By Diana Cavagnaro

Celebrating couture

The Globe Guilders and Neiman Marcus presented “Celebrating Couture 2016” Aug. 22 at the San Diego Marriott Marquis. This annual luncheon and fashion show began with a Champagne reception and silent auction in the new grand ballroom. The chair for the event was Linda Van Vark, with honorary chairs Barbara and Dick Enberg, and Stacey and Robert Foxworth.

During the luncheon, it was announced that Peggy Matthews was including in her estate plans the Dorothy Brown Endowment Fund to benefit the students of The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theater Program, and the Globe’s Endowment Fund to benefit the Costume Shop. The theme for this 26th year of runway shows was the Art of Fashion Fall 2016. This year they featured collections of selected celebrated couture and pret-a-porter designers such as Monique Lhuillier, Marchesa, and Naeem Khan.

One of the trends on the runway was gorgeous floral prints. Red was a predominant color used by many designers. One red evening gown by Monique Lhuillier was breathtaking and a red ball gown by Naeem Khan was a must have. Many designers paid great attention to details such as embroidery, appliques, beading, and other lavish embellishments. One standout trim was tassels and fringe. The tassels were on garments, jewelry and earrings and the fringe was on jackets. Another direction on the runway was capes, a current trend. This year, they featured shoes and handbags on the catwalk. Models also showed off jewelry by Lulu Frost that was fashioned with beautiful vintage pieces. After the show, Neiman Marcus had a room where all the items were available for purchase.

The Globe Guilders support the Old Globe’s artistic and arts engagement programs. This wonderful nonprofit program has countless volunteers dedicated to benefit the Old Globe Theatre. For more information, visit globeguilders.org.

Haute with Heart

The 39th Haute with Heart fashion show and luncheon was presented on Aug. 13 at Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC) presented this heartwarming event. This year, the theme was “Empowerment is Golden.” This was based on the art piece “Geisha” by John Agostini, who has been the featured artist for the past five years.

The emcee for the afternoon was KUSI anchor Brandi Williams, and auctioneer Steve Hamann. The honorary chair for the event was Kristi Pieper. Desiree Pemberton, SMSC student, gave a terrific rendition of the National Anthem. One of my favorite segments of the afternoon was when the SMSC students modeled in the fashion show. This always receives a huge response from the audience.

TV personality, Leonard Simpson and his production company Fashion Forward, presented the fashion show. This year Simpson showcased two celebrity designers — the first was Vietnamese designer Vo Viet Chung, who presented his 2016 collection with the theme “Royals.” His designs reflect a mixture of glamour with his traditional Vietnamese culture and he was named the Fashion International Designer of the Year. The second celebrity designer was Andre Soriano, who specializes in beautiful wedding and couture gowns. His designs bring back old Hollywood glamour.

This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center. Proceeds from the event go to support individuals with disabilities at SMSC. They are making empowerment for life through innovation and education. For more information visit stmsc.org.

Upcoming Events

Sept. 10 | 12th annual “Strut for Sobriety!” — a boutique, luncheon, awards ceremony and fashion show presented by A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing) at the Hyatt Aventine La Jolla. The event celebrates recovery from drug addiction. Fashion show produced by Gretchen Productions. For info, call 619-670-1184.

Sept. 15 | Art of Fashion — presented by Country Friends at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe beginning at 10 a.m. This is the 12th year they have partnered with South Coast Plaza. For tickets, visit thecountryfriends.org

—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