The Costume Council of the San Diego Historical Society presented Fabulous Fashions: San Diego Style at Balboa Park’s Organ Pavilion on Sept. 17. Executive director David Kahn was on hand to greet the guests for this celebration of the council’s 20th birthday. Hand-painted models mingled with the guests. Garments featured outfits from the closets of San Diego’s best-dressed women. The prominent women’s gowns included Sally Thornton’s couture red-beaded gown by Stephen Yearich and Mrs. Pete Wilson’s Oscar de la Renta gown for the 1995 gubernatorial inaugural ball. Audrey Geisel’s dress was worn for the opening night of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” and came with a Grinch purse especially designed by a Dr. Seuss product designer. Rana Sampson’s favorite was a vintage-1950 blue cocktail dress. Joan Embrey displayed the outfit she wore for the first time on the “Tonight” show during Johnny Carson’s tenure, and Darlene Davies’ ensemble was designed and made by Union-Tribune columnist Burl Stiff. One of the delightful additions was a stunning Red Rose gown worn by service animal Kima Schwab. This event benefits the preservation and conservation of the San Diego Historical Society costume collection and contributes to upcoming exhibitions and public programs. The current exhibit runs through April 1 and features 40 works of fashion in San Diego from the 19th century to the present. Timothy Long, curator of costumes at Chicago History Museum, will be guest curator for the exhibit. www.sandiegohistory.org. ‘Fashionably Loud’ The San Diego Convention Center was home to the ASR Marketplace trade show on Sept. 10–12. The highlight was the runway show, featuring 2010 spring and summer fashions. The theme for this upbeat fashion show was “Fashionably Loud.” The models came down the catwalk with looks inspired by rock icons. This retrospective in fashion and music rocked the runway and was styled by Seventeen magazine. A Robert Cromeans salon provided the hairstyles. Class@ASR was a new addition, combining fashion and action sports and running concurrently with ASR Marketplace. Premium boutiques were set up with upscale brands such as the whimsical Modern Amusement, the trendy men’s shirts from Sovereign Code with ’60s-inspired ties, cool recycled belts and wallets from Spacecraft and the must-have men’s shirts from Jach’s (which stands for Just a Cheap Shirt). Barracuda hair salon came down from Melrose to give free haircuts, and OSEA Organic gave facials and hand massages. Mike Torquato de Nicola, Tom Andor and “Art is Alive” by Big Red Sun displayed art at the venue. The next ASR will be Feb. 3–4. www.asrbiz.com. Art of Fashion The second annual Art of Fashion show was presented by the Timken Museum of Art and Fashion Careers College on Saturday, Aug. 29 in Balboa Park. The evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Galleries. Students and graduates of the college designed costumes that were inspired by the beautiful art in this world-class collection. Models posing en tableau showed off the creations in front of each painting and work of art. During the evening, the creations were informally modeled throughout the crowd. College founder Patricia O’Connor was chairperson, international fashion designer Zandra Rhodes was honorary chairperson and Tanya McAnear was the fashion show coordinator. One of my favorite designs was the interpretation of Sir Anthony van Dyck’s painting in the Dutch gallery (see photo below). Jemima Dutra designed a gorgeous yellow raw silk dress with white beaded lace and black velvet ribbon. The design reflected the elegance of the 1636 painting interpreted for today’s modern woman. San Diego Home/Garden Life­styles sponsored this stylish event. The evening included a silent auction featuring the students’ artwork and an opportunity drawing. The Timken Museum of Art is considered one of the top three of its kind in the world and includes American, French, Dutch/Flemish and Italian galleries. For more information about this delightful museum, visit timkenmuseum.org. For your information… Tuesday, Oct. 13, Fashion Group International Mixer at GOGA Boutique, located at Fourth Avenue and Market Street. (619) 952-4558. Wednesday, Oct. 28, Zandra Rhodes Fashion Show at the Westgate Hotel, located at 1055 Second Ave. (858) 792-1892. Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally recognized hat designer and milliner. Diana has been operating a fashion business for 27 years, the last 17 years in Downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter. She has been teaching in the fashion department at San Diego Mesa College for 17 years. Diana is an active member of the Gaslamp Quarter Association, the American Sewing Guild, the San Diego Costume Council and the Fashion Group International. www.aheadproductions .com.