Category: Fashion For A Passion

Asian American Designers Showcase Collections at Fashion for a Passion

Proceeds from charity fashion show to benefit international orphanages


DALLAS, TX – Dallas nonprofit ATG Against The Grain Productions presents the 2nd Annual Fashion For A Passion from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 25 at LandCo/7 Senses located at 1202 N. Riverfront (formerly Industrial) in Dallas, Texas. The event will showcase collections from emerging Asian American designers Khanh Nguyen for Nhã Khanh, Nikki Duong Koenig for Cykochik, Lyly Thanh Koenig for Lyly Thanh, Prashi Shah for Prashe and Judy Yang. This year’s event will also feature the collection of Chloe Dao, Season 2 winner of Project Runway, with the designer in attendance. In addition to the fashion showcase, there will be musical acts, as well as an exhibition of work by local Asian American artists.  The event also features a live auction of pieces from each fashion designer’s collection, with the proceeds to benefit orphanages in Vietnam and ATG’s community outreach initiatives.

FFAP Presenting Designer Chloe Dao

In 2009, ATG showcased the designs of budding designers Kim Phuong Pham, Lizzi London, Aiden Vo and Khanh Nguyen, all of who have now gone on to start successful careers in the industry.  ATG also raised more than $5,000 to aid needy orphanages in Vietnam.

Returning designer Khanh Nguyen, a graduate from UNT, said, “Participating in Fashion for a Passion in 2009 was definitely a turning point in my career.  The event was also where and when I learned the meaning of receiving and giving back.” After Fashion for a Passion, she became a Woman That Soar Honoree, recipient of the Brilliant You Award and her work was featured in La Mode and D Magazine. Added Nguyen, “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 put in to make the show happen. I am very honored and thrilled to be back to showcase my new collection this year!”

FFAP Presenting Designer Khanh Nguyen

ATG President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee, a graduate of SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts, said, “I’m so proud to hear and see lives changed like this as a result of our organization’s efforts.  We founded Against The Grain with the mission to provide that essential support to Asian American artists and promote and share our community’s young talents, and we hope that our hard work continues to result in success stories like Khanh Nguyen’s. Compounded with the nationwide praise for our first documentary Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, it has been a tremendous year.”

FFAP event tickets range from $40-$50, and sales for the event start in mid August online at www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com. VIP/Sponsorships are still available. 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.

Fashion for a Passion Designers: The Concept/Inspiration

Fashion For A Passion is just around the corner and the designers are getting ready. In the coming months leading up to the event, we’ve asked each designer to give us a sneak peak into their collection, and to highlight the behind-the-scenes creation of one of the signature looks that will be auctioned off that night. Here are some concepts and inspirations from a few of our designers:

Lyly Koenig of Lyly Thanh

“I am inspired by my recent trip to Vietnam — Vietnam as a whole, especially the children, and the colors found in Vietnam. I’ve included some random images that I took while in Vietnam. These photos are the most inspiring to me. They reflect the happiness that the people of Vietnam have about their lives. Vietnam is prospering, growing at a rapid rate. I hope to capture the prosperity, happiness and colorfulness of Vietnam in this collection.”


Judy Yang for JudYang

“The painting title is called “Hot Pursuit.” The bright color really speaks to me – feminine, yet very strong and defined lines. I think the direction I am going with this collection will be playful, with swirls and circles. ”

Khanh Nguyen for Nha Khanh

Nikki Duong Koenig for Cykochik (Congrats on your recent nuptials, Nikki!)

For the “special edition bag,” my inspiration is from my wedding colors and flowers.


For more information on this event and how you can sponsor or volunter, please visit www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com.

2010 Fashion for a Passion Designer Line-Up!

ATG is proud to announce the 2010 Fashion for a Passion Designers!

We know you’ve been waiting….Now here they are!

7 fabulous designers whose creations range from funky handbags to chic casualwear to elegant couture!

We can’t wait to see their fabulous collection this fall. Check back for monthly exclusive behind the scenes sneak peaks at their creations that will be finally revealed at the Big Event! You don’t want to miss this!

2010 Fashion for a Passion

Saturday, September 25, 2010

LandCo/7 Senses

1202 N. Riverfront (formerly N. Industrial) @ Howell St.

Dallas, TX 75207

* Benefiting orphanages in Vietnam and ATG’s community outreach initiatives *

Tickets will go on sale a couple weeks before the event.

For information on how you can sponsor this fabulous event, email us.

Fashion For A Passion–SUCCESS!

Thank you so much to our sponsors, volunteers, models, designers, Board and guests for supporting us and making Fashion For A Passion an enormous success!

Emceed by the lovely Tina Craig (of BagSnob.com) and David Ninh (Fashion reporter for Dallas Morning News F! D Luxe) we had a great turnout of over 270 people and exceeded our fundraising goal! The night featured beautiful designs by Freedom Parc, Aiden Vo, Kim Phuong Pham, Khanh Nguyen and Lizzi London. Thank you to the designers for donating your time in efforts. Without you, the show could not have been possible, and congratulations to Aiden for his recent acceptance into the elite Parsons School of Design in New York City!

Thank you to everyone again! No amount of words could express how grateful we are for your endless help and support. Please visit our Flickr page to see photos from the event. Special thanks to our photographers David Loi, Jacob Fakheri, Daniel Song, and Hubert Duong for capturing our event with your wonderful photography talents and to Ryan Youngblood and Alex Hughes of Trench Films for your videography and compelling PSA.

Design by Kim Phuong Pham. Photo courtesy of Hubert Duong.
Design by Kim Phuong Pham. Photo courtesy of Hubert Duong.
Design by Khanh Nguyen. Photo courtesy of David Loi.
Design by Khanh Nguyen. Photo courtesy of David Loi.
Design by Aiden Vo. Photo courtesy of Hubert Duong.
Design by Aiden Vo. Photo courtesy of Hubert Duong.
Design by Lizzi London, Photo courtesy of Daniel Song
Design by Lizzi London. Photo courtesy of Daniel Song.

Fashion For A Passion

ATG is currently gearing up for our spring charity event — Fashion For A Passion!

 

Fashion for a Passion

 

The event will showcase collections by local emerging and established Asian American designers Aidan Vo, Kim Phuong Pham, Khanh Nguyen, Lizzi London and will include the latest trends from women’s retailer Freedom Parc. Proceeds will go to benefit needy orphanages in cities across Vietnam.

The night brings together leaders in the Asian American community, including co-emcees Tina Craig (fashion blogger of Bagsnob.com) and David Ninh (fashion reporter for Dallas Morning News F!D Luxe),with appearances by Miss Asian American Texas Allyn Hoang and Miss Vietnam Dallas/Ft. Worth Alex Tran.  Says Craig, “Fashion for a Passion is a cause that really touches my heart because my role as a mother surpasses all of my fashion endeavors. This is the perfect opportunity for me to give back and touch the lives of Vietnamese children through fashion.” Ninh adds, “Asian designers are making their mark in American fashion and I am particularly proud to be a part of this event. It’s wonderful to see emerging local talent grow and blossom during such an exciting time.”

 

ATG President Tammy Nguyen Lee believes Fashion for a Passion will be an innovative showcase to educate and entertain the community about Asian American culture. “Fashion is an extension of our individuality and style, no matter our age, gender, status or ethnicity. Each of our designers has a unique background and perspective to share, and this venue will provide an exciting means to highlight local design talents, while raising money for a worthy cause.” 

 

 

 

The event features models from Kim Dawson, Campbell Wagner and Page Parkes agencies strutting the runway in a mix of signature women’s casualwear, party-wear and couture gowns. In addition to the fashion show, guests will be treated to food,drinks, music and also have the opportunity to bid on select designs for charity.

The event lasts from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at LandCo/7 Senses in the trendy Dallas Design District.  Tickets are $40 by March 14th  and $45 by the week of or at the door. Get your tickets today!