Phantom of the Runway
Dallas designer debuts new collection in daring Phantom of the Opera-themed show
- "Phantom of the Runway" showcased 48 looks by Dallas designer Esé Azénabor.Photo by Shana Anderson
- Mandy Morrison, Kelley Westbrook, Ese Azenabor, Mebrat Pahlavan, Lucine AghajanhanPhoto by Shana Anderson
- Ekaterina Konznetsova, Erika Oliver, Charles Smith II, LeeAnne Locken,Photo by Shana Anderson
- Jasmine Marie, Jackson, Cynthia SmootPhoto by Shana Anderson
- Tara Harper, Pamela ChaoPhoto by Shana Anderson
- Amy Ewert, Brett Nelson, Elisabeth Marshall, Alexi Norton, Meaghan BarclayPhoto by Shana Anderson
- Yasmeen Tadia, Sally Evans, Ashley Berges, Kristin SmithPhoto by Shana Anderson
- Models wore Phantom of the Opera-inspired masks during the runway show.Photo by Shana Anderson
- Hand-beaded gown by Esé Azénabor.Photo by Shana Anderson
- One of Azénabor’s pieces took her 21 consecutive days to hand bead.Photo by Shana Anderson
Dallas fashion VIPs had nothing to fear on Friday the 13th when they headed to Fashion Industry Gallery for a show themed “Phantom of the Runway,” featuring the creations of local designer Esé Azénabor.
After cocktail hour, during which attendees sipped specialty drinks and a little bubbly, emcee LeeAnne Locken signaled it was showtime. And, just like that, Violin Guy Radu Cernat began a mesmerizing remix of “Phantom of the Opera.”
All eyes were on the runway, where masked models sported 48 hand-beaded looks — dresses and jumpsuits — from the Nigerian-born Azénabor. Among those transfixed in the audience were Gina Ginsburg, Cynthia Smoot, Tara Harper, Laurie Graham, Dawn Mellon, Kristin Smith, Stephanie Quadri and Barri Martin-Paulz.
Azénabor felt strongly about donating 100 percent of the evening’s proceeds to Our Hearts Day Center, a nonprofit that serves teens and adults with learning and developing disabilities. The hope is to raise enough money for the organization to purchase a much-needed wheelchair-accessible van, and Azénabor is hosting private shopping experiences at her showroom in the Dallas World Trade Center until that goal is met.
Guests left with impressive swag bags filled with goodies such as free blowouts by Dear Clark; Uber discounts; and gift cards from Dr. Naila Malik, Planet Beach and Lash Loft.