Food in Fashion 2026: Garden Glam

Where Divinely Inspired Fashion Meets Seasonal Cuisine in the Heart of DFW

Coverage by Mark 541 | April 22, 2026

On the evening of April 21, 2026, as Dallas-Fort Worth media outlets buzzed with fresh April restaurant recommendations—from D Magazine’s Rants and Raves to Dallas News’ Hot List of where to eat right now—and fashion headlines celebrated Forty Five Ten’s expansion into Fort Worth’s Cultural District and Dallas quietly ascending as one of America’s best fashion cities, Mark 541 was deep in the gardens of the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden, documenting a night where couture collided with cuisine in spectacular fashion.

Food in Fashion 2026: Garden Glam, presented by Ecolab and hosted by the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association, transformed the arboretum into a runway of flavor and fabric. This fundraising event benefiting the Texas Restaurant Foundation paired acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs with innovative designers for a fashion show inspired by seasonal ingredients and culinary artistry. With 12+ food options, an open bar, stunning garden views, and 10 culinary schools competing live, it was a feast for the senses—and the spotlight shone brightly on local talent.

Mark 541 captured the magic through our signature lens of divinely inspired lifestyle and reMARKable storytelling. One standout moment: Adios Fajitas teamed with designer House of Homage to present an incredible avant-garde bridal look created entirely from repurposed restaurant to-go bags and handmade elements. The designer crafted hand-painted flowers and leaves across the silhouette, delivering a couture-like finish that celebrates transformation, artistry, and sustainability. This creation didn’t just walk the runway—it told a story of reinvention, perfectly aligning with Mark 541’s commitment to purpose-driven creativity and eco-conscious elegance.

The evening also featured high school culinary teams showcasing their skills, with Mesquite High School earning the distinguished award for their Greek Kabob sampler. And for our personal favorite bite of the night? The delicious beef empanadas from Adios Fajitas that impressed us during the presentation—proof that great fashion starts with great flavor.

Other pairings, such as Chef Nikky’s award-winning Bangkok-style Thai cuisine with Robert Lee P Percy of House of Armadaus, further exemplified the seamless blend of global influences and local luxury that defines DFW’s vibrant scene.

This event underscores why Dallas is emerging as a powerhouse for creative entrepreneurs. As national outlets like Cosmopolitan note the city’s quiet rise in fashion—evidenced by intimate dinners with icons like Thom Browne at Forty Five Ten—Mark 541 is proud to amplify these voices. Our recent partnership with Runway Dallas Fashion Week 2026 (May 4–9) will continue this mission, bringing exclusive interviews, designer spotlights, and runway highlights to our magazine, television, and radio platforms.

“Partnering with Runway Dallas is a natural step,” shares founder Laura Barnes. “We exist to celebrate divinely inspired fashion and lifestyle, and events like Food in Fashion embody the energy, creativity, and community we champion.”

Enter the Realm! With fashion and elegance, we speak culture. From the repurposed bridal dreams at Garden Glam to the upcoming Runway Dallas showcase at Esports Stadium Arlington, Mark 541 is marking every moment that matters in North Texas fashion and beyond.

On your mark, Mark 541—let’s make history together!

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