Category: Annual Charity Show

  • Celebrating Success: Silk Threads’ 12th Annual Charity Gala 2024

    Celebrating Success: Silk Threads’ 12th Annual Charity Gala 2024

    This past Saturday, December 7, 2024, marked a momentous occasion for Silk Threads as we hosted our 12th Annual Charity Gala in Dallas, Texas. The event, themed “Timeless Textures,” was a spectacular celebration of culture, fashion, and philanthropy, uniting the community for a night of purpose and passion.

    Honored by the State of Texas

    We are proud to share that the State of Texas officially recognized Silk Threads for our contributions to the community. A formal resolution issued by the Texas House of Representatives, signed by State Representative Salman Bhojani, acknowledged our unwavering commitment to supporting meaningful causes. Since its inception in 2010, the Silk Threads Annual Charity Gala has raised over $1.5 million for charities addressing mental health, education, children’s advocacy, cancer support, and domestic violence awareness. This recognition is a testament to the incredible impact we’ve achieved together with our partners, customers, and supporters.

    A Night to Remember

    This year’s gala was nothing short of extraordinary. With the theme “Timeless Textures,” the event beautifully highlighted the intersection of nature and fashion, paying tribute to renowned designer Archana Kochhar of Mumbai, India. Her exclusive designs for the evening captivated the audience and celebrated the rich traditions of Indian craftsmanship.

    Supporting a Worthy Cause

    For 2024, Silk Threads partnered with the newly established nonprofit organization Aadhar, founded by psychiatrist Dr. Sejal Mehta. Aadhar focuses on promoting mental and emotional well-being, reducing stigma surrounding mental health, and providing resources for individuals and families. The funds raised during the gala will significantly bolster Aadhar’s mission, ensuring that more individuals have access to the care and support they need.

    Gratitude and Impact

    The success of the gala would not have been possible without the generous contributions of our sponsors, attendees, and volunteers. Together, we created a magical evening that will leave a lasting impact on countless lives. From the vibrant fashion showcase to the heartfelt moments of community solidarity, the event perfectly embodied Silk Threads’ mission of blending culture, fashion, and social responsibility.

    Continuing the Legacy

    As we look back on this milestone event, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support from our community. This recognition from the State of Texas inspires us to continue our work in making a meaningful difference. Silk Threads remains committed to using fashion as a vehicle for change, and we look forward to many more years of philanthropy and cultural celebration.

    Stay Connected

    Stay tuned for updates on the impact of this year’s gala and our plans for 2025. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for exclusive photos and behind-the-scenes moments from the event. Together, let’s continue to make a difference!

  • Ruby Bhandari’s Silk Threads combines the East with the West

    Ruby Bhandari’s Silk Threads combines the East with the West

    by Deborah Fleck, Dallas Morning News

    Ruby Bhandari’s love of fashion took root early and never let go. She began cutting and stitching fabric as a teenager, and in college, she enjoyed designing so much that she couldn’t wait to graduate from the University of Texas at Austin to start a business. Silk Threads was born while she was a sophomore at UT in 1991.

    Over the years, Bhandari moved the business from her Irving home to a nearby apartment and then to a studio in Northwest Dallas, where it operates today. Her showrooms are awash in color and sparkles. She serves customers Indian coffee and tea and sweets. Amy Lewis Hofland, executive director of the Crow Collection of Asian Art,  describes her friend as “magic.”

    You’ve never met anyone like her,” Hofland said.

    Ruby Bhandari working at her factory in New Delhi.(Courtesy/Facebook)
    Ruby Bhandari working at her factory in New Delhi.
    (Courtesy/Facebook)

    Born in New York of Indian descent, Bhandari makes her creations in a factory in New Delhi. With more of an American background, she brings the colors and brightness of India to modern designs.

    “Color makes me happy,” Bhandari said, bedecked in a royal blue blouse during a recent interview. “My clothes are very vibrant and what mainstream America would like to wear.”

    Bhandari has expanded her designs to include royal blue and silver items in honor of the Dallas Cowboys, and she just launched collection of destination bridal wear. For the first time and to much success, she said, she also took part in the Dallas Bridal Show in July.

    Along with creating, Bhandari gives back. She hosts an annual fashion show to benefit a local charity. This year, the gala “Bollywood to Hollywood: the Impact of Fashion in Indian Cinema” will be Oct. 14 at the new Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center at UT Dallas. The event will benefit the university’s Asia Center and arts-related scholarships. More details are at facebook.com/SilkThreadsbyRubyBhandari. (Details and tickets available at SilkThreadsFundraiser.com

  • DIFFA Dallas 2015!

    DIFFA Dallas 2015!

    DIFFA Dallas is still on our mind!

    DIFFA Dallas’ annual gala of the Dallas Chapter of Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) was March 7th at the Omni Dallas Hotel.

    “Formed in 1984, the Dallas chapter is the only HIV/AIDS organization in Texas that provides funding to local HIV/AIDS Service Organizations within our community. Providing direct care to those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, DIFFA/Dallas has granted more than $6 million to over 25 front line HIV/AIDS Service Organizations in North Texas.” See more Men’s Jackets

    As the 25th show, RSC Show Productions decided to hold a time theme and it captured the spirit of the previous years. The fashion show was broken up into three segments: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. This was our second year to participate and we are so humbled to be a part of such a great cause. DIFFA Dallas has a variety of one-of-a-kind, celebrity-designed jackets, that are auctioned to a crowd. We were one of the contributors along with designers like: Altuzarra, Billy Reid, Diane von Furstenberg, Escada, Armani, Marc Jacobs,Vince, Dallas’ own Abi Ferrin, Michael Faircloth, and Geoffrey Henning, and many more! They showcased two of our jackets that were custom designed by Ruby Bhandari.

    Here is our white suede jacket with hand printed velvet cuffs. Dr. Gary Tigges who is on the DIFFA board currently owns this piece!

    Also, here is another jacket we made for the show and you can order this custom piece today!

    DIFFA’s mission to support the fight against HIV/AIDS “by drawing on the contributions of world-renowned creative and corporate leaders representing all branches of the design related industries” and the night was truly a success.

  • Silk Threads’ Sixth Annual Fundraiser, “FASHION & SPICE”,  raised funds for the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center

    Silk Threads’ Sixth Annual Fundraiser, “FASHION & SPICE”, raised funds for the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center

    Fashionistas and foodies came together for this one-of-a-kind, poolside fundraiser by Silk Threads, in one of the most-unique, hidden settings in historic, Downtown Dallas – The Dallas Power & Light building’s Bamboo Rooftop Pool Deck, benefiting DCAC.

    See videos of our Fundraisers

    The weather cooperated, and it was a beautiful evening to complement this outdoor event. Guests started arriving early, taking pictures at the Indian-inspired Photo Booth, and browsing through the items for raffle drawing. They also enjoyed passed appetizers, with selections from the newest Indian-fusion restaurant in downtown Dallas, Spice in the City, as well as networking with their peers, while listening to music from the DJ on the pool deck – which has a clear view of the Downtown Dallas skylines‘ icon, the red-neon Pegasus.

    At 7:30 pm, the poolside Silk Threads Fashion Show began, which was divided into two sections. The first section featured a casual-fusion selection, from beautiful tunics to embroidered Kaftans, perfect for a night out on town. Selections form Chief designer Ruby Bhandari’s Men’s Line, theSOCIALlist were interspersed with the elegant dresses, drawing oohs and aahs from the crowd.

    While the models were preparing for the second section, raffle prizes were drawn, which included gift certificates from high-end restaurants like III Forks, as well as a trip to an exotic location.

    The second section included designs with more of an ethnic flair, featuring an Indian-inspired, formal collection for women and men from designer, Ruby Bhandari. The guests enjoy admired the meticulously-crafted designs that combined modern styles with the ornate beauty of Indian traditional design elements. Pieces from theSOCIALlist men’s line were again paired with the colorful, hand embroidered dresses, setting a very exquisite tone. Since the show’s theme was children, a few of the designs were won by children, who proudly walked the runway like professional models!

    The finale of the show was the showstopper, Miss Prestonwood Country Club, Ameera Swaidan, who not only set the runway on fire with her beauty, but also captured the audience’s hearts with a spirited rendition of a Whitney Houston song, while flanked by child models holding the signs “Protect the Children. They are our Future”!

    The evening was aptly summarized by one of the guests, who has attended the last four Silk Threads Fundraisers, “Silk Threads raises the bar every year – in their choice of designs, venues, and the noble causes they support. We always look forward to their next show”.

     

    Silk Threads specializes in custom creations, casual tunics, Bridal trousseaus, and Men’s custom formal wear, all complemented with elegant accessories – pure silver handmade jewelry, beaded purses, shoes – and more! Details at www.SilkThreads.com