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.
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– 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 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.
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.
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 Khanh Nguyen. Photo courtesy of David Loi.Design by Aiden Vo. Photo courtesy of Hubert Duong.Design by Lizzi London. Photo courtesy of Daniel Song.
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!
