The Globe Guilders and Neiman Marcus presented \u201cCelebrating Couture 2016\u201d Aug. 22 at the San Diego Marriott Marquis. This annual luncheon and fashion show began with a Champagne reception and silent auction in the new grand ballroom. The chair for the event was Linda Van Vark, with honorary chairs Barbara and Dick Enberg, and Stacey and Robert Foxworth.<\/p>\n During the luncheon, it was announced that Peggy Matthews was including in her estate plans the Dorothy Brown Endowment Fund to benefit the students of The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theater Program, and the Globe\u2019s Endowment Fund to benefit the Costume Shop. The theme for this 26th year of runway shows was the Art of Fashion Fall 2016. This year they featured collections of selected celebrated couture and pret-a-porter designers such as Monique Lhuillier, Marchesa, and Naeem Khan.<\/p>\n One of the trends on the runway was gorgeous floral prints. Red was a predominant color used by many designers. One red evening gown by Monique Lhuillier was breathtaking and a red ball gown by Naeem Khan was a must have. Many designers paid great attention to details such as embroidery, appliques, beading, and other lavish embellishments. One standout trim was tassels and fringe. The tassels were on garments, jewelry and earrings and the fringe was on jackets. Another direction on the runway was capes, a current trend. This year, they featured shoes and handbags on the catwalk. Models also showed off jewelry by Lulu Frost that was fashioned with beautiful vintage pieces. After the show, Neiman Marcus had a room where all the items were available for purchase.<\/p>\n The Globe Guilders support the Old Globe\u2019s artistic and arts engagement programs. This wonderful nonprofit program has countless volunteers dedicated to benefit the Old Globe Theatre. For more information, visit globeguilders.org.<\/p>\n Haute with Heart<\/strong><\/p>\n The 39th Haute with Heart fashion show and luncheon was presented on Aug. 13 at Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. St. Madeleine Sophie\u2019s Center (SMSC) presented this heartwarming event. This year, the theme was \u201cEmpowerment is Golden.\u201d This was based on the art piece \u201cGeisha\u201d by John Agostini, who has been the featured artist for the past five years.<\/p>\n The emcee for the afternoon was KUSI anchor Brandi Williams, and auctioneer Steve Hamann. The honorary chair for the event was Kristi Pieper. Desiree Pemberton, SMSC student, gave a terrific rendition of the National Anthem. One of my favorite segments of the afternoon was when the SMSC students modeled in the fashion show. This always receives a huge response from the audience.<\/p>\n TV personality, Leonard Simpson and his production company Fashion Forward, presented the fashion show. This year Simpson showcased two celebrity designers \u2014 the first was Vietnamese designer Vo Viet Chung, who presented his 2016 collection with the theme \u201cRoyals.\u201d His designs reflect a mixture of glamour with his traditional Vietnamese culture and he was named the Fashion International Designer of the Year. The second celebrity designer was Andre Soriano, who specializes in beautiful wedding and couture gowns. His designs bring back old Hollywood glamour.<\/p>\n This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of St. Madeleine Sophie\u2019s Center. Proceeds from the event go to support individuals with disabilities at SMSC. They are making empowerment for life through innovation and education. For more information visit stmsc.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Pr\u00f3ximos Eventos<\/strong><\/p>\n Sept. 10 | <\/strong>12th\u00a0annual \u201cStrut for Sobriety!\u201d<\/strong> \u2014 a boutique, luncheon, awards ceremony and fashion show presented by A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing) at the Hyatt Aventine La Jolla. The event celebrates recovery from drug addiction. Fashion show produced by Gretchen Productions. For info, call\u00a0619-670-1184.<\/p>\n Sept. 15 | Art of Fashion<\/strong> \u2014 presented by Country Friends at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe beginning at 10 a.m. This is the 12th year they have partnered with South Coast Plaza. For tickets, visit thecountryfriends.org<\/a><\/p>\n![\"1.](\"https:\/\/sandiegodowntownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1.-Monique-Lhuillier-Gown.jpg\")
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