For those of you who did not get a chance to bid, it’s not too late to bid on these works of art for charity!
Contact fundraising@againstthegrainproductions.com if you are interested in making a bid! Proceeds go to benefit ATG’s supported orphanages, outreach programs and the Artistic Scholarship Fund!
"Green" by Jin-Ya Huang
"Cowboys and Indians" by Jin-Ya Huang
"Seaside Vacation" by Jin-Ya Huang
"Bird Chandelier" by Van Ditthavong
"Yay, Water!" by Budi Tjoenawan
"Here Kitty" by Budi Tjoenawan
"Whee Kite" by Budi Tjoenawan
"If Life Deals You Lemons" (paper cut-out art) by Julene Harrison
Over $20,000 Raised for Orphanage, Outreach Programs and Scholarships
2011 FFAP Presenting Designers. Photo courtesy of Chi Tran Photography
DALLAS, TX – Dallas-based nonprofit ATG Against The Grain Productions hosted its the 3rd Annual Fashion for a Passion (FFAP) charity event this past Saturday night at Studios 1019 in the Dallas Design District. The show broke organization records with guest attendance of over 300 supporters who joined to raise over $20,000 net for ATG’s supported orphanages in Asia, year-round outreach programs and the Artistic Scholarship to support Asian American students pursuing a degree in the arts. This also includes a $3,000 commitment donated by a sponsor for an additional leadership scholarship, to be awarded next year. The event included a silent auction, art exhibition, musical performances, and a runway show with live auction.
Top auction bids for the night went for Watters’ “Yardleigh” organza strapless gown for $1,000, as well as Nhã Khanh’s green charmeuse cap sleeve dress and nude cocoon dress, which created a bidding frenzy and fetched a combined total of $1,725. The generous designer, who got her start with FFAP and has participated in all three events, quickly donated a third piece for auction to the losing bidder, much to the guest’s delight.
Watters "Yardleigh" Gown. Photo courtesy of Ivy Do PhotographyNha Khanh Green Cap-Sleeve Charmeuse Dress. Photo Courtesy of Ivy Do PhotographyNha Khanh Nude Cocoon Dress. Photo courtesy of Ivy Do Photography
The 2011 FFAP roster of seven designers included Texas’ Next Top Designer finalist Ann Hoang, Art Institute graduates Cac Lam of CacJudi and Kyle Ramirez of Playful Ambitions, Hanh Dang of Lucy Dang, NYC-based menswear designer Ninh Nguyen of NINH Collection, Houston-based Judy Yang and local fashion icon Khanh Nguyen of Nhã Khanh. The show was emceed by actress/model LeeAnne Locken and Korean American actor/comedian Randall Park. Musical guest performers included Duette, Miles Machon, Xwansongs, Kollaboration Houston competition winner Dette Buentipoand ATG Artistic Scholarship Winner Dorcas Leung, who sang a charming rendition of Kristen Chenowith’s “The Girl in 14-G.” The night included an exhibit of work donated by Asian American artists, including actress Karin Anna Cheung, Van Ditthavong, Julene Harrison, Aristic Scholarship winner Monika Hoang, Jin-Ya Huang, Alex Lim, Justine Olivia Lu and Budi Tjoenawan.
Musical performers collaborating on a group number. Photo courtesy of David LoiATG Board of Directors. Photo courtesy of Chi Tran Photography
“This year’s FFAP was a huge success,” said ATG President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee. “We are so thankful to our hard working Board, volunteers, sponsors, designers, musicians and artists who supported this group effort to give ATG a wonderful night to shine and give light to our cause. We can only be grateful for and humbled by this outpouring of good will.”
Designer Hanh Dang said, “We all came together to raise money and support a greater cause than ourselves. That will definitely leave a lasting impression in people’s minds. I was really impressed with all the strategic planning and coordination that went into pulling this event off. It definitely is on par with any fashion show at Mercedes Benz Fashion week in New York.”
FFAP guests enjoying the show. Photo courtesy of Chi Tran Photography
Continued musical performer, Xuan Nguyen of Xwansongs, “Fashion for a Passion was an exceptional night where artists from all walks of life came together for one united cause and to inspire others to open their hearts to do the same. We are proud to work with ATG to help make life better for our youth.”
FFAP Guests. Photo courtesy of David Loi
Sponsor Kenny Phaxay of Pinkbery summed up his thoughts. “Against The Grain Productions is a wonderful organization where you can see the passion for charity in each of the volunteers and associates. The Fashion for a Passion event has been one of the most organized and successful events I have seen executed.”
To read more reviews of the event, visit Words of Praise. 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. Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam has 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.
2011 FFAP Presenting Designers. Photo courtesy of Chi Tran Photography
We all came together to raise money and support a greater cause than ourselves. That will definitely leave a lasting impression in people’s minds. I already knew this was a great cause to be involved in but it turned out better than I could have ever expected. I was really impressed with all the strategic planning and coordination that went into pulling this event off. It definitely is on par with any fashion show at Mercedes Benz Fashion week in New York. – Hanh Dang/Lucy Dang (Presenting Designer)
The show went very well. Everything flowed so smoothly. Everyone worked well together and the talent was amazing. I left feeling like I just came from Hollywood…Everyone was so kind to me, warm, and friendly. – Kyle Ramirez/Playful Ambitions(Presenting Designer)
I am honored to be the first Menswear designer to display a collection at the Fashion For A Passion event this year and to collaborate with Against The Grain Productions to raise awareness and raise funds for underprivileged children around the world. – Ninh Nguyen, NINH Collection (Presenting Designer)
What a great event. Thank you again for this great opportunity. – Judy Yang/JudYang (Presenting Designer)
I had an amazing time co-hosting this year’s Fashion for a Passion. Not only was I able to contribute my time and energy to a worthy cause, but I also was inspired enough to begin my new side career as a runway model. – Randall Park, Actor/Comedian (Emcee)
Fashion for a Passion was an exceptional night where artists from all walks of life came together for one united cause and to inspire others to open their hearts to do the same. We are proud to work with ATG to help make life better for our youth. – Xuan Nguyen/Xwansongs (Musical Performer)
The show was fun and amazing…more than I expected. The atmosphere was simply breath taking. Everyone was having fun and everyone was down to earth.The ATG crew that put this together did an excellent job…I can’t wait til next time. – Chris Cuchapin/Xwansongs (Musical Performer)
FFAP is a great event that showcases all types of artists. We are proud that we had a chance to participate, meet, and gain exposure with fellow Asian American creatives. Thanks for helping us and other unknown artists. We are glad to be apart of this cause.. – Tex Sirisawat/Duette (Musical Performer)
It was an honor to be apart of your event! … Thank you, thank you, thank you for doing what you do! …You are one of most amazing people I know who cares so much and actually does something about it. You got my support anytime! – Karin Anna Cheung, Actress (Exhibiting Artist)
It is such an honor to be a part of this year’s event. Thank you to all of the Against The Grain Productions Team and their tireless efforts in helping bring attention and awareness to a wonderful cause. – Van Ditthavong, Photographer (Exhibiting Artist)
Once again, you and your team presented a fantastic event. I’m happy we could again be a sponsor of ATG, and in particular it’s wonderful that you were able to provide the two scholarships. Congratulations on a successful year and FFAP event! – Milton Lai, Hotels.com (Producer Sponsor)
It was an honor to be apart of ATG’s charity event and see everyone’s hard work come together. I look forward to ATG’s positive outreach to help children around the globe. – Daniel C. Eng, Engvest(Director Sponsor)
I am really proud to have supported Tammy’s efforts to help orphanages. I think she is a one of a kind person with an amazing spirit, incredibly generous heart, and true talent. – Dr.Sam Lam, Lam Facial Plastics & The Spa at Willow Bend(Star Sponsor)
ATG is a great organization and making a difference in the community. I’m so honored that they invited Lumi to be part of an fun & extraordinary event, FFAP. – Susie Bui, Lumi Emapanada & Dumpling Kitchen(Couture Sponsor)
Our utmost gratitude to be able help towards such an amazing cause! Thanks – we had so much fun and can’t wait for more upcoming events! – Kandy Tran, Glitz & Glam Event Rentals (Couture Sponsor)
Against The Grain Productions is a wonderful organization where you can see the passion for charity in each of the volunteers and associates. The Fashion for a Passion event has been one of the most organized and successful events I have seen executed. Thank you so much for letting myself and Pinkberry be a part of something so wonderful. We would love to work with you guys again in the future. – Kenn Phaxay, Pinkberry(Couture Sponsor)
We had such an amazing time and are always happy to attend and work with you for such a great cause…The collections were fabulous, food was great, and venue was beautiful; please keep us in mind next year! – Damaris Grogan, Page Parkes Management (Couture Sponsor)
Fashion for a Passion was a fantastic night of fun and entertainment! It was so incredible to see the talent of the clothing designers and to visually see what they created up close. I cannot wait until next year! – Michelle R. Byrd, Ben E. Keith (Couture Sponsor)
Being able to say the we were apart of this amazing orginization and working with such inspiring people (Against The Grain) is such an honor. Every person that we have come in contact with and associated with this event/cause is such an absolute joy. We truly look forward to working with again and again. – Dianne Gomez, Essensuals London(Service Provider)
As always, it was a great honor to be invited by Tammy and the rest of the Against The Grain organization to help them raise money for the orphans of Vietnam. I’m always inspired by charities that are driven so passionately to help the less fortunate, so I’m glad I was able to donate some of my time and skills to such a great cause. I hope Tammy continues to push forward with this project, because I’m happy to see the orphans be given a voice… – David Loi, Kaboga.com(Service Provider)
Working with ATG has been a blast. Everything always comes together in a top-notch fashion. The creativity and talent of ATG hands-down make FFAP the huge success that it is every year! – Travis Petty, Shine 49 Media House(Service Provider)
Studio Lounge had a wonderful time at Fashion for a Passion this year. The whole ATG team was wonderful to work with. I think everyone had a lot of fun and the pictures turned out great. – Seth Pascale, Studio Lounge(Service Provider)
I’m very proud to be apart of ATG again this year. It gets better every year! ATG is such a meaningful organization that inspires many of us to lend a hand, and I’m honored to be apart of. I believe in sharing and giving back to those that are not as fortunate. Keep up the great work, ATG!!! Thank you! – Nini Nguyen, Nini Style(Service Provider)
What a wonderful event and cause you are working on. Many thanks for inviting me to take a small part in your cause. Your friends, family, and staff were all so very wonderful to meet. Outstanding group of young up and coming professionals and artists. I’m very excited for the future of FFAP. – Thomas Mullins, Runway Model
I thoroughly enjoyed it and was happy to be a part of a great cause. – Ben Panchasarp, Runway Model
Nini Nguyen and Alex Tran at 2010 Fashion for a Passion
Dallas based non-profit ATG Against The Grain Productions turned the Design District’s LandCo/7 Senses venue into a fashion extravaganza for its 2nd-annual Fashion For a Passion event – and the stylish certainly came out to play. Approximately 300 volunteers, philanthropists, and fashion fans joined to support the cause. The centerpiece of the event, emceed by bagsnob.com blogger Tina Craig and actress/model LeeAnne Locken, was the fashion show featuring designers Chloe Dao (season 2 winner of Project Runway); Khanh Nguyen for Nha Khanh; Nikki DuongKoenig for Cykochik Custom Handbags; Prashi Shah for Prashe; Judy Yang; Cac Lam for 2FeMale; and Susie Tachibana. Each designer donated looks for a live auction benefiting ATG. With plenty of party frocks, cocktails, and musical guests such as Mina Chang and Houston-based JR Kim, the fashionistas defintely had fun. And the best part: the evening’s proceeds will benefit orphanages in Asia and ATG’s community outreach initiatives, designed to aid Asian American students pursuing degrees in the arts.
Click here to read the original event coverage and photos.
Proceeds from charity fashion show to benefit international orphanages
Dallas-based nonprofit ATG Against The Grain Productions held the 2nd Annual Fashion for a Passion (FFAP) this past Saturday night at LandCo/7 Senses in the Dallas Design District. It was a packed house with nearly 300 volunteers and philanthropists who joined to raise $10,000 for ATG’s supported orphanages in Asia, the newly started Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship to support Asian American students pursuing a degree in the arts and year-round community outreach programs.
FFAP Emcees Tina Craig and LeeAnne Locken - Photo courtesy of Loc Truong Photography
“I was very impressed by the hard work that the ATG team put into the event. The FFAP show was such a high-quality and well-run event, and I’m sure that’s a direct reflection of the outstanding leadership and effort from ATG,” said Milton Lai, representing Hotels.com, a Producer Level Sponsor. “I think the partnership with ATG was exceptional, and I’m glad we could play a part in supporting the event and such a worthy cause. [It was] definitely a great night, great fashion, and great work for the orphanages.”
The centerpiece of the event featured a knock-out fashion show with a live auction of select pieces from each presenting designer’s collection and other exclusive pieces from designers around the world. Presenting designer collections were showcased by Chloe Dao (Season 2 winner of Project Runway), Khanh Nguyen for Nhã Khanh, Nikki Duong Koenig for Cykochik Custom Handbags featuring Freedom Parc, Prashe, Judy Yang, Cac Lam for 2FeMale and New York-based designer Sumie Tachibana. Additional fashion pieces were provided for the live auction from Ann Hoang, CC Couture, Dolly Pearl, Lizzi London, and Lyly Thanh.
Melissa Brown (Page Parkes) modeling Sumie Tachibana - photo courtesy of David Loi (Infini Studios)Kamille Carlisle (Campbell Wagner) modeling Cykochik Custom Handbags by Nikki Duong Koenig - Photo courtesy of David Loi (Infini Studios)Keegan Wheeler (Page Parkes) modeling 2 Female by Cac Lam - Photo courtesy of Loc Truong
The event featured artistic, musical and design talents within the Asian American community. Event highlights include dynamic musical performances by Houston based JR Kim, Xuan Nguyen and Miles Machon, hip hop performer Twisted Optiks and a surprise performance by Mina Chang. The Live Auction of designer pieces hosted by beautiful and witty emcees LeeAnne Locken (actress/model, She’s Got the Look) and Tina Craig (Bagsnob.com, former MTV Asia veejay) provided many memorable moments throughout the evening.
“We are so thrilled that this year’s Fashion for a Passion was a huge success and continues to not only promote awareness for our social cause overseas, but also the profiles of emerging designers and artists in our community,” said Against The Grain President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee. “ATG brings together a volunteer base with a lot of heart, soul and passion. Saturday’s turnout makes all the hard work so rewarding, and we are humbled and honored by the overwhelming support. We doubled the amount raised from last year’s event, a huge accomplishment, and are looking forward to growing what we can do globally.”
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. Their premiere documentary feature, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, has 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.
Thank you to everyone who contributed your talents to the 2010 Fashion for a Passion charity event. With your help, we were able to have one heckuva show and raise $10,000 (a 200% increase from last year) for our supported orphanages, new ATG Artistic Scholarship fund and year-round community outreach programs. Thank you so much!
Read below all the wonderful comments that are coming in:
What the Designers had to say:
“It was wonderful event. It was pleasure to be in such well organized and successful event. Honestly, it was really nice to see the Asian community, young and old, come out and support the cause. I am game for next year if you need.”
– Chloe Dao (Designer, DAO Chloe Dao)
“Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this event…”
– Vi Hoang (Designer, Dolly Pearl)
“Thank you so much for letting me be a part of the show. I had a great time and enjoyed it very much. Thank you for working so hard to put up the show.”
– Cac Lam (Designer, 2FeMale)
“Great job! I had a blast! My first “real show,” thanks to you!”
– Lyly Koenig (Designer, Lyly Thanh)
“…It was such a fabulous event, thank you for letting me be a part of it all. It was a pleasure working with you and the ATG crew – you guys are just amazing. I’m definitely a fan and would love to help out with future ATG events/initiatives.”
“… Fashion for a Passion was such a huge success! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this wonderful cause again!”
– Khanh Nguyen (Designer, Nhã Khanh)
“Thank you so much for planning a fabulous event and allowing me to participate. Everyone was so welcoming, helpful, and truly sweet. You have a great team of people!”
– Sumie Tachibana
“I am so honored to be part of this event and get to meet so many great people. The night was a great success and would love to part of FFAP again next time.”
– Judy Yang (JudYang)
What the Sponsors/Guests had to say:
“I was very impressed by the hard work that the ATG team put into the event. The FFAP show was such a high-quality and well-run event, and I’m sure that’s a direct reflection of the outstanding leadership and effort from ATG. I think the partnership with ATG was exceptional, and I’m glad we could play a part in supporting the event and such a worthy cause. Definitely a great night, great fashion, and great work for the orphanages.”
– Milton Lai (Hotels.com)
“It was great to see everything come together. We definitely had a good time and [were] very happy about the turnout at Lumi. I would love to work with you on future events with ATG.”
– Susie Bui (Lumi Empanada & Dumpling Kitchen)
“What a great party and show…it all turned out great, and I am so happy to have been able to work with you and would love to continue help out however we can in the future.”
– Damaris Grogan (Page Parkes Management)
“The second annual Against The Grain Fashion for a Passion event on September 25 was one of the most inspiring I’ve attended in a long time.”
“My friend and I had a total blast! I’m more than happy to help for such a great cause… You guys totally rocked in organizing the event!”
– Joie Chau Pham (Luxe Petals)
“It is our pleasure to be part of your event, and we are thrilled that it was a great success…”
– Michelle Byrd (Ben E. Keith)
“Thank you again for allowing us to be a part of Fashion For A Passion. We were thrilled to be there and found the evening to be wildly successful!”
– Ryan Glenn (Subjective Media/The Photo Stand)
“Last night was a great event. Very well organized. Great Job!”
– Steve Peris (Guest)
“I had a blast… Thanks so much to everyone who participated.”
– Arienne Cartier (Guest)
“Great job…Your event was beautiful and very organized and energetic.”
– Mina Chang (Musical Performer)
What the Volunteers had to say:
“Good cause, good fun and a whole lot of fashion at the second annual charity event Fashion for a Passion to benefit world orphanage. Against the Grain did an amazing job at promoting, producing and organizing such a fantastic event to raise awareness and supports for their humble cause. Great job to everyone.”
– Quoc Cong “QC” (Volunteer, XO Photography)
“It was a great night. You did a fabulous job of pulling it together!”
– Tina Craig (Emcee, Bagsnob.com)
“Thank you, Tammy, for including me as a part of such an amazing event!! YOU are inspiring & amazing!!! Much love.”
– LeeAnne Locken (Actress/Model, She’s Got the Look)
“It was an honor to be invited to work for such a great cause again…Congrats goes to ATG, sponsors and volunteers for making it happen.”
– David Loi (Volunteer, Infini Studios)
“We had a blast…Great job on your end, too. Very well done.”
– Trevor Hyslop (Volunteer, Day 18)
“Tammy, you and your team were absolutely wonderful. Anytime you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. I have to say, in all of the years that I have done events, yours was by far the best put together most calm and just fun event I have done.. Please pass along our gratitude for such a fun and pleasant group!”
– Dianne Gomez (Toni & Guy)
“Thank you, Tam and George, for the opportunity! It was a lot of fun!”
– Keisha Murrell (Volunteer, FFAP Show Coordinator)
“I was honored to be a part of Against the Grain this year…I really appreciate and admire people like the two of you with such big hearts reaching out to help others and having an organization that allows us to be a part of it. Great hearts are contagious, and you guys totally inspire me.”
– Nini Nguyen (Volunteer, FFAP Show Coordinator)
“You all did an excellent job, and I really respect you and George for your generosity for the cause…”
– Cuong Nguyen (Volunteer)
“It was a great event…”
– Travis Petty (Volunteer, Frozen Fire Films)
“I’m so glad i was able to make it to the event and help out with my small bit for such a wonderful cause…Keep up the great work!”
– Alex Tran (Volunteer, Miss Vietnam Global)
“Had a blast…”
– Chi Tran (Volunteer, Infini Studios)
“Against The Grain did an amazing job at promoting, producing and organizing such a fantastic event to raise awareness and support for their humble cause. Great job to everyone…It was a pleasure to participate.”
Proceeds from charity fashion show to benefit international orphanages
Dallas-based nonprofit ATG Against The Grain Productions will host the 2nd Annual Fashion For a Passion (FFAP) with the purpose to join the talents and abilities of artists and philanthropists to raise funds for international orphanages and ATG’s community outreach programs and scholarship fund. The event takes places from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, September 25th at LandCo/7 Senses located at 1202 N. Riverfront (formerly Industrial) in the Dallas Design District.
The night’s festivities include music, art, food, cocktails, a silent auction and fashion show, followed by a live auction of select pieces from each presenting designer’s collection and other exclusive pieces donated from designers around the country. The evening will be emceed by actress/model LeeAnne Locken (She’s Got the Look) and fashion blogger Tina Craig (Bagsnob.com).
Vietnamese singer-songwriter Xuan Nguyen said, “FFAP is a chance to be able to use my passion for music to help improve the lives of others, but it means even more to me because this event is to help children. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to unite with other talented artists in other industries to help those in need. Being able to sing and give back at the same time is wonderful.”
Twisted Optiks aka Ronnie Chea
Cambodian hip hop artist Twisted Optiks, also known as Ronnie Chea, said, “To be in an event such as FFAP gives people opportunities to not only network, connect and build relationships with others with the same mindset, it also gives us a moment to let our talents shine and be either be heard or seen. We can take part in an environment that appreciates our gifts and influence us to continue pursuing our particular dreams and ideas.”
Photographer Sam Sieng, who is of Cambodian, Chinese and Vietnamese descent, said, “It is refreshing to see up- and-coming designers get recognized for their vision, dedication and work ethic. I am honored to be invited to participate in an event that showcases individual talent and also promotes new artists as a collective from various avenues of artistic media. The fact that it is a charitable event makes it even more worthwhile.”
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. Their premiere documentary feature, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, has 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/events or www.TheBabylift.com.
ATG is proud to highlight Chloe Dao, a talented designer and winner of Project Runway Season 2, who won the hearts of America with her mild honest demeanor and judges’ votes with her consistent display of technical skills, business savvy and creative talent. Not only is she a successful entrepreneur, she has a wonderful dedication to her family.
Chloe’s modest immigrant upbringing has kept her grounded, despite her new found celebrity status. She emigrated from Pakse, Laos in 1979 with her parents, Thu Thien Dao and Hue Thuc Luong, and her 7 sisters to the U.S. and settled in Houston, Texas. All the sisters were encouraged to study hard and pursue careers in medicine or law, although Chloe was never interested in either. Her passion for design and fashion were sparked at the age of 10 when she saw her first episode of CNN’s Style with Elsa Klensch. The passion grew into a career choice, and years later, she graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a patternmaking degree.
Even with the win of PR2, Chloe continues to develop and grow her boutique’s business in Houston. In March 2008, she launched her Dao Chloe Dao wholesale line with showrooms in New York and Dallas. Her collection is available nationwide and through www.lot8online.com.
Don’t miss your chance to meet Chloe and catch her collection at this year’s Fashion for a Passion charity event on September 25th!
Full Name
Chloe Dao
Hometown
Pakse, Laos
Current City
Houston, TX
Ethnicity
Vietnamese
What does it mean to you to “Go Against The Grain?”
Follow your dreams…by your own rules, but also be respectful of family and history.
What made you decide to pursue a career in the fashion?
My love for fashion is innately in me. I always felt it pursuaded me. There is nothing else I want to do.
What have been some of the challenges you faced/lessons you learned as an Asian American in a very competitive industry?
I think the challenges I faced have never been about race. Maybe I am being naïve, but I think in fashion, it is all about balancing creativity with commerce. One cannot survive without the other.
What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment, and why?
My boutique. It is what I always wanted, ever since I was 19. I made it happen when I was 28. Lot 8 boutique just celebrated 10 years in business.
Fashion designers come together for charity fashion show to benefit international orphanages
Dallas-based non-profit organization ATG Against The Grain Productions will host the 2nd Annual 2010 Fashion for a Passion charity event, uniting the diverse talents of designers of different Asian ethnicities to showcase their collections. The event’s mission is to raise funds for international orphanages and ATG’s community outreach programs and scholarship fund. The 2nd annual event combines fashion, philanthropy, art, music and food and takes place from 7-10 pm on Saturday, September 25th at LandCo/7 Senses located at 1202 N. Riverfront (formerly Industrial) in the Dallas Design District.
ATG is an innovative resource that gives voice to significant, relevant and untold stories in the Asian community and was founded to produce media, events and programs that promote awareness and unity of Asian American culture and identity. ATG President and Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee said, “We are so proud to host this fun event. It’s amazing to see how one night can bring together people from all walks of life – designers, photographers, stylists, models, artists, musicians, community leaders and philanthropists – who volunteer their abilities and support for a common cause. It’s another way for us to tell our rich story and celebrate.”
Project Runway Season 2 winner Chloe Dao, is a designer of Vietnamese ancestry born in Laos who lives in Houston and founded family business Lot 8 in Houston. “Being Asian American, I know how lucky I am to be here, and most of all, to have my family with me. I was delighted to be invited to be a part of Fashion for a Passion to help raise money for others not as fortunate,” said Dao. “As a designer, I love fashion as much as anyone else or more. The more talented designers and more diverse ethnicities, the better. We all have a different point of view, and I get to enjoy their work and vice versa.”
For Chinese American designer Judy Yang, who also lives in Houston, her goal is not only to raise funds, but also to give and find inspiration. “It means a great deal to me to that I am able to share my love for what I do and help a great cause at the same time. As an Asian American designer, I hope that my designs will uplift and inspire different people and designers of different backgrounds around the world,” said Yang.
Dallas-based South Asian designer Prashi Shah added, “As a designer, being able to utilize fashion design to bring awareness and raise funds for children internationally is something I strive to do in my own work. Fashion has the ability to translate the different cultures in the world and bring us all closer.”
Fashion for a Passion event tickets range from $45-$50 and can be purchased exclusively online.
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. Their premiere documentary feature, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, has 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 http://mnt.32c.myftpupload.comor www.TheBabylift.com.
Proceeds from charity fashion show to benefit international orphanages
DALLAS, TX– The 2nd Annual Fashion For a Passion (FFAP) hosted by Dallas nonprofit ATG Against The Grain Productions will feature a diverse lineup of local and national Asian American fashion designers united to raise money for charity. This year’s event will feature the collection of Chloe Dao (Season 2 winner of Project Runway), Khanh Nguyen for Nhã Khanh, Nikki Duong Koenig for Cykochik Custom Handbags featuring Freedom Parc, Prashi Shah for Prashe and Judy Yang. Newly added to edge up the roster are local designer Cac Lam for 2FeMale and New York-based designer Sumie Tachibana, as well as LeeAnne Locken (actress/model and finalist from She’s Got the Look) who joins fashion blogger Tina Craig of Bagsnob.com to emcee. The charity event takes places from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 25th at LandCo/7 Senses located at 1202 N. Riverfront (formerly Industrial) in Dallas, Texas.
The night’s festivities feature musical entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a silent auction and a fashion show of sneak-peeks, followed by a live auction of select pieces from each presenting designer’s collection and other exclusive pieces donated by Asian American designers around the country. The proceeds of the evening go to benefit orphanages in Vietnam and ATG’s community outreach initiatives. Against The Grain President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee, a graduate of SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts, said, “This is an exciting showcase of the talents of our community for a worthy cause, and we are particularly proud to collaborate with and showcase this diverse talent who truly represent the boldness and spirit of what it means to go ‘against the grain.’”
Designer Cac Lam, who studied at the Art Institute of Dallas and whose aesthetic is wild and crazy, said, “It’s rare that we get the opportunity to step back from the glitz and glamour of our craft to lend our hearts and hands to those who need them, so I jumped at the chance to participate.” Added Lam, “To go against the grain for me means to bring a style and uniqueness to my work that is from the soul, not society. I am the only me, so if I give the world work that is from my mind, my heart and my core, it will always be against the grain.”
Designer Sumie Tachibana, whose style is bold and edgy, studied at the University of Texas at Austin and the famed Parsons School of Design in New York. “It’s a great honor to be invited to do a show with this very talented group of designers.” Added Tachibana, “I truly appreciate and embrace being different. I design non-trend driven clothing for women and men that appreciate the beauty of being independent.”
LeeAnne Locken, a feisty model/actress who became even more well-known as a finalist on Season 2 of She’s Got The Look, said, “I am very happy to be on board for this wonderful event. Fashion is in my blood, and I think of great pieces of clothing as literal works of art.” Continued Locken, “I strive to be unique…in speaking my mind and always trying to have fun. Going against the grain means doing whatever it takes to be successful. I am not a big ‘go with the flow’ kind of person. I am the ‘get out the way, here she comes’ kind of person.”
FFAP event tickets range from $40-$50, and sales for the event begin on August 11th online, click here to purchase.
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. Their premiere documentary feature, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, has 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 http://mnt.32c.myftpupload.com or http://www.TheBabylift.com
ATG is proud to highlight Chloe Dao, a talented designer and winner of Project Runway Season 2, who won the hearts of America with her mild honest demeanor and judges’ votes with her consistent display of technical skills, business savvy and creative talent. Not only is she a successful entrepreneur, she has a wonderful dedication to her family.
Dallas-based non-profit organization ATG Against The Grain Productions will host the 2nd Annual 2010 Fashion for a Passion charity event, uniting the diverse talents of designers of different Asian ethnicities to showcase their collections. The event’s mission is to raise funds for international orphanages and ATG’s community outreach programs and scholarship fund. The 2nd annual event combines fashion, philanthropy, art, music and food and takes place from 7-10 pm on Saturday, September 25th at LandCo/7 Senses located at 1202 N. Riverfront (formerly Industrial) in the Dallas Design District.
For Chinese American designer Judy Yang, who also lives in Houston, her goal is not only to raise funds, but also to give and find inspiration. “It means a great deal to me to that I am able to share my love for what I do and help a great cause at the same time. As an Asian American designer, I hope that my designs will uplift and inspire different people and designers of different backgrounds around the world,” said Yang.
DALLAS, TX – The 2nd Annual Fashion For a Passion (FFAP) hosted by Dallas nonprofit ATG Against The Grain Productions will feature a diverse lineup of local and national Asian American fashion designers united to raise money for charity. This year’s event will feature the collection of Chloe Dao (Season 2 winner of Project Runway), Khanh Nguyen for Nhã Khanh, Nikki Duong Koenig for Cykochik Custom Handbags featuring Freedom Parc, Prashi Shah for Prashe and Judy Yang. Newly added to edge up the roster are local designer Cac Lam for 2FeMale and New York-based designer Sumie Tachibana, as well as LeeAnne Locken (actress/model and finalist from She’s Got the Look) who joins fashion blogger Tina Craig of Bagsnob.com to emcee. The charity event takes places from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 25th at LandCo/7 Senses located at 1202 N. Riverfront (formerly Industrial) in Dallas, Texas. 
LeeAnne Locken, a feisty model/actress who became even more well-known as a finalist on Season 2 of She’s Got The Look, said, “I am very happy to be on board for this wonderful event. Fashion is in my blood, and I think of great pieces of clothing as literal works of art.” Continued Locken, “I strive to be unique…in speaking my mind and always trying to have fun. Going against the grain means doing whatever it takes to be successful. I am not a big ‘go with the flow’ kind of person. I am the ‘get out the way, here she comes’ kind of person.”