Bethann Hardison, Christian Siriano Among 2023 FGI Dallas ‘Night Of Stars’ Honorees

This year’s Fashion Group International of Dallas “Night Of Stars is looking to be all about the beauty of fashion. Not just in the clothes — because we all love a good ‘fit — but in how we find and celebrate our inner beauty in those clothes, as well as in art and media. 

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And, it starts with the honorees. Style icon Bethann Hardison will receive the Lifetime Legacy Award for her storied 50+ year career. The model-turned-fashion activist literally changed the face of fashion in the ‘60s as the first “Black Black” model in the industry. She later went on the become one of the first Black women to own a modeling agency and earned renown as a fashion trailblazer for her impact on “how fashion looks.” Hardison currently serves on the CFDA Board of Directors and as Gucci’s Executive Advisor for Global Equity and Cultural Engagement.

Another advocate for the power of fashion diversity and inclusivity is also set to take home big honors at what is known as Dallas’ most fashionable black-tie gala. Former “Project Runway”-winner Christian Siriano will receive the “Achievement in Fashion” award as well as showcase select pieces from his collections. The designer has made waves as much for his drive to make clothing for every shape and size as for his bold prints, cuts, and silhouettes. 

Hardison and Siriano join an elite group of fashion icons to be honored, including Naaem Khan, Bob Mackie, Zac Posen, House of Pierre Cardin, Prabal Gurung, and New York Fashion Week founder Fern Mallis. Other honorees at this year’s event include editor-in-chief of ELLE magazine and “Project Runway” judge Nina Garcia (Excellence in Media) and pop culture artist Ashley Longshore (Exuberance in Art).

“We are so incredibly honored to welcome such an iconic line-up of honorees to Dallas,” said Nerissa Helpenstil, Regional Director of FGI Dallas. “The impact that each one of these individuals has had within their respective industries is monumental and inspiring.

The annual event does more than put on a good show. Last year, it 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. 

“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,” said Maryanne Grisz, President and CEO of Fashion Group International, Inc. “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.”

Presented by Mary Kay, the 2023 FGI Night of Stars will take place November 10 at the Ritz-Carlton. Mallis will serve as honorary chair alongside event co-chairs Cristina Graham and Holly Quartaro. For more information, visit fgidallas.muradbid.com.