2018 Rising Star Co-Chairs Holly Quartaro & Dr. Jason Stanford

WHAT: 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 largely attended 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.

Celebrity influencer 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. Hair & Makeup was generally donated by Toni & Guy. 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. A surprise performance by local music artist, HANNA, rounded out the evening, making it one of the most buzzed about events for the week.

2018 Rising Star Award Winners are:

  • 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

Spotted in the crowd was Charles Smith (prior Rising Star Nominee and designer of Smith the 2nd), LeeAnne Locken (“The Real Housewives of Dallas”), Cynthia Smoot (Awards presenter and Influencer of “Oh So Cynthia”), Steve Kemble (Awards Presenter and Radio Personality), Larry g(EE) (Award-winning Musician), Steve Kemble, and Khanh Nguyen (prior Rising Star Nominee and designer of Nha Khanh).

Photo Credit: Bob Manzano & William Neal