Diana Cavagnaro | Downtown News
Designer Vault
Designer Vault presented a trunk show at PreFAB located in the newly opened The Headquarters at Seaport District.
PreFAB is a creative space for pop-ups, trunk shows, meetings or gallery shows. Designer Vault was a collection of vintage and pre-owned handbags, clothing, and accessories. The holidays are a great time for shopping, especially for those who love Chanel. This was the largest collection of Chanel that I have seen and I was in seventh heaven. The founder of Designer Vault is Christina Samoylov, a graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM).
Celebrity stylist Daniel Musto and Dean Hall were on hand to help style everyone in these designer duds. In addition to Chanel, one could find many other designers such as Balenciaga and Hermes plus an array of handbags to please every fashionista. A portion of the proceeds went to Promises2Kids, a nonprofit started in 1981 to fight child abuse and help the needs of foster children. If you missed this uber-chic event, check out Christina Samoylov’s online boutique at: Designer-vault.com.
Gaslamp went to the dogs
The Gaslamp Quarter was the scene for the sixth annual Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade & Expo on Dec. 8, starting at the Hilton Gaslamp Quarter Hotel. This event was presented by Downtown Ace Hardware and included fun exhibitor booths with dog products, specialty foods for fido, pet photography, pet supplies, and a wide range of canine products. Dogs of all sizes were decked out in holiday costumes and many other critters such as cats and guinea pigs. They all congregated in the park having a good time and enjoying the vendors. The contestants walked to Fifth Avenue where the parade began with Leo, the Grand Marshall, leading the charge.
Winners: Best Costume Made Out of Duct Tape presented by Downtown Ace Hardware: Tom Turner and Minnie Mouse; Ugliest Christmas Sweater: Dan Johnson and Coconut the French Bulldog; Cutest Critter: Anna Morales and Annie the mini-Yorkie; Best Pet Costume: Joseph Jaslow and Byron the “Dog Year Blimp”; Best Pet Costume (non-canine): Erica Nasby and Sneaky the Guinea Pig; Best Pet Holiday Costume: Mary Caraway and Bailey, “Yorkie the Snowman.”
My personal favorite at the parade was Jan Savage and Sir Ruffles von Vicious, the “Poop Patrol.” They were the winner of Best Costumed Duo and I thought it was the most creative outfit. Winner of Best Costumed Group: Gaetano Marino and Family, with Mx. Halle as “The Elf Family.”
This year’s Best in Show was the Elf Family:?Justin Peverly and Kitty the Great Dane, as the “Reindeer on Strike.” They also get the honor of leading off next year’s parade as the 2014 Grand Marshal. Save the date for the seventh annual parade on Dec.14, 2014. For more information visit gaslamp.org/pet-parade.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 26 — Winter Bridal Bazaar with fashion shows presented by Gretchen Productions at the San Diego Convention Center. Three shows presented throughout the day. For more info call 760-334-5500.
Feb. 14— Go Red For Women luncheon and fashion show, featuring the designs of Zandra Rhodes at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more info call 858-410-3834.
Feb. 24 – March 9 — San Diego History Center presents the exhibit Fashion Redux! 2014, which will feature four top designers from San Diego Mesa College. The finalist created contemporary garments inspired by 1930s. For more info call 619-232-6203.
