ARTessence presented CAPTIVATE: Cirque de l’Artisan on Jan. 11 at Somewhere Loud. Combining fashion, art, music and dance in one spectacular night, the gala featured both international and local designers. Victoria Roberts, designer of Wish Now who was voted the Most Innovative Designer at Fashion Week San Diego 2013, started the fashion show with her designs. The program continued with the contemporary designs of Zavval, the vintage collection of De Marcus, and the elegant lines of Lum and O’Blanc. Los Angeles designer Adolfo Sanchez also brought his breathtaking collection to the runway.
Headpieces by Flair Design Events were a favorite on the runway, while the finale featured the high-fashion gowns of Hollywood designer Shekhar Rahate.
Interspersed between the collections were dance performances reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil with acrobatics, aerial dancers and vivid costumes, beginning with dancers from San Diego Club Kids. Garret Allen performed an incredible chair-balancing act, and a standout routine was a dubstep performance by James Wyatt as the Ring Master.
Guests enjoyed the surrealistic art of Jimmy Ovadia and multidimensional art from Zach Young. For upcoming events, visit www.artessence.org. Upcoming Events
• Sunday, Jan. 26 — Winter Bridal Bazaar with fashion shows presented by Gretchen Productions at the San Diego Convention Center. (760) 334-5500
• Thursday, Feb. 13 — Second annual Hearts, Hats & Heels Luncheon & Fashion Show at the Rancho Santa Fe Country Club from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (619) 306-3498
• Friday, Feb. 14 — Go Red For Women Luncheon & Fashion Show featuring the designs of Zandra Rhodes at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (858) 410-3834
• Feb. 24 through March 9 — San Diego History Center presents the exhibit Fashion Redux! 2014 featuring four designers from San Diego Mesa College and their contemporary garments inspired by the 1930s. (619) 232-6203
— Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally recognized hat designer and milliner. She has been operating a fashion business for 30 years.
