Project ETHOS Project ETHOS returned to San Diego on Aug. 26 for a knockout fashion show at FLUXX, the latest multi-million dollar nightclub in the Gaslamp Quarter. This was its second red carpet event held in San Diego featuring emerging talent in fashion, music and art. Guests were able to purchase visual art and accessories at the show. The evening began with a performance by Sophia Fresh’s “This Instant” from the “Step Up 3D” soundtrack. DJ Robb Rockwell and Ayeena provided the tunes for the evening. The fashion show previewed the spring 2011 collections of seven designers: Molly B Bikinis, Michael Mangiuno Design, Creative Fashionista, Cardi-Wrap by Kymaro, Blonde Peacock, and the show culminated with “Project Runway” alums Jesus Estrada (Haus of Estrada) and Gordana Gehlhausen (GOGA by Gordana). Project ETHOS began five years ago in Los Angeles and is the brainchild of Jason Peskin, who is founder and CEO of the project. This event closes the gap between indie and mainstream, linking these talented artists with the community. Love Cures Cancer partnered with Project ETHOS for the evening. Love Cures Cancer is an organization dedicated to benefiting children with cancer by raising awareness while working to find a cure. Project ETHOS has venues in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Portland and Scottsdale. For information on the next project visit www.projectethos.com. ‘Art of Fashion’ The third annual “The Art of Fashion” was presented by the Timken Museum of Art on Aug. 28 in Balboa Park. The Timken partnered with Fashion Careers College (FCC) and showcased 16 students and graduates of FCC. They interpreted fashion designs inspired by masterpieces from the Timken’s permanent collection. Anita Crider was this year’s 2010 event chair. Fashion chair was Patricia O’Connor, who is the founder of FCC. Honorary chair was the international fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, who was on hand to meet the guests. Attendees were able to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while viewing the models who were standing on cubes (‘en tableaux’) in front of the museum’s artwork. As the evening progressed, the models strolled through the museum showing off the fashions inspired by the world-class art. This gave the guests a chance to meet and mingle with the models and designers. Proceeds from this event support educational programs at the Timken Museum of Art. This marvelous museum focuses on European old masters’ paintings, Russian icons and American art. Admission is always free. For more information, visit www.timkenmuseum.org ‘Second Hand Rose’ The Angels of Aseltine presented “Second Hand Rose … Memories are Made of This” on Sept. 15 at the Town & County Resort and Convention Center. During the social hour, a boutique was set up with more than 1,000 resale fashion items. These name-brand designer clothes included handbags, shoes and jewelry. Buying gently-worn clothes is a way to be ecofriendly and help the earth’s carbon footprint. The shoppers all loved the great prices as well as the fabulous fashions. Yvonne Lindroth Silva chaired this fun event. The luncheon and fashion show began with a fabulous rendition of “Second Hand Rose” performed by Bonnie Wainwright. Carol Le Beau was mistress of ceremonies, narrating the fashion show and adding her witty dialogue. The models for the runway were local celebrities wearing designer clothing such as Chanel, St. John Knits and Naeem Khan. Immediately following this delightful fashion show, all the lightly-worn clothes were for sale in the boutique. The event was in memory of Betty Mabee, who passed away earlier this year. Mabee was a businesswoman, a leader in the community, a world-renowned horse breeder and founding member of The Angels of Aseltine Auxiliary. The Aseltine School has been in San Diego since 1968, and serves the needs of emotionally-disturbed and learning-disabled students, making it possible for them to lead independent and fulfilling lives. For more information, visit www.aseltine.org. Upcoming events Oct. 15, 2010-April 15, 2011: “Dressing the Part: Costume Design at the Old Globe” — San Diego History Center collaborates with the Old Globe for an Interactive Exhibit. For information, call Christianne Penunuri at (619) 820-0960. Oct. 21: Zandra Rhodes presents Stardust Glamour Collection at the Westgate Hotel at 11:30 a.m. For reservations call (619) 557-3655. Nov. 6: Leonard Simpson’s 10 Best Dressed List & Fashion Show at the Ronald McDonald House to benefit The Ronald McDonald House. Call Fashion Forward at (619) 508-0216. Nov. 13: Annual Golden Hanger Fashion Awards Gala at the Town & Country Resort & Convention Center. For more information call (619) 275-4700. — Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally-recognized hat designer and milliner. She has operated a fashion business for 28 years, the last 18 years in the Gaslamp Quarter. She has been teaching in the fashion department at San Diego Mesa College for 18 years. Diana is a member of the Gaslamp Quarter Association, The American Sewing Guild, the San Diego Costume Council and the Fashion Group International. www.aheadproductions.com