Get to Know Mackenzie Brittingham, This Year’s Fashion Notes Designer Award Recipient

Ahead of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s 12th anniversary Fashion Notes Fashion Show and Luncheon on April 29, we connected with this year’s Designer Award recipient, Mackenzie Brittingham. Born and raised in Dallas, she reflects on the moment she heard she was this year’s honoree, her inspiration and creative process for this year’s Italian-themed designs and her path to becoming a designer.

You’ve been named this year’s Fashion Notes Designer Award recipient. As someone who was born and raised in Dallas, what was your reaction when you found out, and what does it mean to you to receive this recognition?

Being born and raised in Dallas, I grew up attending the Dallas Symphony and have always held it in the highest regard. It represents culture, artistry, and excellence in our city. To be recognized by an institution that has been such a meaningful part of my life—and within a city that has shaped both my personal and professional journey—is incredibly special. It truly feels full circle.

Dallas isn’t always the first city people associate with fashion, but it has a growing and evolving scene. As a local designer, did you ever feel pressure to build your career elsewhere, or was it always important for you to establish your brand here at home?

While Dallas may not always be the first city people associate with fashion, I have always believed in the strength and sophistication of this market. My clients are the foundation of my business, and there is a deeply rooted culture here around dressing for meaningful moments — especially within the city’s social and philanthropic communities.

That perspective has shaped my work in a very intentional way. Dallas women understand occasion dressing at a high level, and designing for them has allowed me to build a brand that is both personal and refined. While I’m always open to expanding, it was important to establish something here first — because this is where my relationships and inspiration began.

Dallas has also entered a new era in fashion, defined by significant growth, global brand investment, and cultural relevance. We’re seeing houses like Louis Vuitton not only establish a presence, but actively choose Dallas as a stage for major brand moments, alongside an expanding roster of internationally recognized designers opening here. It’s a reflection of how sophisticated and influential the Dallas client has become, and why the market continues to attract attention on a national and global level.

Would you say that early on in your career there was someone, or something that first inspired you to pursue this path?

I’ve always been drawn to the elegance of old Hollywood and the timelessness of classic design. From a young age, I was captivated by a kind of glamour that feels effortless but incredibly considered.

My greatest inspirations, though, are my grandmothers. One embodied a sense of style and presence that felt both polished and natural — she was always beautifully put together. The other taught me how to sew, which introduced me early on to the discipline and craftsmanship behind design. Together, they shaped both my aesthetic and my approach, and that influence continues to guide my work today.

This year’s theme, Limoncello, immediately evokes a sense of place, color and mood — and of course a fun nod to music. How are you translating that inspiration into this year’s designs?

Italy has always been very close to my heart and a constant source of inspiration. I’m drawn to the landscape — its textures, its color, and the richness of its craftsmanship, particularly in the textiles, many of which I source directly from there. That connection is deeply woven into my work.

For this collection, I wanted to translate that sense of place into something that feels both vibrant and elevated. It captures the color, energy, and romance of Italy in a way that feels expressive yet refined. Each gown reflects a different interpretation of that spirit — bringing a sense of lightness and movement, while still maintaining a strong foundation in couture through the construction and materials.

Would you say your design process starts the same way each time, or do you allow the fabric, silhouette or even something entirely different to guide you?

My process is very much rooted in textiles. Over time, I’ve built an extensive fabric collection, and that is often where a design begins. Once I meet with a client, I take time to understand not just the event and seasonality, but how she wants to feel in the piece — how it should move, and how it should fit into her life. From there, the fabric begins to guide everything: the silhouette, the structure, and the overall tone of the garment.

Because everything is custom, it becomes a highly collaborative and organic process. Each piece is developed with intention, balancing the client’s vision with the craftsmanship and materials that ultimately bring it to life, creating something truly bespoke.

And finally, this event supports the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s efforts to expand access to music through education and community programs. What does being part of that mission mean to you, and how does it influence the way you think about your work and its impact?

I’ve always believed that fashion is part of a larger creative landscape — it’s deeply connected to music, art, and culture. Supporting the arts, particularly through education, is incredibly important to me.

I spend time teaching at Texas Christian University and enjoy working with younger students to introduce them to textiles and design. I’m also involved with programming at the Nasher Sculpture Center, where I help create opportunities for hands-on creative exploration.

Being part of an event that supports the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s mission is especially meaningful because it helps ensure that future generations have access to those same creative experiences. That’s something I care deeply about, and I’m honored to contribute in a way that extends beyond the runway.