Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Childs.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
It was a particularly warm Saturday, September the 10th in 2022, the climax of Fashion Week. The atmosphere bubbled with energy as excited family, friends, and honored guests flooded the theater of the South Dallas Cultural Center. They were ready to see a Fashion Show, and they received so much more.
Approximately 19 months prior, I am having a chat with the Duke of Fashion himself, Monsieur Alexander. We are discussing the future of the fashion industry and his latest inspiration for a new line. Within minutes the conversation has grown from hypothetical to creative brainstorming and eventually into a plan of action. Beyond producing a fashion show, we wanted to build platforms for other artists to stand on across multiple genres. It became apparent this was the inception of a company, a brand. Dallas Future Fashion Designers was born.
Over the next few months, we toyed with the idea of what the show would look like and how it would function. We wanted to create a first-of-its-kind event with fashion and performing arts fully integrated. “Into the Jungle” had to include dance, theatre, music, and fashion, so we wrote a story and original songs for the production with help from the brilliant Salem Starks Esquivel. We finally knew what Into the Jungle would be. Now, how would we pull it all off? Time was ticking.
The seconds were filled traveling to New York to look at materials, meeting with designers Taylor Sharper and JRomero to mentor and assist, building brand awareness through our website and social media pages, hiring models, set designers & builders, assembling a lighting and sound design team, make-up artists, hospitality crew, generating sponsorships, searching for models, creating 3 signature brand fragrances, applying for grants, writing songs, not to mention creating 6 couture gowns for the runway from scratch. Some days we even slept a few minutes.
With God’s help, I’m grateful to say we got it all done. There were many leaps of faith during this process. But I am glad we took each of them. Today, all 3 DFFD designers are thriving in the industry, presenting in shows, innovating in the world of make-up, and producing new works every day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest struggle I have ever faced was the loss of my mother in January 2022. It’s difficult to articulate what that does to a person. If you know, you know. It happened unexpectedly and in the middle of our “Into the Jungle” process. Reserving space and significant time in your life to grieve and recover is not a luxury every person is afforded. My heart goes out to those who lose loved ones, and I encourage anyone who needs help to seek it immediately. Thankfully I have many who showed me a lot of love during that period. It didn’t seem right giving up on anything that would have made her proud, so onward, I marched.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My love for the theatre has lead me to a life of directing and music directing. Over the years, I have had the pleasure to work with Upright Theatre, Jubilee Theater, and Artisan Center Theatre among others. By day I teach voice, dance, and acting. Also, as casting director for Prism Movement Theater, I help get the the right people in the audition room.
That’s part of my passion, getting my people booked in the industry. Nothing thrills me more than to hear about a friend or student succeeding and making a name for themselves. So if I see a casting call or audition notice, I’m going to send it out. My people get notices from me all hours of the day and night.
I’m proud that when people think of me, they think of someone who encourages and gives love. People need kindness; they need hope and light. Some days I can be that light.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people are surprised to learn that I love professional wrestling; been a lifelong fan. My father used to take me to the live wrestling matches at the Freeman Coliseum and the Alamodome in San Antonio growing up. It’s the perfect blend of theater, choreographed violence, and drama. One can learn a lot about story-telling from pro wrestling.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DallasFutureFashionDesigners.com
