Grab the tuxes and evening gowns, it’s almost time for the Fashion Group International of Dallas to host its annual black-tie gala and fundraiser “Night of Stars,” presented by Mary Kay.

The event will be held Friday, November 10, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dallas.

“Night of Stars is FGI’s largest and most important fundraiser, and a platform to recognize the achievements of outstanding individuals in fashion, beauty, entertainment, arts, culture, and humanitarian communities,” Maryanne Grisz, president and CEO of Fashion Group International, said in a statement. “Night of Stars also raises vital funds and critical resources including education initiatives, business grants, and scholarships.”

“Project Runway” Designer Christian Siriano will be honored at the Fashion Group International gala. [Photo: Shane LaVancher]

“In its 39th year, FGI Night of Stars is now one of New York City’s most anticipated events—and the prelude for the glittering annual FGI Dallas edition of Night of Stars to follow in November,” Grisz added. “Our Dallas chapter always delivers a high-impact event that spotlights key figures who are moving fashion forward while also raising essential funds to empower greater social impact in the Dallas community.”

The evening will pay tribute to several guests who are being honored for their achievements in fashion, media, and the art industries.

Last year, the FGI Dallas Night of Stars event raised over $230,000 to fund events and initiatives like its annual scholarship competition — which provides scholarships to Texas college students through the FGI Dallas Scholarship Foundation. Past recipients of the FGI Dallas Night of Stars Awards have included: Naaem Khan, Bob Mackie, Zac Posen, House of Pierre Cardin, Fern Mallis, Monique Lhuillier, Jonathan Adler, Angela Missoni and Prabal Gurung.

Dallas Night of Stars awards

Bethann Hardison [Photo: Brigitte Lacombe]

The 2023 FGI Dallas Night of Stars honorees are:

Lifetime Legacy Award: Bethann Hardison, advocate, model, muse—with a career spanning over five decades.

Hardison has gone from working in NYC’s Garment District; to becoming one of the first Black models favored by European and New York designers; to creative director and producer; to founding her namesake agency where she guided the careers of some of the most prominent models.

In 1988, Hardison founded the Black Girls Coalition, and in 2013, she spearheaded the launch of the Diversity Coalition sparking an industry-wide movement for diversity and inclusion.

Achievement in Fashion Award: Christian Siriano, Project Runway winner and CFDA designer, established himself as a tour de force in the fashion world since launching his eponymous collection in 2008 following his studies in London under Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.

Nina Garcia [Photo: Celeste Sloman]

Excellence in Media Award: Nina Garcia, the editor-in-chief of ELLE, the number one fashion media brand in the world, with 45 international editions and a global audience of over 18 million. Nina is the first Latina to lead a major American fashion title. Since she took the helm in September 2017, the brand’s footprint has never been larger.

Ashley Longshore will be honored at the Fashion Group International gala [Photo provided by FGI]

Exuberance in Art Award: Ashley Longshore, a New York-based, self-taught artist, who is regularly called a “young, feminist Andy Warhol” for her contribution to pop art and the creative inspiration she finds in pop culture figures and brands. As a powerhouse artist and pioneer in social media marketing, she has exploded into a global brand and uses her platform to encourage positivity and authenticity. Dubbed by The New York Times as “Fashion’s Latest Art Darling,” Longshore has paved a colorful path for pop art and fashion to coexist.

“We’re so incredibly honored to welcome such an iconic line-up of honorees to Dallas,” Regional Director of FGI Dallas Nerissa Helpenstil said in a statement. “The impact that each one of these individuals have had within their respective industries is monumental and inspiring. The FGI Dallas organization is more than ecstatic to host these legendary figures, as we raise funds for the future of fashion through the FGI Dallas Scholarship Fund.”

Supporting fashion professionals

The 2023 FGI Night of Stars event chairs are Cristina Graham and Holly Quartaro. The 2022 FGI Dallas Icon of Innovation Honoree, Fern Mallis, will serve as the event’s honorary chair.

“I’m so happy to be chairing this years’ FGI Night of Stars gala,” Mallis said in a statement. “After having such a great experience last year when I was honored, I said ‘Let me know what I can do to join you all again in Dallas.’ This year all of my very dear pals are being honored and I couldn’t be happier for all of them who deserve to be recognized, and I get to share this special evening with them.”

Tickets begin at $500 and include a cocktail reception, dinner, and a runway show featuring the designs of Siriano.

James Aguiar, VP of Fashion and Creative Director for Modern Luxury, will again serve as the master of ceremonies for the star-studded gala, with sponsors Mary Kay (presenting sponsor), and The Conservatory.

Formed in 1928 by a group of 17 women leaders, with original charters including Helena Rubenstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Edith Head, and other renowned fashion icons, Fashion Group International was established as an industry forum for career advancement.

Today, the nonprofit remains dedicated to connecting and supporting fashion professionals at every level, from startups to seasoned professionals.

FGI is headquartered in New York City and has chapters in numerous regions worldwide along with a roster of over 5,000 active members in fashion and related design sectors including apparel, accessories, beauty, retail, and lifestyle.

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