‘Stardust Glamour’ The Westgate Hotel presented a luncheon and fashion show by legendary designer Zandra Rhodes on Oct. 21. The afternoon began with a champagne reception in the foyer of this elegant hotel. Larry White serenaded the guests with beautiful piano music. After the reception, everyone adjourned to the luxurious Versailles Ballroom where a three-course luncheon was served, created by award-winning Westgate executive chef Fabrice Hardel. The theme for the day was “Stardust Glamour.” The magical fashions came directly from London and showcased Rhodes’ colorful collection. Rhodes, a native of London, is known in the international world of fashion for her printed textile designs. These sophisticated designs can be worn day or evening. Celebrity models added excitement to the runway including Pat Brown (TV Channel 10), and Angie Lee (TV Channel 8). Jewelry by Tamara Strauss, hats by Designer Millinery and handbags by Zandra Rhodes complemented the glamorous designs. After the show, guests were able to go behind the scenes to try on these exquisite designs. A portion of the proceeds benefit the American Friends of the Zandra Rhodes Museum. This fashion and textile museum focuses on exhibitions showing British fashion and textile designers. If you missed this intoxicating collection, Rhodes will have an upcoming fashion show at the Mingei International Museum on Jan. 21. Strut for Sobriety The Strut for Sobriety and A New PATH presented a fashion show on Sept. 25 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. A silent auction and boutique shopping began the festivities. Honorary chairs were musician Dr. John Brown and Barbara Brown. Celebrity emcees were Geni Cavitt and Rory Devine (NBC TV 7/39) and the auctioneer was radio personality Joe Bauer. Connie Conard and Colleen Ruis Jackson co-chaired the event. The 2010 Path to Recovery awards were presented to Laura Cain (radio personality), Johnny Allem (president, DC Recovery Community Alliance), Cecil Steppe (retired director of Health & Human Services of San Diego County) and Margaret Dooley-Sammuli (deputy state director of the Drug Policy Alliance). These awardees were honored for their contributions to ending discrimination against those who seek treatment and recovery from substance abuse. The afternoon ended with a knockout fashion show by Gretchen Productions. The segments included many entertaining numbers of singing and dancing. The fashions were provided by Macy’s Horton Plaza. Models came down the runway in fall/winter colors of black, brown and gray with a trend in the plum colors. ‘Dressing the Part’ The San Diego History Center has a new exhibition named “Dressing the Part: Costume Design at The Old Globe.” This exhibit coincides with the 75th anniversary of The Old Globe and gives everyone a behind-the-scenes look at The Old Globe costume shop. This interactive exhibit provides dressing rooms with costumes to try on, which include a “Who” costume from the “TheGrinch,” a hobbyhorse costume from “The Taming of the Shrew,” a man and boy costume from “King Lear,” and a Katherine and Queen Charlotte costume from “The Taming of the Shrew.” After trying on a costume, visitors can step onto a mini-stage and feel how a costume transforms the character. Three videos are playing in the exhibit. The first one describes the two-week process of making a wig. The second video shows the costume process of making a wedding dress, which includes sketches, making a muslin costume and fabric swatches. Three mannequins are set up to demonstrate the evolution of a costume starting with a muslin dress, a dress in only fabric and then the finished wedding dress with all the final details, including the veil. The last video features the actress Kandis Chappell, who talks about the perspective of the play from both the actor’s and the audience’s point of view. There is a table with croquis drawings from different plays, giving children the chance to learn to draw costume illustrations. The exhibit is surrounded by costumes on mannequins and croquis covering the walls from many different Old Globe plays. This fun and educational exhibit runs through April 15, 2011. For more information visit: wwwsandiegohistory.org Upcoming events • Nov. 6: Leonard Simpson’s 10 Best Dressed List & Fashion Show at the Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel. Fashion Forward, (619) 508-0216 • Nov. 13: Annual Golden Hanger Fashion Awards Gala at the Town & Country Resort & Convention Center. (619) 275-4700 • Nov. 19th: Fashion Tea with Lizz Russell from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Ave. (800) 522-1564 for reservations • Dec. 4: Model Training Centers’ second anniversary Gala at the Horton Plaza Event Space. (619) 220-8770 — Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally-recognized hat designer and milliner. Diana has operated a fashion business for 28 years, the last 18 years in the Gaslamp Quarter. She has taught in the Fashion Department at San Diego Mesa College for 18 years. Diana is an active member of the Gaslamp Quarter Association, the American Sewing Guild, the San Diego Costume Council and Fashion Group International. www.aheadproductions.com