By Diana Cavagnaro | Fashion Files

Wearing the ‘California dream’

Luv Surf is an apparel line for young women, first introduced at the Surf Expo in Orlando, Florida, in January 2014. The most exciting part of this junior brand is that it’s made domestically — and locally. All the clothing says “Made in the USA.” Most recently three styles will be sold at Urban Outfitters in the spring. The designer for the apparel line is Ashley Villatuya, who graduated from San Diego State with a degree in business management, went on to FIDM for a digital communications degree, and then landed an internship with Luv Surf.

I asked Ashley what direction Luv Surf would go in the future. “We want to stay true to California, the dream,” she said. “We want to spread the Luv with peers and friends by inspiring and giving back to the community. Luv Surf is not just about surfing but a beach lifestyle with sand, sun, and water.”

They are currently giving back to the community by offering a design contest for all high school students in San Diego County. Each student can enter three different designs to be considered. The designs can be freestyle or digital but must be original artwork. Students can send their entries to: [email protected] and the deadline for submissions is March 6.

The top five entries will be announced March 9 when voting begins on the Luv Surf apparel Facebook and Instagram page. The winner will be announced March 16.

The grand prize-winning design will be printed on tank tops sold in the Luv Surf Apparel Shop and the winner’s school will receive 50 percent of the proceeds. This is a wonderful opportunity for all upcoming fashion designers.

Luv Surf just returned from the Magic Show in Las Vegas and they are growing by leaps and bounds. A swimwear line will be their next project, so look for this in the future. Luv Surf is located in Mission Beach. For more info visit luvsurfapparel.com

Turning heads

Topping the Internet will be a series of hatmaking videos by yours truly. I have been in the millinery business for years and decided to make a series of videos to share my knowledge. After a gazillion hours in the recording studio, I am finally ready to release “Your Guide to Hatmaking.” There will be an Internet launch that will include celebrity award-winning journalist, Phoebe Chongchua, as host. During one of the segments I will have a very special celebrity fashion designer who will also make an appearance. For the date of my upcoming launch, visit my website dianacavagnaro.com.

Upcoming Events

March 5 | FIDM All Stars — Seventh annual Runway 2015 from 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Moniker Warehouse. This is a fundraiser for the Princess Project San Diego. For more info visit princessprojectsd.org.

March 6 | America the Beautiful — Hats Off to San Diego (the Gold Diggers) will present luncheon and hat parade at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. For reservations call Jackie Bailey at 619-670-3643.

March 6 | Fashion Redux! 2015 – a gala showcasing the finalist designs from San Diego Mesa College students inspired by the time period of 1915. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the San Diego History Center and include an illustrated fashion lecture by Mesa Fashion Professor Susan Lazear. Garments will be on view from Feb. 23 through March 8. For more info call 619-232-6203, ext. 129.

March 7 | Back 2 Basics — presented by Exhibit Ambush. This art, fashion, and beauty event will feature unique designs and art made from food and eco-friendly materials. Located at the Women’s Museum at 730 Historic Decatur Road Ste. 104 from 5 – 10 p.m. This event will benefit Hidden Treasures. For info visit Ambushevents.com.

March 13 | Bollywood — luncheon and fashion show presented by friends of Vista Hill. This event will begin at 10 a.m. at the Town & Country Resort and Convention Center. For more info call Jenny Cairncross at 858-514-5155

March 15 | The US Grant Luxury Wedding Show & Luncheon — features celebrated bridal and evening couture designer, Ines Di Santo, presented by M Bride. The fashion show will launch Di Santo’s new eveningwear collection. 11 a.m. — 2 p.m., US Grant Hotel Downtown. For tickets visit usgrant.net.

March 18 | Honeybee Fashion Buzzzzz — this fashion show and luncheon will be at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines beginning at 10:30 a.m. Proceeds go to Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County. For tickets visit fashionbenefit.org.

—Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned couture milliner based in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.