By Diana Cavagnaro | Fashion Files

Fashion Week returns with a splash

Fashion Week San Diego 2014 (FWSD14) ran for five nights and wrapped up on Oct. 5 with a trunk show at the Horton Grand Hotel. The Runway Shows at the Broadway Pier showcased an array of fashion events that included Art & Beauty Behind Fashion, Woven Together Runway Show, SoCal Style Runway Show, Gentlemen & Ladies Runway Show, and the Finale Runway Show Night.

Standouts included B.JASH.I.’s eveningwear collection designed by Marcie Bain and inspired by vintage and Native American influences. I loved Dos Caras swimwear, especially the cobalt blue swimsuit. Dos Caras designers, Aida Soria and Syncletica Maestras, design and make the swimsuits here in San Diego.

Victoria Roberts was the fan favorite last year and delighted the audience again this year with her WishNow Collection. The models came out of a pink Barbie box onto the runway to showoff the whimsical designs. Additional standouts were Dulce Alexandra, with her terrific pop of color collection, Jessica Faulker with her casual chic line and S. McKellar luxury products for travelling, made with Italian leather.

Taking first place this year was A’doreus. This full-figured collection by Sharlene Borromeo showed off geometric prints. Responsive Textiles took second place with their line of woven knits for women. Designer Kristine Rodriquez launched this collection at FWSD14. Each garment is made by hand. Third place went to Lady Lane with her vintage-inspired designs. Rachel Lane is the designer for Lady Lane and will have an upcoming charity Fashion Show on Dec. 14 Downtown.  Look for details in upcoming events. For more information on Fashion Week San Diego visit: fashionweeksd.com.

Nov. 7|“Kenneth Barlis Fashion Show 2014” at the Lafayette Hotel from 6 – 9 p.m. This will debut the men and women’s 2015 spring/summer Couture Collection. For tickets visit eventbrite.com and search for the Kenneth Barlis fashion show.

Nov, 8 | “Fashion Gala” presented by Heels2Heal. Exclusive runway show with designer Nicole Miller located at the private estate of Alex and Laleh Roudi in La Jolla, 5:30 – 11 p.m. The event benefits the San Diego Youth Services. For tickets visit heels2heal.org

Nov. 13 | “10Best Dressed Award” presented by Leonard Simpson of Fashion Forward and Dress for Success San Diego. This event will feature an awards ceremony, a formal seated dinner, theatrical show, dancing and auction. It will be located at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines beginning at 5:30 p.m. For tickets visit leonardsimpson10bestdressed.com/tickets.

Nov. 15 | “Canvas and Couture: Where fashion and art meet” This luncheon is presented by San Diego Las Hermanas and will feature live art performances by Stephen Fishwick and Beau Hufford and fashions for children and adults. The event will be 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at The Centre at Lexus Escondido.  For more information call Mona Hacker at 619-820-8779.

Nov. 20 | “Ready to Wear Semi-Annual Trend Report” hosted by Fashion Group International at the Neiman Marcus-Zodiac Restaurant. Guest speaker is Joy Sprink from FIDM.

The presentation will include a recap of fall fashion weeks everywhere plus insider commentary.

For more info visit facebook.com/fgisandiego.

Dec. 14 | “Wish Upon A Snowflake” a fashion show and toy drive presented by Lady Lane at Jolt ’N Joe’s starting at 6 p.m. This event will showcase independent designers and visual arts.  Proceeds will go to local community youth organizations. Admission is $30, or $10 off with a new unwrapped toy donation.

—Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally recognized hat designer and milliner and for the last 20 years she’s operated her business from Downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter while moonlighting in the fashion department at San Diego Mesa College. She can be reached at [email protected].