The Fashion Group International (FGI) Dallas recently honored renowned designer Joseph Altuzarra and celebrated jeweler Roberto Coin at its annual Night of Stars event. The ceremony, held on March 15, 2024, recognized outstanding contributions to the fashion and jewelry industries. Altuzarra expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am so thrilled. I’ve had a long relationship with FGI, and I have a lot of fondness for the team.”
Alongside Altuzarra, Corey Damen Jenkins, a prominent interior designer from New York, also received accolades for his career achievements. The event highlighted the importance of fundraising for scholarships, a key mission of FGI Dallas. Altuzarra emphasized the necessity of such initiatives, which support aspiring talents in the fashion industry.
Roberto Coin, unable to attend the event due to a recent medical procedure, was honored for his significant contributions to jewelry design. Peter Webster, president of Coin’s company, conveyed that the surgery was non-invasive and not life-threatening. He accepted the award on Coin’s behalf from Lori Greiner, a familiar face from the television show “Shark Tank” and a long-time admirer of the designer’s work. Greiner praised Coin’s creations, stating, “At the heart of Roberto’s timeless Italian classics lies the perfect blend of creativity, quality and innovation.” She noted that Coin’s pieces, crafted in 18-karat gold, are sold in over 1,000 locations worldwide, with an annual introduction of 400 new designs, each featuring a signature ruby.
The recognition of Altuzarra aligns with his impressive career trajectory. Since launching his eponymous label in 2008, he has combined modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship. Fern Mallis, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, remarked on Altuzarra’s unique ability to merge French tailoring precision with American sportswear practicality. Altuzarra reported that his business has thrived this year, particularly in dresses and knitwear, despite challenges such as the bankruptcy filing of minority investor CaaStle in June.
In a significant expansion move, Altuzarra opened his first Texas boutique this month in Houston’s River Oaks District. This new location, previously occupied by Van Cleef & Arpels, marks a strategic effort to grow his brand’s presence. He is also exploring permanent locations in Palm Beach, Florida, after successfully operating seasonal pop-up shops there for the past three years. Altuzarra shared his plans for growth, stating, “The plan is to open more retail locations,” while emphasizing a cautious approach to expansion by testing new markets with temporary shops.
During their visit to Dallas, Altuzarra and his team were busy with a trunk show at Stanley Korshak and exploring local vintage and western stores. Altuzarra expressed his appreciation for the curated selection at shops like Dolly Python. He noted, “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.”
This year’s Night of Stars event not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also reinforced FGI Dallas’s commitment to nurturing talent in the fashion industry. With figures like Altuzarra and Coin at the forefront, the organization continues to play a vital role in supporting and promoting excellence in fashion and design.
