ASR skates into downtown Action Sports Retailers skated into town for a three-day expo on Aug. 13. The expo included four shows: ASR Marketplace, Class@ASR, Crossroads Retail Show, and Sacred Class. This event showcases swim, surf and skate brands for all the prospective buyers. Roller skates have grown in popularity and Moxi Roller Skates makes fashionable skates for women in leopard, sea foam green, purple suede, and black and red Zebra. Techno culture was a popular inspiration in apparel throughout the exhibition. Volcom featured a “techno beach” area that included brightly-clothed models with techno music and interactive games such as Dance Dance Revolution Extreme. There were hundreds of options for the adventurous female surfer and skater. There were even surfing bathing suits with matching heels. Try balancing on a board with these! At Class@ASR, the necessary accessories were fedoras in straw and plaid for both men and women. The colors here reflected the high fashion runways in jewel tone and natural hues. The hot item for men was lightweight board shorts. Two standout companies were ERGO — a locally developed line of surf and skate wear — and the Mirage Board Short by Rip Curl. They boast that “wearing these is like wearing nothing.” The theme for the Runway Show was “Fashion Society.” The models came down the runway in the hot item of the year: deconstructed denim. There was an assortment of jeans, vests, jackets, bathing suits and skirts. Hand in hand with the deconstruction came the vintage look. These unique clothes and accessories looked like they were found in a flea market. Plaid garments and fringes were abundant on the catwalk. The next show will be Jan. 13-15. For more information, visit www.asrbiz.com. Haute With Heart St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center featured the 33rd Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina on Aug. 21. Opening remarks were given by television personality Geni Cavitt and Executive President Debra Turner Emerson. Sally Thornton was honorary chair, and Paige Hilgers and Judy Klareich chaired the event. Fashion Forward presented Haute With Heart. Leonard Simpson and Brittany Noelle Simpson choreographed this upbeat fashion show. The event featured a painting that reminded Simpson of “Alice in Wonderland,” hence the theme for the afternoon: “Oh, My Isn’t Fashion Fun? The students from St. Madeleine Sophie’s Centers came down the runway modeling Tommy Bahama’s in one of the most touching moments of the show. The cheering turned into a standing ovation for these students. It was very exciting to see the student participation. They were also in other segments singing and dancing. These special moments tug on your heartstrings. Proceeds go to St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center which serves adults with developmental disabilities. For more information visit www.stmsc.org. Naeem Khan sparkles The Globe Guilders presented the 20th Year of Couture at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront on Aug. 24 in the Sapphire Ballroom. Rana Sampson was honorary chair while Marlene Sterling and Liz Helming chaired the events. Joe Bauer was MC during the live auction. The afternoon featured a luncheon and fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus and the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Celebrity designer Naeem Khan was on hand to show his fall 2010 couture line. Khan has dressed the likes of Michelle Obama and Eva Longoria Parker. Khan’s vision was to have a glamorous collection with a rock ’n’ roll edge that started with the models strutting down the runway to the Rolling Stones. The line was opulent with detailed metal beading, metallic circular appliqué, embroideries, feathers and furs. Models wearing long, elegant gowns and stylish, short dresses came down the runway but my favorite was the metallic leather motorcycle vests. The entire collection was extraordinary. Directly after this terrific fashion show, guests were able to meet Khan and view “Couture Up Close” in the Sapphire Room. All the proceeds benefit The Old Globe’s artistic and educational programs. For more information visit www.globeguilders.org/Globe_Guilders/Welcome.html. Upcoming events • Sept. 23: Fashion and Photography Show celebrating Beauty of Women at Hard Rock Hotel starting at 5:30 p.m. For tickets visit www.JeanaMarieFashions.com. Proceeds go to Just Like My Child Foundation. • Sept. 25: Strut for Sobriety! at the Gaslamp Horton Westin, featuring a fashion show by Gretchen Productions. Proceeds benefit A New PATH. For more information, call (619) 670-9880. — Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally-recognized hat designer and milliner. Diana has operated a fashion business for 28 years, the last 18 years in the Gaslamp Quarter. She has taught in the Fashion Department at San Diego Mesa College for 18 years. Diana is a member of the Gaslamp Quarter Association, the American Sewing Guild, the San Diego Costume Council and Fashion Group International. www.aheadproductions.com.