Leonard Simpson presented the Winter Wonderland Fashion Show & Luncheon on Dec. 5 at the U.S. Grant Hotel. This event benefits The Arc of San Diego and began with boutique shopping and a social hour. The guests adjourned to the luncheon, where Aimee Fuller was emcee for the afternoon. She introduced all the wonderful volunteers who made the afternoon happen. This included the event chairs, Maria Stanley and Cici Stanley, and the co-chairs, Mariel Filippone and Malissa Sanfilippo. A big “thank you” was given to the presenting sponsors, Dr. Howard and Barbara Milstein. With a little encouragement, they were prompted to walk the runway to a cheering audience.
The amazing auctioneer Clint Bell got the live auction going. Everyone’s favorite auction item was to have the privilege to be the first guest out at the valet service after the event ended. Guests were trying to outbid each other and Bell finally gave the auction item to two lucky winners. Additional recognition went to honorary chair Evelyn Barandiaran and conservation ambassadors Joan Embery and Duane Pillsbury.
After the luncheon, the high-pace fashion show, presented by TV personality Leonard Simpson, began. There was a mixture of men’s and women’s collections starting with the Mission Hills boutique Chateau Bel Age. They presented high-end pieces with bohemian glamour. Bel Age specializes in hand-made and limited-edition garments to help you make your own signature style. Each piece is a unique find of its own.
Odin Threads creates wearable art strictly made for creative gangsters. Each coat has artwork hand-drawn by artists that is fully reversible with faux fur. The models came down the catwalk and turned the garments inside out to show the versatility. Each coat is ethically made in Los Angeles and cruelty-free.
Satori Designs has an eclectic collection of apparel and jewelry from around the world and all are standout pieces on the runway combined with Aimee Fuller hats. The garments look like they come from different countries and all would be wonderful statement pieces in your wardrobe. The store is located in Solana Beach or you can shop online with them.
Zeglio Custom Clothiers is a bespoke tailor shop located in Downtown San Diego and in La Jolla. They came down the runway showing off their custom-made suits. They are constructed in all fabrics and weights that are styled to your taste in lapels, pockets, trousers, and vests.
The finale collection presented was the designs of Karian Forsyth. These luxury resortwear are both stylish and sexy and gave a dramatic conclusion to the afternoon. Forsyth gives trunk shows around the U.S. and the Caribbean and currently is in boutiques in St. Barts.
The Arc of San Diego is a nonprofit that serves 2,000 children and adults with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. They provide services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their life goals. For more information with this organization, visit: arc-sd.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 — Bridal Bazaar at the San Diego Convention Center with two fashion shows at noon and 2:30 p.m. For more information, call 760-334-5500.
