Local Designers Serve Up Foodie-Inspired Fashions at 7th Annual Food in Fashion Fundraiser
Designers transform everyday restaurant items into couture fashions to raise money for the Texas Restaurant Foundation
DALLAS, Texas (January 17, 2024) – The Greater Dallas Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association (GDTRA) will once again host its widely popular fundraising event FOOD IN FASHION on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, with VIP doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and general admission at 7:00 p.m. Presented by EcoLab, the runway show is being held at On the Levee, 1108 Quaker St, Dallas, TX, where 15 models will be adorned in fashions created by local designers from participating North Texas restaurants’ food products and supplies. Food in Fashion benefits the workforce development and education initiatives of the Texas Restaurant Foundation.
Now in its 7th year, Food in Fashion has become a local must-see event dazzling over 400 guests with creative uses of restaurant materials. Guests also enjoy tasty bites prepared by the participating restaurants, drinks, raffle packages and an optional VIP after party reception!
Official cast member of #RHOD (Real Housewives of Dallas) on Bravo TV D’Andra Simmons and her husband Jeremy Lock return as emcees for the evening. Fashion judges include TV personality & ceo, Tiffany Moon, luxury fashion leader and manager of Miron Crosby Nerissa von Helpenstill and Neiman Marcus Stylist Chase Calvin.
Before the models take the catwalk in their culinary creations, the event kicks-off with a showcase of local high school culinary teams. During a friendly competition, three-person student teams will prepare appetizers for Food in Fashion and will be judged by a panel of professionals. The Ben E. Keith Culinary Cup trophy will be awarded to the first-place team. Culinary judges include Emily Williams Knight, president & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, Russell Woodward of Ryan Nolan Brands and current chair of the Texas Restaurant Foundation and Ron Ruggless of Nation’s Restaurant News.
Attendees are encouraged to join in the fashion fun and style themselves for the 2024 theme “Pretty In Pink”! Tickets are on sale now through Eventbrite.
PARTICIPATING PROSTART HIGH SCHOOLS
- Ben Barber Innovation Academy
- Ranchview High School
- Lancaster High School
- Roosevelt High School
- Skyline High School
- Dan Dipert Career + Technical
- Cedar Hill High School
- Walnut Grove High School
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS AND DESIGNERS
- Asian Mint - Beauty Entourage
- Velvet Taco - Kishme
- Jason’s Deli - Mimis Boutique by Ivette Alvarez
- The Pelican House Restaurant - Danny Nguyen Couture
- Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar - Five Eleven Collection
- Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que - Univ. of North Texas College of Merchandising, Hospitality & Tourism
- Bonton Farms - Audrie Austin
- Roots Southern Table - Trúanjl Gift Co
- St. Rocco’s New York Italian - Dallas College Team 1
- Garden Cafe - Sarah Jones Custom Collections
- Breakfast Brothers - Dallas College Team 2
- Cane Rosso - Bee J Stanley Luxee Couture
- La Madeleine - Uniquely U Custom Clothier
- Taco y Vino - Jean Estella Designs
- Pangea Restaurant & Bar - Modish Swank Clothing Co.
About the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association
The Greater Dallas Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association (GDTRA) works diligently to grow the health and strength of the restaurant industry in Dallas and beyond through education, public awareness, and governmental affairs. The GDTRA serves as a vital foundation, ally, and point of contact for restaurants. For more information regarding membership with the GDTRA or its parent organization, the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA), visit
Greater Dallas Chapter or www.txrestaurant.org.
About the Texas Restaurant Association
Formed in 1937, the Texas Restaurant Association serves as the advocate and indispensable resource for the foodservice industry in Texas. As a leading business association, the TRA represents the state’s $95 billion restaurant industry, which encompasses upwards of 55,000 locations and a workforce of over 1.4 million employees. Along with the Texas Restaurant Foundation, the workforce development arm of the TRA, the association proudly continues to protect, advance, and educate a growing industry as the TRA enters its 87th year. For more information, visit www.txrestaurant.org.