Nordstrom designer preview The annual Nordstrom Designer Preview event took place Feb. 23 at Landmark Aviation. This high-energy fashion show featured the American and European collections for spring 2011. The dramatic opening began with a cube unveiling a stage of stationary models. They came down the runway wearing fashions from designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Emilio Pucci, Versace and Oscar de la Renta. Shoes are always a big part of the show. My favorite was the pair of silver and black heels from Marni. A “must have” and the hottest trend for spring are all-white dresses, pants, tops and jackets. Luscious lace was very popular on the runway, along with body hugging dresses. Most of the designers showed bright colors, especially turquoise and tangerine. The lipstick was bright pink and orange. A designer boutique was set up so the guests were able to shop after the show while listening to DJ Myson King and drummer Josh Garza. Waters Fine Catering provided the delicious hors d’oeuvre. This event benefited The New Children’s Museum, which empowers children to think, play and create. For more information visit www.thinkplaycreate.org A fashionable garden at Eden Eden is a new contemporary boutique for women that just opened at 520 Fifth Ave. The owner, Allan Hall, designed and constructed all the fixtures and metal work in keeping with the Eden theme. Hall displayed his craftsmanship with three benches he constructed for the boutique. The first two are shaped like large velvet leaves sitting on a metal framework. The third is a gorgeous piece of wood sitting on metal work. The floor is hand-stenciled with trees, leaves, birds and butterflies. The garden ambiance is filled with birdbaths, birdcages, nests and bird eggs, and is completed with a beautiful sky-blue ceiling. A trend at Eden is bright colors for the spring and summer seasons. Feather earrings are also popular right now. Jeans are a big seller here, especially Plastics by Gly Jeans. These stylish clothes are moderately priced and the shop has a great selection of accessories. Hall said you don’t have to spend a lot of money to be noticed. You only need to be creative and unique, which this boutique certainly reflects. If you are ready for the wow factor in shopping, visit Eden Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. or Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cool Bohemian nights “Bohemian Nights” is a shopping event that happens every third Saturday of the month at the Industry Showroom. February was a Valentine’s Day event with fashion, art, design and music. DJ Alex Hardy spun the tunes. There was an abundance of vendors, including the shops in residence such as BritBoy, DCompress, Atomic LaserLab and Melt Boutique. My favorite was Consuul Clothing, which screen-printed a T-Shirt for patrons right on the spot. The Sudden Art Gallery located in the Industry Showroom features a different artist every month, with February featuring the creative art of Aaron Ishaeik. Industry Showroom is the brainchild of Rex Edhlund, who has created this collaboration of retail stores. Edhlund is also the creator of the clothing line Popular Naughty and the monthly Bohemian Nights event, which last month featured designs from BritBoy and Shanna Gall. The models came out of the store and circled the block in a spectacular fashion parade. All-natural products are a current trend in retail. Lillie Soap Co. was on hand with its handcrafted all-natural soap. Another trend in fashion is feathers, and The Friendly Feather Shop was present with cruelty-free feather jewelry. Come in to see the next Bohemian Market on March 26 or just visit the shops at the Industrial Showroom, located at 345 6th Ave. in the Gaslamp Quarter. Upcoming events March 12: Fashion Plates Luncheon & Fashion Show at the Sheraton Harbor Island at 10 a.m. to benefit the San Diego Blood Bank. For information call Trisha Gooch at (858) 527-1419 ext. 29 March 15: Viva Latinas at Hattox Hall at the Old Globe Theatre from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. will feature cocktails and a fashion presentation of select pieces by Naeem Khan. RSVP at [email protected]. March 20: The boutique Pretty Is? will host its first open house from noon to 6 p.m. located at 418 Third Avenue. April 3: Thread (Curated Indie Design & Fashion) will take place at the Horton Plaza Event Space at 4th & Broadway from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. RSVP at wwwthreadshow.com — Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally recognized hat designer and milliner. Diana has been operating a fashion business for 28 years, with the last 18 years in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. She has been teaching in the fashion department at San Diego Mesa College for 18 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.
