Elizabeth Hooper, Munelle de Vie among the brands honored by the FGI of Dallas

DALLAS WINNERS: Perseverance was the theme of the night at the 27th Annual Rising Star Awards presented by Fashion Group International of Dallas on Wednesday nights at the Galleria Dallas.

The five winners, who were selected through a poll of chapter members, faced the added stress of starting their businesses shortly before or during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's a challenge, but we're there — we've done it," said Elizabeth Hooper, whose abstract jewelry in silver and gold plated brass won the Accessories award. "Being an entrepreneur is tough, but if you love it, it's so worth it."

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Munisa Khuramova from Tajikistan won the fashion design award for Munelle de Vie, her brand of bias-cut dresses and separates in silk charmeuse and other natural textiles.

"I come from a country where basic human rights are violated", she said said, adding that fashion "helps women connect with their higher selves."

The retail award went to Stephen Swetish as the creator of M.K.T., which displays rotating groups of Texas fashion, accessories, home furnishings and food products in 6,000 square feet in West Village in Dallas.

Makeup artist Tina Adams-Mason of About Face Pros won the beauty category and Dexter James won the inaugural Fashion category Style Awards.

"It's truly a celebration of local talent," said Nerissa Von Helpenstill, Regional Director of FGI Dallas and Neiman Marcus Director of Sales Experience at NorthPark Center.

FGI Dallas plans to honor Christian Siriano, Nina Garcia and others at its Night of Stars November 2. 10. Proceeds are donated to scholarships for fashion design and merchandising students.