Sometimes bringing together multiple industries for a good cause requires out-of-the-box thinking. Now in it's fifth year, Food in Fashion will bring its distinctive runway show to Fashion Industry Gallery (1807 Ross Avenue) on Tuesday, Feb. 22, and foodies and fashion enthusiasts alike should eat this up.
Making Project Runway's unconventional materials challenge look like a day on the playground, volunteer designers for the Food in Fashion show have a month to create their runway looks. Garments must incorporate materials donated by Dallas restaurants and local food businesses into at least 25% of the finished competition ensembles. In prior-year shows, that's led to a model eating her (Dude, Sweet Chocolate) handbag on the runway, a dress boasting a bodice made of (The Original Pancake House) bacon and live sparklers adding flash to (El Fenix) margarita mix bottles. To-go boxes, tablecloths, straws and more as well as other edible components find their way into the designs that seem to take "offbeat" to new levels each year.
Support from the general public and cooperation from the hospitality industry, Dallas arts community and fashion professionals as well as food industry sponsors have helped this event sell out every year. In addition to seeing the wacky fashions, attendees can bid on silent and live auction items and get a taste of the Dallas food scene.
This year's event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Fashion Industry Gala with appetizers prepared and served by local culinary school teams competing for the Culinary Cup trophy and the donation of a wish-list item from Food in Fashion. Proceeds from the evening empower young people and help the food industry's future workers through the Texas Restaurant Foundation, Texas ProStart and other local career development programs.
The Ben E Keith Culinary Cup winning team in 2020 was Allen High School. Their shrimp potstickers were judged by a professional panel to be the best of the night.
This year's restaurant sponsors include Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream, Greenville Avenue Pizza Co., Asian Mint, i Fratelli, Beckley 1115 and The Original Pancake House. Snacks for a Cause, The Pelican House, Saint Rocco’s, Hotel Lorenzo, Jack in the Box, Freebirds World Burrito, Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs and Dude, Sweet Chocolate are also sponsors.
Greenville Avenue Pizza Company will defend their championship spot from 2020 when the pizza slayer costume complete with a pizza dough bodice and a cheese and pepperoni necklace won the top prize. Model Maria Murillo rocked the runway with this look created by Dallas College (El Centro college at the time) design students.
Tickets range from $100 (standing room only) to $250 for Super VIP tickets which include free valet parking, early entry at 6 p.m., front row seating and an after-show event. Sponsorships are available too. Visit the Food in Fashion website for more information, and purchase tickets on Eventbrite.
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