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.

Face mask by fashion designer Kay Unger.

Photo by Thomas Garza

Face mask by fashion designer Kay Unger.

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Pastel paradise

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck pounces on Plano for first of 2 DFW stops

Photo courtesy of Hello Kitty Cafe

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Hello Kitty fans, get ready to say hey. The beloved pink Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is rolling back into Dallas-Fort Worth.

The boutique and cafe on wheels, which has built a devoted following for its Instagram-ready sweets and collectible merch, is continuing its 2026 U.S. tour with two upcoming North Texas stops - one in Plano and one in Fort Worth.

According to a release, the truck will first visit The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano on Saturday, April 25, setting up on the lawn near The District from 10 am-7 pm.

It will return to North Texas the following weekend with a stop at The Shops at Clearfork in Fort Worth on Saturday, May 2, where it’ll park on the grassy lot at the corner of Marathon Avenue and Ozona Street, also from 10 am-7 pm.

The visit is part of the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck’s 10th anniversary tour, and devotees can expect a lineup of themed treats and limited-edition merchandise to mark the milestone.

The truck will be selling special 10th anniversary merch.Photo courtesy of Hello Kitty Cafe Truck

New items for this stop include a Hello Kitty Cafe zip sweatshirt, mugs, and T-shirts, alongside anniversary-branded collectibles such as keychains, thermal bottles, tumblers, blankets, and plush toys.

On the sweeter side, the truck will offer 10th anniversary cookies, five-piece macaron sets, and classic Madeleines.

As with past visits, those hoping to snag the most coveted items should plan to arrive early - lines can stretch long, and popular merchandise often sells out before the day is done.

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck macarons Adorable Hello Kitty macarons.Photo courtesy of Hello Kitty Cafe Truck

One important note: the truck is cashless and will accept only credit and debit cards.

After its Fort Worth appearance, the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will continue on to Oklahoma City on May 9.

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