Celebrating Couture
The Globe Guilders and Neiman Marcus presented Celebrating Couture 2013 on May 21 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Honorary chairwoman Elaine Darwin, chairwoman Liz Helming and co-chairwoman Marlene Sterling presented this extraordinary luncheon and fashion show featuring the creations of the international designer Naeem Khan. A third-generation designer from India, Khan is well known for his intricate beadwork and embroideries and his creations for movie stars and celebrities from first lady Michelle Obama and Queen Noor of Jordan to Lady Gaga, Penelope Cruz and Beyoncé.
Kahn said the theme for the fall 2013 collection was Byzantine embroidery mixed with a 1920s Erté-inspiration reflecting texture and luxury.
Asked who his customer was, he said, “A powerful woman who is not afraid and can light up a room. She rules the world.”
The high-paced fashion show highlighted one luxurious creation after another. One major trend, gold metallic embroidery, was featured in several of the runway standouts in panné velvet with antique gold ottoman embroidery. Draped caftans with deco-beaded necklines and beaded starburst gowns were favorites, especially deco-beaded bolero jacket and taffeta ball skirt with cigarette pants. A cake was wheeled in after the finale to surprise Khan for his birthday, after which a trunk show was held back stage and all the guests were excited to see the creations up close. Proceeds go to The Old Globe Theatre’s artistic, education and community programs. For more information, visit ww.globeguilders.org.
Hats off
The GOLD Diggers (Gifts of Loving Donors) celebrated its 28th Hats Off To San Diego on May 16, chaired by Julie Sarno. After Sandra Graff was announced as the Gold Digger of the Year, the festivities began by highlighting 11 local charities, each of who created colorful hats reflecting the theme “Light Up the World Through Giving.” The hat fashion show was choreographed by Vernetta’s Dance Studio, showcasing one creative hat after another.
Winners of the hat parade: The $1,000 Golden Shovel Award went to BABES for Best Theme Hat; The $1,000 Wild Card went to Classic For Kids; $1,000 Prospector Award went to North County Rep; $2,000 49er Award went to BABES; and $3,000 18-Karat Gold Award went to Angels of Aseltine.
This event benefited two organizations — Girls Think Tank’s Transitional Storage Center for the homeless, and License to Freedom, which helps battered women and children who are refugees and immigrants. For more information about Gold Diggers, visit www.the-golddiggerssandiego.org.
Upcoming events
June 1 — WIBAC (Women in Business Aiding Community) spring fashion show and luncheon, Handlery Hotel, 950 Hotel Circle North, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact: [email protected]
June 15 — National Charity League’s “Be” fashion dinner, Hyatt Aventine, 3777 La Jolla Village Drive, presented by Macy’s Fashion Valley. (858) 459-1685
June 20 — Raw: San Diego // Kaleidoscope at Block No. 16, 344 Seventh Ave., 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., combination of art, film, fashion, music, makeup, hair, photography and performing arts. (858) 751-6956.
