Against the Grain does more than produce films about the Asian-American community. Founded by Tammy Nguyen Lee of Dallas in 2006, the organization is also a nonprofit that uses media projects to raise funds for international orphanages. And last year, ATG added scholarships to support Asian-Americans.
A first-generation Vietnamese-American, Lee has long held an interest in orphans. In 2009, she made the documentary Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam.
Donations to ATG provide food and medical supplies to needy orphanages in Vietnam. ATG has volunteers in the country who distribute aid on a quarterly basis.
Lee’s mother, Aileen Nguyen of Dallas, just returned from her annual summer trip to the country. While there, she distributed nearly $2,500 in aid and supplies on behalf of ATG. This year alone, ATG plans to give $13,600 to orphanages.
ATG is also reaching out to help orphans in Thailand for the first time, with plans to expand to other Asian countries.
Back in the States, ATG just awarded $7,000 in scholarships. U.S. Olympian Rebekah Kim of Fullerton, Calif., received the 2012 ATG Sunna Lee Leadership Scholarship. The 2012 ATG Artistic Scholarship went to Thoa Nguyen of Arlington and Britt Espinosa of Kingston, Wash.
To learn more, visit 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.”
18 year-old Thoa Nguyen was born in Hue, Vietnam. In 1996, her family (including herself, her parents and older sister) immigrated to America when she was three years-old. After living in Arkansas with her grandparents for six months, the family moved to Arlington, Texas. The family experienced culture shock, but the opportunity to pursue the American Dream was a dream come true.
Although the language barrier was initially an issue, school quickly became one of Thoa’s strengths. She challenged herself, taking advanced classes whenever possible, as well as courses that interested her artistically. After stints in choir, band and theatre, she found her passion for studio art. She served as Vice President and then President of her school’s National Art Honor Society, Vice President of the National Honor Society, Historian of the Drama Club, was a Project SOAR mentor and part of the International Thespian Society, Environmental Club and Future Business Leaders of America. She recently graduated from Juan Seguin High School ranked number three in her class. Thoa plans to study Radio/Television/Film as well as Studio Art at the University of Texas at Austin.
Full name:
Thoa Thi Kim Nguyen
Hometown:
Born in Hue, Vietnam but I consider my ” hometown” to be Arlington, Texas
Current City:
Arlington, TX
Ethnicity:
Vietnamese
What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?
To me, ‘going against the grain’ is synonymous to swimming against a current, doing what your heart tells you to do, despite what is expected. By pushing yourself to reach your goals no matter the circumstances or resistance, you are going against that opposing force. We would not be where we are now if minorities throughout history had not conformed and sparked revolutions. Like they say, ‘if there’s a will, there’s a way,’ even against the grain.
How do you go against the grain?
I believe that the most important characteristic to be able to go against the grain would be courage. It takes a lot of courage to STAND UP for your ideals when everyone else is sitting. I’d also have to say that it has taken me my entire life so far to earn that courage. I go against the grain by putting full faith and spirit into what I have realized I want to do for the rest of my life: incorporate my art with my love for film(making). Any person with traditional Asian parents can agree that they want the best for their children’s futures, which means they expect us to be in high paying career like medical or engineering fields. Having come from an immigrant family, I was expected to earn outstanding grades, then pack my bags for medical school. To my parents dismay, I had no interest in such fields… I had my heart set on being an art director for film. Although it may not seem like much, it took me my entire life to figure that out. To stand behind what I was passionate about, even if it was not what was expected of me. To have courage.
On the importance of art to a community: (excerpted from scholarship essay)
“If there were a few imperishable and infinite things in this world, art would be one of them. Art takes so many forms and is perceived by so many perspectives that it can never be nonexistent. Lucky for us, as human beings, we need it in our world to survive. It is a wonder that something that can be seen as trivial and even unnecessary and impractical, is so embedded into ourselves, we almost forget it is there, if it were not for the people who express it so well. Art is soul, and life, and presence, and void. It is what adds color to our world, our community, and our being.”
What made you decide to pursue a career in film (art direction)?
Film production has always been interesting to me, and I believe that you should pursue a field that provokes your curiosity and interest for it. And with my art skills and creativity as a precursor, I want to associate that with film production to be an art director for film.
What have been some of the challenges you faced/lessons you learned as an Asian American in this field?
It is not a common field for an Asian American (especially an Asian American with traditional parents) to pursue, so the toughest challenge is proving myself based on my passion and skill, not my race, to every one else. Something that I’ve learned is to do what suits me, no matter what any one else says, and do it well to the best of my ability, because it does reflect on my culture and where I come from.
What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment, and why?
My greatest accomplishment would probably be making it in my graduating class’ Top 2 % and being ranked number three. I know how proud that makes my parents and that all the hard work I have put into my studies for the past four years in high school was with that goal in mind.
What’s up next?
The great, scary, life changing experience called ”college” is next for me! I’m so excited to be in a new city, surrounded by the immense creative atmosphere that UT will offer me!
Quote to live by:
”It is every man’s obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it.” – Albert Einstein
Sign (Eastern Animal Sign & Western Zodiac): Rooster/Scorpio
Passionate about: All forms of visual arts; learning
Favorite food: Barbecue chicken!
Can’t live without: My best friend and future roomate, Alexa Harrington
What it means to you to be named the 2012 ATG Artistic Scholarship Winner:
“It means the most to me spiritually. It’s a sign of reassurance that what I am doing will be worth it in the end, because someone out there believes in me.”
Britt Espinosa graduates this June after being homeschooled with a variety of academic courses through public school, online, community private courses and self-directed learning. His community service and leadership experience includes a month long service trip to South Africa with Global Expeditions, Food packaging and shipping (Children of the Nations), Sharenet Christmas Shop volunteer, Small Group Leader and Kairos Youth Group Leadership Team. Britt is an Awana Citation Award winner after serving for 10 years with Awana International.
Britt studied classical piano for 10 years and had formal voice training for 2.5 years. He quickly discovered he loved music and found himself on various musical groups singing and playing; not only piano, but also guitar, bass, and the occasional drums. Britt is actively involved in leading a musical ministry team, teaching younger and newer musicians. He has received multiple artistic awards, including Superior Ranking in Male Vocal Solo and Superior Ranking in Christian Band. In the past two years, Britt has performed and toured regionally throughout the West Coast with his band, The Exchange, playing about 100 events during that time. Whether it is through singing with fellow team workers in South Africa, performing for youth on stage or leading a team of young musicians, Britt values the power of music. “When words fail, music speaks. – Hans Christian Anderson Britt will attend Northwest University this coming fall, with his anticipated major being Music Business Management and Performance.
Full name:
Britt Larson Espinosa
Hometown/Current City:
Kingston, Washington
Ethnicity:
Filipino/Caucasian
What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?
To me ‘going against the grain’ means having the discipline and drive to pursue a dream in the midst of hardship, stigma, and setbacks. Discipline includes dedication to education, working when you don’t think you can go anymore, and having foresight. Having a ‘drive to pursue’ means to make the most out of every opportunity, and to also hold onto to the dream when things are slow and require patience.
How do you go against the grain?
I live to pursue and accomplish. When I set my sights on a goal, I will do everything to accomplish that goal. I go against the grain because I know that education, foresight and patience are essential to success.
On the importance of art to a community: (excerpted from scholarship essay)
“A man named Thomas Merton once said, ‘Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.’ Art plays a huge role in culture, community, relationships and everyday life. In my opinion, a society without art is a society that has no identity or soul. Art is an expression of the soul, like Thomas Merton said, it pushes us to ‘find ourselves’ and lose ourselves’…Art affects much of our culture and the way we identify with our culture. From branding to movies, art is the aspect that our souls react and respond to. Art is important in our society and community because it gives meaning, purpose and identity to individuals and groups. Without art, the world would be a bland place, full of people without an identity and without the desire to find one.”
What made you decide to pursue a degree in music/music management?
I’ve always loved music, and musical performance. I started the band, The Exchange, in 2010. Over the next two years, we went on to perform almost 100 events, playing shows, youth camps and conferences throughout the West Coast. As we gained more experience and play time, I started to fill the role of managing the business and road management aspects of the band. Through this and also my years of leading young musicians on a musical team, I came to find that I greatly enjoyed and was challenged by the business aspects of leading a band/team. I want to sharpen my skills as an artist in my college years. Additionally, I believe an artist can be much more effective and influential if combined with skills of leadership and management expertise. A possible outcome of my combined education would be to become an artist developer and manager.
What have been some of the challenges you faced/lessons you learned as an Asian American in this field?
As an Asian American, I have always been aware of the undercurrent that exists, that I may not be given the “benefit of the doubt” as to my abilities or education. Sometime during my middle school years, I read a book entitled Do Hard Things – A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations. I came to realize I may not be able to change people’s initial perceptions about me based on their first impression. However, if I personally pursue excellence and not make excuses, in the end, I would become the best I could be and would eventually earn the trust and confidence of those I am working with. Serving overseas in South Africa as well as through the various countries that I have traveled has also allowed me to apply this same principle of acceptance and openness to others, no matter what culture I may find myself in.
What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment, and why?
While I could initially say it could be my band, grade point average or even my overseas service project, as I truly reflect on a personal accomplishment, I would say it would be completing 10 years of classical piano training. This is my biggest accomplishment, not because of the years or even the hours of practice, but because there were several times I wanted to quit. During my 8th and 9th year of piano lessons, I doubted whether sticking with piano was even worth it. What kept me going was simply my personal discipline and knowing that even though it was not always easy or enjoyable, I wanted to finish strong with my piano training. Now, looking back, I can see how my piano training has opened so many doors and possibilities, even allowing me to learn other instruments more quickly. I learned perseverance. I learned that hard work can pay off and that reaching for excellence, even when there is no motivation, is truly the most rewarding after all.
What’s up next?
I will be attending Northwest University, where I will be working towards obtaining a degree in Music Business Management and Performance. I also plan to continue touring with my band, The Exchange. Recently, I was asked to be in Northwest University’s choir called Choralons. This is an innovative choir comprised of 110 vocalists and a 7 piece rhythm section, of which I will be the piano player.
Quote to live by:
“He is no fool who gives, what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.” – Jim Elliot
Sign (Eastern Animal Sign & Western Zodiac): Rooster/Capricorn
Passionate about: Music, Jesus Christ and Rock-n-roll!
Favorite food: Lumpia
Can’t live without: Listening and playing music on a daily basis
What does it mean to you to be named the 2012 ATG Artistic Scholarship Winner?
I feel incredibly honored to be chosen out of all the very impressive entries and participants! It humbles me to see so many young people like myself making beautiful art and giving back to the community. To be chosen out of this group is a very great honor!
DALLAS, TX – Dallas-based nonprofit ATG Against The Grain Productions hosted the return of their charity event Cocktails for a Cause (CFAC) on Wednesday, May 30th at LaGrange in Deep Ellum. Guests enjoyed Asian tapas, drinks, live entertainment, got a chance to win raffle prizes and learn more about ATG’s cause. The fundraiser packed the venue and raised several thousand dollars for the 501(c)(3) organization’s supported orphanages in Asia, outreach programs and scholarship fund. Guest emcee and local Dallas man about town Sam Liu kept the evening moving along with his unique, golden voice, with energetic performances by up-and-coming Asian American artists Xwansongs (from Houston), hip-hop performer Twisted Optiks and indie pop band Duette. San Francisco comedian Mark “Zhangster” Zhang stole the stage at the end of the evening with his signature raucous humor.
ATG Founder/President Tammy Nguyen Lee is grateful for the outpouring of community support. “It takes a lot of time, effort and sacrifice from our ATG team of volunteers to put on events like this. We work to promote good, quality entertainment and bring the community together to raise money for a worthy cause. We are so thankful to all the people who continue to come out and support us and the artists. It makes all the effort worthwhile to know that people also appreciate what we do to make a difference.”
Comedian Mark "Zhangster" Zhang
Mark “Zhangster” said, ” The night was filled with tremendous fun energy! It’s a great honor to support ATG, because as artists, we spend so much time working on our craft that sometimes we forget in life there is nothing more important than being loved.”
Xwansongs
Xuan Nguyen of Xwansongs is a veteran performer to the ATG audience. Said Nguyen, “It was wonderful to see people pull together and work to help others in need. The evening was filled with infectious laughter and an overwhelming sense of unity from all of the artists and ATG staff members who rallied together to give back to the community in our own unique ways. We are humbled and blessed to be a part of Cocktails for a Cause.”
Twisted Optiks
Hip-hop performer Twisted Optiks (aka Ronnie Chea) entertained the audience with his unique musical flavor and improvisational freestyle. Said Chea, “Cocktails for a Cause was certainly an inspiring evening. I had the opportunity to work with various artists and people with hearts to bring both entertainment and awareness to the public. It was an honor to be a part of honor ATG event, where I am able to showcase my talents to bring hope and help others in need.”
Tex Sirisawat, front man of Duette, said, “We think the night went great. It is important to have an opportunity to use art not only as an expression of self, but also as a vehicle for unity and to help those in need. If we continue, and they continue, the cycle will never end.”
Tex Sirisawat of DuetteEmcee Sam Liu
Entrepreneur Sam Liu, who has emceed all three of ATG’s Cocktails for a Cause events, added, ‘It was very exciting to see Asian American talent showcased in Deep Ellum. What an amazing night for an excellent cause!”
All photos of the evening are courtesy of David Loi Photography and can be viewed at the ATG Flickr site.
ATG Against The Grain Productions, a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, promotes Asian American cultural awareness through compelling media projects and raises funds for international orphanages. In addition to giving out an annual scholarship to exemplary Asian American students pursuing a degree in the arts, they also produced the feature documentary, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, which has screened at over a dozen film festivals nationwide and received the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film at the Vietnamese International Film Festival and the Documentary Audience Choice Award from the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. For more information, visit www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com or www.TheBabylift.com.
This year, we had an overwhelming response for our scholarships, with nearly 150 applications from across the country! The ATG Scholarship Committee was incredibly impressed by the breadth of community service, leadership and talent in our young Asian American student community. It was an incredibly difficult decision process, but with great pride and excitement, we announce the following students are 2012 Artistic Scholarship Finalists. They were scored based on GPA, Leadership/Community Involvement, Artistic Portfolio, Letters of Recommendation and Essay. The final two winners of this $1,000 scholarship will be announced in the next week, so stay tuned!
2012 ATG Artistic Scholarship Finalists
Christina Chang (Germantown, MD)
ATG Artistic Scholarship Finalist Christina Chang
Age: 19
GPA: 3.93
About: Freshman at Ringling College of Art and Design
Major: Computer Animation
Community Service/Leadership: Ringling Tour Guide, Editor-in-chief of Rockville High School literary magazine, Founder/President and Treasurer of Rockville High School National Honor Society, over 1000+ hours of volunteer at various organizations
On the importance of art to a community:
“…From daily happenings to more momentous occasions, I have observed art’s varying impacts and uses, both minuscule and incredible, on others and in myself. And from these exposures, I realized that subconsciously, I am always left with a new perspective. I believe it is a primal form of communication. In the beginning before words found their way onto paper, pictures on cave walls reflected the stories and histories of the earliest societies. Even then, many civilizations retained the drawings’ essence in the form of Chinese pictographs and Egyptian Hieroglyphs. Then and now, art withstands time and its importance is ever more elevated in the present. The world is rapidly advancing to become a global community, which strives to connect despite its different backgrounds and cultures. Where words in writing may fail us, I believe art and all of its substances can help bridge the gap.”
What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?
“In my shoes, ‘going against the grain’ is to stand firm against the current and and swim against it to pursue unconventional goals. But my experiences have also taught me to trust my choices in the face of adversaries, even if they may be family, faculty or employer.”
How do you go against the grain?
“In a nutshell, I do so by taking risks but not blindly signing my fate completely to luck and will. Going against the norms or anything has their package of obstacles, and I’ve learned the best to overcome them is to be proactive, listen to others, take in new perspectives and opinions, so at the end of the day I can see which are the right steps to take.”
Keila Cone-Uemura (Salt Lake City, UT)
ATG Artistic Scholarship Finalist Keila Cone-Uemura
Age: 17
GPA: 3.99
About: Senior at West High School accepted into Berklee College of Music
Anticipated Major: Music
Community Service/Leadership: Humane Society, Salt Lake Buddhist Temple
On the importance of art to a community:
“Art is what makes us fundamentally human. It is what separates us from the cold, hard machines that we’ve created to do our work, from the computers that are smarter and faster than we will ever be. It helps mankind retain its morality, the sense of compassion that can often go missing in the fast-paced modern world. Within a community, an honest sense of human emotion is vital in protecting our values and moral codes. Art plays a vital role in this, as it provides the artist and the viewer alike an escape from the tedious superficialities of day-to-day life…Art is much more than an end product — it is a journey, a depiction of the human experience, a portal into the lives of our ancestors, a tool for social revolution, and a thread of sorts, weaving together various people and perspectives. Communities need art to bring them together and celebrate the vibrant individuality and self expression that will shine on for centuries to come.”
What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?
“As an Asian woman in modern society, I often experience some common racial stereotypes. We are thought of as the ‘model minority,’ quiet and obedient. To ‘go against the grain,’ to me, means to directly defy this stereotype. It means fighting for your opinions, getting your voice heard and pursuing your passions without regard for what people expect from you.”
How do you go against the grain?
“I go against the grain by writing and composing songs and aspiring to enter the music industry, even though the business is risky and the competition is high. I have decided to jump into my passions headfirst by graduating high school a year early and entering the Berklee College of Music at age seventeen. I go against the grain because even though the path is scary and the going may be rough, I will continue to chase this dream of mine with all of my heart.”
Britt Espinosa (Kingston, WA)
ATG Artistic Scholarship Finalist Britt Espinosa
Age: 18
GPA: 3.88
About: Homeschooled and accepted to study at Northwest University and Seattle Pacific University
Anticipated Major: Music Business Management and Performance
Community Service/Leadership: Global Expeditions Service Trip to South Africa, Food packaging and shipping (Children of the Nations), Sharnet Christmas Shop volunteer, Small Group Leader, Kairos Youth Group Leadership Team, Citation Award (Awana International)
On the importance of art to a community:
“A man named Thomas Merton once said, ‘Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.’ Art plays a huge role in culture, community, relationships and everyday life. In my opinion, a society without art is a society that has no identity or soul. Art is an expression of the soul, like Thomas Merton said, it pushes us to ‘find ourselves’ and lose ourselves’…Art affects much of our culture and the way we identify with our culture. From branding to movies, art is the aspect that our souls react and respond to. Art is important in our society and community because it gives meaning, purpose and identity to individuals and groups. Without art, the world would be a bland place, full of people without an identity and without the desire to find one.”
What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?
“To me ‘going against the grain’ means having the discipline and drive to pursue a dream in the midst of hardship, stigma, and setbacks. Discipline includes dedication to education, working when you don’t think you can go anymore, and having foresight. Having a ‘drive to pursue’ means to make the most out of every opportunity, and to also hold onto to the dream when things are slow and require patience.”
How do you go against the grain?
“I live to pursue and accomplish. When I set my sights on a goal, I will do everything to accomplish that goal. I go against the grain because I know that education, foresight and patience are essential to success.”
Thao Nguyen (Arlington, TX)
ATG Artistic Scholarship Finalist Thoa Nguyen
Age: 18
GPA: 3.98
About: Senior at Juan Seguin High School accepted into University of Texas at Austin College of Communication
Anticipated Major: Radio/TV/Film
Community Service/Leadership: National Art Honor Society (President and Vice President), International Thespian Society, Environmental Club, National Honor Society (Vice President), Future Business Leaders of America, Drama Club (Historian), Project SOAR mentor
On the importance of art to a community:
“If there were a few imperishable and infinite things in this world, art would be one of them. Art takes so many forms and is perceived by so many perspectives that it can never be nonexistent. Lucky for us, as human beings, we need it in our world to survive. It is a wonder that something that can be seen as trivial and even unnecessary and impractical, is so embedded into ourselves, we almost forget it is there, if it were not for the people who express it so well. Art is soul, and life, and presence, and void. It is what adds color to our world, our community, and our being.”
What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?
“To me, ‘going against the grain’ is synonymous to swimming against a current, doing what your heart tells you to do, despite what is expected. By pushing yourself to reach your goals no matter the circumstances or resistance, you are going against that opposing force. We would not be where we are now if minorities throughout history had not conformed and sparked revolutions. Like they say, ‘if there’s a will, there’s a way,’ even against the grain.”
How do you go against the grain?
“I believe that the most important characteristic to be able to go against the grain would be courage. It takes a lot of courage to STAND UP for your ideals when everyone else is sitting. I’d also have to say that it has taken me my entire life so far to earn that courage. I go against the grain by putting full faith and spirit into what I have realized I want to do for the rest of my life: incorporate my art with my love for film(making). Any person with traditional Asian parents can agree that they want the best for their children’s futures, which means they expect us to be in high paying career like medical or engineering fields. Having come from an immigrant family, I was expected to earn outstanding grades, then pack my bags for medical school. To my parents dismay, I had no interest in such fields… I had my heart set on being an art director for film. Although it may not seem like much, it took me my entire life to figure that out. To stand behind what I was passionate about, even if it was not what was expected of me. To have courage.”
Anticipated Major: Studio Art/International Affairs
Community Service/Leadership: Gamma Sigma Sigma (service sorority), CHROMA (Vice President of service-oriented art organization), Art History Society, National Art Honor Society, Beta Club, National Honor Society
On the importance of art to a community:
“I believe that experiencing the arts means understanding perspectives other than your own, finding multiple solutions to one problem, creating large effects with small differences, and using this knowledge t inform decisions. To be able to put these ideas into practice will be a powerful experience that I can use to benefit the community as well as aspects of my own life. Not only is art beneficial to the community, it is beneficial to the individual, the building block of something greater.”
What does ‘going against the grain’ mean to you?
“‘Going against the grain’ to me means recognizing the individuality within yourself and using it to follow your dreams. No two people are alike, and everyone has the ability to think creatively; this unique identity must flourish, not be suppressed by societal pressures or fear of failure. Going against the grain is the key to feeling comfortable and happy in your skin and in the life you choose to lead.
How do you go against the grain?
I am always excited to try new things and start a project with fresh eyes; I co-founded a student organization, which ended up being a daunting but incredibly rewarding task. I love learning how to play a new instrument, or learning a new language, or reading a book about a subject I know little about. I will double major in Studio Art and International Affairs not because it is practical but because they are the two areas that fascinate me most. My determination allows me to pursue all of my interests and goals, and that is how I go against the grain.
For more information on the ATG Artistic Scholarship, visit the Scholarship Page.
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.
Non-profit to Award Three Scholarships to Exemplary Asian American Students
DALLAS, TX– Dallas nonprofit ATG Against The Grain Productions proudly announced the addition of the Sunna Lee Leadership Scholarship to its already existing Artistic Scholarship, to be awarded to Asian American students who are breaking the mold through their work in the arts and/or leadership in the community. Last year’s Artistic Scholarship winners were Texas students Monika Hoang and Dorcas Leung. Both Hoang and Leung were awarded a $1,000 scholarship for their exceptional artistic ability, talent, community involvement, leadership and academics. The addition of the Sunna Lee Leadership scholarship is a $5,000 commitment from business executive Sunna Lee, a powerhouse in the business and fashion world who previously attended ATG’s Fashion for a Passion charity event as a guest and was moved to do her part by motivating and celebrating a young Asian American leader who is changing the stereotype of Asian Americans.
ATG Founder/President Tammy Nguyen Lee is excited to include this Leadership Scholarship as an extension of the organization’s already strong commitment to community outreach. Nguyen Lee said, “We created the Artistic Scholarship as an extension of what our organization is already doing to promote and support Asian Americans in the arts, and we hope that the Leadership Scholarship continues to cultivate those in our community who are finding unique ways to express themselves and create stories for us to share.” Nguyen Lee continued, “ATG is very fortunate to partner with pioneers in the Asian American community like Sunna Lee and be the organization chosen to broaden our scope to select and promote a leader among the Asian American student population. It’s a huge honor and responsibility. Our hope is that that this will send an impactful message and continue to inspire others to affect change and leadership in others.”
Leadership Scholarship Founder Sunna Lee
Sunna Lee is a first-generation Korean American with 25 years as an executive in product development, which includes trends, design, marketing and sourcing for brands and retailers small to large, private and publicly traded companies with $7 million to $2.5 billion in revenues. She has served as Vice President of Marketing for Priss Prints and NoJo, Vice President of New Business Development for Crown Crafts Infant Products, Vice President of Merchandising for Riegel, Director of Fashion for Dorel Juvenile Group and is currently the Director of Product Development for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. At Cracker Barrel, she leads the women’s group, Woman’s Connect, as a member of the steering committee to develop future women leaders of the organization. She previously founded her own line of high-end handmade handbags, which were sold at Stanley Korshak and Neiman Marcus. Lee said, “Being a female Asian growing up in the Deep South, I have had to overcome double the challenges of prejudice and ignorance and have chosen to convert what others may perceive as a disadvantage to a competitive advantage.”Lee is passionate about empowering others to tap into their own potential. “Teach someone to fish instead of giving them fish. Fishcan feed them for one meal. The skill to fish will feed them for a lifetime.”
Lily Yang, ATG’s Director of Community Outreach, spearheads the review process for both scholarships and highlights the principles of the funds. “The Artistic Scholarship embodies ATG’s mission of promoting awareness of art in all media and a commitment to the community. The scholarship program is not limited to only financial assistance, but also provides the winner with mentorship, exposure and a support group both within and outside of the art community.” Yang continues, “The addition of the Leadership Scholarship allows us to reach out to an even wider group of Asian American students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership skills and made a difference by challenging the conventional Asian American stereotype. We are looking for candidates who truly embody the spirit of “going against the grain.”
Both the Artistic and Sunna Lee Leadership Scholarship applications are online at www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com/Scholarship, and the application deadline is April 15th. Scholarship winners will be invited to attend ATG’s 4th annual Fashion for a Passion charity event, to be held on Saturday, October 13, 2012, at the Dallas Contemporary in Dallas, TX, where they will be presented with their scholarship, as well as showcase their talent amongst other Asian American artists.
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 and outreach. Their first project, 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 scholarship details, visit www.AgainstTheGrainProductions/scholarship. For more information, visit www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com or www.TheBabylift.com.
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
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.
