Indian Clothes in Dallas – Custom Designed Dresses and Menswear

Category: Charity

  • The Fashionista Event of the Year!

    The Fashionista Event of the Year!

    “The Fashionista event of the year“ – that is what one of the attendees called the Eighth Annual Silk Threads Charity Gala on Oct 14th. The event benefited the Asia Center at University of Dallas, and was held at the new Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center on UTD campus.

    The morning started with an interview of Ruby Bhandari, CEO of Silk Threads, on Fox4 News, talking about the event and giving a sneak peek of what to expect.

    The evening weather was perfect for the gala – clear skies, and pleasant – and the location was sparkling. The decor, provided by Decor by Faiza, was fabulous and matched the colorful theme – which was the influence of fashion on cinema. This year again saw a sold-out crowd of Dallas’ who’s-who come out dressed in their finest.

    By 6:30 pm, everyone was in place, with volunteers and wait staff looking sharp dressed in black, the drink sponsors Kruto vodka, Ironroot Republic Gin and Bourbon, and Topo Chico, as well as food sponsors The Gardens Restaurant and Bombay Chopstix ready and waiting for the guests. A dessert table was setup inside the hall, featuring Indian sweets from Royal Sweets and pastries from Delicious Cakes.

    The VIP reception started at 7 pm, with guests mingling, photographers busily clicking, and bloggers live-blogging. Quite a few of the local media personalities were present from organizations like Fox, ABC, TV Asia and Dallas Morning News.

    The show itself was divided into multiple segments, showing the progression of fashion from 70’s to modern day, and the influence of Hollywood on Indian cinema to begin with, and how the trend has slightly reversed nowadays. Over 40 models from different agencies, including Bella Modeling School, participated in the show. Ruby Bhandari, the Chief Designer of Silk Threads, created different looks to highlight this underlying theme, and each of her pieces drew appreciation from the crowd.

    The Master of Ceremonies was LeeAnn Locken, the star of Bravo TV’s Real Housewives of Dallas. The show was kicked off by a mesmerizing song by a local singer, Priyanka. LeeAnn kept the crowd entertained, as the models changed between segments.

    Terry Gajraj, the famous Indo-Carribbean singer from New York, performed a song – his take on the famous “Om Shanti Om” song from a Bollywood movie, which really got the crowd in the mood. Terry was brought to Dallas by the Platinum Sponsor of the Gala, Pete Persaud Productions, which is also shooting a music video with Terry in Dallas.

    The final segment was themed “The Monsoon Wedding“, which showcased the men’s and women’s bridal line from Ruby Bhandari. All the pieces in the line were head-turners, with attendees mentally booking some of the pieces for themselves.

    The party wasn’t over yet. Outspoken Visions Entertainment and DJ Raj from Stereo Nation LA took over from here, and brought the crowd to their feet – dancing away till it was closing time!

    This event raised more funds than any of Silk Threads’ previous Galas – and all proceeds are being used to setup a scholarship at UTD. As Sanjeeb Samanta, one of the guests, said “Great event!

    I know it takes a lot to put these together and the amount of planning that goes into it. Your team did great and the designs and show was impressive. As an alum of UTD, thanks for supporting one of our programs. As an active leader in the DFW non-profit community, thank you for your compassion and generosity every year to support different causes and groups.

    We need more people in the DFW community with your heart and will”!

    Ruby Bhandari, CEO of Silk Threads said, ” Thanks to all our guests, volunteers and sponsors for their effort to provide educational opportunities for the needy. We are amazed at the support, and this is what keeps us trying to raise the bar for our events every year”.

  • From Bollywood to Hollywood: Fashion, Diversity, Charity

    From Bollywood to Hollywood: Fashion, Diversity, Charity

    This is a post taken from the blog by Donna Arp Weitzman, author and socialite. Thank you, Donna, for the kind words!

    If you know me, you know my closet. It’s large, filled to the brim, and coated in all colors and fabrics. I am a lover of fashion, how it makes me feel, and the confidence the right scarf and pair of shoes can give to someone. I’m always willing to try new looks, especially unique ones, so any opportunity to be involved in a style-related something, I’ll take it. Enter my friend and Dallas designer Ruby Bhandari of Silk Threads.

    Lately, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know this fashion queen, who takes her Indian culture and infuses it into her couture designs. I’ve tried on multiple custom-beaded pieces designed by her, as well as worked with her on a podcast and a few videos, all of which got me hooked on her collection (and just her in general).

    Coming up in October, Ruby will be putting her designs to a good cause through the 8th Annual Silk Threads Fashion Show Charity Gala, with celebrity emcee LeeAnne Locken of the Real Housewives of Dallas. Not only is this a fun event that flashes some style via runway, but it’s for a good cause. The beneficiary non-profit for the gala will be the Asia Center at the The University of Texas at Dallas, with all proceeds going toward establishing an Arts-related scholarship at the school.

    Fashion in Film

    This year, the gala’s theme highlights the impact of fashion on cinema under the title, “From Bollywood to Hollywood.” Fashion in cinema has come so far, from the western influence in the Indian movies of the seventies and eighties, to the use of traditional Indian motifs and embroideries in current Hollywood productions.

    Ruby’s designs, which are inspired by her Indian culture, add diversity in design to the Dallas fashion scene and industry in general, and I believe the gala will be the perfect opportunity to bring these two themes together into one.

    Fashion Show Details

    The show will take place at the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center at UTD, October 14th, with the VIP Networking Event starting at 7:30pm and the main show at 8:45pm. Tickets are now available at www.silkthreadsfundraiser.com. General Admission tickets start at $75 per person. VIP Tickets are available at $150 per person, which includes entry to the VIP Event, drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres and other VIP perks.

  • Rock and Fashion come together for a great cause!

    Rock and Fashion come together for a great cause!

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hundreds of students from Fort Worth, Mansfield and Southlake took to two stages at the World-Famous Billy Bob’s Texas in the Stockyards to raise funds and awareness for True Kids 1 Media Project (TK1MP).

    The building now known as Billy Bob’s Texas was built in 1910 and was once an open-air barn used to house prize cattle for the Fort Worth Stock Show.

    TK1MPhas helped over 500 kids within their first six months, by empowering them with the skills and opportunity to express themselves through radio and new media production.

    While the bands were playing, student models from the Bella Modeling School took the runway to show off some of the new designs from Silk Threads and its Ruby B Collection.

    As the Director of True Kids 1, Andy “Rosey” Hayett said, “This was not only a juxtaposition of two forms of art – fashion and music, but also an opportunity for the kids to gain self-confidence through modeling and music – as well as learning to express themselves through art. We appreciate the support of Silk Threads to help us advance our mission of increasing the creative energy of these kids”.

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  • Silk Threads Jacket gets rave reviews at DIFFA Dallas 2016

    Silk Threads Jacket gets rave reviews at DIFFA Dallas 2016

    DIFFA Dallas sure knows how to throw a party…and raise funds for worthy charities!

    Saturday, May 21st was no exception – a record crowd assembled at The Omni in downtown Dallas to mingle and enjoy the unique show – with this year’s theme being Circo Rouge – a take between a big tent circus and Moulin Rouge.

    The show, designed by Rhonda Sargent Chambers and Brian Brothers ranged from cringe-worthy to awe-inspiring – from stilt walkers to models made-up as Goths to human animals. Seen at the event was LeeAnne Locken, of Real Housewives of Dallas, among other celebrities.

    In addition to the live auction which featured a trip to Scotland and a vintage-inspired Stella 125 scooter, the silent auction featured 55 jackets from designers like Versace, Lanvin, Naeem Khan and others.

    For the third year in a row, theSOCIALList by Silk Threads presented a jacket by designer Ruby Bhandari – this year’s jacket was a red brocade piece with black lapels – with a unique cut of the lapels.

    The jacket received wide acclaim, getting over 6 bids in the first hour, and a bidding war in the final minutes. As Carol Quist, Board Member of DIFFA Dallas said, “We really appreciate Ruby Bhandari and Silk Threads for not only donating a consistently popular jacket for the third year in a row, but also their dedication to the cause”.

    See the video here for a closer look at the jacket, as well as Ruby’s inspiration for this piece, as described to Amy Vanderhof.

  • Cesar Galindo and Ruby Bhandari present their Collections in San Antonio for Children’s Shelter

    Cesar Galindo and Ruby Bhandari present their Collections in San Antonio for Children’s Shelter

    Rawaj Fashion Extravaganza – An Evening of Glamor to Help a Great Cause

    The Rawaj Fashion Extravaganza was held in the beautiful La Cantera Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday, May 15th. In addition to the breath-taking sweeping views of San Antonio from this hill top luxury resort, attendees were treated to five Fashion Shows showcasing diverse and renowned fashion designers.

    The headline fashion shows were presented by designers Cesar Galindo from New York and Ruby Bhandari from Dallas, Texas.

    For the last twenty-two years, Cesar has balanced his time designing his own collection as well as working as a contract designer for established labels including Dolce & Gabbana and Calvin Klein Collection, as well as L.A.M.B., a contemporary women’s collection launched by Gwen Stefani. He was recently seen on Bravo TV on The Fashion Show, the successor to The Project Runway show. His collection at Rawaj consisted of dresses which showcased femininity, with architecturally draped hems and necklines – featuring a rich color palette – inherent of Galindo’s designs.

    Ruby Bhandari’s Silk Threads line provides a gorgeous juxtaposition of mystical eastern traditional designs with contemporary western lifestyle. Her custom bridal designs for private clients have dazzled countless weddings around the country for over twenty years, as well as celebrities from Hollywood and Bollywood. She showcased her ethnicwear and dress collection at Rawaj – which highlighted delicate embroideries, a bold color palette and sensuous cuts. In addition, she featured several designs from her men’s custom line called theSOCIALList, which was an elegant interpretation of men’s fusion wear with traditional Indian touches.

    The finale fashion show was by Dallas-based Pink Chiffon, which featured a gorgeous white piece from Pakistani designer, Ayesha Somaya.

    Proceeds from Rawaj benefitted the Children’s Shelter of San Antonio, which has been providing a safe haven for child survivors of abuse, neglect, and abandonment in San Antonio since 1901. The Children’s Shelter is a trauma-informed care certified organization that provides a continuum of care through their family of services like emergency shelter for children in crisis and helping children find permanent homes through foster care and adoption.

    As the organizer of the Rawaj Fashion Extravaganza, Ayesha Zaheer, said, “This evening was a great way to expose San Antonio to some of the finest designers from around the country, while benefitting a noble cause. We hope to continue this tradition of giving back to the community in various ways, including fashion”.

  • Taste of Cultures – Fashion, Food & Fun!

    Taste of Cultures – Fashion, Food & Fun!

    The Taste of Cultures fundraising event was a spectacular evening of food, fun and fashion!

    Hosted by the Multi-Ethnic Education and Economic Development Center (an affiliate of the Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce).

    Guests sipped cocktails and sampled nibbles from various ethnic cultures. The silent auction featured a fantastic array of items and services including; Gift certificates for hotels restaurants and spa services as well as home decor items, original art, jewelry chef services. And the fashion show, featuring Silk Threads and Jonathan Truong, ended the event with beautiful, bold and exciting collections from both designers.

    Husband and wife duo. Raj and Ruby Bhandari of Silk Threads.

    (Left) Tie-dye georgette zip front dress with asymmetrical hemline and 3/4 length sleeves;
    (Center) Lace sheath with gold leaf embroidery, high neckline and attached draped shawl;
    (Right) Red kaftan dress, softly draped with gold neckline embroidery.
    *All styles by silkthreads.com

    (Left) Elegant ballgown in a vibrant shade of orange with black lace applique and inserts;
    (Center) Red knit gown with gold lace and embroidery accents;
    (Right) Show finale, ivory bridal gown with rhinestone and pearl hand embroidery.
    *All styles by silkthreads.com

    MEED Center provides services to over 300 individuals representing various minority groups of Dallas including refugees and new immigrants.

  • 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

  • DIFFA Dallas 2014!

    DIFFA Dallas 2014!

    We are so excited to be a part of DIFFA Dallas this March!

    DIFFA Dallas (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) raises funds for organizations that aid in the fight against HIV/AIDS by providing preventative education programs, treatment and direct care services for people living with/impacted by HIV/AIDS.

    DIFFA is one of the largest and most successful fundraising organizations aiding HIV/AIDS, DIFFA is a non-profit service provider with chapters in Dallas, New York City, Chicago, Kansas City, San Francisco and Seattle.

    Formed in 1984, the Dallas chapter is the only HIV/AIDS organization in Texas that provides funding to local AIDS service organizations within our community. Providing direct care to those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, DIFFA/Dallas has granted more than $5 million to over 25 front line HIV/AIDS Service Organizations in North Texas.

    Highlighting the design community, DIFFA/Dallas hosts multiple events throughout the season including Burgers & Burgundy, DIFFA/Dallas Wreath and the largest event of the year, House of DIFFA. Through your support and generosity, we are able to make a significant impact in our community.

    This year DIFFA completes their successful season with their legendary runway show in March! This evening is a , “mix of philanthropy, theatrics and [their] legendary runway production. Inspired by the extravagant costumes and intricate, hand-made masks, House of DIFFA 2014’s theme, Masquerade, will transform the evening into one of the most renowned events in Italy, the Carnival of Venice. Hosting approximately 2,000 patrons, this black tie gala is the event of the season showcasing a curated selection of one-of-a-kind, tailored jackets with all proceeds going towards grants for HIV/AIDS service organizations in North Texas.”

    We are so honored be a chosen designer for this luxurious fashion event. We will be providing our jacket collection to DIFFA! Our collection showcases our own unique fashion artistry including Silk Threads Designs’ signature textiles, designs, and fabrics. Our inspirations have come from their Masquerade theme. This collection will be extremely extravagant  and intricate like any hand-made masquerade mask!

    Be sure to buy your tickets here: http://houseofdiffa14.eventbrite.com