Let the sunshine in

St. Madeleine’s Sophie Center presented the 35th annual fashion show and luncheon, themed “Let the Sunshine In,” at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront on Aug. 18. Featuring sunflowers all around — with tables decorated with beautiful arrangements of the flower and a dress of sunflowers on display — the ambience was set for the fun social hour and silent auction.

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center works with developmentally disabled adults. During the show some of the students performed a dance routine and singing performance for the audience, and SMSC student Kelly Boland performed a wonderful rendition of the national anthem. A standout segment on the runway featured celebrity models accompanied by the SMSC students, including honorary chair Sally B. Thornton and Good Morning San Diego news anchor Alexis DelChiaro.

Leonard Simpson, Fashion Forward creator, produced the show. Outstanding segments included Brit Boy Fashions and Eyes on Fifth, while Karise Design accented the catwalk fashions with semi-precious designs from Juelerie. An audience favorite was a segment with all the models carrying miniature dogs wearing designs from Metropolitan. For more information on St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, visit www.stmsc.org

Monique Lhuillier

rocks the runway

The Globe Guilders brought “Celebrating Couture 2012” to the Hilton San Diego Bayfront on Aug. 7 with a luncheon and fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus and the Fall Couture Collection of designer Monique Lhuillier on the runway. Lhuillier is an international designer known for breathtaking bridal collections and gorgeous red carpet gowns (all of the designs are made in America).

The must-have color for fall is red, and Lhuillier’s inspiration for using the color came from the Year of the Dragon. Red fire was seen on lava- and volcano-print fabrics, while other gowns and dresses had gemstone prints and printed lace. Most of the 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, like belts and gloves, and the models reflected old Hollywood glamour with stylish hair and painted red lips.

One of my favorite creations was a red embroidered nude gown with tulle cap sleeves. The final knockout 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 Diego. For more information, visit www.globeguilders.org.

– Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally recognized hat designer and milliner who has been operating a fashion business for 30 years. She has been teaching in the fashion department at San Diego Mesa College for 20 years. Diana is an active member of the Gaslamp Quarter Association, The American Sewing Guild, the San Diego Costume Council and the Fashion Group International.