FGI Dallas Celebrates Joseph Altuzarra and Roberto Coin at Night of Stars

The Fashion Group International (FGI) Dallas honored designer Joseph Altuzarra and jeweler Roberto Coin during its Night of Stars event, a celebration of creativity and excellence in the fashion industry. The ceremony took place in September 2023, where Altuzarra was recognized for his contributions to fashion alongside renowned interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins.

Joseph Altuzarra’s Longstanding Relationship with FGI

Prior to the event, Altuzarra expressed his excitement about receiving the honor, stating, “I am so thrilled. 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.” His commitment to the organization underscores the importance of supporting emerging talent in the industry.

Roberto Coin was also celebrated for his career achievements in jewelry, although he was unable to attend the event due to recovery from a medical procedure in Italy. Peter Webster, president of Coin’s company, informed attendees that the surgery was non-invasive, and while not life-threatening, the doctor had advised against travel. Webster accepted the award on Coin’s behalf from Lori Greiner, a panelist on “Shark Tank” and a friend of both Coin and Webster.

Highlights from the Night of Stars

During the ceremony, Greiner praised Coin’s work, remarking, “At the heart of Roberto’s timeless Italian classics lies the perfect blend of creativity, quality, and innovation.” Coin’s brand boasts approximately 1,000 points of sale for its 18-karat gold pieces and introduces around 400 new designs each year, each marked by a small signature ruby.

Corey Damen Jenkins was the evening’s third honoree, recognized for his career achievements as an interior designer. “Since launching his eponymous label in 2008, Joseph has crafted a vision of fashion that is both fiercely modern and deeply rooted in tradition,” said Mallis, a notable figure in the industry. Jenkins has been celebrated for blending the precision of French tailoring with the practicality of American sportswear.

Despite recent challenges, including the bankruptcy of minority investor CaaStle in June and subsequent legal issues faced by its founder, Altuzarra reported positive business growth this year. He noted that dresses and knitwear have led sales, contributing to a successful year overall.

Expansion Plans and Local Engagement

In a significant move for his brand, Altuzarra opened his first Texas boutique this month in Houston’s River Oaks District, in a location previously occupied by Van Cleef & Arpels. This new store reflects his commitment to expanding his brand’s footprint, as he also scouts for a permanent location in Palm Beach, Florida, after successful seasonal pop-ups over the last three years.

“The plan is to open more retail locations,” Altuzarra stated, emphasizing a “measured approach” to expansion by testing markets with temporary shops. He expressed interest in exploring opportunities in Dallas, considering various locations including Highland Park.

During their two-day visit to Dallas, Altuzarra and his team hosted a fall and pre-spring trunk show at Stanley Korshak, while also enjoying the local culture by visiting vintage and western stores. He shared his enthusiasm for finding unique items, saying, “What I love about is it feels both curated with a point of view but… they also have a lot of weird, quirky things.” He highlighted his purchase of short zip cowboy boots at Tecovas and items from the popular vintage shop, Dolly Python, known for its eclectic selection.

This year’s Night of Stars not only celebrated the achievements of Altuzarra and Coin but also highlighted the ongoing commitment of FGI Dallas to nurture talent within the fashion community. With a focus on creativity and innovation, the event served as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and support in the industry.