Ecologique was presented at Thin/Onyx on Oct. 17, turning the runway into the first green initiative fashion event in San Diego. The evening showcased sustainable, organic and reconstructed fashions. This event was a great way to educate the audience on making “green” a fashionable thing. The evening began with a happy hour in the Onyx lounge downstairs and featured a trunk show and silent auction with all eco-friendly products. The lively crowd moved upstairs to Thin for the second half of the evening. DJ Edgartronic hosted the tunes and kept the audience entertained until the show began. The first down the runway was the Spring/Summer 2010 LiCari Collection. This stylish line was designed by special guest Jazmin Whitley and accessorized with luxurious handbags by Peter Kent. Jazmin is the youngest designer to show her collection at New York’s Fashion Week and was most recently seen in her MTV series “House of Jazmin.” This series has been renewed for a second season, so look for that to start airing soon. Designer Meiling Chen flew out from New York to show her famous eco-friendly line influenced by visual design and art. Everything in her fall/winter 2009 line was designed in her New York studio and made in the USA. These beautiful clothes can be worn day or evening. Another favorite was Pants to Poverty, a London based underwear company for both men and women. The models were a huge hit as they came down the catwalk and tossed samples of underwear to the excited audience. AK Productions produced this upbeat and totally green event. Purchasing sustainable products is a conscious choice and this event was a great way to learn how to stay stylish and be eco-friendly at the same time. Proceeds from the event went to Susan G. Komen for the Cure San Diego (Komen sandiego.org). Art of Fashion The Country Friends and South Coast Plaza presented the 54th annual “Art of Fashion” event on Sept. 24. The venue was at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, combining a luncheon, prepared by executive chef John Beriker on the croquet lawn, and a fashion show under a large outdoor canopy. Sandra Maas, a KUSI anchor, emceed the event. This is always one of the top fashion shows in San Diego County and this year was no exception. Donna Karan, Emilio Pucci, Erminegildo Zegna, Marni, Max Mara, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Roberto Cavalli, Saks Fifth Avenue and St. John were the designers showcased from South Coast Plaza. The fashion show highlighted the fall/winter 2009 collections. The styles this season were very wearable clothes in an array of neutral colors of brown, gray, blacks and burgundy. Some of the standout colors were an electric blue suit and fuchsia dresses. One of the biggest trends was belted coats, jackets and dresses. Another huge trend was one-shoulder creations coming down the runway in both sporty blouses and sophisticated gowns. Accessories are big this season with gorgeous shoes, boots, must-have handbags and stylish sunglasses. Men’s fashions were added to the runway this year. The big style for men was layering. The models came down the catwalk wearing shirts, vests, jackets and scarves. Boutique shopping was set up after the show for all the guests. The merchandise included clothing, furs, David Yurman Jewelry, accessories and fragrances by Jo Malone. Everyone enjoyed “Après Affaire” wine tasting on the Garden Terrace. This year’s event benefits Voices for Children, which is a non-profit agency. This organization has court appointed special advocates (CASA) who are matched with foster children. Mentoring services are given to abused, neglected and abandoned children in the system. For more information visit: wwwspeakupnow.org. Strut for Sobriety The fifth annual Strut for Sobriety was presented by New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing) at the Westin Hotel on Sept. 19. The event began with a fun social hour featuring a silent auction and boutique shopping for all the attendees. Co-chairs Connie Conard and Colleen Ruis Jackson got the festivities started. Path to Recovery awards were given during the luncheon to: Bettie Reinhardt, BSN, MPH (executive director of NAMI San Diego); George F. Koob, Ph.D. (professor and chairman of the committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders at the Scripps Research Institute); Barbara J. Mason, Ph. D. (Pearson Family chair; a professor and director of the Laboratory of Clinical Psychopharmacology at the Scripps Research Institute); and Assemblyman Jim Beall, Jr. (24th District California). The fashion show featured stylish fashions from Macy’s Horton Plaza. This enjoyable show highlighted very wearable fashions. The models walked down the runway in garments that came in all sizes and shapes for both day and evening. Gretchen Productions produced this entertaining show that included a combination of fashion, singing and dancing. A New PATH works toward reducing the stigma of substance abuse and increasing the quality of addiction treatment services. For more information visit: www. anewpathsite.org. Upcoming events • Through April 1, 2010 — The Costume Council of the San Diego Historical Society presents San Diego Style curated by Timothy Long. Call (619) 232-6203 • Nov. 7, 10 a.m. — The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandizing Debut Fashion Runway Show and Open House. Contact: http://fidm.edu/> and click on Fall Open House. • Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m. — The Golden Hangers Fashion Awards Gala presented by Fashion Careers College at Town & Country Resort & Convention Center. (619) 275-4700 • Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m. — Mercy Hospital Auxiliary’s second annual Dressed to the Nth Degree Boutique and Runway Fashion Show plus Leonard Simpson’s 10 Best Dressed Awards Show at the Spreckels Theater. Benefits Scripps Cancer Center at Scripps Mercy Hospital. Call: (858) 678-6393 Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally recognized hat designer and milliner. She has been operating a fashion business for 27 years, the last 17 in downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, and 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
