Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/921419
Mary Katrantzou, Nasiba Adilova, Prabal Gurung Empress Gilbert Esé Azénabor 69 A FASHION CONSTELLATION By Natalie Gempel. Photography Shana Anderson, Thomas Garza, Bob Manzano . T he fashion stars aligned for Fashion Group International's celestial annual gala, Night of Stars, which brought fashion powers from across the globe to Fair Park's grand Art Deco-style Hall of State, including one very notable Italian designer. Models posed on the grand staircase in Missoni's Spring 2018 collection, which had debuted on the Milan runways two months prior. Hot-pink sweater suits, fringe gowns, and the label's signature geometric patterns charmed onlookers including Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing and fashion designers Prabal Gurung and Mary Katrantzou. Angela Missoni, ringleader of the Italian knitwear empire, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement award from FGI. It was an apropos time to celebrate Missoni, as the grande dame of the family business was also celebrating her 20th year as creative director for the fashion house. With Missoni's 65th anniversary on the docket to be celebrated this year, the collection was a perfect retrospective. Decades owner Cameron Silver, in from L.A., served as emcee. Nasiba Adilova, social-media superstar and co-founder of The Tot, received the Career Achievement in Business Award; Kenny Goss and Joyce Goss were named Art Patrons of the Year; Michael Aram was honored for Career Achievement in Design; and Marilyn Sullivan, fashion marketing program coordinator at El Centro College, was recognized for Career Achievement in Education. Also dazzling: co-chairs Britt Harless and Heidi Dillon; honorary chair Chuck Steelman; Ken Weber, FGI's regional director and beloved owner of Vintage Martini; former Bachelorette Catherine Lowe; jeweler Sue Gragg; blogger Jane Aldridge; and local designers including Allison Mitchell, Nha- Khahn Nguyen, and Ese Azenabor. Cameron Silver Rhonda Sargent Chambers Missoni lineup Britt Harless, Ken Weber, Heidi Dillon Ken Downing, Angela Missoni Greg Kelly Jan Strimple, Chuck Steelman, Charmaine Marshall Jane Aldridge Jeff Dashley Allison Mitchell, Britt Harless Dustin Holcomb, Nerissa von Helpenstill Emily Bastaroli, Jenn Clarke Hill, Karin Turney Jon & Dawn Mellon