Diana Cavagnaro | Downtown News
California Dreams
International designer Zandra Rhodes presented her “California Dreams” collection at the Westgate Hotel on Oct. 24, which came directly from London with this year’s palette of black and white.
The guests dined around the pool overlooking the San Diego Downtown skyline.
International food consultant and cookbook author Jeanne Jones created the luncheon.
The show began with a flurry of silk chiffon prints, which Rhodes is famous for. Models, which included CBS 8’s Angie Lee and San Diego 6’s Sabrina Fein, amazed the guests with this California Dreams Collection. The collection’s look was complimented by jewelry by Zandra Rhodes & Andrew Logan, hats by Diana Cavagnaro, make-up by Valerie Vonprisk, and hair by Vicky Lavanty.
After the show, guests were allowed backstage to try on the outfits. Proceeds from the fashion show benefit the American Friends of the Zandra Rhodes Museum. For more info visit: zandrarhodes.com
Guts Behind the Glamour
The Women’s Museum of California opened a new exhibit, “Guts Behind the Glamour,” with an opening reception on Nov. 15. American cinema exuded glamour with all of the iconic screen stars during the 1930s and 40s, such as Hedy Lamarr, Greta Garbo, and Norma Shearer. This exhibit is a marvelous example of this Hollywood period, featuring clothing, hats, gloves, furs, and hundreds of compacts. There are many wonderful fashion illustrations on display by Edith Head. Head was one of the world’s greatest costume designers and was known for introducing new silhouettes with her fashion designs.
Other women who influenced glamour of the age were Elizabeth Arden who was an entrepreneur in cosmetics and Red Door spas. Hattie Carnegie was a milliner originally and is credited as the creator of “ready to wear.” Madam C.J. Walker began with a preparation for hair and is regarded as the first female self-made millionaire in America. Helena Rubenstein is known for her advances in beauty care.
This exhibit answers the question: Does glamour empower women? See this exhibit at Liberty Station through Feb. 2 and come to your own conclusion. For more information call 619-239-4287.
A New Headquarters in Town
The Headquarters at Seaport District held their grand opening celebration on Nov. 17. This premier retail, dining and entertainment destination is located in the Old Police Headquarters. Terramar Retail Centers are the developers of this exciting property and there are many new stylish boutiques that fashionistas can find here.
Some of the standouts: Kitson isa trendy hotspot with edgy designs. The original store opened on Robertson Boulevard in LA and is known for its frequent visits from celebrities. Madison is a luxury boutique with beautiful leather and luggage. Verde is a “retail with a conscience” store featuring products and accessories that are recycled, upcycled, repurposed and sustainable. Urban Beach House has seaside chic accessories and gifts. Life is Good is a “Good Neighbor Store” and has positive messaging on their merchandize. Lolo by the Sea has unique clothing and accessories. I just love Simply Local Emporium. This store houses over 50 locally owned businesses and 85% of the merchandize is locally made.
Built in 1939 The Headquarters was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This was the first police facility to have all police operations under one roof. The building resembles an Old Spanish fortress and the landscaping for the Urban Park features native and indigenous vegetation. For a treat visit these shops and restaurants at 789 W. Harbor Dr., Downtown.
Upcoming Events
Dec. 5 – An evening of Louis Vuitton: Fashion Week Trends with FGI San Diego and Neiman Marcus from 6 – 9 p.m. at Neiman Marcus Fashion Valley. More info: facebook.com/events/703495102993822/
Dec. 6 – “Christmas Tree Lane”: Presented by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, with a fashion show produced by Gretchen Productions at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. The one-day event celebrates the holiday season as only the Boys & Girls Clubs can do. The theme for the afternoon will be “Vintage Glam Wonderland” and feature a boutique and fashion show.
Through Feb. 2, 2014 – Guts Behind the Glamour: The Women’s Museum of California presents a new exhibit Guts Behind the Glamour. The exhibit located in Liberty Stations will run until February 2, closed Mondays & Tuesdays. For more info, call 619-233-7963.
Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally recognized hat designer and milliner, and has been in the fashion business for 30 years. The last 20 of those 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].
