By Diana Cavagnaro | Fashion Files
The Living Fashion show was held at the Civita Park Amphitheatre in Mission Valley on June 30. American Cancer Society Ambassador, Tanya Lamons, hosted this picture-perfect afternoon and Kevin Davison was the Master of Ceremonies. All of the models for the fashion show were cancer survivors, cancer fighters, and caregivers.
For the first segment, designs by Golden Rule Boutique came down the red carpet, with models wearing fair trade garments. These trendy handmade designs are ethically made. Next down the runway came the tie-dye garments from The Jungle Hippie Boutique. Jacky M in Southern California uses a vegan-silk substitute — hand-dyed in in a professional dye house — to handmake these wearable art designs. The finale highlighted the styles of past Fashion Week San Diego (FWSD) 12-time winner A’doreus. Sharlene Borromeo specializes in hand-making garments that fit women’s curves. These plus size pieces are made from woven garments rather than knits and illustrate a very artistic designer with a unique flair.
Guests were treated to socially responsible pop-up shops that were coordinated by Leilani Angel of Style Sorbet. She featured brands that were mindful of people, animals and the planet. Threads Worldwide was also there with jewelry from different countries around the world.
Personally, I loved her Zopata Necklace and the Fresia Bracelet from Ecuador. The beads were made from Tagua seeds. Another unique item was the Tenikara Bracelet from Ethiopia. This resilient bracelet is from the Warrior Collection with beads made from bullet casings.
Melek Silver Co. was one of the fair-trade vendors with handmade jewelry. Buddha Bracelets by Ziur were amazing. Malia Designs brought stylish upcycle cotton messenger bags. Andrea Nasser from The Kolective was on hand to show handmade items by artisans in Benin. Each purchase helps students in Benin with educational scholarships. Reiki Master, Dawn Lambert, was on hand to show off her Shakti Embodiment Collection. They are one-of-a-kind adornments with crystals and semiprecious stones that help raise your energetic vibration.
In the field of Health, Beauty and Wellness Network, many businesses attended such as the eLiveLife.com. Kehau Rebolledo from A Touch of Aloha Sanctuary offered chair massage services for everyone. Downtown-based Haz Adiguzel from Sagency Wellness, an Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist, was on hand to talk with guests about his business in Cortez Hill. For those with a sweet tooth, there were yummy vegan treats from Maya’s Cookies. Scorch showed off its vegan-friendly lip products made in California. Makeup and hair was provided by San Diego City College Cosmetology Department. This event gave fabulous raffle prizes including a beautiful African-inspired dress, handbag, and necklace from Raidah Designs. 100 percent of ticket sales were donated to the San Diego Chapter of the American Cancer Society.
Upcoming events
Thursday, July 19 – 4th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show
At San Diego Comic-Con, designers will compete for a chance to design a collection for Hot Topic. The event is located at Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel, hosted by Ashley Eckstein and features a panel of celebrity judges. Guests need a Comic-Con badge to attend.
Saturday August 4 – 41st Haute with Heart Fashion Show
The event will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. Proceeds go to St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center. For tickets, call Julie Rausch at 619-442-5129.
— 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.
