In 2005 Heidi Dillon did what we at Serial Optimist are extremely big advocates of: she had a sudden inspiration, a vision, and decided at that moment, no matter what, she would make it happen. That vision was The Fashionistas, which has since turned into one of the most prominent organizations in Dallas. Heidi is known for speaking her mind, being blunt, and someone who won’t let anything or anyone get in the way of making her aspirations a reality. What people might not understand, is that behind every aspiration, is the commitment to help others, to contribute to the greater good. We dipped our toes in the deeper end of the water that is Heidi Dillon, and let me say, the water feels nice. She has a strong personality, yes, but how could that ever be a negative? The most important ‘F’ word in her life is Family, and I would guess her most sincere, beautiful smiles come when she is surrounded by them. Continue reading for a conversation with Heidi.

Serial Optimist: Before we get into The Fashionistas, or the glamour that is Heidi Dillon, lets strip you down a bit. When are you most comfortable? When are you most vulnerable?

Heidi Dillon: I am most comfortable at home with my family. Contrary to my public image, my favorite thing to do is stay home with my husband, son and dog. I have a rule that I don’t go to social events on Friday nights. That’s our pizza night. We snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie. It’s been a family tradition for many years.

Also contrary to my public image, my feelings do get hurt when people say ugly things about my family, The Fashionistas, or me.

SO: You are of course known for your style, The Fashionistas, your charitable work, and so many other things. You are somewhat of a current Dallas Icon. Would you agree with that? When people hear the name Heidi Dillon, what words do you hope come to mind?

Heidi: I would never consider myself an icon, but thank you. I don’t know what people really think, but most people will be surprised to learn that I am a little shy, usually quiet, sensitive, loving, kind and generous. On the other hand, I’m very outgoing and gregarious in social settings and am known to be tough and hard-nosed when crossed. I have been told that people find me intimidating and are scared of me. Maybe it’s because I’m not afraid to speak my mind.

SO: Talk a little about The Fashionistas, and what it means to you, and what it has come to mean to Dallas. To some, the phrase “fashion museum” might be confusing, can you touch on what that means exactly?

Heidi: My original vision was to have a permanent fashion exhibition space in Dallas – a place where historical and contemporary fashion, fashion photography and illustration could be displayed on an on-going basis. My vision has not wavered but the recession has put a damper on fund-raising. In the meantime, The Fashionistas and Fashionistas Two (our student group) are focusing on developing our programming that includes Fashion Talk and F2 Talk. We bring in world-renowned fashion industry figures for Fashion Talk and highlight local fashion luminaries for F2 Talk. In addition, we help our students get internships and positions in the fashion industry. We have many events throughout the year including our signature runway shows that feature up-and-coming designers. Last spring we produced Project Runway star Shirin Askari’s debut runway collection and in October we are doing local designer Nha Khanh’s collection at the Meyerson Symphony Center. A portion of the money raised from our events goes to provide scholarships for fashion design students.

SO: I love your definition of what a “socialite” is. You have said: “A socialite is a woman who works very hard every day of her life to raise money for charitable organizations, for non-profits. That’s where the social aspect comes in.” What current, real socialites exist for young woman to look up today?

Heidi: Dallas is full of “real” socialites. The women who run Crystal Charity, Cattle Barons, and the Junior League, just to name a few, are all wonderful examples of generous, hard-working people who have a passion for their causes and raise millions of dollars every year to help others. My advice to young women who want to enter the social world is find a cause about which they are passionate, don’t worry about climbing the ladder, be yourself and everything will flow from there.

SO: What is your biggest vice?

Heidi: Crumbs cupcakes.

SO: At what point in the day, are you at your most relaxed, at your happiest?

Heidi: The mornings are always a very special time for me. I love getting up and making my son his breakfast and driving him to school. We live about 30 minutes from his school, which is great because it gives us time to talk. We have covered a lot of ground over the years.

SO: Does the outfit make the woman, or does the woman make the outfit?

Heidi: The woman always makes the outfit. Never let your outfit wear you.

SO: What are some of your most favorite things about Dallas?

Heidi: I named my son Dallas, so there is a lot that I like about this town. People here love to go out and enjoy life. The restaurants are always hopping and there are parties every night of the week. The local charities drive the social scene and everyone loves attending events that benefit their favorite organization. Also, Dallas is a very easy and comfortable place to live and raise a family.

SO: I know your a big, big Beatles fan. Favorite song?

Heidi: ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand‘. I was in the 5th grade when the Beatles hit the States and I immediately fell madly in love with Paul McCartney. We share the same birthday, June 18, so I felt that we had a special connection. I saw the Beatles in concert in Minneapolis the summer before I went into the 7th grade. I barely remember them playing because I was screaming and crying during the entire concert.

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SO Note: (To find out more out The Fashionistas organisation and how you can be involved, go to: www.thefashionistas.org)

*Photo credit: Bode Helm, from the La Mode Magazine photo shoot.

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Tags: Dallas, Heidi Dillon, Interview, Nice, The Fashionistas