Dallas, TX – Dallas-based nonprofit Against The Grain Productions is proud to announce new elements and several exciting firsts for its 6th Annual Fashion for a Passion charity event, taking place appropriately on Saturday, November 1st, at Three Three Three First Avenue. One of Dallas’ hottest must-have fashion tickets and charity events of the fall season, Fashion for a Passion showcases the talents of emerging Asian American fashion designers, artists and performers in one unforgettable night. All proceeds from the event benefit Against The Grain’s supported orphanages in Asia, artistic/leadership scholarship fund and community outreach programs.

 What’s New

An Against The Grain year-round sponsor and auction donor for the past three years, Vatana Watters of acclaimed bridal house Watters Bridal, joins Fashion for a Passion as the event’s first-ever bridal wear presenting designer who will show a mix of bridal, bridesmaid and even flower girl attire. Also new to the event is Brandy Pham of Brandy Pham Jewels (formerly based in New York), who will introduce her line of classic contemporary jewelry to the Dallas Market. Guests will have an intimate opportunity to see her unique pieces up-close-and-personal on live models during the reception.

In addition to this year’s three musical performers, the entertainment line-up includes a first-time ever dance performance by 2014 Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship Winner Lizzy Tan, who is an incoming freshman dance major at UT Austin. Also, instead of being on display, the Project Runway inspired one-of-a-kind ATG T-Shirt Challenge pieces creatively and thoughtfully re-designed by each Presenting Designer will, for the first time, be modeled and come down the runway for guests to enjoy and bid on.

“We are excited to deliver many firsts to make this year’s event even more unique and exciting,” says Against The Grain President and Co-Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee. “It’s a testament to the show and our own evolution. We challenge ourselves to keep things fresh for our loyal audience, and it’s in keeping with the spirit of ‘Going Against The Grain’.”

The Fashion for a Passion talent line-up includes:

• Presenting Designers: Becky Hollands, Jerry Matthews of Nine Muses, Brandy Pham of Brandy Pham Jewels, Mai Pham, Hue Tran of Lizzi London, Vatana Watters of Watters Bridal and Dora Yim of d.p.c. by Dora Yim
• Exhibiting Artists: art by Kelly Jackson Brownlee, Tam Nguyen, LeUyen Pham, Elaine Wang, Catherine Mai and Sarah Sullivan; short films by Calvin Tran and Dalena Tran
• Musical Performers/Entertainment: Heart & Hero, Jonavi, Andrew Yun and Lizzy Tan

Actress and spokesmodel LeeAnne Locken and CBS 11 Morning News Reporter Elizabeth Dinh team up once again to emcee the evening, with additional voice-over talent by Sam Liu.

During the event, guests can enjoy tasty bites from Royal Catering, beer/wine from Ben E. Keith, ATG’s signature Pink Lotus cocktail, a gourmet popcorn from HotPoppin’; create fun memories at a photobooth courtesy of Shutterqube; bid on exclusive art and high-ticket items during the live and silent auctions; and check out the latest Audi models from Audi Dallas. Raffle tickets for great prizes will also be available for $10 each. There will be an after-party from 10 pm to 2 am at SISU in Uptown, where FFAP guests with wristbands can enjoy celebrating in a private area with drink/food specials.

A limited number of VIP seats and general admission tickets are for sale online through October 31st or at the door for an additional fee. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com/events.

About ATG Against The Grain Productions, Inc.

ATG Against The Grain Productions, Inc., a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is an innovative resource that creates educational, cultural and artistic opportunities for Asians and Asian Americans through films, media, programs and events; promotes awareness and unity of Asian American culture, artistry and identity; and gives voice to significant, relevant and untold stories in our community. Inspired by the stories from producing and directing her award-winning feature documentary Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, President Tammy Nguyen Lee co-founded ATG in 2008 to help raise funds for orphanages in Asia. Continually reaching out and helping those in need, ATG soon after expanded its philanthropy to include scholarships for impressive Asian American high school, college and graduate artists and leaders; awards to help Asian American adoptees attend heritage and culture camps across the U.S.; and hosts events that provide mentorship and leadership to the community. ATG is made up 100% of volunteers – no one is paid, except in hugs and smiles. Administration and marketing costs are kept to an absolute minimum so nearly 100% of donations can be given away.

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