by Diana Cavagnaro
Sophisticated Rhythms
St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center presented the 36th Haute with Heart fashion show at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront on Aug. 17.
This luncheon and fashion show began with an incredible rendition of the national anthem sung by SMSC student Bryce Johnson. President Sharon Esche-Irving welcomed everyone and fashion show Host Chair Toni Petruzzo and CEO Debra Emerson gave the acknowledgements.
Joan Eichen was honored for her support of the St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center. Sally B. Thornton was Honorary Chair.
Every year a talented dance troupe with the SMSC performs and delights the audience. One segment of the show featured the St. Madeleine Sophie’s students with guest community leader models. This is always the hit of the show. Pam Wilson Productions produced the fashion show showcasing stores from the Fashion Valley Mall.
The theme for the afternoon was Sophisticated Rhythms and the models came down the runway with fabulous designs. The featured artist for the invitations and programs was the SMSC student John Agostini. Proceeds for this event are for adults with developmental disabilities who participate in programs everyday at the St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center. For more info visit: stmsc.org/
Girls Night Out
Sassy City Chicks Shopping Event – San Diego presented Girl’s Night Out on Aug. 22 at the Andaz San Diego. This fun-filled evening had cocktails, networking, and shopping. A boutique with local designers was set up and the girls enjoyed giveaways and complimentary spa services such as Oprah’s manicurist and the ancient art of eyebrow threading by Beauty By Dolly. A drawing was held for a stylish Kate Spade purse.
Gordana Gehlhausen from Project Runway All-Stars & Project Runway 6 was on hand to take pictures with the guests and was selling her latest creations. Michele Brunson brought her daughter Darmirra to help with her Sazzy Boutique. They had the latest trends in clothing handbags, and hats. Darmirra Brunson is currently getting ready to film a second season of the sitcom, “ Love Thy Neighbor” which airs on OWN – Oprah Winfrey’s network. Arlene Zarco brought her beautiful jewelry and vegan handbags from her boutique, DAMA. A local business PilyQ Swimwear was showing off the latest in swimsuit fashions.
The evening was perfect for shopping with discounted prices, socializing with Sassy Cocktails, and having a pampered evening with spa services. If you would like to attend the next fashion bash visit: sassycitychick.com/event/details/sassy-city-chicks-san-diego/.
Upcoming Events
Sept. 13 – Exhibit Ambush Phase 2 Pop-Up Show: A preview of the main event, from 7-9 p.m. at 2971 Beech St. in South Park.
Sept. 19 – The Arc of San Diego Annual Fashion Show: Elks Lodge, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 1450 East Washington Ave., El Cajon. Call 619-258-6725.
Sept. 22 – FGI Little Black Dress Event: Fashion show at San Diego Polo Grounds, 12:30 – 7 p.m. For tickets: fgilittleblackdresspolo.eventbrite.com/
Sept. 28 – STRUT! for Sobriety: This ninth annual event will take place at the Marriott Marquis & Marina. This dynamic event presented by A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing) will include a boutique, luncheon, “Path to Recovery” awards, and a fashion show produced by Gretchen Productions. It honors individuals who help reduce the stigma associated with addictive illness and celebrates recovery from drug addiction. Tickets: strutforsobriety.eventbrite.ca/
Sept. 30 to Oct. 6 – San Diego Fashion Week: Held at the Port Pavilion Broadway Pier. For more info visit: fashionweeksd.com
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].
