San Diego – the town south of Los Angeles – continues to puff its ego as its first fashion week puts the beach city onto the grid, boasting the world’s only binational fashion week that allows public entry into what is usually an exclusive event. While Fashion Week San Diego 2008 runs Sept. 29 to Oct. 5 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, 1380 Harbor Island Drive, representatives from the show’s producer, Allison Andrews, began creating a buzz in July and planning events for August, said Danielle Gano, Elle Communications. The group met Tijuana Mayor Jorge Ramos in gaining support for their designers, she said. “We went down there to let them know we’re opening the door to them as a city. We have support from both the San Diego convention and the Mexico Visitor’s Bureau,” Gano said. “We’re actually still building up some events down there.” Andrews chose La Jolla’s Salon Nobel for the show’s official stylists. “Salon Nobel is off La Jolla. They are great, and we love them there,” Andrews said. “They are the official salon of the event.” Salon Nobel will host a free event Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., auctioning off jeans worn on the previous night’s runway from Jeans for Justice. The event will take place at 3707 Nobel Court. Out of the 19 designers inside this year’s event, four are from Mexico, Gano said. Ximena Zalero was born in Mexico City and raised in Tijuana. Zalero was named Designer of the Year at Miami’s Fashion Week last year, Gano said. Zalero designed for Victoria’s Secret before starting her own line. “She pays a lot of detail in that sense to a woman’s body,” Gano said. San Diego designers include Amillie, Charmone Shoes, Fashion Overdose, Jeans For Justice, JLust4Luxe, Lizz Russell, Made Jewelry, Nelli, Stacie May, Sugar Couture, Sweet Petites and Watch Me by Petra O. “While we have media and store owners at the event, we will reach out to the public,” Gano said. “In [Allison Andrews’] opinion, the public is part of the industry.” Monday, Sept. 29, the Fashion Week San Diego tent opens at 4 p.m. with a hosted VIP bar. The fashion shows start at 6 p.m., featuring wear from Jeans for Justice, Amillie, MADE Jewelry, Charmone Shoes. Tuesday, Sept. 30, features a day event at Salon Nobel from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. (www.salon-nobel.com); it will feature light fare, drinks and bidding on jeans from Jeans for Justice worn from Monday’s runway show. This is a free event. For more information, call (858) 456-5006. Salon Nobel is at 3707 Nobel Court. The tent opens at 4 p.m. with a hosted VIP bar and live entertainment by Lee Coulter. The fashion show starts at 6 p.m., with designers Sweet Petites, Lezz Russell, Stacie May, MADE Jewelry, Charmone Shoes and an after party at Jade. For further information on Fashion Week San Diego, call 291-2900.