Diana Cavagnaro | Downtown News
Salon & Boutique De Marcus
A Downtown Media Party was presented on March 9 at Salon and Boutique De Marcus. Founder Marcus Hanish hosted this party and fashion show, which showcased his latest line. Hanish is both a talented hair stylist and fashion designer. These creations included one of a kind vintage along with his couture designs.
The fashion show began with a runway that went down the center of the store and a collection of models rocked the catwalk. Both men’s and women’s designs were shown.
The finale opened with two men spray painted in gold resembling the academy award statues. Models strutted in-between the two gold statues in Marcus’ glamorous gowns.
This media party announced the newest line “De Marcus” which will be available internationally. The idea begins in the US; the fabric is sourced in Turkey, manufactured in France and constructed in Germany. To see these stylish designs up close, stop by 685 Second Ave.
An Evening with Zandra Rhodes
The University Club is in one of the tallest buildings in San Diego with a fantastic view of the city and it was the perfect location for an Evening with Zandra Rhodes on March 14. As the event began, guests were treated to the beautiful skyline beginning with an awesome sunset. Models wearing marvelous designs by Rhodes strolled through the crowd showing off her creations.
Rhodes gave a presentation of her momentous career beginning with the creation of a garment. First begins the illustration or sketch that is then screen printed on silk chiffon. The shape of the garment is then determined by this textile which was made first.
Rhodes designed many collections during her illustrious career and during the evening she gave a potpourri of examples to the audience such as “Indian Feather Collection,” “Chinese Collection,” and the “Conceptual Chic Collection” which the press labeled as punk and named her the “High Princess of Punk.”
This international designer has influenced people the world over with her creative genius.
The guests were invited to view the giclée prints by Rhodes for the sets and costumes she created for “Aida.” “Aida” is a colorful opera by Giuseppe Verdi about ancient Egypt. It will be at the San Diego Opera from April 20-28. For more information about this stunning production call 619-533-7000.
Cherry Blossoms in Springtime
Cherry Blossoms in Springtime was a luncheon and fashion show at the US Grant Hotel on March 19. The chairs were Daran Grimm, Sonya Berg and Laura Applegate. Celebrity honorary chair was Mary Murphy from “So You Think You Can Dance” and honorary chair was Ramin A. Pourteymour.
The dress code was shades of pink and cherry. The stage was fashioned with cherry blossoms and each table decoration was beautifully done by Laura Applegate to add a perfect touch to the event.
Hands of Hope Awards were given to Sally B. Thornton and Susie Spanos. A musical inspiration award was handed out to Wayne Foster. Champion Ballroom Academy and Arts Intra Dance Company entertained the guests as they dined.
Leonard Simpson and John Jimenez from Fashion Forward produced the upbeat fashion show. Models came down the runway with a backdrop of a Japanese garden and a stage surrounded with cherry blossoms and pink lanterns. Proceeds from this event benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County that helps individuals and families affected by epilepsy.
The highlight of the afternoon was when a young girl, Maria Burritt, spoke about her brother who had epilepsy. Burritt melted the hearts of the audience when she said that she wanted to become a research scientist when she grows up to find a cure for epilepsy. For more information visit: epilepsyfoundation.org
Upcoming Events
April 6, 2013 | Fashion with a Passion – Sponsored by Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This is a fabulous ladies event, featuring the ultimate accessories swap. The FIDM in Downtown San Diego is the perfect venue to enjoy cocktails and sumptuous cuisine, shop in vendor village for great fashion finds, and participate in the swap. Tickets are available at fashionwithapassion.org
April 18, 2013|Vista Hill Foundation will present a luncheon and fashion show at the Marriott Marquis. For info call 858-854-5152
April 19, 2013 | Fashion Redux 2013 Final Party – Held at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park from 6 to 8 p.m. An annual fashion competition of Mesa College fashion students interpreting Roaring 20’s as their inspiration era. Garments will be on display from April 9 – 21. For reservations, email [email protected]
May 10, 2013 | Golden Scissors Fashion Show – The Sheraton Hotel & Marina 5:30 p.m. Reception & Silent Auction, 7:30 p.m., followed by fashion show & awards. For information call: 619-388-2205.
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].
