Diana Cavagnaro | Downtown News
Haute with Heart
St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC) presented the 35th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, on August 18.
The theme for the event was “Let the Sunshine In,” and tables were decorated in this theme with beautiful arrangements of sunflowers. A dress of sunflowers was also displayed on a mannequin, adding to the ambience for the fun social hour and silent auction.
SMSC works with developmentally disabled adults, offering them a “Life Program.” During the show some of the students performed a dance routine and singing performance for the audience.
Kelly Boland, another SMSC student, performed a wonderful rendition of the national anthem.
Standouts on the runway were the celebrity models accompanied by the SMSC students, including Honorary Chair Sally B. Thornton and Good Morning San Diego news anchor, Alexis Del Chiaro.
Leonard Simpson, creator of Fashion Forward, produced the fashion show.
Some of the outstanding segments were Downtown’s Brit Boy Fashions and Eyes on Fifth. Karise Design, accented by the semi-precious designs of Juelerie, was a standout on the catwalk.
My favorite was a segment with all the models carrying miniature dogs.
All these darling pooches delighted the audience. For more information on St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, visit stmsc.org
Celebrating Couture 2012
The Globe Guilders brought ‘Celebrating Couture 2012’ to the Hilton San Diego Bayfront on August 7.
This combined luncheon and fashion show was presented by Neiman Marcus and brought the Fall Couture Collection of designer Monique Lhuillier to the runway.
Lhuililer is an international designer known for breathtaking bridal collections and gorgeous red carpet gowns. The big plus of this collection is that these designs are all “made-in-America.”
The must-have color for fall is red, reflecting Lhuillier’s inspiration, which came from the Year of the Dragon. This fire-red was seen on the lava and volcano print fabrics in the collection. Other gowns and dresses had gemstone prints and printed lace.
Most of the dresses and gowns were red and black showing off an edgier and tough city girl look. Many of the designs had sheer paneled cutouts, thigh-high slits, velvet burnout fabric, and a sprinkle of gold sequin-embellished pieces.
The gowns were accented with leather details such as belts and gloves. The look of the models reflected old Hollywood glamour with stylish hair and beautiful red lips.
One of my favorite creations was a red embroidered nude gown with tulle cap sleeves. The final knockout gown was a red lace ball gown with a leather halter and an embroidered organza skirt.
The Globe Guilders raise funds for the Artistic and Educational Programs of The Old Globe. This annual event is now in its 22nd year bringing high fashion shows to San Diegans. For more information visit: globeguilders.org
Looking Ahead
Hats & Headdresses from cultures and countries around the world at the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park extended through October 9. For information call: 619-239-0003.
Sept. 19th – Dress for Success San Diego “Moonlight Chic” Fashion Show on the rooftop of Hotel Palomar, 1047 5th Avenue from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. For reservations call 858-449-1946.
Sept. 22nd – Fashion Style San Diego, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. This will be part of Entrepreneur Day, which will also include entrepreneurial speakers, live artwork, bands, beer tasting, and DJ’s. For more information visit: sdentrepreneurday.com.
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.
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