By Diana Cavagnaro
Bazaar Under the Stars
The Mingei International Museum presented the Bazaar Under the Stars on May 7 in Balboa Park. An outdoor market was set up with hand-made goods from international artisans. Guests could come and meet the artists and a Malahat Spirits Lounge was set up so everyone could relax and enjoy a cocktail.
San Diego’s own Claudia Sandoval, season six winner of the Fox television series “MasterChef,” prepared the cuisine. Style expert Mahjuba Levine assembled a presentation of fashions from Bloomingdale’s. The models strolled through the bazaar showing off the latest trends in fashion.
The guests were bustling around shopping with all the phenomenal vendors. Some of the samplings were beautiful baskets from All Across Africa, global goods from Hessian, beautiful scarves by Cambodian Silk Artisans, Textile Designs of India by Amba, furniture and accessories by Folk Project, incredible textiles by Nuno, fabulous semi-precious statement pieces by Pamela Pogue from Juelerie, fashion forward Stone Struck Jewelry by Cecelia Post and amazing textile pieces by Zandra Rhodes.
The proceeds of the event support the local artisans and help fund the museum’s exhibitions and kindergarten through 12 education programs. The Mingei International Museum exhibits folk art, craft and design. For a list of their current exhibitions visit Mingei.com.
East Meets West
The 35th annual Golden Scissors fashion show and awards gala was presented by San Diego Mesa College on May 6, at the Sheraton Hotel & Marina. This remarkable event was a collaboration of the fashion program, fashion promotions students, publishing and portfolio students, and multimedia students. Program directors Susan Lazear and Meegan Feori kicked off the festivities and the theme for the evening was East Meets West. The cosmetology department at San Diego City College provided the hair and makeup.
New this year was collaboration between Brigitte Couture and the computer pattern students. Brigitte Palmer is a veteran swimwear designer who has worked for companies such as Jantzen and Gottex Girls. She showcased her amazing swimwear on the runway, which was followed by the students’ bathing suits and cover-ups, which were created from knitwear donated by Palmer. The winner for this creative section was Phitsinee Jirathamrongkarn.
Technology Meets Fashion was also a new element this year. Collaboration between the textile design students and the Mesa Robotics Organization created garments which incorporated electronic wires, neo pixels, fiber optic filaments, and Flora and Gemma circuit boards. Career technical education enhancement funds made this fascinating segment possible. The winner of this innovative portion of the show was Rachel Merrill.
The Best Collection went to Starr Lanier for her Sunset Siren Collection, which reflected a tropical paradise with orange to purple colors. Best of Show for Creativity went to Rachel Merrill for her creative designs. Best of Show for Workmanship went to Zari Wahab, whose colorful collection was called Afghan Nomad, inspired by the Nomadic tribes of Afghanistan.
Additional award winners for the Golden Scissors 2016 were: Weekend Wear, Lina Mills; Club Wear, Levar Johnson; Children’s Dresses, Kara Riekstins; Day/Career Wear, Kara Riekstins; Millinery, Zari Wahab; Kimono, Rachel Merrill; Upcycle, Kara Riekstins; Costume Influenced, Jon Averett; Un-fabric, Alicia Overturf; and Evening, Jessica Holland.
A Collaboration Award was given to Nada Zein and Megan Sheffield and the evening concluded by awarding a Rising Star Award to Kara Riekstins and Rachel Merrill. For more information about the San Diego Mesa College fashion programs, call Susan Lazear at 619-388-2205.
Upcoming events
June 9 | Hats Off to the Del Mar Races — Ralph Lauren celebrates RL Icons and Couture Millinery by Diana Cavagnaro for Opening Day at the Races located at 7830 Girard Ave. from 4 – 7 p.m. RSVP to [email protected]
June 15 | “Viva La V” — Featuring Gloria Guerrero and DeAnnah Rae at the La Valencia Hotel located at 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla. The event begins at 6 p.m. and is free to sit, with a special cocktail and food menu available for purchase. For more information, visit fashionweeksd.com.
June 25 | Avant Garde Costume Gala with Fashion Show — presented by Vanguard Culture at the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park at 6:30 p.m. Your wildest costume is encouraged. Tickets available at eventbrite.com.
—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
