FGI Dallas Celebrates Emerging Talent In Fashion, Beauty, Art and More

Scroll through the gallery for more photos from this event


On Thursday March 1, 2018, Fashion Group International of Dallas (FGI) a global, non-profit professional fashion organization, hosted its 21st annual Rising Star Awards Ceremony at the Design District's Seven for Parties. The fete celebrated the extraordinary accomplishments of Dallas' emerging talents in the areas of Women's Fashion, Men's Fashion, Photography, Art, Fashion Blogging, and MakeUp Artistry. Courtney Kerr of "Kerrently" returned for her fourth year as emcee, with pop-up men's and women's fashion presentations produced by Jan Strimple Productions. Art and media installations were vividly dispersed, reflecting the works of the nominees spanning MakeUp Artistry, Photography, Art, and Fashion Blogging. Guests mixed and mingled throughout, enjoying cocktails by Kruto Vodka and light hors d'oeuvres. Among those in attendance was prior Rising Star Nominee and designer of Smith the 2nd, Charles Smith, Heidi Dillon, Real Housewives of Dallas star LeeAnne Locken, Steve Kemble, musician Larry g(EE), Leah Frazier, Dawn Mellon and Khanh Nguyen, designer of Nha Khanh. A surprise performance by local music artist, HANNA, rounded out the evening, making it one of the most buzzed about events for the season.

2018 Rising Star Award Winners  

Rising Star Winner in Men's Fashion: Jason Simmons of DeadSoxy 

Rising Star Winner in Women's Fashion: Venny Etienne of Levity 

Rising Star Winner in Photography: Aaron Fairooz 

Rising Star Winner in Art: Lindsey Meyers 

Rising Star Winner in Fashion Blogging: Amber LaFrance of DFW Style Daily 

Rising Star Winner in MakeUp Artistry: Jo Franco 

People's Choice Award: Jo Franco 

Photo Credit: Bob Manzano & William Neal

Blaine Bowen Hosts Brunch To Celebrate Unlikely Heroes

Photos c/o Angela P. Catullo for Blaine Bowen


Philanthropy is one of the core values that Blaine Bowen Jewelry was founded upon. Everyone in the BB "family" (as Blaine calls her employees) shares her call to action and change. She doesn't believe in just talking, she believes in doing and her employees happily follow suit. Blaine was first introduced to Unlikely Heroes a year ago and knew instantly it was an organization she wanted to contribute to. Blaine was moved by the work Erica Greve was leading through Unlikely Heroes and found herself compelled to aid their mission to end child trafficking. On Friday, November 3, Bowen hosted the Unlikely Heroes Welcome Brunch for the hosts and special guests who had come into town for the Recognizing Heroes Gala the next evening. Everyone knows we do things bigger and better in Texas and Bowen showed these Hollywood stars how Dallas likes to party for a cause. The intimate soiree took place poolside at The Ritz Residences with bites prepared by Tillmans Roadhouse and a fabulous floral wall created by Todd Events. Bowen had her new holiday collection on display and guests were able to select their favorite apparel and jewelry designs as an early holiday gift. Notable attendees included Savannah Chrisley from the USA Network show “Chrisley Knows Best”, Mandy Teefey, Executive Producer of “13 Reasons Why” (and Mother to Selena Gomez), comedian Anjelah Johnson (better known as Bon Qui Qui), Catherine Lowe, Amy Havins and Courtney Kerr. It was a great way to start the weekend celebrating the work of Unlikely Heroes. Stay tuned for my recap on the red carpet gla that followed the next night. It was SPECTACULAR!

Oh So Stylish: Mad Hatters Tea 2017

Scroll through this gallery of spectacular images! Photos c/o Dana and Daniel Driensky, Gregory Martin, Danny Campbell, and Shana Anderson


Celebrating its 29th year, the always stylish and fashionable Mad Hatters Tea took place on March 27th in the beautiful Ginsburg Plaza at the Dallas Arboretum. This annual soiree benefits the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and A Woman’s Garden, the only public garden in the nation inspired by women, funded by women and dedicated to the universal spirit of women. Event Chair Linda Spina with Sharla Bush as vice-chair and honorary chairs Amy Warren and her daughter Amanda Hill, greeted a sold-out crowd of 500 women who had come dressed to impress. Celebrity guest and hat judge Rachel Zoe created quite a buzz when she arrived with her dapper husband, Rodger Berman. It was bananas. Rachel is an unparalleled fixture in the fashion world known for her unique take on effortless glamour, fashion stylist to the stars, clothes designer, author and editor of The Zoe Report. Also penciling-in their favorite hats in special categories were judges Kori Green, jewelry designer, attorney and wife of country singer, Pat Green; Tara Green, president of Klyde Warren Park; Courtney Kerr, editor of KERRently, a fashion, beauty, interior design and travel blog; Caroline Kraddick, Kidd’s Kids CEO/Chief Happiness Officer of the Kraddick Foundation; Dallas-based fragrance designer Niven Morgan; Dallas’ own First Lady, Micki Rawlings, community leader, volunteer and wife of Mayor Mike Rawlings and the judges team of Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing, Park Cities restauranteurs and owners of Shinsei and Lovers Seafood and Market.

FGI Dallas Rising Star Awards 2017

On Tuesday, March 7, Galleria Dallas hosted hundreds of Dallas’ most fashionable for the Fashion Group International (FGI) of Dallas Rising Star Awards. FGI is a global, nonprofit, professional organization with 6,000 members in the fashion industry including apparel, accessories, beauty and home. Taking the annual awards presentation in a new direction with producer Jan Strimple, the event space was transformed into an artistic installation with graffiti walls and neon accents. The sold-out event attracted many of Dallas’ hottest names including Maxine Trowbridge, LeeAnne Locken, Jane McGarry, Jane Aldridge, Steve Kemble, D’Andra Simmons, Jeremy Lock, Susan Posnick, Amy Vanderoef, Allison Mitchell and James Taylor. Click here to see a gallery of images.

Congratulations to the winners of Fashion Group International: Dallas
Rising Stars Awards 2017

FGI Dallas Celebrates Local Rising Stars of 2016

photos c/o Gregory Martin and QC Cong


Fashion Group International of Dallas is part of Fashion Group International, Inc., a global, non-profit, professional organization with more than 6,000 members representing all areas of the fashion industry. Fashion Group International, Inc. provides a high-profile forum to promote the fashion business by hosting events that educate and facilitate the exchange of ideas by giving back to the community. On Tuesday, March 8 at Galleria Dallas,Fashion Group International Dallas (FGI of Dallas) celebrated Dallas’ most notable young talent in the world of fashion, art and design. The event kicked off with a fashion show produced by Jan Strimple, featuring pieces from the three fashion nominees and event sponsors: Banana Republic, Belk, Rangler, Express, BCBGeneration and Club Monaco. Event chair and owner of Couture Rocks, Carinthia Kishaba, introduced the night’s emcee Courtney Kerr. After weeks of voting, the 2016 Rising Star winners were announced. The big winners of the night were:

• Accessories: handbag designer, Allison Mitchell 
• Art: La Toya Jones 
• Fashion: Binzario Couture - Andre Yabin and Luis Nazario 
• Interior Design: James “JT” Turner 
• Make-Up Artistry: Shane Monden 
• Photography: Jason Fitzgerald 
• People’s Star Award: bowtie designer, Jeremy M. Calhoun

Following the presentation, guests celebrated in the “alley” where the “fashion police” gave fashion citations and restaurants from Galleria Dallas provided the food. Austin Cocktails provided the beverages for the event. For more information about FGI Dallas visit http://dallas.fgi.org/.

Erika Jayne Girardi Teaches RHOD Stars To Pat The Puss

Erika Jayne Girardi and Cynthia Smoot

This past Friday, I found myself in the KVIL 103.7 FM studios to meet Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Erika Girardi a.k.a Erika Jayne. For those of you who are not RHOBH watchers, let me fill you in: Erika is the newest cast member of Bravo's Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Season 6. Erika is an American singer-songwriter, dancer and television personality. Since 2007, she's had a total of eight number one singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. She's also married to a billionaire attorney (more on that later in the article).

Described as being sassy, fun and provocative when performing on stage, Erika has said that she originally created the alter ego "Erika Jayne" to keep her stage persona separate from who she really is. She describes Erika Jayne as being "a fantasy character", despite being "a real part of me, but not 24 hours a day." She's become a breakout star on RHOBH this season for her cool demeanor and "I don't give a f*$k" attitude.

She is performing her act at The Brick tonight and came into town a day early to do some media.  She started her Dallas stop Friday morning at Good Morning Texas, then headed over to KVIL to co-host the Uncorked afternoon show with Leigh Ann Adams and Courtney Kerr. That's where I caught up with her. KVIL purchased several tables for Erika's show and invited me, LeeAnne and Tiffany to join them. When we heard she was going to be at the station, we batted our eyes and pleaded to come over and take advantage of the opportunity for some quality time with Erika.  I think it all worked out because she was scheduled to co-host the show from 3:00-4:00, but ended up staying until 5:00 because we were having so much fun! I even got her to give the studio a dance lesson and teach us her signature "pat the puss" move (see video below):

To read more about the Real Housewives of Dallas, CLICK HERE!

Advice For The Real Housewives Of Dallas From Fellow Dallas Celebrities

Dallas is a virtual HOTBED for TV casting. Any major reality or competition show worth its salt makes a stop in Big D when looking to cast interesting or talented characters with big personalities. We've seen our citizens dominate and humiliate in shows like The Bachelor, Dancing With The Stars, Top Chef, Biggest Loser, The Voice, American Idol, Fast & Loud, Texas Women, Big Rich Texas, Most Eligible: Dallas and many more. Last fall Bravo announced that the Real Housewives of Dallas would be the latest addition to their juggernaut franchise and ever since then Dallas has been buzzing with guesses about who would be in the cast. Even I have been fingered as a possibility, which is oh so flattering! While the cast remains in debate, what I know for sure, is that these ladies have NO IDEA what's about to hit them smack upside the head. I've been covering reality TV and celebrity news in this town for a looooooong time and have become friends with many of the stars that make these shows fun to watch. So, I reached out to a few of them to ask, "What do you wish someone had told you before you started your reality/competition TV journey?" Here's some sage advice for the new cast of #RHOD from those who have been there before:

Get #Uncorked With KVIL's New Podcast From Courtney Kerr and Leigh Ann Adam

Leigh Ann Adam & Courtney Kerr are two bad-ass babes who take over the North Texas airwaves weekdays from 3-8 PM on 103.7 FM/KVIL to discuss the things that women are talking about: pop culture to breaking celebrity gossip, and sex & relationships. They chat about all of life's pleasures, problems and mysteries all over a bottle (or 2) of wine… it's unfiltered, uncensored, #Uncorked!

The only problem is, that I never get to listen to their show because I am working! So I was thrilled to hear that the girls launched a new podcast on Monday. If you like to laugh, I encourage you to subscribe. It's an edited down version of their show with the best clips of the week - minus the music.

"I am so excited about the podcast because it's worldwide and more importantly we get calls all the time about what we really said on-air," says co-host Leigh Ann Adam. "This is the unfiltered version of our show. You get to hear what was bleeped out of the local version. Plus, every podcast features exclusive new content and celebrity interviews that was not featured on the local show."

Kelly Clarkson is a fan and says she loves these girls because the "stories they tell are so memorable" and she means that in a because-they-are-so-raunchy kind of way... Subscribe to the podcast by visiting:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/leigh-ann-courtney-kerr-uncorked/id1074057516?mt=2

Fashion X Dallas: The Project Runway Finale

Fashion X came to a close last night at f.i.g. The previous two evenings had, for the most part, focused on local designers but for Saturday's grand finale gave fans of Lifetime's hit television show Project Runway had a rare opportunity to watch runway shows from fan favorites Anthony Ryan Auld, Daniel Esquivel, Jeffrey Sebelia, Korto Momolu, Laura Kathleen, Melissa Fleis, Michelle Lesniak, and Mychael Knight.

Among those who turned out for this all-star experience were Vintage Martini's Ken Weber, (my date) Courtney Kerr, Marie Reyes, Charles Smith, Ese Azenabor and like every fashion blogger in a 50-mile radius of Dallas.

I have to admit, I had my doubts that anyone could pull off a 3-day fashion extravaganza of this magnitude but with 6 years under his belt running Austin fashion Week, Matt Swinney was just the man for the job. If the whole point was to shine a spotlight on all of the amazing talent this city fosters and to bring a little awareness to consumers about the brands that live and work here, then I feel like Fashion X Dallas founder Matt Swinney succeeded. Are there things I might suggest they do a little differently next year, sure. But overall, I have to give a tip of the hat to Swinney for his efforts. Below are some highlight's from Saturday's show:

Courtney Kerr debuts new jewelry collaboration with Gorjana

You've read about Courtney Kerr a million times on this blog. I've talked about her reality show, her co-hosting gig on KTXD's The Broadcast and our many brunching adventures about town. A few days ago, she launched a new jewelry line in collaboration with Gorjana Griffin. Courtney says she "wanted to create go-to pieces that girls would want to wear every day." Pieces in the line are named after her friends and family so look for the "Kyle" bow-tie necklace that's a nod to her boyfriend, Kyle Noonan; the "Tori" rings named after her BFF, Tori Gonzales; the "McKinney" link bracelet and necklace named after McKinney Ave. where she resides and the "Anne" named after Mama Kerr. Prices range $36-$148 and can be found at http://rstyle.me/n/hmdf2754e.

Did Courtney Loves Dallas get the axe?

Bravo TV released their roster of new and returning shows today and sadly, it appears that Courtney Loves Dallas will not be returning to their schedule.

Bravo Ratings predicted the cancelation back on January 24, 2014 saying, "it’s almost certain that there won’t be a sophomore season for Courtney Kerr. (Kerr's) eighth episode saw its ratings fall from the seventh (which had fallen from the sixth) to 610,000 viewers of which 392,000 aged 18-49 – Demo 0.30. Given that Most Eligible Dallas was cancelled by Bravo Media after just one season, it seems very safe to assume that Courtney Kerr’s spin-off will be also."

Attempts to reach Kerr for a comment were unsuccessful. But, not to fret. You can still catch Kerr every Monday through Friday giving her opinions on KTXD's The Broadcast or dishing out fashion inspiration on her blog, What Courtney Wore.

Photo by Mat Wulff for Bauble Bar. 

UPDATE: Will Courtney Loves Dallas See a Season Two?

photo by Jake Rosenberg
for The Coveteur

Now that the finale of the freshman season of Courtney Loves Dallas has aired, the question that's on everyone's mind is "will there be a second season?" Well, maybe not everyone, but a lot of people!

According to Bravo Ratings, "it’s almost certain that there won’t be a sophomore season for Courtney Kerr. (Kerr's) eighth episode saw its ratings fall from the seventh (which had fallen from the sixth) to 610,000 viewers of which 392,000 aged 18-49 – Demo 0.30.

That means that its season-to-date average ended up as 625,125 people per episode (385,575 aged 18-49 – Demo 0.33) which of course is even lower than the cancelled show from which is was spun-off.

Most Eligible Dallas throughout its 8 episode freshman season, garnered 828,625 viewers per episode (18-49 Demo 0.44), and Courtney Loves Dallas rated -24.56% less than that in its total audience and -25.71% less in the 18-49 demo.

Given that Most Eligible Dallas was cancelled by Bravo Media after just one season, it seems very safe to assume that Courtney Kerr’s spin-off will be also."

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Will Courtney Loves Dallas Get a Season Two?

Courtney Kerr photographed Scot and Kristi Redman in December 2013

We all know that Courtney Loves Dallas, but how are viewers loving Courtney Kerr? According to Bravo Ratings, last week's January 10th episode "hit a season high with 765,000 viewers total, with 472,000 of those in the 18-49 demo (demo 0.40). That’s the first 0.40 for Courtney as well as the first time she’s exceeded 700,000 viewers which presumably sets her up nicely for the last two episodes of her freshman season. Last night’s ratings have helped raise the season-to-date average to 626,333 viewers per episode and 373,000 aged 18 to 49 years, and through the six weeks the retention of Matchmaker audience is averaging 55%. Given that this show is probably reasonably cheap to produce, it’s possible that another two weeks of ratings around 800,000 might just convince Bravo Media to commission another season."

If you have watched the show, let me know what you think. Have you enjoyed the series? Would you watch a season two? Should Tori Gonzales get her own spin off? Do they need to film more episodes IN Dallas and quit leaving the city limits? (I say YES).  Discuss...

Courtney Kerr Loves Dallas. And Fashion. And other Local Fare. (Part 2)

Yesterday, I published Part One of an in-depth interview (well, I don't know how deep it was…) with Courtney Kerr. We talked about her (non)relationship with Matt Nordgren, the development of her Bravo spinoff Courtney Loves Dallas and what it is about Big D that makes her toes curl.  Today, she weighs in on her social media addiction, her Mom's battle with cancer and her dreams for the future.

Kerr with OSC Editor, Cynthia Smoot

OSC: On Twitter you seem to only respond to the people who are mean to you. Why do you give them your energy?

CK: Because I want people to know that bad behavior isn’t tolerated. I thank people all the time for nice compliments, but I will RT people or respond to mean comments because a) I want people to see that, I know what you’re doing and b) that’s just weird and rude. It’s just not acceptable to talk that way to someone you don’t even know. When did it become socially acceptable to be mean to strangers? When did it become socially acceptable to be mean to people you know for that matter? Spend your time talking about things you like.

OSC: Tell me how your role as co-host on KTXD’s The Broadcast came about?

CK: I was friends with some people who were involved in putting this project together and they came to me and said, ‘You should audition for this.’ And I said, ‘I’m not a broadcaster. I have a lot of opinions but I’ve never used a teleprompter.’ But I went in and auditioned and I really liked the forum. It's an open discussion where we sit around and talk about our opinions on a variety of topics. It’s been a great platform for me to meet new people and develop my skills as a personality and a host.

Courtney Kerr Loves Dallas. And Fashion. And Other Local Fare. (Part 1)

I first met Courtney Kerr when she was in the midst of filming Most Eligible Dallas for Bravo TV in early 2011. Drew Ginsburg, a fellow cast mate, had reached out to me early on in the show’s development and we had established a friendly text banter. It was Ginsburg who took it upon himself to make sure the rest of the cast knew who I was and thus friendships developed between myself and most members of the cast that lasted throughout filming and into the show’s run. I took an instant liking to Kerr, who from the very beginning was the standout personality on that cast. Even though I am 15 years older than Kerr, we quickly bonded over our love of fashion, food and a good glass of wine. Mainly food. I love a girl who loves to eat and our outings always include a delicious meal and a cocktail.

You’ve heard people talk about how you have to have the “it factor” to make it in Hollywood. Well, Kerr has “it” in spades. From her big hair to her big mouth to her larger than life personality, you either love her or hate her. And she is just fine with that. Apparently Bravo executives also saw something special in Kerr and it wasn’t too long after MED had wrapped that they began to talk to her about a spinoff. Kerr was both excited and terrified. In an earlier interview dated August 12, 2012, she told me, “I am so humbled that Bravo would choose to develop a show around me. It's thrilling, but frightening at the same time. In an ensemble cast, if something isn't working you can say 'Oh, maybe they didn't like the chemistry between this person and that person. Or maybe a certain storyline wasn't working'. But for my new show, there is nowhere to hide. It's all eyes on me and that is extremely intimidating!"

FGI Night of Stars Shone Bright Like a Diamond in 2013

Steelman and Mattox
photo provided by FGI

Last Friday, Dallas' fashion elite gathered at Dallas Market Hall for Fashion Group International Dallas (FGI Dallas) annual Fashion and Lifestyle Awards, ‘Night of Stars’ gala.

What I love about this event - outside of supporting FGI - is that it is the BEST event of the year for people-watching. Why, you ask?

Because in fashion, honey, they dress to impress. When you are dealing with the creme de la creme of the industry, I can assure you that they are going to pull out ALL the stops to make sure their look is flawless.

I was not disappointed. I have three words for you: Susie Straubmueller's Skirt. Those who were there know what I am talking about. 

The event was chaired by Neimans Chuck Steelman and Katy Messersmith Mattox of Katydid Collection.  Courtney Kerr, emceed the awards ceremony and provided wise-cracking jokes at everyone's expense. She was hilarious and a fresh breath of air from the usually stuffy moderators.

Holly Hmielewski, Dera Enochson, Mei-Chun Jau, Susie Straubmueller, Shay Geyer and Elizabeth Anyaa
photo provided by FGI

Big D Spooktacular: Halloween 2013

You know what they say. "Everything's bigger in Texas!" From our big hair to our big cars to our big personalities, Dallasites love to go all out when it comes to living life. Halloween is no exception, which is why it's my favorite holiday of the year! (Plus it's a free ride to eat boatloads of candy). Here are some of my favorite looks from this year's Halloween festivities:

J-Si Chavez, Jenna Owensand Kellie Rasberry act out The Shining

photo: @KellieRasberry on Twitter

Courtney Loves Dallas to air on Bravo in December 2013

It was over a year ago that Bravo TV announced that Courtney Kerr, would be spinning off from Most Eligible Dallas and into her own show called Courtney Loves Dallas. CLD was supposed to air on Spring 2014. Then it got pushed to Summer. Then it got pushed to Fall. There were many naysayers in these parts who began whispering that perhaps Courtney wasn't getting a show after all. Maybe Bravo had changed their mind... Well, I am happy to announce that as of last night it is OFFICIAL! Courtney Loves Dallas will launch on December 5, 2013 at 9:00pm.

Bravo's Andy Cohen and Kerr
New York City, September 2013

The announcement Bravo released last August stated, "Breakout star Courtney Kerr of Most Eligible Dallas navigates the lively Dallas social scene with her group of sassy, dynamic friends in this docu-series. Juggling her search for the perfect southern gentleman while trying to make a name for herself in the fashion industry with the growing popularity of her fashion blog, Courtney proves that having it all isn't easy."

Courtney told me that the show will follow her journey as she quits her long-time job at Sunglass Hut as a Regional Manager, moves into a new apartment, seeks to launch a career as a fashion blogger and - oh yes - looks for love in Big D.  Helping her navigate her way through life in Dallas will be bestie Tori Gonzales.

Courtney told me exclusively, "I am so humbled that Bravo would choose to develop a show around me. It's thrilling, but frightening at the same time. In an ensemble cast, if something isn't working you can say 'Oh, maybe they didn't like the chemistry between this person and that person. Or maybe a certain storyline wasn't working'. But for my new show, there is nowhere to hide. It's all eyes on me and that is extremely intimidating!"

The Elisa Project Dished Out a Healthy Dose of ESTEEM

2013 Runway Participants for ESTEEM

For the second year in a row, I was fortunate enough to participate in ESTEEM.  This event was created as an awareness event to bring light to the cause of disordered eating. The show is formatted around celebrity and volunteer models who volunteer their time to help with the event. This year it was held at TOOTSIES and leading this year’s efforts were co-chairmen Pam Skaggs Frank and Bridget Frank. Dr. Stephanie Setliff gave an agency overview explaining that eating disorders is not selective in its victims. It is a disease that effects many and can strike at any time. Debbie Denmon served as celebrity hostess again this year and TOOTSIES store manager Nerissa von Helpenstill led the audience through the fall trends as the models showed off a variety of fashions. Among those stomping the runway for this year's event were Brian Cuban, Yvonne Crum, Holly Pellham Davis, Ayo Fashola, Pam & Bridget Frank, Nancy Gopez, Jackson, Courtney Kerr, LeeAnne Locken, Elise McVeigh, Scott Murray, Lisa Petty, Cynthia Smoot, Hamilton A. Sneed and Hilari Younger.  The event was produced by Rhonda Sargent Chambers with RSC Show Productions.

For more information about the Elisa Project and their work to prevent treating disorders and promote a healthy body image, visit http://www.theelisaproject.org/ 

Here's a photo flashback of what you missed: