Fashion for Freedom

First-ever Dallas charity luncheon brings fashionable attention to worthy cause

On May 7, the Dallas philanthropic scene welcomes a new event to the lineup. Called Fashion For Freedom, this inaugural lunch and fashion show supports Mosaic Family Services in its effort to combat human trafficking.

“Due to its economic stability, cultural diversity, major interstates and airports, large number of sexually oriented businesses, and international border, North Texas has become a hub for human trafficking, commonly referred to as modern-day slavery,” says Le Ta of Mosaic Family Services. “According to an Urban Institute study, $99 million is spent annually on sex trafficking markets in Dallas.”

The event came about thanks to the efforts of a small but passionate group of people committed to changing the lives of human trafficking survivors. It started with a conversation between friends Juliette Longuet and Al Biernat, proprietor of the steakhouse that bears his name.

Longuet, a celebrated French fashion designer, is introducing her brand in Dallas, and she wanted to connect its launch with an organization she felt passionately about. To help her and the cause, Biernat offered to close his restaurant for an afternoon for the first time in 15 years to host this special event.

Mosaic reached out to local designer Abi Ferrin, an advocate for trafficking survivors around the world, to participate. “Supporting people rescued out of oppressive or abusive employment is what we have based our company purpose on,” says Ferrin, whose Freedom Project supports individuals rescued out of trafficking as they get on their feet and embrace hope and opportunity.

“This cause and organization is not very well-known in Dallas, and it is a severely under-funded organization. We wanted to spotlight this and hopefully help Mosaic in assisting more people with a better facility.”

During the luncheon, Ferrin intends to showcase her spring/summer collection, but she also has some surprises up her designer sleeve, including a sneak peek of her collaboration with East Coast artist-in-residency Banks Pappas. Themed “Arma Feminina,” the collaboration is inspired by strong Texas women. After the event, attendees are invited to shop Ferrin’s West Village flagship store, when the designer will donate a portion of all sales to Mosaic.

In addition to lunch, Fashion for Freedom guests can expect signature Mosaic martinis and a fashion show featuring designs from Ferrin and Longuet; ladies can shop for their favorite looks at the event’s pop-up store. Mayor Mike Rawlings is also expected to stop in and give remarks on Mosaic and the good work it is doing across North Texas.

All money raised will go toward building a new shelter to expand Mosaic’s ability to meet the ever-increasing need for its services. There are a few tickets left, and they can be purchased online. For sponsorship information, contact Le Ta at Mosaic Services at 214-821-5393 x. 263.

Juliette Longuet introduces her fashion line to Dallas at the Fashion for Freedom lunch benefiting Mosaic Family Services on May 7.

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Night at the museum

Perot Museum gala-goers with a taste for adventure raise $2 million

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Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps and Chris Shurtleff

On a balmy Saturday night in November, the doors to Dallas' Perot Museum of Nature and Science closed to the public and reopened for nearly 1,000 chic party-goers. They dined, danced, and played with the exhibits to raise funds at 2024 Night at the Museum Gala.

Led by co-chairs Dr. Pamela J. Okada and Mark Okada, the crowd of "after-hours scientists" raised $2 million to support the museum’s educational programs and expand STEM learning opportunities across North Texas.

Perot Museum, Night at the Museum Gala 2024

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps and Chris Shurtleff

The event, designed by Valdivia Ventures, included live music, a captivating performance by dancers of Texas Ballet Theater, and innovative food activations by Wolfgang Puck Catering (the flaky, piping hot truffle pot pies that gala guests always look forward to).

As patrons explored the museum, they were greeted by hundreds of white orchids from Jackson Durham Events and were serenaded in exhibit hall by musicians provided by Jordan Khan Music Company.

A highlight of the evening was the "10-Minute Tasting Restaurant," an adventurous pop-up type experience that transformed the Museum Store into a five-star dining experience. Of course there were cocktails, too, and the lychee martini was a fan-favorite.

The evening concluded with a high-energy after-party on the lower level of the museum, presented by the Eugene McDermott Foundation. Guests danced the night away to beats by DJ Romi Q, struck a pose at the interactive photo booth, and ended the night at a decadent dessert room featuring a variety of sweet treats.

Funds raised from Night at the Museum will support educational programs, fund day-to-day operations, and provide financial aid to ensure the museum remains a welcoming and inclusive space for all.

Spotted in the crowd, enjoying the night, were Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps, Chris Shurtleff, Tim Peck, Missy Rogers Peck, Tori Mulford, Linda Silver, Emory McKim, Shelby Wagner, Niven Morgan, Santiago Jorba, Catalina Gonzalez, Regen Horchow, Ken Hersh, Dennis Cail, Annika Cail, Grace Cook, Caleb Stearns Wiley, Sarah-Michelle Stearns Wiley, Jason Valdivia, Katherine Stenesen, Chantel Boudreaux, Jeffrey Bragalone, Lexi Dennis, Mickie Bragalone, John Spradling, Miriam Spradling, KC Hurst, Koli Hurst, Magda Veja, Ashley Chellgren, Maria Zajia, Geraldine Parker, Meredith Abbott, and many more patrons and supporters.

museums night at the museum perot museum gala galas