Diana Cavagnaro | Downtown News
Glamorous & Glowing
Glamour & Glow was a two-day event at the W Hotel on October 12th & 13th. Dave Soko is Founder of this West Coast Club Life. The theme for the first night was Enter The Fantasy. The evening was filled with music, art and fashion all illuminated under black lights. During the evening models walked around displaying glowing body art and theatrical fiber optic hair extensions. There was a laser light show with illuminated mermaids poolside along with a musical performance from Color Me. At the rooftop there were glowing art and sculpture with glowing drinks from the bar along with glow-in-the-dark wristbands.
The theme for this Saturday, Oct. 13th event was the Day of the Dead. The evening was filled with the black light activities all the theme, including El Dia del Muerto Dancers and the Living Dead Girls. This West Coast Club has also premiered in Las Vegas at The New York New York Casino and a Hollywood debut at the famous “Voyeur” with special celebrity guests Katy Perry and actor Jonah Hill. For the next upcoming Glamour and Glow visit: www.GlamourinGlow.com.
FWSD Rocks Downtown
APA Business Consulting presented Fashion Week San Diego from October 1-7. Roppongi Restaurant and Sushi Bar hosted a private event on Monday that week, and a meet-and-greet mixer with the designers on Tuesday.
The Art & Beauty behind Fashion on October 3 showcased 10 artists from RAW: natural born artists. They were inspired by the Fashion in San Diego communities to create an original piece of art. Some of the standout artists were Jason Acton, Krissy Fernandez, and Chad Recchia. Hair and makeup artists were on hand to demonstrate the latest fashion and beauty styles.
Spotlight San Diego Style look place on October 4 at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). Industry professionals JoAnn Jacks, Brian Hawkins, and Norm Zwail formed a panel of speakers led by moderator Jesse Negrete. They were asked about the business side of fashion and how you would describe style in San Diego. The following night we were back at FIDM to meet the twelve designers. Each designer brought a model to highlight one of his or her creations.
Saturday night was the runway show at the Hard Rock Hotel presenting the collections of all twelve designers. The MC for the evening was San Diego’s Channel 6 Kristen Mosteller anchor of The CW. There were a variety of designs including a plus size collection “Shades of Love” by Sharlene Borromeo, Hollywood Glamour by Andre Soriano, Paulo Rico was the only designer showcasing men’s wear, Stacie May showed a limited edition collection.
My favorite piece by May was a photo of a building that was printed on a dress. “Love is a Devil” presented a jewelry collection by designers Alana Crain and Sharie Ellis. The name was inspired by a Shakespeare sonnet and represents the personality of the two girls: one sophisticated and the other edgy. This year Erin Fader showed her Trashy Chic Jewelry, Sameerah Yasmeen Corporal highlighted her SYC Women’s wear, Evelyne Aguilar presented her nOia Collection, and Whitney Francis showcased her Creative-Fashionista Collection at FWSD.
Spags Music gave knockout entertainment for the evening. The audience was encouraged to download an app on their cell phones and then vote for their favorite designer. Kenneth Barlis topped the voting with his exquisite Spring 2013 Collection. Jessica Faulkner took second place with a lifestyle collection reminiscent of the 1940’s. Third place went to Syncletica Muniz and Aida Soria of Dos Caras who launched their swim and resorts wear collection.
The last day of FWSD was a trunk show and shopping day at the Hard Rock Hotel. Attendees were able to purchase creations from a variety of vendors plus the twelve designers. It was a perfect ending to the week of fun activities. For information about next year visit: fashionweeksd.com.
Upcoming Events
November 2-3 | Zandra Rhodes Trunk Show: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mingei International Museum store, The Collectors’ Gallery in Balboa Park. Rhodes will showcase her one-of-a-kind scarves, placemats and printed items, and publications. For information call: 619-239-0003.
November 3 | Heels2Heal: This is the third annual Fashion Show Gala to benefit Miracle Babies and will take place at a private estate in La Jolla at 5:30 p.m. For information call: 858-208-0270.
November 11 | Mary Simonsen Designs: Featuring Gili Anna of La Jolla at George’s at the Cove at 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This Fashion Luncheon will benefit Falcon Ridge Equine Rescue.
November 20 | 34th annual Charger Blood Drive Fashion Show: Sponsored by the San Diego Blood Bank at the Town and Country Hotel at 5:30 p.m. The show will feature Charger players and their families as models, wearing fashions from several local area boutiques. Donors can make an appointment to give blood and then enter the event for free or give a $5 donation.
November 30 | Leonard Simpson’s fifth annual 10 Best Dressed Awards: Held at the San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina in the White Pavilion Tent, located at 1380 Harbor Island Drive from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. For tickets visit: leonardsimpson10bestdressed.com.
November 30 | Lizz Russell Cocktail and Couture: at the Westgate Grand Lobby from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Special guest models will showcase the Lizz Russell signature creation. For reservations call 619-557-3655.
Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally recognized hat designer and milliner, and has been in the fashion business for 30 years. The last 20 of those years she’s operated her business from Downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, while moonlighting in the Fashion department at San Diego Mesa College. She can be reached at diana@aheadproductions.com.
