The Country Friends presented the 67th Art of Fashion on Sept. 15 in partnership with South Coast Plaza. This event was held at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe and began with a Champagne reception on The Inn’s Lawn. President Suzanne Newman was there to greet the crowd. Sandra Maas was the emcee for the afternoon. She is an award-winning television personality and creator of “Trailblazing Women,” a video series for the Women’s Museum of California. This year, three remarkable women were co-chairs: Keilene Hayward, Sandy Nolan, and Melissa Wilkins.
The runway show began outside under a huge canopy. Max Mara is known for their Icon Teddy Bear Coat, the “It Coat.” This year, they had an impressive array of accessories in the Teddy Fabric such as clutch bags, belt bags, and mittens.
Monique Lhuillier presented beautiful evening wear and bridal gowns. One was sequin embroidered and adorned with feather trim on the sleeves, a strapless teal ball gown with a ruffled tulle neckline, and finishing her collection was an elegant off-the-shoulder wedding gown.
Isabel Marant presented an electric blue satin midi dress that was an eyecatcher. She also showed a denim jeans outfit that resembled a pair of tight-fitting cargo jeans.
A stand-out with Lafayette 148 New York was a Boheme lace V-neck camisole with a reversed shearling overcoat. Lafayette 148 New York also had a luxurious double weave wisteria blazer and pants with a cashmere long fringed scarf. Many of the designers showed wide-legged trousers, lace-up boots, and over-the-knee boots.
Bally presented “Irenne,” which is a leather long boot with wood on the platform sole and a rubber toe cap. A crowd-pleaser was a yellow fringed dress by Saks Fifth Avenue. Oscar de la Renta showed his signature floral motif which made a botanically bold statement. He concluded with an off-the-shoulders ball gown.
The guests were seated on the lawn for a delicious luncheon. Anna Couvrette, one of the youngest auctioneers in the United States, began motivating the audience. They immediately started bidding on the live auction items including the Ultimate Antarctic Adventure from Scott Dunn Luxury Travel, which was valued at $38,390. The event continued with a “Sip, Shop, and Support.” Guests finished the picture-perfect day with more boutique shopping at the participating vendors.
This is the 18th year that South Coast Plaza has partnered with The Country Friends. They are renowned as a leading destination for international shopping. The Country Friends is a nonprofit organization that has raised more than $14 million for charities throughout San Diego County. They have been “Helping San Diegans, One Hand at a Time.” For more information, visit https://thecountryfriends.org/.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, Oct. 8 – FWSD22 Runway Shows at the Andaz from 6-10 p.m. will feature a 10-piece collection from designers followed by a trunk show on Day 2 on the rooftop. For tickets: https://fashionweeksd.ticketsauce.com/e/fashion-week-san-diego-2022.
Saturday, Oct. 22 – Kenneth Barlis presents the 10th-anniversary event at the Port Pavillion on Broadway Pier beginning at 4 p.m. For tickets, visit https://kennethbarlisofficial.com/collections/tickets.
Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.
