Shop To It

It's time to snag tickets to Dallas' biggest fashion and gift sale

Though some might argue in favor of football (go figure), those of us on the frontlines of retail know that shopping could truly be Dallas' favorite sport.

Need proof? Look no further than downtown's annual FIG Finale Sale to see just how pulse-racing Big D's top pastime can be. To quote an all-time fashion MVP, Carrie Bradshaw: "Shopping is our cardio."

This anticipated annual event takes place at Fashion Industry Gallery each September, bringing a once-a-year opportunity for the public to shop fashion, accessories, gifts, art, and decor at up to 75 percent off retail. In its decade-plus history, FIG Finale has earned a permanent place on calendars across North Texas — and this year, the legendary event relaunches in style.

The 2019 FIG Finale sale is September 12-14, kicking off with a can't-miss VIP shopping party on the evening of Thursday, September 12. In honor of Fashion Industry Gallery's 15th anniversary, this year's event will debut even more covetable clothing and jewelry, as well as adding art, decor, beauty, and wellness brands to the experience.

FIG Finale has also formed a new partnership with Jackson, the legendary lifestyle concierge and "curator of experiences" who will co-host the VIP shopping party and after-party. Think complimentary cocktails, bites, desserts, and free beauty treats.

"I've shopped this sale for years, for myself and my clients," he says. "Everyone knows the FIG Finale VIP shopping party is the ultimate girls' night out, and this year's event is going to be absolutely amazing."

Starting September 12, dozens of brands will offer deals on samples, designer fashions, summer closeouts, and one-of-a-kind originals. Vendors include such top Dallas retailers as Harkensback, Jack Retro, and Elizabeth W, as well as jewelry by Accessory Concierge, Bryn+McKenna, Lolo Jewels, and more.

Additionally, you can shop one-of-a-kind original creations by local artists and fashion designers. And that's not the half of it — Fashion Industry Gallery's contemporary designer fashion showrooms, normally accessible only to those in the trade, will open to the public during FIG Finale to liquidate samples and end-of-season merchandise.

Last but certainly not least, Fashion Industry Gallery marketing director Lisa Petty highlights this year's FIG Finale Sale philanthropic partner, the American Heart Association. Ticket sales from this year's event will benefit AHA, the world's leading nonprofit organization focused on brain and heart health for all.

"This event has been a tradition for me and my girlfriends for years, and among so many mothers and daughters, family, friends, and co-workers in North Texas," says Petty. "We're honored to benefit the American Heart Association and raise awareness for the cause throughout three days of irresistible shopping and celebration."

Fashion Industry Gallery is located at 1807 Ross Ave. in downtown Dallas. Visit www.figfinale.com for VIP and general admission tickets to the FIG Finale Sale.

FIG Finale is a shopper's paradise.

Photo courtesy of FIG Finale

FIG Finale is a shopper's paradise.

promoted luxury jewelry beauty charity cocktails shopping downtown

Fashion on display

Rare Halston fashion exhibition now on display in unlikely Texas city

Halston: Inventing American Fashion exhibit Ellen Noël Art Museum

Photo courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

An colorful eveningwear grouping takes advantage of Ellen Noël Art Museum's curved walls.

A rare exhibition honoring fashion pioneer Halston has popped up in an unexpected place: West Texas. Dallas fashionistas who are fans of the designer can make a five-hour pilgrimage to Odessa’s newly revamped Ellen Noël Art Museum to view "Halston: Inventing American Fashion."

Halston’s minimalistic fashions are rarely the subjects of retrospectives, although the designer’s dramatic life story recently had a pop-cultural resurgence through a 2021 Ryan Murphy miniseries. "Halston: Inventing American Fashion" assesses the talent that made him a household name.

Known now for outfitting 1970s icons like Liza Minelli and Bianca Jagger, Halston changed the international reputation of American sportswear as part of the famous 1973 “Battle of Versailles” fashion show, holding his own against Paris’ most lauded couturiers. His uniquely louche style still influences contemporary brands like Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, and Tom Ford, who was briefly the creative director for a revised Halston label.

The mannequins in the Odessa display are outfitted with 75 ensembles from flowing Ultrasuede daywear to more dramatic draped gowns. The pieces “illustrate how Halston revolutionized fashion by prioritizing comfort, confidence, and modern femininity,” according to a release.

Although Odessa may seem an odd choice for the show, Halston had deep Texas connections. After he moved on from hat making, Amarillo millionaire Estelle Marsh was his sole backer willing to fund his first Madison Avenue boutique.

$Ellen No\u00ebl Art Museum, Odessa, new facade.$ The new facade at Ellen Noël Art MuseumPhoto courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

$Halston: Inventing American Fashion exhibit Ellen No\u00ebl Art Museum$

Photo courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

An colorful eveningwear grouping takes advantage of Ellen Noël Art Museum's curved walls.

And the recently completed renovation of Odessa's Ellen Noël Art Museum has some of the designer’s signature sleek. Designed by architect R.J. Lopez, the renovation includes new galleries and improved circulation, but the centerpiece is a striking transparent façade, replacing the original brick of the 1985 building.

“The renovation project has been over 10 years in the making and in the construction phase for the past two years,” says the museum’s buildings manager, Steve Patton, via a release. “The completion of the project has resulted in an incredible facility that is a shining star in West Texas, offering programs and exhibits that will be a destination point for people all over the world!”

"Halston: Inventing American Fashion" will run through March 22. Admission to the Ellen Noël Art Museum is free.

exhibits odessa fashion west texas museums designer texas