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.
Hanh Dang of Lucy Dang, Lizzi Cook of Lizzi London, Khanh of Nha Khanh and emcess LeeAnne Locken and Sam Liu
October 13th marked the fourth annual Against the Grain’s Fashion for a Passion event. It was created with the purpose of bringing together emerging Asian American artists, fashion designers and musicians to raise awareness for Asian American culture and arts. The celebration was held at the renowned Dallas Contemporary where its current Inez & Vinoodh photography exhibit served as the perfect backdrop for the lively event. From start to finish, the evening was designed to keep guests interested and entertained. Informal models, donning upcoming designs from the fashion show, mingled throughout the space, offering more information about the designs and designers they were wearing. Prior to the fashion show, guests enjoyed savory bites and cocktails by DC’s Catering, along with a Yogurtland station filled with an assortment of its most popular flavors and toppings. There was a generous variety of silent auction items to meet anyone’s interests, along with a truly unique opportunity to choose from and bid on an ATG t-shirt given to each presenting designer one month prior to the event to recreate into a masterpiece of his or her own styling.
Exhibiting artists included Fur Face Boy, Ann He, Anh- Thuy Nguyen, Tam Nguyen, Thoa Nguyen, and Melissa Woodbridge. Musical entertainers Peter P & Robbie G, iCare and The Plinth gathered guests toward the stage before the runway show. As everyone took their seats, the last band, The Exchange, had event-goers clapping and singing along, anxiously awaiting the start of the show. Introducing and narrating the catwalk was Dallas’ own LeeAnne Locken and Sam Liu. Presenting designers included 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. After seeing each designer’s creative lines, a live auction was held over one of each designer’s donated pieces, and things quickly turned competitive with bids getting as high as $1,000 for a single dress. All proceeds from Fashion for a Passion go toward benefitting Against the Grain Production’s supported orphanage outreach programs and ATG’s scholarship funds. After such a well-organized and fulfilling night, it’s hard to believe this event is only four years-old.
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.
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 is in preparation to host its much awaited 4th annual Fashion for a Passion charity event, a fundraiser that brings together the talents of emerging Asian American fashion designers, artists and musicians. The event takes 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 presenting designers includes 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. Each designer will have the opportunity to share his/her latest collection and will donate pieces that will be auctioned off live that night. In addition, each designer was given one month to complete a Project Runway-like challenge to recreate a signature ATG t-shirt into a masterpiece of their own styling that will be on display and auction. Online voting begins later this month, and the winning piece will be announced at the event.
President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee has high expectations from the designers, whether they are new or returning veterans. “Our team hand picks designers we feel possess not only design talent and a unique point of view, but also the ability to represent ATG’s attitude of ‘going against the grain’ in their philosophy. Being invited to participate in this event is an honor and carries with it a responsibility, as we invest so much in giving these designers not only a platform for their work, but who they are.”
Graduates from the Art Institute of Dallas, Jerry Matthews and Danh Ta will have their lines on the FFAP runway for the first time. Matthews said, “I’m very excited to be a part of this year’s Fashion For A Passion Charity event. I’ve attended and donated in the past, but I’ve never shown my [full] collection. This particular charity is so great, and I definitely have a passion for both the cause and fashion. I feel as if this is going to be an awesome event and life experience. I look forward to raising awareness for this cause and doing what I love at the same time.” Added Ta, “I am honored by this opportunity to represent artists and inspire creativity using fashion as a medium. As a first time designer for Fashion for a Passion, I hope to captivate the audience with my new 2013 S/S collection. I’m excited and intrigued to meet everyone that shares a common interest in fashion and help share my voice and story along with Against The Grain. ”
Joanne Hong of JOLYNN will be the first FFAP Presenting Designer ever to share a children’s wear collection on stage. Hong said, “I’m so honored to be a part of Fashion for a Passion. I look forward to helping ATG raise money for an amazing charity while seeing other talented Asian American designers. Through my designs, I hope to inspire and bring awareness to the Asian American communities all over the country.” Sophia Wu is the final newbie who rounds out the line-up with a unique perspective and experience in textiles. “ATG not only provides a platform for new artists and designers, it gives us an opportunity to be aware of and to be involved with the plight of orphans in Southeast Asia. I’m grateful to be able to invest my time and energy to support this worthy cause, and I hope that through this event, we can encourage more people to join us in turning our concerns into actions to make a real difference in the lives of children.”
There’s a reason why designers want to return to Fashion for a Passion. It’s not only for the welcoming audience and the incredible exposure, but also for the cause itself that becomes close to their heart. Lizzi Cook (also known as Lizzi Tran) is a returning face who has evolved since presenting her collection a the inaugural event. “The whole preparation and production of collaborating with creative artists makes this event come alive to raise as much funds as possible. For every small step we take, we can influence another for the better. I don’t expect anything more than seeing the love of each individual’s knowledge, professionalism and creativity in each talented artist to come together to have fun from beginning to end. “Returning for her second year is Hang Dang ofLucy Dang. Said Dang, “Last year was a blast, and I am very proud to be a part of an organization that does this much good. Lucy Dang was given a great launching pad with our debut last year and it is going to be a great opportunity for all our new coming designers to showcase their work. I know this year will be breath taking to watch, so let’s aim to break another record and make this the best FFAP ever!”
Dallas design star Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh is a 4th year veteran who has presented her collection with FFAP since its inception and gave her a launching pad that has established the brand today. Her work has been featured in numerous publications over the years and was just recently launched in Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Tickets to Fashion for a Passion range from $50 to $100 and go on sale exclusively online starting Thursday, September 13th 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.”
Spotlight on Tammy Nguyen Lee (B.A. Film & Media Arts, ’00)
Wanting to positively impact the world, Nguyen Lee directs a nonprofit that promotes education, cultural awareness and Asian American artists.
by Mary Guthrie
Photo credit: Kim Ritzenhaler
Tammy Nguyen Lee’s life reads like a movie script: When she was just three months old, her mother took her out of war-torn Vietnam to a Hong Kong refugee camp, where they lived for over a year, then moved to the United States. She grew up in Garland, Texas, where she graduated near the top of her class and then accepted a scholarship to SMU. She won the title of Miss Asian American Texas at age 21. Majoring in Cinema (now Film & Media Arts) at SMU, she was a campus leader in the East Asian Student Association and the SMU Asian Council. After graduating in 2000, she earned her M.F.A. from UCLA, where she began work on an award-winning documentary, Operation Babylift. Motivated by the work she could do to positively impact the world, Nguyen Lee created the nonprofit organization Against The Grain, which promotes education, cultural awareness and Asian American artists. She is a television show consultant/producer and the energy behind an annual haute couture fashion show that raises money for orphanages in Asia. She met her husband, George Lee, a West Point graduate, while playing the role of his wife on a photo shoot. In 2010, SMU presented Nguyen Lee with the Emerging Leader Award, given to young alumni who show distinguished service and extraordinary achievement in a particular discipline, organization or cause. Shortly after receiving the award, she and George had their first child, a baby girl they named Gabriella.
MPRINT magazine visited with Tammy recently to catch up on the latest adventures in her life.
Tell us what you’ve been doing since received SMU’s 2010 Emerging Leader Award.
My life has been completely turned upside-down, from being someone who is incredibly organized and had life planned down to the second, to being a first-time parent learning to go with the flow.
One of the biggest lessons about becoming a parent was being able to adapt at a moments notice, because it’s never about you anymore, it’s about someone else. And that’s a good lesson for anyone. In life you should have a vision and a game plan, but be open to reading the winds of change and be able to adapt very quickly. The people who survive the best are the people who can learn to bend when the wind is strong. And the wind was really strong for me last year! [laughs]
Your mother was a big influence in your life. How has she mentored you?
She came to the U.S. [from Saigon, in 1978] in her early twenties, having to completely start over after the war. The family had everything taken away from us because of the Communist regime, and so the only way to have a better life was to leave. We came as boat people.
Coming here to the U.S., she had me [age three months], and then 7½ years later she had my sister. With two children, she worked two to three jobs, regained a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree in record time, with honors. In Vietnam she was always at the top of her class, always doing extracurriculars.
She has a huge spirit of wanting more for her family. You see that a lot in first-generation refugees. She taught me that if you want something you have to work really hard for it, you have to be the best at it, you have to be prepared; you have to be willing to hear “no” and be willing to overcome it somehow. She’s always been an incredibly hard worker and overachiever and perfectionist, so I’ve learned a lot of good things from her and acquired a lot of quirks! [laughs]
After producing Operation Babylift, you were moved to create a nonprofit organization called Against The Grain Productions (ATG). What do you see in the future for ATG?
We’ll continue to create films and events to promote awareness and unity of the Asian American culture and identity.
We’re also expanding how much money we can give for scholarships. Last year we gave two $1,000 scholarships. One went to an SMU student, Meadows junior Monika Thao-Ngan Hoang (B.A. Creative Advertising, ‘13); she’s a wonderful girl. The grant helped her buy printing supplies and will help send her to the annual ONE Show ad conference in New York.
Tell us about ATG’s annual Fashion for a Passion event.
Fashion for a Passion is unconventional. The event raises funds for Asian orphanages, and we do it with designers, musicians, visual artists, singers, anyone who is involved in the arts. The spotlight is on the designers; many are from Dallas and Texas, but some are from New York and Los Angeles. In the past we had Ninh Nguyễn, now in New York, of NINH Collection, and Khanh Nguyễn of Nhã Khanh; Khanh just exploded after her first Fashion for a Passion show. Some of our designers are SMU grads, like Nikki Duong Koenig, owner of Cykochik Custom Handbags. Nikki started her collection when she was a student at SMU.
Operation Babylift was an impactful film that touched a lot of people. Looking ahead, are there other film projects you’d like to work on?
I’d love to get back into the hard issues, the issues people don’t want to talk about, like domestic violence. And children’s advocacy. As a mother you become more and more passionate about children and families and women’s issues. But it’s hard to find the time to pour into a film when raising a baby. There’s a lot I want to do. I want to find those people who have a voice but haven’t been heard.
There’s motherhood, family, Against The Grain…you also work as an independent television consultant?
Yes. Before my life as a mom, I was a full-time TV show development producer. I consulted on cable reality shows such as Girl Meets Gown (series for WE TV) and Ma’s Roadhouse (truTV). I continue to consult production companies who want to develop TV shows. I have the best of both worlds: I can stay home, set my hours, still be active doing what I’m good at, help pay the bills, and I still get to be around Gabby and ATG.
When you were a student at SMU, was there anyone who particularly inspired you or helped you on your career path?
There were always film professors who helped me grow as an artist. Professors like Rick Worland, Tom Bywaters and Kevin Heffernan always let me follow my muse and were supportive.
Raj Sethuraju was the Asian American student adviser. He was so pivotal. As Asian American students, leadership is not something that is instilled in us; we are taught to follow, not lead. He really inspired us to stand up and be heard and to come together as a group and represent.
What advice do you have for today’s SMU student?
I know that for me, I started out not being a typical SMU student. I didn’t rush Greek. I felt independent of the cultural fabric. I felt kind of like an outsider, watching to see where I fit in. I think the best way as a student, whether you feel like SMU is in your blood or you’re one of those students on the outside, is to dig in. That’s when I was able to find what I was good at, where I could give back.
While I was at SMU I was involved on campus. I was president of the East Asian Student Association and participated on Asian Council; I was Chair of the Program Council/Films Committee. That’s what plugged me into the mainstream SMU community.
A quotation I always live by is by Richard Bach, in his book Illusions. I read it when I was a senior in high school: “You’re never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true. You may have to work for it, however.”
SMU MPrint is a magazine for alumni and friends of SMU Meadows School of the Arts. Read the original online article here.
SCENE | POSTED BY caroline foster | 10.17.2011 | 03:18 PM
The Third Annual Fashion for a Passion charity event combined art, fashion and music to raise money for Against the Grain Productions, a non-profit focused on promoting Asian-American cultural awareness and supporting orphanages. This year’s event was bigger than ever with over 300 attendees participating in the multi faceted event including a silent auction, art exhibition, musical performances by Duette, Miles Machon, Xwansongs, Dette Buentipo and Dorcas Leung, and a runway show with live auction.
Hannah Jones, Mina Chang, Don, Katarina Vargas, Thomas Mullins
The runway featured work from seven designers including Ann Hoang, Cac Lam, Kyle Ramirez, Hanh Dang, Ninh Nguyen, Judy Yang, and Khanh Nguyen. Each designer showed their pieces and auctioned many of them off as model and actress LeeAnne Locken and Korean actor Randall Park emceed the show. Fashion fiends like Mina Chang, Katarina Vargas, and Aivy Nguyen watched the runway show closely.
Khanh Nguyen, Loi Dang, Jeremy Giroir, Aivy Nguyen
The “Yardleigh” organza dress by Watters was one of the top auction items of the night, along with Nha Khanh’s green cap sleeve dress and nude cocoon dress. Overall the night was a stunning success; a total of $20,000 was raised for ATG. Much of the money will be spent for the international orphanages the organization supports, as well as outreach programs and scholarships for Asian American students pursing degrees in the arts.
Models Jessica Kuo, Dorothy Hino, Danielle Kelso, Alex Zody
