By Diana Cavagnaro
Holiday Fantasia
The Greater San Diego Chapter of Childhelp presented the 29th annual holiday Fantasia on Nov. 21. This entertaining day of boutique shopping and fashion was held at the exquisite Estancia Hotel and was a perfect way to start the holiday season. Some of the fun treasures came from Bubbles Boutique, Naty Silver Jewelry, Chic Mommy, and D Forsythe.
Bubbles Boutique in the Gaslamp Quarter has also opened Bubbles Too in Little Italy and carries great gift ideas for the holidays. Naty Silver Jewelry is handpicked from Peru. Chic Mommy has luxury candles that smell amazing, along with other gift ideas. D Forsythe has jewelry from Dolores’ designs, local jewelers, and one-of-a-kind jewelry from international artists.
Proceeds from the event go to Childhelp. CEO and co-founder Sara O’Meara and president and co-founder Yvonne Fedderson established this national nonprofit in 1959 to help abused, neglected and at-risk children.
Rhea Tobin and Jeri Hein were the co-chairs for this incredible event and the Childhelp celebrity ambassador Jen Lilley welcomed the audience.
Lilley currently has a lead role in NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” and has made a commitment to Childhelp. This commitment and devotion has helped to change the lives of children everywhere. Pierre Charmasson was the professional auctioneer for the event. This former news, sports and weathercaster took the stage for a live auction using his phenomenal voice talents. Some of the items were a seven-day cruise to the Caribbean or Mexico and four club level seats to the San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos game, Sunday, Dec. 6.
Gretchen Bergman of Gretchen Productions choreographed the fashion show. Bergman is known for her fascinating shows that intertwine dance, theater and fashion. The first scene highlighted models coming down the runway wearing red and black holiday fashions from Macy’s. Another segment from Macy’s was knockout little black dresses that were accessorized with long strings of pearls. Next on the catwalk was gorgeous attire from the upscale boutique, Gerhard, and adorable children delighted the audience as they modeled fashions from Gap Kids.
One of the standouts from Maggie B was a leopard blouse with a black leather skirt. TRE showed casual chic on the runway, Ted Baker highlighted festive black or red fashions for the upcoming season, and Travis Matthew excited the crowd with the latest men’s fashions. The finale lit up the stage with a segment called Holiday Fantasia. These elegant fashions from Mia Bella Couture brought to a close this marvelous holiday fashion show.
Childhelp National operates a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD. For more information about this wonderful organization, which focuses on advocacy, prevention, treatment, and community outreach visit ChildHelp.org.
Upcoming events
Dec. 12 | Glamour on Goldfinch — a holiday trunk show featuring designers from Fashion Week San Diego 2015 for a shopping extravaganza at The Patio, located on 4020 Goldfinch St. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Partial proceeds from cocktail sales will go back to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. For reservations call 619-501-5090.
—Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned couture milliner based in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.
