Celebrating A Good Cause, through Fashion

Against The Grain “Fashion For A Passion” board members. Photographed by Robert Lin

AWM Correspondent by Duyen Le

Photographed by Robert Lin

Asia World Media, with correspondent Duyen Le, covered the 9th Annual “Fashion For A Passion” charity fashion show and auction, benefiting Against The Grain (ATG), was held last Saturday evening at sixty five hundred building in Dallas. This annual fundraiser includes a fashion show, musical performances, art exhibits and auctions sponsored by Asian American artists, designers and vendors.

Although attendees gathered in their best attire, the “passion” stood out equally among the “fashion” of the event: event attendees, including Miss Asian American Texas 2017-2019 Averie Bishop and Anh Vo from Cindi’s N.Y. Deli & Restaurant, enjoyed giving, through volunteering, raffles, live and silent auctions, in addition to the main event.

Above photo: Far right – Miss Asian American Texas 2017-2019 Averie Bishop

Above photo (L-R): Deborah Fleck, Justin Muller and Asia World Media correspondent Duyen Le

Above photo: Tammy Nguyen Lee and her family

Guest emcees Emmy Award winning Host and style blogger Hilary Kennedy and The Smithee Group CEO Ben Smithee, introduce each designer, showcasing his or her designs on the runway, as well as providing an entertained evening of raising funds for Against The Grain. The impact that Against The Grain has had on our Asian community was apparent, as many locals showed their support by sponsoring the event, donating designer’s dresses, products for the silent auction, and five upcoming designers showcased their modeled clothing in the fashion show.

Volunteer models of all ages were treated to the full hair and make-up prep before strutting down the runway wearing formal apparel, men wear, long dresses, and children’s clothing. After designer’s clothing strut the runway, the emcees start auctioneer various dresses and attire donate to the cause by each designer.

Above photo: Hip-hop rapper Twisted Optiks

Above photo: Singer JONAVI

Above photo: Violinist Yut and The Hot Four

The first wave of entertainment showcased performances by hip-hop rapper Twisted Optiks, young hip hop dancers Ayden Nguyen and Jayden Tran, singer JONAVI, and the enthusiastic, rock violinist Yut and The Hot Four. Then, the crowds were treated with guest designers include Parsons Graduate and past ATG Artistic Scholarship winner DJiun Wang, UNT Design Student Jiani Chen, Joanne Hong of Jolynn Kids, UNT Design Graduate Runa Shrestha and Tram Nguyen of Trang Tram Design featured their spectacular designs on the runway.

Against The Grain Productions (also known as Against The Grain or ATG) is a Dallas-based nonprofit organization. All proceeds from “Fashion For A Passion” will benefit Against The Grain’s supported orphanages and underprivileged children in Asian, scholarship fund and community outreach programs.