to gain from the organiza-tion?

An organization is only asstrong as it’s members. Arewe doing all we can to helpfurther FGI into becoming apowerful voice for the fash-ion and design community inHouston.?

Are we attending eventswhenever possible? Are webringing friends/prospectswith us to events? Are wepromoting FGI?

FGI can be what it shouldbe—and what we would alllike for it to be—but for thisto happen, we must all doour part.

With warmest wishes,

Jeanette Coon,AICIRegional DirectorFGI—Houston

Dear Fellow FGI Members,

As we pass our third monthinto 2008, we need to stopand reflect.

What goals did we have atthe beginning of 2008 andwhat have we achieved?What mistakes have wemade along the way andwhat have we learned fromthese mistakes?

Our membership goal for2007 was 200. We did notreach that goal, but alreadythis year, we have brought inthirteen (13) new members.- Not bad at all—in fact, weshould be proud. Not onlyhave we brought in newmembers, we have broughtin thirteen OUTSTANDINGnew members.

We have three (4) new stu-dent members. Wonderful!

Our programs are not yet allwe want them to be yet, butwe have definitely madesome strides in the rightdirection. Our “Green

Event” proves to be one ofthe best yet and we havemore outstanding programsalong the way.

Our Fashion Flocks and Din-ing With Divas & Dudesevents are proving to bevery beneficial. We have ahigher level of attendanceand involvement than in pre-vious months, and everyoneseems to be enjoying them,and hopefully, benefitingfrom them.

We have developed a news-letter for the first time ever,we are in the process ofupgrading our website tosomething that we can beproud of, and we are devel-oping systems that will makeFGI run smoother (such asPayPal for event registra-tion).

What we all need to do nowis stop and take a construc-tive look at FGI-Houston.

What is FGI and what doesit mean to us? Why did wejoin FGI? What do we hope

From Your Regional Director

April 2008Volume III, Issue 3

Inside this issue:

From YourRegional Director

1

FGI HoustonBoardMembers /AdvisoryCouncil

2

Volunteers 2

New Members 3-4

Student Members 5

FGI—Out andAbout

789

Earth DayInvitation

1213

CelebrateFGI Members

14

Student MembershipProgram

15

FGI Benefits 16

Member Profiles 6

FGI—Out andAbout

1011

FGI NEWS

“Good clothes open all doors”Thomas Fuller

Regional DirectorJeanette Coon, AICI(Image Consultant)President, Professional PolishWorth Clothing

TreasurerPatsy FlowersRetired Director of Public Rela-tionsHouston Community College

SecretaryDelegate to the Federationof Professional WomenSusan Fruit, ASID, CGRPresident and CEO of SusanFruit Interiors

ProgrammingCo-ChairShandolyn Arline-Johnson(fashion marketing & promo-tions—transfer from Orlando,Florida)

ProgrammingCo-ChairKara TimesArea Sales ManagerDillard’s Department Stores

Membership—NewKathy EllisOwner, The Business Lab(marketing) andLeifers

Membership—RetentionCarla Kay, Image ConsultantCarla Kay Personal Style Con-sultants

Marketing/CommunicationLisa BenitezRegional Special Event ManagerMacy’s South

FoundationGloria PearsonDesigner and OwnerGlorious

Member At-LargeMembershipAlyssa AdomaitisAssistant Professor in FashionRetail ManagementThe Art Institute of Houston

Member-At-LargeProgrammingToni FranklinSenior Vice President of Tradi-tion Bank(advertising, marketing anddirect community outreach)

Member-At-LargeProgrammingRita BassOwnerAtir, Inc.

FGI Houston Board of Directors

Page 2Volume III, Issue 3

Geraldine GillPresidentThe Current Event

Sylvia ForsythePublic Relations and Fashion DirectorSak’s Fifth Avenue

Lisa Holland-NelsonPresident/COOContent Active

Linda S. KuykendallSr. Reg. Manager—E.E. & TourismMacy’s South

Roz PactorOwnerThe Pactor Group

Joy SewingFashion EditorThe Houston Chronicle

Stacey SwiftManager of Public RelationsNeiman Marcus

FGI Houston Advisory Council

FGI VolunteersStudent MembershipSuzette BrimmerOwner—Sports ProductionsAsst. Chair—HCC

Membership CommitteeNew MembersMonica De Los SantosThe Art Institute of Houston

Alyssa AdomaitisThe Art Institute of Houston

Membership CommitteeRetentionGenae Fields(Image Consultant)PrincipalImage One InternationalRuby Muller, ProfessorEducation—HCCCommunity NewsletterMimi Dinh, PresidentMikel Marketing

Program CommitteeJeff ShellDirectorNeal Hamil Agency

FGI WebsiteElissa KoczkaStudent MemberThe Art Institute of Houston

Graphic Artist/InvitationDesignElissa KoczkaStudent MemberThe Art Institute of Houston

PRJudy NicholsPresidentJudy Nichols & Associates

Rita BassOwnerAtir, Inc.

Josephine GoughThe Art Institute of Houston

Monica De Los SantosThe Art Institute of Houston

Page 3Volume III, Issue e

New Members 2008

We are so pleased to introduce you to our 2008 New Members. We look forward togreeting each of you at our events.

About FGI MembershipExecutive Member Requirements:$50 Initiation/$145 annual dues.Executive members must have held an executive, professional or managerial position (s) in a fashion-related industry forat least 3 years.Associate Member Requirements:$25 Initiation/$70 annual dues.Associate members must be currently employed in an executive, professional or managerial position in a fashion-relatedindustry for at least 1 year but less than 3 years. The application must include a resume.

Gretchen PennyOwner/PresidentEasy Expression Products,Inc.

East Expression Products, Inc.is a bra manufacturing com-pany. The bras are designedfor women who breastfeedtheir babies.

Dr. Michel SiegelCEO/President/DirectorFacial Center ForPlastic Surgery

Dr. Siegel is excited to becomea member of FGI, and he looksforward to participating insome of our programs.

Les StrechRegional DirectorTom James Company

The Tom James Company isthe world’s largest manufac-turer and retailer of customclothing. They go directly tothe clients’ home or office.They plan, coordinate, andmaintain their clients’ ward-robe so they are perfectlyattired for any situation.

Ally ShellAgency BookerNeal Hamil Agency

Ally plays a major role in theNeal Hamil Agency, and wewelcome her to FGI. We lookforward to getting to know herbetter and to utilizing some ofher many talents in our FGIevents.

Gayle HightowerDivisional Merchandise Man-agerThe Worth Collection

Gayle recruits and manages 16Worth sellers. She is responsi-ble for six previews of thecollection every year and forhelping train all of the sellers.

Elizabeth AndersonCEO/PresidentFashion DesignerElizabeth’s Kreation

Elizabeth is currently designinga plus size line to come outthis year for fall/winter andspring/summer.

Boone BullingtonManaging DirectorDoncaster

Boone manages a $10 millionsales area for the SW UnitedStates in direct sales businessof ladies high end fashion.

Debbie NguyenSpecial Events DirectorMikel Marketing

Among Debbie’s many respon-sibilities, she creates and de-signs pre-event vision to meetclients budget and standards.She is very active initiating andmanaging special projects andcross promotions for clients.

Gabrielle GunnOwnerBeaucoup Amour, LLC

Gabrielle keeps busy with hersmall fashion based business.We welcome Gabrielle to FGIand look forward to visitingher boutique.

Tiffanye DeWaltAssistant ManagerBilly Reid

Tiffanye has been recognized asa top producer in sales withinher company. Responsibilitiesinclude visual merchandising/marketing and assisting in fash-ion show productions.

Dusty GilbertEditorSkirt Magazine/The Hous-ton Chronicle

As editor of Skirt! Magazine inHouston, Dusty is involved inselecting, writng and coordi-nating all local editorial con-tent, much of which is fashionrelated.

Chloe DaoCo-OwnerLOT 8

Chloe is a designer of her ownline, DAO Chloe DAO. Shealso has a line which is exclu-sive to QVC called SimplyChloe Dao, along with anotherline of electronic cases forPacific Designs.

Page 4Volume III, Issue e

New Members 2008

We are so pleased to introduce you to our 2008 New Members. We look forward togreeting each of you at our events.

NEW MEMBER NEW MEMBER NEW MEMBER NEW MEMBER

NEW MEMBER

Sydney DaoCo-OwnerLOT 8

Sydney is responsible for allthe marketing and PR for LOT8 boutique, LOT 8 salon andfor Chloe Dao. She is alsoresponsible for the operationsand management of the bou-tique and she produces all theevents and fashion shows forboth the boutique and salon.

NEW MEMBER NEW MEMBER

NEW MEMBER NEW MEMBER NEW MEMBER NEW MEMBER

“It is never too late to be what you might have become.”George Eliot

Page 5Volume III, Issue 3

Student Membership Program

WELCOME TO OUR STUDENT MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

“Real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination. “Author unknown

Jerry Mathis Jr.

Jerry is currently interning with Talbots as a visualmerchandiser. In addition to his internship work,he works on campus at Lamar University in theOffice of Student Affairs as a Student Director.Jerry would like to start his career in an entry levelposition in the fashion industry as a buyer. Hislong term career goal is to become a merchandis-ing director.

As part of the FGI student membership program,Jerry hopes to gain useful knowledge about thefashion industry that will help him in his future ca-reer.

Gregory Griffin

Gregory is a sophomore at Houston CommunityCollege studying Fashion Buying & Merchandising.Gregory’s career goal is to work for a major fash-ion brand in the marketing or production depart-ment. He says that fashion shows have always beenan interest of his, especially the production side.

As part of the FGI student membership program,Gregory hopes to build upon the relationships andknowledge that he already has. He says, “I have apassion to succeed and to go beyond the distanceand I feel FGI will provide me useful skills to suc-ceed. I feel I can contribute many things to FGI, butmy willingness to learn will probably be the biggestcontribution.”

Elissa Koczka

Elissa is a student at The Art Institute of Houstonmajoring in Interior Design. Her career goal is tobe a Designer Graphically, Interior Designer, Art-ist, and Writer.

Elissa says about herself: “I’m a designer of allsorts and I feel fashion has a big part to do withsome of my inspiration and use of visuals express-ing a person’s belief. I love fashion history and ar-chitecture history! The two relate on a personalpassionate level and are ever changing. What state-ment could tomorrows fashion bring out of me, iswhat I try and focus on when designing and chal-lenging myself as a designer.”

We welcome Elissa and all her many talents to theStudent Membership Program.

Vi Hua

Vi is currently attending Houston Community Col-lege. Her goal is “to become a successful fashiondesigner/wedding planner using precise garmentconstruction, wide range of fashion knowledge,creative design skills, organization skills, peopleskills, and desire to complete task.”

Vi’s resume is amazing. She has unbelievable talentand a GPA that consistently ranges between 3.56to 4.0. She is bi-lingual and has studied both in theUnited States and Paris, France. On top of all this,she has extensive work experience. She is cur-rently working as Fashion Office Assistant at TheHouston Community College.

Page 6Volume III, Issue 3

MEMBER PROFILE—Shandolyn Arline-Johnson

Shandolyn came to FGI-Houston at the beginning of the year and enthu-siastically stepped right into the role of Co-Director of Events for ourchapter.

Shandolyn has been an active FGI member since August 2004 in Or-lando, Florida, where she was a Fashion Marketing & Promotions/TrendForecast/Humanities Instructor with the International Academy of De-sign & Technology.

Since returning to Houston (her home), she has been settling in and isnow looking for a position in the fashion industry. Can you help her?

Her years in the fashion industry have included positions as SelvenO’Keefe Jarmon’s Intern, Visual Merchandising Manager, Freelance Stylistfor Foley’s, Retail Coordinator for Puma and Publication/Photo Coordi-nator for Houston’s Best Magazine.

Shandolyn’s work experience—working on photo shoots, developingand retention of business relationships, working with major accountsplanning and promoting events—makes her perfect for her role on theFGI Board.

OUR MEMBERS

We were thrilled to welcome Alyssa toour FGI Houston Chapter. Alyssa has awealth of fashion background. In 1993she studied at the Fashion Institute ofTechnology in London, England. Shethen earned her certification in ImageConsulting from Parsons School of De-sign. She earned her B.S. degree in Fash-ion Retailing & Merchandising from StateUniversity College at Onconta, her MBAin Marketing from Long Island Universityand her Ph.D. in Design, Housing & Ap-parel from the University of Minnesota.Currently Alyssa is Assistant Professorin Fashion Retail Management at The ArtInstitute of Houston.

Alyssa is not all work! She is married toDr. David L. Fernandez who is an Asso-ciate Director of Science Education atRice University. They have a son,Hunter Aleksandras, who’s 2-1/2 yearsold.

Alyssa enjoys running, swimming, and she is currently learning how to ride horses English style at Hermann Memorial Park. Inher free time, she conducts research on impression management, and advertising and consumer behavior. Her research onAdvertising to Adolescents will be coming out this May 2008 in the Journal of Marketing and Management (Berg Publications).

MEMBER PROFILE—Alyssa Dana Adomaitis, MBA; Ph.D.

Page 7Volume III, Issue 3

FGI — OUT AND ABOUT

THOMMY DOUGLASSSpring Collection 2008

Thursday, March 6th, 6pm—8pmBrown Eyes Blue

A fabulous collection! Thommy’s design’s arebeautiful!

FGI members seen at the event—Jeff Shell,Jeanette Coon, Gloria Pearson and new member,Ally Shell.

In picture, left to right, Jeanette, Thommy, Allyand Jeff.

Shandolyn Arline-Johnson and Kara Times, ourProgram Directors, did a great job, as usual, pro-viding us with some great refreshments.

30TH ANNIVERSARY

The Art Institute of Houston

March 27th

What a fabulous event this celebration was. In addition to enjoying some wonderful food and drink, those of us whoattended were privileged to meet some of the instructors and students at The Art Institute.

One of the highlights of the evening was HOUSTON, FIRST CLASS, a wonderful fashion show presented by The ArtInstitute. The instructor is none other than our own Josephine Gough.

In addition to putting on the show, Josephine has her own line of umbrellas, which we saw on the runway.

Celal Birsen is one of the leading high-end umbrella designers in Europe, originated in Istanbul, Turkey, and sold in 42countries. Owned by Fashion and Retail Management Instructor, Josephine Gough, Celal Birsen USA will sell theseumbrellas in the United States for the first time in April 2008. www.celalbirsenUSA.com

Among others seen at the event, were Hardy and Jeanette Coon, Gloria Pearson, Kara Times, Alyssa Adomaitis andDr. David L. Fernandez, and Jal Jobe.

“My weakness is wearing too much leopard print.”Jackie Collins

Page 8Volume III, Issue 3

FGI — OUT AND ABOUT

DILLARD’S FASHION WEEKFashion Show

Wednesday, March 19th

The show was a huge success. FGI modelsincluded Gloria Pearson, Kara Times, Shan-dolyn Arline-Johnson, Jeanette Coon, AlyssaAdomaitis and Elizabeth Anderson. Seen inthe audience were husbands, Tom Pearson,Hardy Coon and David Fernandez (Alyssa’shusband). Also seen in the audience wasnew member, Gabrielle Gunn.

Page 9Volume III, Issue 3

FGI — OUT AND ABOUT

Fashion FlockShoe Fetish

Thursday, March 20th, 6pm—8pmDonald J Pliner’s

HIGHLAND VILLAGE

What a great event this was! As you walked inthe store, you were greeted by Neal Hamil mod-els carrying a shoe on a silver tray in one handand a glass of champagne for us in the otherhand.. Kathy Ellis, our Membership Director, wasthere to welcome new members and greet pro-spective members.

Pictured: Gloria Pearson, Susan Fruit, Laura Fruit(Susan’s daughter), Jeanette Coon, Suzette Brim-mer, Shandolyn Arline-Johnson, Kara Times,Kathy Ellis, Carla Kay, Neal Hamil Models.

Page 10Volume III, Issue 3

FGI — OUT AND ABOUT

Sak’s Fifth Avenue

“Girl’s Night Out” Charity EventApril 10th

What fun and what a treat!—getting our make-up done and visiting the national make-upartists from Chanel, YSL, and Dior, among others. After a light continental breakfast, wewere introduced to the new spring ‘08 colors, trends and skin care. Jeanette was seenspending a lot of time at the Trish McEvoy counter!

“Spring Through Summer”

Luncheon & Fashion Show

Featuring Reena Bansal’sMint and Mint Baby in Uptown Park

March 27, 2008

The Petroleum Club of Houston

Seen at the event: Judy Nichols, Jeanette Coon, VivianAndrus, Susan Fruit, Elizabeth Anderson, Alyssa Ado-maitis.

Pictured: Vivian Andrus, Jeanette Coon, ElizabethAnderson, and Susan Fruit

Page 11Volume III, Issue 3

FGI — OUT AND ABOUT

May 14—6:00 pm—Fashion Flock at Mint Uptown

May 22—6:00 pm—9:00 pm—”The Shopping Experience”The Junior LeagueDinnerCash BarPanel DiscussionVendor Tables

June 11—Fashion Show—Art Institute/featuring FGI Designers

FGI — SAVE THE DATES!

Donald’s in TownApril 5, 2008

Designer Donald J Pliner invited FGIin for a Spring Trend Seminar andBreakfast. Pictured with Donald:Jeanette Coon, Helen Perry, Jose-phine Gough, and Alyssa Adomaitis.

Page 12Volume III, Issue 3

This event proves to be one of the most exciting events we have had in years!

DO NOT MISS THIS EVENT!

NEW to the panel: Monica Pope of T'afia Restaurant

Please call Jeanette for a reservation—713-467-3988.

Page 13Volume III, Issue 3

Page 14Volume III, Issue 3

Celebrate FGI Members

Toni Franklin

Our own Toni Franklin was recently recognized for out-standing service. She is one busy lady. In addition toserving on the FGI Board of Directors, she has just com-pleted her annual commitment to the Houston Live-stock Show and Rodeo, School Art Committee wherethey raise funds to offer scholarships to hundreds ofstudents.

Pat Dahnke

Congratulation to our own Pat Dahnke!She was one of the 5 MUST HAVES for theHouston Livestock and Rodeo show. Shemade the Houston Chronicle on Monday,March 10th. The picture is of one of herbelts. The belt is reversible, made of hair onacid washed calfskin then burnished with goldmetallic. The magnetic pin attaches to bothsides. This is her #1 item—and we can seewhy! For more information about Pat’s de-signs, call her at 936-931-2177.

Joy Sewing

Congratulations to Joy Sewing for recentlybeing named to Who’s Who in Black Hous-ton.

Have something to brag about?

Let us know!

We’ll celebrate with you!

Wedding Bells for Debbie

Congratulations to Debbie Nguyenon her recent marriage to TimNguyen (Can you believe they havethe same last names!)on March 8th.Debbie is one of our new members.

Page 15Volume III, Issue 3

Student Membership Program

Qualifications for Student Membership

Student must have completed 24 credits.

Student must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and is required tocarry at least 12 credits a semester. Verification docu-mentation must be submitted at the time of application.

Student must submit two faculty recommendations or refer-ence letters.

Responsibilities

Assist at FGI events, including Career Day.

Get to know FGI members and find ways to become involvedwith those in your chosen field.

Dues

The annual dues for Student Membership are $25 per year.

Our Student Membership Program is currently limited to 8 members.

The deadline for becoming a student member has been extended until the end of May.

Other than programs specifically designed for students, such as Career Day,

attendance by students is limited to STUDENT MEMBERS only.

If you are interested in becoming a student member of FGI, please contact

Jeanette Coon at 713.467.3988 or Suzette Brimmer at 713.718.6158.

You want to be in the exciting fashion industry! The Houston Region of The Fashion Group International provides a StudentProgram just for you. It provides you with the opportunity to learn more about the industry and become involved in fashion events.

FGI is a forum and a force for promoting the advancement of women and men in the fashion industries . . . apparel, accessories,beauty and the home. Our events bring your world into prominence providing information – and answers – on business topics thataffect you and your business. We meet the executives and entrepreneurs who drive the fashion world. We deliver news, previewsand trend information now – when you need it.

Founded more than 60 years ago, FGI was fashion’s first non-profit organization established by and for women. Our founding mem-bers were none other than Elizabeth Arden, Edith Head, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helena Rubenstein and Carmel Snow, who had the fore-sight and who believed that the business of fashion needed a forum and a catalyst to ensure that women would have an ever expand-ing role in the developing of the US fashion industry. Today, we welcome men among our ranks! We’re located in 44 cities world-wide, 6000 members strong – and still growing, still evolving to meet your needs. Each region has a distinctive character and uniqueinvolvement in their community.

There are many benefits from joining the FGI Student Program.

You will be part of an exclusive group. Student Membership is limited to just a few members.You will learn more about the fashion industry.You have the opportunity to connect with people in your chosen field.You will receive FGI Bulletins and information about Houston and FGI events.You will receive discounted rates for at least 4 events per year.

12311 Huntingwick DriveHouston, TX 77024

713-467-3988—office713-935-0303—fax713-870-2161—cell

jeanette@professional-polish.com

HOW WE BEGANFounded in the 1930s the first non-profit fashion organization estab-lished by and for women. The Fashion Group International today offersmembership to men and women alike. Elizabeth Arden, Edna Wool-man Chase, Lily Daché, Edith Head, Claire McCardell, Virginia Pope,Eleanor Roosevelt and Carmel Snow were among the founding mem-bers; legendary figures who left an indelible print on the American Fash-ion landscape.

Jeanette CoonRegional Director—

Houston

“Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions.” Coco Chanel

www.fgi.org

WHO WE AREThe Fashion Group International is a global, non-profit organization ofdynamic professionals, men and women of achievement and influence inall areas of the fashion and design related industries: apparel, accesso-ries, beauty and home.

WHAT WE DOThe FGI mission is to be the preeminent authority on the business offashion and design, and to help its members become more effective intheir professional lives. FGI offers insights on major trends in person,online and in print; hosts programs and business symposiums; providesaccess to industry leaders and peers.

AS A MEMBERPublications: The International Membership Directory, an invaluable re-source, lists all FGI members around the world. The Members’ Bulletinreports regularly on the latest trends and industry issues that help mem-bers market and manage their businesses while it updates readers onmember related news. The RTW Trend Report publishes twice-yearlystraight-from-the-runway commentary.

Website: The FGI online community includes comprehensive news,event information, fashion and business reports 24/7. Updated daily, themembers-only Fashion Access Network features members’ profiles. Ex-ecutive Job Bank, forums and more.

Chapter Events: Our member only industry events (retail trends, infor-mational seminars, and panels designed for decision makers, IPOs, etc.)keep you informed.

Our Networking Opportunities are limitless. Use our directory to maxi-mize business trips by networking with potential clients, suppliers, andmanufacturers among the FGI membership worldwide.