Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, Max Mara, Versace and Saks Fifth Avenue are among the leading international designers and luxury retailers showcased on September 12 when The Country Friends presents the 2019 Art of Fashion in partnership with South Coast Plaza. The runway show also includes the latest looks from the fall-winter collections of Bally, Escada, Moncler and Tory Burch.
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe again serves as the historic venue for this annual fall fete. The event, co-chaired by Elaine Kaminski Becerra and Erika Fetter, honors Andrea Naversen, the veteran journalist, community leader and philanthropist. Television news personality and health reporter Sandra Maas serves as emcee.
The Art of Fashion begins with a Moët & Chandon Champagne reception with light bites from the French Gourmet. Guests are invited to shop South Coast Plaza mini boutiques featuring fashion, fragrance and accessories from Diptyque, Furla, Max Mara, Moncler, Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, Vitra Eyewear and Weekend Max Mara. Ten percent of sales benefit The Country Friends’ selected charities.
The centerpiece of the event is the Art of Fashion runway show, a professionally produced event presented beneath a vast open-air tent, showcasing the latest collections from South Coast Plaza’s premier international designers. After the show, guests gather on The Inn’s Croquet Lawn for a festive luncheon with centerpieces created by Kendall Farms and a live auction and opportunity drawing featuring prizes including a diamond and amethyst necklace from Jacqui Grande Fine Gemstones & Jewelry valued at more than $18,000. Grand prize is a week-long trip to England and Scotland, valued at approximately $25,000, donated by Scott Dunn. Alaska Airlines is once again offering round-trip tickets for two paired with a New York City hotel stay. The “Shop, Stay & Play” package features a $2,000 shopping spree and dinner at the Water Grill donated by South Coast Plaza, a $1,000 VIP Shopping Experience for three at Saks Fifth Avenue, and an overnight stay at the Westin South Coast Plaza. Foresight Sports is contributing a launch monitor and golf simulator package valued at $20,000. The Art of Fashion concludes with “Sip, Shop and Support,” the chance to continue boutique shopping. Spa Girl Cocktails will serve all-natural martinis.
Major Art of Fashion sponsors include Les and Deborah Cross, Bob and Karen Hoehn of Hoehn Jaguar Land Rover, Warren Family Foundation, Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa/Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa and Northern Trust. Also providing substantial support are Maggie Bobileff, Torrey Pines Bank, Dr. Melanie Palm of Art of Skin MD, Dr. Aura Emami, Tamara Lafarga-Joseph and Roger Joseph, Dwight Wait and Andrea Naversen Wait and the Zable Family. Dr. Sirius and Amber Yoo of SKY Facial Plastic Surgery, Gigi Cramer, and Hugh & Joy Bancroftare additional sponsors. Longtime supporters include The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, Moet & Chandon, and Denise and Bertrand Hug of Mille Fleurs. In addition, more than 30 Art of Fashion patrons have contributed in tribute to this year’s honoree.
Since its founding in 1954, The Country Friends has donated nearly $14 million to those in need with special emphasis on women, children, the elderly, the military and disabled. For more information, or to become an Art of Fashion sponsor, please contact: The Country Friends at (858)756-1192, extension 4.
