Long Island, Rockaway Beach, flooding on the subway lines and street. They cancelled the NYC Marathon, when running by families in Staten Island without food or shelter felt so wrong. I know this was not 9/11, but as we walked home from work over the bridge, I was told of similar feelings as we left Manhattan. For many the power is still out and cable is going to take awhile to be restored. House and towns on the Jersey shore are gone or torn to shreds along with years of memories. My heart goes out to everyone who lost loved ones and the families who will have a long road to recovery to get their lives back to normal, if there is anything normal anymore.”
FFAP Designer Joanne Hong reached out and let us know that her power is up and running since last night and got her hot water running today.
“It’s been a crazy week since Hurricane Sandy came through NYC. I lost electricity, hot water, and heat, but luckily there was no damage to my apt. The city never seemed to lose its energy despite the storm. Everyone was helping one another and the sense of comradely filled the air. I have been so blessed with all my friends and family that contacted me to make sure I was doing well and friends that offered a place for me and my roommates to stay and shower. I was very fortunate and my thoughts and prayers go out to those that lost everything in the storm.”
DALLAS, TX – Non-profit ATG Against The Grain Productions hosted its 4th Fashion for a Passion (FFAP) charity event on Saturday, Oct. 13th at The Dallas Contemporary Museum in the Dallas Design District. The show set a remarkable new organization record, with nearly 400 guests in attendance who helped to raise nearly $30,000 net, 100% of which will go toward for ATG’s supported orphanages in Asia, scholarship fund and year-round outreach programs. From FFAP veterans to first time guests, Dallas united for a very worthy cause.
Upon entering the Dallas Contemporary, which was appropriately decked out in the audacious fashion photography of Inez & Vinoodh, guests got to enjoy the stylish ambiance set by Lumiere Lighting & Drapery and tunes by DJs Super T and Prada G, tasty food by DC’s Catering, cocktails by Ben E Keith and dessert by Yogurtland. Hung from the rafters with red rope hangers were the seven designer’s t-shirt design pieces. The work of six Exhibiting Artists Fur Face Boy, Ann He, Anh-Thuy Nguyen, Tam Nguyen, ATG Artistic Scholarship finalist Melissa Woodbridge and ATG Artistic Scholarship winner Thoa Nguyen work were displayed, flanking tables of silent auction packages. Gorgeous models dressed in auction looks accompanied designers to mingle amongst the crowd. Pre-show musical guest performers were from ATG’s community partner Kollaboration Dallas and included Peter P & Robbie G, iCare and The Plinth. As guests took their seats, President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee and Community Outreach Director Jared Rehberg honored the two 2012 Artistic Scholarship winners Thoa Nguyen and Britt Espinosa. Espinosa’s Washington-based band, The Exchange, got the crowd riled up with a 10-minute musical set before the runway show started. The evening was emceed by actress/model LeeAnne Locken and entrepreneur Sam Liu, who made a hilarious appearance as Psy. Guests were kept on the edge of their seats with a stunning runway show with models by Campbell-Wagner and Page Parkes and live auction from seven Presenting Designers, including Lizzi Cook of Lizzi London, Hanh Dang of Lucy Dang, Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh, Jerry Matthews, Danh Ta and NYC based designers Joanne Hong of JOLYNN and textile designer Sophia Wu of Leprosy.
Said President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee, “Going into our fourth year, we had a lot of high expectations on how to improve the show and the event for our guests. This night was an accumulation of so much work from a very hard working volunteer team, months of planning and coordination. It has been truly a blessing to see everyone come together to break records and donate so much back to our cause. It is a testament that our vision is being seen and shared by all.”
Programming/Events Chair Kim Nguyen helped to spearhead the organization of the occasion to a complete victory. “Words can’t explain how proud I am of this year’s 2012 FFAP, and it is an honor to be part of such a passionate organization with a great cause,” Nguyen said. “This was my first year planning and attending FFAP and although it was super stressful at times, it was all well worth it in the end to see it executed so wonderfully in addition to how much money we raised for the orphanages and scholarship. Next year will be even bigger and better!”
Director of Fundraising Patrick Su said, “FFAP continues to improve every year. I am very excited to be a part of such a passionate organization that dedicates their time to helping those in need. I am looking forward to the continued growth of the organization.” Su was a past guest to the well-known charity event, and this was also his first year to help organize it as a Board member.
Designer Joanne Hong of JOLYNN added a new twist to Fashion for a Passion, presenting the very first collection to include a children’s line, and the little darlings stole the show. “Being part of Fashion for a Passion was such a great experience. I loved meeting the ATG team as well as the other designers and artists,” Hong said. “It was an amazing event that really exceeded my expectations. Sharing my love of fashion while helping others is what following my passion is all about. I couldn’t have asked for a more organized and successful show.”
First-time presenting designer and recent Art Institute graduate Jerry Matthews said, “It felt so wonderful doing something that I really love while being able to give back to a great cause at the same time,” Matthews said. “It was my first year presenting a collection for this show, and I am so grateful for the positive response and support. I will definitely remember this for the rest of my life. It was such an amazing life experience and I cannot wait to see what other great accomplishments Against The Grain achieves in the coming future. Also, I look forward to supporting this cause again!”
Thoa Nguyen, one of the 2012 Artistic Scholarship winners and freshman Radio-Television-Film major at the University of Texas at Austin, experienced her first fashion show event and got a chance to exhibit her own art work. “I was honored to have been a part of [the event]. It was incredible to be around so many inspiring artists coming from so many different perspectives and meet the amazing people who make ATG Productions what it is,” Nguyen said.
The night’s top bids went to Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh for her beautiful red Milace Dress, whose line was recently announced to be carried in Saks Fifth Avenue and Sue Gragg Precious Jewels, a Highland Park based custom jewelry designer.
To see photos from the evening’s event, please visit the ATG Flickr site.
ATG Against The Grain Productions, a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, promotes Asian American cultural awareness through compelling media projects and raises funds for international orphanages. In addition to giving out an annual scholarship to exemplary Asian American students pursuing a degree in the arts, they also produced the feature documentary, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam,which has screened at over a dozen film festivals nationwide and received the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film at the Vietnamese International Film Festival and the Documentary Audience Choice Award from the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. For more information, visit www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com or www.TheBabylift.com.
Courtesy of AsiaWorldMedia.com, Photos by Calvin Tran
As the sun set over DFW high risers on a Saturday night, cars pulled-up to the Dallas Contemporary Museum for the 4th Annual Fashion for a Passion charity event, a fundraiser that brings together the talents of emerging Asian American fashion designers.
Raising money for orphanage, guests decked themselves in their best attire and lounged with shiny credit card ready to bid on one of a kind designer dresses. While guests munched on hors d’oeuvres, had their thirst quenched with cocktails and shopped on silent auction goods, models strutted the floor in styles from upcoming designer’s creations.
In a show that was well worthy of its cause, the 2012 ATG Fashion for a Passion is made up of an eclectic mix of designers with diverse styles, influences, educational backgrounds and Asian ethnicity. This year’s roster of talent includes Lizzi Cook of Lizzi London, Hanh Dang of Lucy Dang, Jerry Matthews, Danh Ta, NYC based designers Joanne Hong of JOLYNN, textile designer Sophia Wu of Leprosy, and FFAP regular Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh.
On Saturday, October 13th, Against The Grain Productions (ATG) held its annual Fashion For A Passion fundraiser. For this completely sold-out event, a very stylish crowd packed the Dallas Contemporary in support of the organization’s fourth showcase.
A leader in representing, promoting, and providing educational opportunities for the Asian American community, ATG is a Dallas-based non-profit group. Every dollar raised by ATG funds outreach programs and scholarships, or goes to assisting orphanages in Asia. Fashion For A Passion is an all-volunteer effort.
The evening included fabulous food and cocktails, live music, a designer t-shirt raffle, and a silent art auction, but the real show-stoppers of the night were seen on the runway. Hosts LeeAnne Locken and Sam Liu presented a fashion show and live auction of seven designers, including a DFW Style Daily designer crush, Nha Khanh. Arriving fashionably early, we caught up with all of the designers, as well as Ms. Locken, for a little Q&A before the show.
LeeAnne Locken
DFW Style Daily: You’ve volunteered to host this event three years running. How did you get involved with ATG, and what do you love about the organization?
LL: “What I love about ATG is the fact that Tammy Nguyen Lee, who is such an amazing woman and a good friend of mine, decided she was going to pick up the cause and do something, and created this foundation all on her own.”
Why do you think it’s important to link charity and fashion?
“Oh my God, because fashion is universal. Fashion transcends all generations, languages, and ethnicities, and creates a melding of everyone. It allows us to share not only different opinions but similar ones, and it brings us together.”
What is your favorite element of fall fashion?
“Tights and miniskirts! What I really love about fall fashion, though, is the challenge of taking something that’s completely covered and making it look elegant and sexy at the same time.”
“The woman I design for is a confident, sophisticated, young professional. I like to create a lot of day-to-night looks that can transition from work to an evening or charity event.”
Describe your collection in three words.
“Sweet. Charming. Feminine.”
What was the last dream you had?
“Actually, I haven’t been sleeping well! So, my last dream-come-true would honestly be tonight and being here with my parents. Because of work and travel, this is the first event they can both be at to support me, and it’s an amazing feeling!”
“She’s a strong, confident woman who can be daring with her fashion sense. She’s a little edgy, but still feminine.”
Describe your collection in three words.
“Simple. Clean. Daring.”
What was the last dream you had?
“Oh my gosh, it was a really funny one! I was watching television prior, and the dream basically mimicked what happened. In it, my ex-partner told me he was dating one of my old art teachers. It was really confusing — it was a nightmare, actually.”
Lizzi Cook ofLizzi London (designs pictured above)
Who is the woman you design for?
“Someone who is elegant, proud of who they are, and willing to try something new. As a designer, I like to accentuate a woman’s figure to bring out her personality.”
Describe your collection in three words.
“Intricate, flowy, and a little edgy.”
What was the last dream you had?
“I was watching YouTube, and I had a dream that I was on a date with my husband at Starbucks. Ellen DeGeneres showed up to prank me and I chased her down laughing. Yeah, I chased down Ellen.”
“She’s definitely bold, very confident, and proud of being a woman.”
Describe your collection in three words.
“Luscious. Floral. Aquatic life.”
What was the last dream you had?
“It was actually two nights ago! I was in prison for a crime that I never committed. I don’t recall what [it was], I only remember being in trouble for no reason, and the relief I felt when I woke up.”
“Boyish. I like to express my femininity in a masculine way.”
Describe your collection in three words.
“Experimental. Masculine. …How about just two words?”
What was the last dream you had?
“It was on the flight here from New York, and I dreamed that my hotel looked exactly like my apartment. Really my studio is beat-up and doesn’t look like The Lumen at all.”
“She is the woman with confidence. She knows exactly what she wants, but is still very playful with fashion.”
Describe your collection in three words.
“Lacey, flowy and feminine.”
What was the last dream you had?
“Oh my god, what was the last dream I remember? I haven’t really been sleeping, so I haven’t been dreaming. But, I remember my last dream-come-true, and that was learning that I will be honored by Fashion Group International of Dallas next month with the Rising Star Award in fashion. I daydream a lot, but this one came true!”
All photos, credit Heather Lettieri for DFW Style Daily. For more information on ATG, visit AgainstTheGrainProductions.com.
Thank you so much again to Against The Grain for the 4th annual Fashion for a Passion showcasing Asian American designers. It was an evening filled with vibrant colors, great ambition, and incredibly inspiring stories.
DALLAS, TX – Dallas non-profit ATG Against The Grain Productions’ much-awaited Fashion for a Passion charity event not only combines emerging fashion and art, but also brings together live musical entertainers to set the stage up for an unforgettable entertainment experience. The 4th annual event, which will be hosted at the Dallas Contemporary on Saturday, October 13th from 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM, will feature four musical entertainment acts to kick off the evening’s celebration of Asian American talent.
Three of this year’s performers were selected from ATG’s community partner, Kollaboration Dallas, and include Peter P & Robbie G, iCare and The Plinth. The fourth and final performer will be The Exchange, the band of ATG’s 2012 Artistic Scholarship winner Britt Espinosa. Each musical act includes young entertainers who have followed their path to go against the grain.
Peter P & Robbie G
Peter P & Robbie G both started out their musical career as solo artists and now have been performing together for two years and counting. An elaborate description of their music is that it’s “high energy Dance/Pop with an array of slow melodic love songs,” and they perform with charismatic personalities. Said the duo, “What [does] our music means to us – Music is us, and we are music. We create music because we love doing it. We do it to inspire, to relate and to make people feel good. Our performance means a lot, because we always want to put on a good show, and we always strive to do better than our last. With our high energy songs, we hope the crowd will have a good time with us. Maybe even get up and start dancing – but if not, we will settle for smiles on faces and nodding of heads.”
The Plinth
Music is known to be shown on a variety of levels, and every member of The Plinth brings something unique to the table. The Plinth’s musical talents create something unique that truly characterizes their musical styles. Audiences will love their innovative and fun use of sound and beats. The band’s known multi-talented beatboxer Usama Siddiquee says, “Funk. Jazz. Hip Hop. Soul. It’s what we’re all made of.”
The Exchange
ATG is again lucky enough to have both of the 2012 Artistic Scholarship winners present at FFAP. Washington state native, Britt Espinosa, and his band, The Exchange, will be FFAP’s final musical act. Espinosa, along with other scholarship winner and exhibiting artist, Thoa Nguyen, will be recognized before The Exchange performs for the audience. Espinosa started the band in 2010, and over the years, the group has performed at almost one hundred events, playing shows, youth camps and conferences through the West Coast. Espinosa realized through these experiences how much he enjoyed leading young musicians on a musical team and was challenged by the business aspects of leading a band/team. The Exchange’s energetic, live show with guitar swings, jumping and unbridled energy creates an atmosphere where everyone wants to join in. Bridging the gap between the stage and audience, The Exchange quickly created a community that readily absorbs their optimistic music. Said Espinosa, “The Exchange is very excited to be a part of FFAP this year. It is a great honor to play at an event that holds so much meaning and does so much good! We love music! We love to play it, perform it, sing it. Wherever we play, our hope is that our love is seen and that the audience experiences some of that love as well.”
Tickets to Fashion for a Passion range from $50 to $100 and are on sale exclusively at the FFAP Event Page. For more press/media information on the event, please contact pr@againstthegrainproductions.com.
ATG Against The Grain Productions, a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, promotes Asian American cultural awareness through compelling media projects and raises funds for international orphanages. In addition to giving out an annual scholarship to exemplary Asian American students pursuing a degree in the arts, they also produced the feature documentary, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam,which has screened at over a dozen film festivals nationwide and received the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film at the Vietnamese International Film Festival and the Documentary Audience Choice Award from the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. For more information, visit www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com or www.TheBabylift.com.
ATG recently received an update email from one of our supported orphanages in Vietnam (names have been abbreviated to protect their privacy). We wanted to share this with you and show you just how your dollars are going to help support and make the lives of these orphanage children better!
Dear ATG Family,
We received from the ATG family a sum in the amount of $VND 10 million ($480 USD). We understand that you want to use this sum to buy needed items and winter clothes for the children of UD, and also to support UD to help the children of UD and those of disadvantaged families near UD to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival (Children’s Festival). To follow your wish, PT has used the money for the following items:
1) 50 pairs of sandals (for the children to go to school): 50X $27,000 = $1,350,000 (US$64)
2) 300 packages of milk, supplies and treats for the children during “Tet Trung Thu” (Harvest Moon Festival) X $15,000 = $4,500,000 (300 X 72 cents each = US$216)
The remaining amount will be used to buy warm clothes for 40 children of UD for the coming monsoon season. PT will send pictures of the children in warm clothes later for you.
We appreciate the ATG family very much! During the past many years, ATG has always been walking side-by-side with UD in the mission to care for the
lives of the orphans. You have also followed each step of the ways for the less fortunate children of UD and helped them step into life with confidence. This time, you also extended your arms and helped PT to reach out to the other even less fortunate children outside UD and brought them a little joy and hope during the Harvest Moon Festival for the children at such a tender age….
Your concern and thoughtfulness during this occasion have just added the needed fuel to the “camp fire” to make the Mid-Autumn Festival for UD more warm and celebrated!
DALLAS, TX – Dallas-based non-profit ATG Against The Grain Production’s upcoming annual charity event Fashion for a Passion has become known not only for the exciting runway show, but also as an event where guests can enjoy and even bid to own emerging Asian American art. This year’s Exhibiting Artists are an eclectic group that include graphic artist Ha Mai aka “Fur Face Boy,” 17 year-old fashion photographer Ann He, recent SMU MFA Meadows graduate Anh-Thuy Nguyen, Tam Nguyen (brother of designer Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh), ATG Artistic Scholarship Winner Thoa Nguyen and Artistic Scholarship Finalist Melissa Woodbridge. Each artist will exhibit a piece as well as donate a piece of their original work in the silent auction. This exhibition, along with musical performances and a runway show, takes place at the Dallas Contemporary at the Dallas Design District from 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM on Saturday, October 13th.
While the name of the event connotes the focus on fashion, the addition of art has become just as much a part of the night’s experience to celebrate Asian American talent. This year, President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee tasked and worked with Marketing/PR Director Nikki Duong Koenig (who works professionally as the Creative Director of Envision Interactive and is the founder of Cykochik Custom Handbags) with finding a diverse slate of artists who had a unique point of view, strong and thought-provoking work and who represented the spirit of the organization’s mantra of ‘going against the grain.’ Said Koenig, “I’m truly inspired by this amazing group of young visual artists for their talent, passion and generosity to pay it forward.”
Fur Face Boy
Ha Mai (also known as “Fur Face Boy“) was a kid who loved cartoons, comics, toys, video games, quirkiness, art and style, which led to constantly doodling and drawing whenever and wherever. Like many other artists from Asian families, Mai strived to prove to his parents that he could make his career as an artist and to make them proud. Said Mai, “I’m very excited to be a part of an event that recognizes and celebrates Asian-American artists. I’m hoping that my art / design will remind everyone that I’m still very proud of my Vietnamese roots, values and heritage. Growing up in America with American peers and culture can tend to make you forget about your background, but it can also fuse together to create a bigger meaning to art, life and personality. I hope everyone sees that my art represents that I am not just a single-sided Asian or a single-side American, but Asian American.”
Anh-Thuy Nguyen
From photography to video to performance and sound art, Anh-Thuy Nguyen is a multi-media artist who envelops her work to convey an assortment of feelings and desires. She is a recent MFA graduate of the SMU Meadows School of the Arts. Said Nguyen, “Petite Houses Series is an investigation of miniature houses that I have been working on since 2010. These houses represent one’s dream home, a place full of joy, laughing and love, yet it is just a dream.”
Tam Nguyen
Tam Nguyen comes from a talented family. He is the younger brother of FFAP veteran designer Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh. Said Nguyen, “I’m totally grateful for this opportunity to be a part of ATG. Most of all I’m looking forward to checking out all the creative talents. Being around designers and artists at these events can be very energizing and inspiring, especially to fellow creatives like myself. At the moment, I am in love traditional media. I simply paint and draw portraits obsessively.” He will exhibit a stunning portrait piece of his mother, who undoubtedly must be proud her talented son and daughter.
Melissa Woodbridge
This year, several of ATG’s Artistic Scholarship applicants were visual artists, and two were selected to exhibit pieces as a part of the organization’s mission to support the work of young talent. Finalist Melissa Woodbridge is a sophomore at the University of Georgia, and Scholarship Winner Thoa Nguyen is a freshman at the University of Texas at Austin. Both are pleased with the chance to share their work and attend and their first Fashion for a Passion in person. Woodbridge said, “I am incredibly excited to be apart of this amazing event that involves so many passionate, talented people, and I hope that I will be able to contribute with my own love for art and community.”
Thoa Nguyen
Added Nguyen, “It is an honor to be a part of the sea of talented artists featured at the Fashion for a Passion event. Making art has always been such a personal experience for me, so I am grateful for the recognition and the opportunity to share my point of view with other inspirational artists.”
Already starting out at a young age, Ann He of Dallas, TX, calls herself a “full-time nerd” and “a proud Trekkie,” while pursuing being a part-time fashion photographer. She is a senior at Highland Park High School, and remarkably juggles her schedule through cross country, academic decathlon and being a photo student. She has already been featured in several publications, such as Photographer’s Companion (China), Vogue Girl Korea (July 2011) and Elle Girl Korea (January 2011).
Tickets to Fashion for a Passion range from $50 to $100 and are on sale exclusively at the FFAP Event Page. For more press/media information on the event, please contact pr@againstthegrainproductions.com.
DALLAS, TX – Dallas-based non-profit ATG Against The Grain Productions will host their 4th annual Fashion for a Passion charity event, a fundraiser that brings together the talents of emerging Asian American fashion designers, artists and musicicans. The event will take place at the Dallas Contemporary Museum in the Dallas Design District from 6:30 pm – 10 pm on Saturday, October 13th.
This year’s line-up of seven designers includes Lizzi Cook of Lizzi London, Hanh Dang of Lucy Dang, Joanne Hong of JOLYNN, Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh, Jerry Matthews, Danh Ta and NYC based textile designer Sophia Wu. In addition to getting a first look at some of the designers’ latest creations, audience members will also get to bid on select pieces that will be on live auction. The funds raised go toward ATG’s supported orphanages in Asia, community outreach programs and scholarships.
President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee is excited to announce this stellar group. “Each year gets better, and this year is no exception. We are proud to bring together another talented bunch of designers who are not only passionate about their craft but also in giving back to the community. This speaks volumes for what this event has become – it’s not only a showcase for incredible work, but also an opportunity to make a difference. We are also so thrilled to get to share this experience at the Dallas Contemporary, which is a perfect backdrop.”
Lizzi Cook (formerly Lizzi Tran) is the young fashion designer behind Lizzi London. Born in Vietnam as the third youngest child of eight children, she was later raised in London, England. Cook said, “I am truly honored…to showcase once again at FFAP as a fashion designer. I believe in life that it is essential to always give back to the community. A reminder of what it is important in life as we individuals sometimes get so caught up with our daily routines, we forget to appreciate what truly matters. To understand and know your past helps you determine where you want to go with your future.” She was inspired by her parents and the struggles they face. Cook continued, “I hope to inspire others to do what they love and never give up there dreams. It’s a truly rewarding feeling to be able to help others, and to see smiles on people’s faces is to know you can make a change in the world.”
Another returning designer is Hanh Dang who created the label Lucy Dang. Said Dang, “I have always wanted to be part of an organization that does this much good, and I am glad this year I can still contribute to FFAP. Returning feels full circle, our label had an amazing year since the debut, and I wanted to continue giving because we have been so blessed. As independent artists, we might not make such a big impact; coming together, we are bigger than the sum of our parts.”
2011 FFAP Presenting Designers
Dallas design star Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh has participated in Fashion for a Passion since the event’s inception and credits it for being a launchpad for her skyrocketing career. A graduate of UNT who trained in Paris under iconic fashion masters, Nguyen has become a FFAP success story. Her collection was recently featured at Stanley Korshak and her designs have graced the figures of Hollywood celebrities such as Brooklyn Decker, Giuliana Ranic and Kim Kardashian. Said Nguyen, “It is an honor to be a part of Fashion for a Passion once again this year. It’s an amazing event to participate in with other creative minds within the industry.”
This year’s event will also showcase the talents of new designers. Jerry Matthews is a recent graduate from the Art Institute of Dallas. Said Matthews, “I always try to help others in need whenever possible, and through FFAP, I’m able to do what I love while donating to such a great cause. Through being involved with this specific charity event, it’s opened my mind to the possibilities of how people can come together to show support. If I could help make people more aware of Asian talent and this particular world issue, then I think I have made good use of my voice as an Asian American designer.”
Taiwanese designer Joanne Hong of JOLYNN will be the first FFAP Presenting Designer to also present a children’s wear collection. Originally from Stillwater, Oklahoma, Hong said, “I’m so honored to be involved in FFAP. To be able to share my passion while helping out others in need is one of the most gratifying feelings to me. By participating in this event, I hope to inspire and motivate others to follow their dreams and to open their eyes to the amazing world of fashion.”
Danh Ta is another designer new to the FFAP event. Born in Thailand and another graduate of the Art Institute of Dallas, Ta said, “It’s an honor to be a Presenting Designer for FFAP, because I have the opportunity to showcase my talent with a charity that’s making a difference. The idea of helping one another with our passion to reach a common goal is inspiring. I hope to establish a name for myself as a prominent designer.”
New York based designer Sophia Wu rounds out the line-up with a unique perspective and experience in textiles. Said Wu, “ATG not only provides a platform for new artists and designers, it gives us an opportunity to be aware of events happening around the world today, such as what is going on with orphanages in Asia. I’m grateful to be able to invest my time and energy to support this fundraising, and I hope that through this event we can encourage more people to recognize the problem of lost kids around the world.”
Tickets to Fashion for a Passion range from $50 to $100 and will be on sale online starting early September at the FFAP Event Page.
For more press/media information on the event, please contact pr@againstthegrainproductions.com. For sponsorship information, please contact fundraising@againstthegrainproductions.com or download the 2012 ATG Sponsorship Packet (PDF)
2012 Fashion for a Passion Presenting Designers
Lizzi Cook | LIZZI LONDON
Lizzi London Collection
Age: 27
Ethnicity: Vietnamese
Where did you study/train: University Art – London College of Fashion
Describe your style/aesthetic/inspiration:
My childhood passion for abstract art, influence by Salvador Dali and fashion designer John Galliano, led my desire to observe visuals, manipulate materials and mold on bodies as an alternative to blank canvases and flat drawing.
The Lizzi London Spring/Summer 2013 collection continues to explore the vibrancy and seduction of ancient natural form rocks with all of its physical beauty and it’s long lasting influence on civilization leaving an empowerment of foot prints. My design collection features a diversity array of chic ready to wear, cocktail, formal and Avant Guarde. The inspiration of art truly lies within a women’s necessity to accent her beauty from inside and out. From the vivid lines to the easy fluidity of relax silhouettes, this season’s collection is also punctuated with structures: carefully engineered cuts and volumes, dramatic details and texture prints. The color palette of peppermint greens, bold coral salmon with a balance of neutral grey.
How did you go choosing your field:
I always loved art and architecture, later found my inspiration of fashion designs while attending college in Richmond upon Thames in England.
Honors/awards/achievements:
Lizzi graduated from the University of the Fine Arts in London College of Fashion, obtaining a Higher National Diploma in Pattern cutting degree in 2005 at the age of 20. She quickly established a fashion portfolio thereafter in 2003 and eventually secured a highly coveted slot in the 2005 London Fashion week assisting Designer Customer’s Own Property. Her work has been showcased in numerous fashion shows and magazines.
What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?
“It’s a huge non-profit organization with participation from all different ethnicities and different ages who care to give back to the community and help those in the third world counties who are less fortunate than us. A chance of reflection to realize the important of making a different in the world.”
Hanh Dang | LUCY DANG
Lucy Dang Collection
Age: 29
Ethnicity: Vietnamese
Where did you study/train: BFA from University of North Texas; worked in New York City at Rebecca Taylor and Nicole Miller
Describe your style/aesthetic/inspiration: As a brand, we aspire to create designs that embody a woman’s inner loveliness as well as her outer lovely appearance. Our hope is that our clothes inspire women to live in loveliness each and everyday of their lives. Lucy Dang can be best described at times as beautiful, light-hearted, whimsical even, but when worn only one word remains, lovely.
How did you go choosing your field: After earning a degree in fashion at the University of North Texas, I embarked on a career in the fashion industry and trained at various notable clothing companies and establishments in New York, such as Rebecca Taylor, Kai Kuhne and Nicole Miller. In the spring of 2011, I retraced my steps back to Texas to start my own company.
Honors/awards/achievements:
Fashion Group International Houston February 2008 (2nd place in Evening Wear), Texas Natural Fibers Dallas April 2007 (Best of Show at Dallas Career Day), F.G.I. Project Career Day Houston February 2007 (1st place for RTW Collection)
What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?
“In order to make a difference in this world, one must be willing to go against the flow of what everyone else is doing. Going against the grain means leading a new direction and following your own convictions. Here at Lucy Dang, we don’t go with the grain, we like to cut on the bias.”
Joanne Hong | JOLYNN
Joanne Hong Collection
Age: 28
Ethnicity: Taiwanese
Where did you study/train: Oklahoma State University
Describe your style/aesthetic/inspiration:
JOLYNN by Joanne Hong is a line that is feminine, romantic, and sophisticated. The collection can be worn either as a staple or a statement piece. In Jolynn, a woman can go from office, to events, to nightlife feeling confident and looking effortlessly chic. My inspiration is NYC. From the fashion I see walking around the city to the fabrics and textures I see in the fabric stores. All the energy and excitement of the city inspires me to design and create beautiful clothes for women all around the world to wear.
How did you go choosing your field:
I didn’t always know that I wanted to be in fashion. When I first started college, I thought it would be fun to be a buyer, because I loved shopping. But when I would shop, there would always be something missing or a detail that I wanted to change on the garment. I soon decided that it would be more interesting to actually design and create the clothes. When I took my first sewing class, everything fell into place.
Honors/awards/achievements:
Picked as 1 of 16 emerging designers to showcase their line at Launch Pad at WWDMagic in Las Vegas Feb 2012. Blog on ElleGirl.com: Behind the Seams following my life as an emerging designer.
What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?
“Going against the grain means that we are standing up to fight against hunger and other needs all over the world. It only takes one small step in the right direction to make a big difference in someone’s life.”
Jerry Matthews
Jerry Matthews Collection
Age: 21
Ethnicity: Filipino/Caucasian
Where did you study/train: Art Institute of Dallas
Describe your style/aesthetic/inspiration:
I always design with simplicity and luxury in mind. I tend to always think “the highest form of complexity is the severest form of simplicity.”
How did you go about choosing this field:
I’ve always wanted to be involved in designing since I was a child, I was inspired my fashionable mother at a early age. I would always go shopping with her when my family was based in Tokyo.
Honors/awards/achievements:
1st place winner (2008 National Art institute of Dallas’ fashion design scholarship competition), 2012 Art institute of Dallas’ Outstanding Graduate in Fashion Design Award
What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?
“For me, going against the grain means to pursue your dreams and what you feel is right instead of pursuing what’s expected of you.”
Khanh Nguyen | NHA KHANH
Nha Khanh Collection
Age: 31
Ethnicity: Vietnamese
Where did you study/train:
University of North Texas, haute couture techniques under Nina Ricci, draping methods of Madame Gres, millinery skills from Jean Paul Gaultier and crafting of handbags and accessories from Anne Valerie Hash
Describe your style/aesthetic/inspiration:
Fashion is a form of art in term of self-expression. Everything I design, from the intricate details to the finished garment, tells a story. I want my designs to bring out the joy and femininity of a woman. I design to uplift their spirit and allow them to dream and escape. The concept of opposites attract is simple and creates a balance of unison. Nha is a feminine word meaning light and delightful while Khanh is more masculine meaning success and victory. Fuse those words together, and both worlds collide leaving behind the perfect semblance of harmony. That is the foundation for the Nha Khanh label.
How did you go choosing your field:
Born in Vietnam and raised in Texas, I am a third generation fashion designer who grew up surrounded by art and fashion. Having a father as a talented artist and a mother that was a former bridal designer, creativity and art was encouraged throughout my life. At the age of 5, I became fascinated with apparel and started making dresses for my dolls, thus learning and picking up the design process early on.
Honors/awards/achievements:
Most Creative Designer Award at the UNT ArtWear Fashion Design Competition, 1st PLACE for Best of Show of FGI of Houston Career Day Design Competition and the coveted, Top Achievement Award for Fashion Group International of Dallas Career Day Design Competition, named “Style Setter You Need to Know” (D Magazine 2009)
What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?
“Against The Grain Productions not only allowed me to connect with my native country, but it also helped me to realize the importance of charity work. I loved the experience, the effort and the energy that everyone puts in to make the show happen.”
Danh Ta
Danh Ta Collection
Age: 28
Ethnicity: Vietnamese born in Thailand
Where did you study/train: The Art Institute of Dallas
Describe your style/aesthetic/inspiration:
Sensuous and chic / Self-confidence, simplicity , bold and always stay true to yourself / A modern women looking for subtlety and elegance in her everyday appearance.
How did you get into this field?
I grew up watching my father paint in my mother’s tailor shop. Everything sort of fell into place after that.
What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?
“ATG is a platform for Asian Americans that want to achieve their dreams no matter where they come from. The idea of an organization that wants to help the community grow and support gifted individuals is impressive. I’m honored to be part of this event and looking forward to the 13th.”
Sophia Wu
Sophia Wu Textile Designer
Age: 28
Ethnicity: Taiwanese
Where did you study/train: Moore College of Art and Design (Philadelphia, PA)
Describe your style/aesthetic/inspiration:
I like to explore the relationship between the masculine and the feminine and bring in abundance of texture, color and experimental prints onto the silhouette. My inspirations include but are not limited to: nature, architecture, gospel, Matisse and the spirit of Marcel Duchamp.
How did you go choosing your field:
I’m always passionate for fashion and to extend my love for painting. I chose print design as my minor focus in college. Therefore, instead of seeing artwork in the gallery, they are transformed onto human bodies in everyday life.
Honors/awards/achievements:
After graduating from college with a major in Fashion Design and minor in Textile, I started working as a Textile Designer. Within 4 years, I worked my way up to a senior textile design position at Ali Ro, a contemporary dress line company based in New York.
What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?
“ATG not only provides a platform for new artists and designers, it gives us an opportunity to be aware of events happening around the world today, such as what is going on with orphanages in Asia. My heart goes out to these poor kids, so I’m grateful to be able to invest my time and energy to support this fundraising and help out these children in Vietnam and Thailand.”
