The 64th annual Art of Fashion took place on Sept. 12 at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Country Friends and South Coast Plaza presented the event. The afternoon began with a Moet & Chandon Champagne reception. Mini boutiques from South Coast Plaza were set up for shopping enjoyment. The guests migrated to a huge open-air tent for the start of this amazing fashion show. This show consisted of South Coast Plaza’s international designers showcasing their fall-winter collections. TV personality Sandra Maas emceed the event and got the festivities going. At 14 years old, Chelsea Snow delighted the audience by singing the national anthem. Veteran journalist Andrea Naversen was honored for her extensive charitable work. Co-chairs were Elaine Kaminski Becerra and Erika Fetter.
New on the runway was Australian designer Camilla, who showcased prints in python and crocodile. Escada presented leopard prints in his collection and Moncler also showed leopard in hooded jackets. Versace had one sexy number after another that seemed to sizzle on the catwalk. A crowd pleaser was the double-breasted coat by Stella McCartney with Beatles badges and pins all over. Oscar de la Renta showed an asymmetrical lace draped-front blouse top with black pants. His final gown was a botanical branch-embroidered tulle gown.
Executive Chef Christopher Haas created a marvelous luncheon after the Art of Fashion runway show on The Inn’s croquet lawn. The luncheon co-chairs were Amber Yoo, Tamara Lafarga-Joseph, and Ester Rodriguez. As the guests dined, auctioneer Clint Bell took bids for incredible items such as a trip of a lifetime to England and Scotland. They also had a fabulous opportunity drawing with prizes such as an $18,300 sapphire-and-diamond necklace from Jacqui Grande Fine Gemstones and Jewelry. Afterward, luncheon guests adjourned to “Shop, Sip, and Support” and continued fun shopping with the South Coast Plaza boutiques. This wrapped up a spectacular event.
For those who are not familiar with South Coast Plaza, it is the West Coast’s premier shopping destination. It is renowned for 250 prominent boutiques that are adjacent to the celebrated Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Orange County Museum of Art. Country Friends is a nonprofit organization that has been providing funds for San Diego County-based charities for 65 years. They primarily raise funds through the Art of Fashion event and their Rancho Santa Fe consignment shop. Over the years, they have raised $14 million for services to women, children, the elderly and those with disabilities. They are “Helping San Diegans, One Hand at a Time.”
Stay tuned for Country Friends’ upcoming events at thecountryfriends.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, Oct. 5 — 33rd annual Fur Ball from 6-11 p.m. at the San Diego Humane Society. Honoring Senate President Pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins. The evening includes a cocktail reception, live and silent auctions, and an exquisite vegetarian meal prepared by Chef Jeffrey Strauss of Pamplemousse Grille and after-party with music by Haute Chile. Well-mannered leashed dogs are invited. For tickets, call 619-243-3469
Saturday Oct. 5 — Kobey’s Sneakers & Vintage Clothing at Sports Arena Square from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Live DJ, prizes, and giveaways.
Monday, Oct. 14 — Zandra Rhodes: 50 Fabulous Years in Fashion. Book signing at 7:30 p.m. at Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave. Celebrating Zandra Rhodes, who is one of Britain’s most recognized designer, and her 50 years in fashion. The designs are from 1969 to present.
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.
