Highlights from the runway at Art of Fashion and Sycuan Fashion Show

SAN DIEGO – The Country Friends presented the 71st annual Art of Fashion on Sept. 11 at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. This runway show, in partnership with South Coast Plaza, featured a luxury fall/winter collection with designs from Max Mara, Eleventy, Balmain, Camilla, Bally, Stella McCartney, Oscar de la Renta and Monique Lhuillier.

The event opened with a welcome from the Country Friends president Janean Stripe and co-chairs Sophia Alsadek and Anna Laurel. The honorary chair was Sandra Maas, and the emcee for the afternoon was Kimberly Hunt, news anchor and managing editor for KGTV. Following the runway show, guests enjoyed a luncheon on the lawn, which finished with “Sip, Shop and Support,” giving the attendees the opportunity to continue boutique shopping.

Proceeds from the event benefit Country Friends, a nonprofit that has contributed more than $15 million to San Diego County-based charities since its founding in 1954.

Original Land Protectors

The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation hosted the fourth annual Sycuan Fashion Show on Sept. 11 at the Sycuan Casino and Resort. This year’s theme, “Original Land Protectors,” honored the wisdom passed down through generations of Native communities. Ruben Littlehead returned as emcee for the evening.

The show highlighted the work of Native American designers who combine traditional artistry with present-day fashion. In addition, all hair and make-up artists, models and backstage crew were Native Americans, making the event a full celebration of indigenous talent. For the first time, program director Angelica LaBrake presented her collection. called Paipa, in collaboration with her cousin Jadeane LaBrake.

One of the standouts this year came from 3 Feathers Star Quilts of the Northern Cheyenne Nation. At the end of his collection, several models came out into the crowd and gifted quilts to audience members. If you missed this inspiring event, stay connected for shows online.

Upcoming events

Sept. 27 – Fourth annual Sparkles Foundation Children’s Benefit Fashion Show at Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, 10:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan. For tickets, visit sdsparklesfoundation.org/events.

Oct. 4 – Fur Ball Gala at the San Diego Humane Society, 5 p.m. Black tie event. Proceeds benefit San Diego Humane Society. For tickets: http://bit.ly/4mpWyfc.

Oct. 4 – Fashion Week San Diego Fall Runway Show at the Guild Hotel, 6 p.m.

Oct. 5 – Fashion Week San Diego Trunk Show, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For tickets, visit http://bit.ly/4n5yek1

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the Southern California area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and podcaster at dianacavagnaro.com.