The FGI Dallas Night of Stars celebrated the achievements of notable figures in the fashion and jewelry industries, with Joseph Altuzarra and Roberto Coin receiving prestigious honors. The event took place recently, with Altuzarra expressing his excitement prior to the ceremony. “I am so thrilled,” he stated. “I’ve had a long relationship with FGI, and I have a lot of fondness for the team. Obviously, raising funds for scholarships is so needed, and it’s great that they do it.”
Celebrated Designers and Their Impact
Altuzarra was recognized for his significant contributions to fashion alongside interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins. Coin, who received an award for Career Achievement in Jewelry, was unable to attend due to a recent medical procedure. Peter Webster, president of Coin’s company, informed attendees that the designer is recovering from a non-invasive surgery which prevented him from traveling. “It’s not life-threatening,” Webster confirmed.
At the event, Lori Greiner, a prominent panelist from “Shark Tank”, presented the award to Webster on Coin’s behalf. Greiner praised Coin’s work, highlighting that his collection features timeless Italian classics that blend creativity, quality, and innovation. She noted that Coin operates over 1,000 points of sale for his 18-karat gold pieces and introduces approximately 400 new designs annually, each adorned with a signature ruby.
Corey Damen Jenkins also received recognition for his career achievements in design. Carole Mallis, a notable figure in the industry, remarked, “Since launching his eponymous label in 2008, Joseph has crafted a vision of fashion that is both fiercely modern and deeply rooted in tradition.” She added that Altuzarra’s work reflects a unique multicultural perspective, merging French tailoring with American sportswear practicality.
Business Growth and Expansion Plans
Despite facing challenges earlier this year, including the bankruptcy of minority investor CaaStle, Altuzarra reported positive business performance, particularly in dresses and knitwear. His brand recently opened a boutique in Houston’s River Oaks District, a location previously occupied by Van Cleef & Arpels. Altuzarra is also exploring opportunities for a permanent store in Palm Beach, Florida, following successful seasonal pop-ups over the last three years.
“The plan is to open more retail locations,” Altuzarra shared, emphasizing a cautious approach to expansion. “We would love to test Dallas,” he stated, mentioning that his team is currently evaluating several locations, including Highland Park.
During their two-day visit to Dallas, Altuzarra and his team hosted a trunk show at Stanley Korshak showcasing fall and pre-spring collections. They also explored local vintage and western stores, with Altuzarra expressing delight at his finds, including a pair of short zip cowboy boots from Tecovas and unique items from the vintage shop Dolly Python. “What I love about [Dolly Python] is it feels both curated with a point of view but…they also have a lot of weird, quirky things,” he remarked.
The FGI Dallas Night of Stars not only honored these influential figures but also reinforced the importance of community support in the fashion industry, particularly through scholarship fundraising efforts.
