Mask masquerade

Dallas celebrities and designers put their best face masks forward for charity

A timely new exhibition and fundraiser in Dallas will showcase the accessory du jour for 2020: the face mask.

More than 50 celebrities and designers have created masks for "Fashion Meets Mask," an exhibit and virtual auction that will raise funds for scholarships to aspiring fashion designers.

The display will be on view for free at Galleria Dallas, November 5-30. Then each mask will be auctioned off online to benefit the Dallas chapter of Fashion Group International, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to fashion design and fashion merchandising students across North Texas and the region.

“Since its inception, our scholarship program has awarded nearly $1.5 million to worthy students seeking education in fashion design and merchandising,” says FGI regional co-director Rhonda Sargent Chambers in a release. Each year, she adds, the Dallas chapter awards more than $60,000 in scholarship funds.

Most of FGI's funds normally are raised through galas and other events. But, like most nonprofits, FGI Dallas was forced to cancel its biggest annual fundraiser, called Night of Stars, until 2021.

Local and national celebrities who have donated masks include former Cowboys Troy Aikman and Darryl Johnston; actresses Morgan Fairchild and Linda Grey; visual artists Jeremiah Onifade and Lea Fisher; Dame Zandra Rhodes, the British designer who has clothed everyone from Diana, Princess of Wales to Freddy Mercury; and fashion designers including Kay Unger, Venny Etienne, Lela Rose, Alice and Olivia, and Erica La Flore of Erica Dawn Woodmore, a past FGI Rising Star nominee.

Dallas media personality Steve Kemble says to create his colorful sequined mask, he worked with a company called Any Old Iron. "They are amazing," he says. "They're based out of Nashville and do most of the stage outfits for Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, and more."

The public can view "Fashion Meets Mask" on Level One of Galleria Dallas, near Banana Republic, and then bid online using the QR code onsite at the exhibition or by visiting the auction site here.

Mask by Erica La Flore.

Photo by Thomas Garza

Mask by Erica La Flore.

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The TJ Maxx of outdoor gear stores Sierra to make DFW debut in Allen

Sierra

A new store with brand name active and outdoor gear at low prices is coming to Dallas: Sierra, which is sort of like the TJ Maxx version of an outdoor equipment store, will open a location at The Village at Allen, at 170 E. Stacy Rd. #2030.

This is only the second location for Sierra, following its recent Texas debut in San Antonio. According to a release, it'll open on Saturday, October 18 with a grand opening celebration starting at 8 am, including DJ, giveaways, and a hidden tag activity offering a chance to win a Sierra gift card.

Sierra is the go-to destination for value on top active and outdoor brands, with savings of up to 20–60 percent less than department and specialty store prices. They sell gear for every outdoor pursuit, whether it’s a leisurely neighborhood walk, cycling along The Allen Bike Trail, or golfing at Watters Creek.

The company was founded in 1986 and is part of The TJX Companies, Inc., the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide, whose subsidiaries include T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Winners, and TK Maxx.

There are currently 138 Sierra stores selling apparel, footwear, and gear for the whole family. Some of the current finds include GoreTex jackets, Perrin hiking boots, Adidas duffel bags, Sherpa sweaters, North Face ski pants, Frye knee-high harness boots, Free People denim jackets, Pendleton rain boots, Carhartt beanies, and more.

“We’re excited to bring the Sierra experience to more Texans with our new store in Allen, extending our reach to the greater Dallas-Fort Worth community,” says Sierra Assistant marketing VP Amanda Johnson in a statement. "Sierra is committed to making active lifestyles accessible for everyone. From outdoor adventures to everyday activities, our goal is to provide premium apparel, footwear and gear at prices that make staying active simple and attainable."

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