Vista Hills presented a virtual fashion show on May 1 that could be watched live on Vimeo. The event began with a pre-show by Bollotta Entertainment. They showed glimpses of past shows and attendees.

Executive director Rachel Peniche joined the podium and welcomed everyone to the show. She thanked the chair Clarice Perkins and honorary chair Arlene Esgate. She also thanked the online vendors and boutiques participating in the show: Be Boutique, Classy Bag Lady, Grazia Bella, ICONS, Jacqueline B, Satori Designs, Shaneh Boutique, SoBelle Favors, and The Treasured Accessor.

Each year this event has boutique shopping before the luncheon and fashion show. This year was no different featuring a “Shop for a Cause.” This was just in time for Mother’s Day special shopping. The online boutiques provided purchases between May 1-5 and a portion of the sales went to Vista Hill. They also had matching donations up to $20,000. The match sponsors were Clarice Perkins, The Elaine Lipinsky Family Foundation – Kamaya Jane and Diane Zeps.

Gretchen Productions has been producing this fashion show for 20 years and jumped at the opportunity to produce it live this year. She brought together some of the fashion show boutique vendors to highlight the latest spring trends for a virtual fashion show.

As the show got started there was a message board for spectators to comment and chat about the show. At the end of the event, four of the audience were picked to receive a special prize for their comments on the board.

In her usual fashion, Gretchen Burns Bergman greeted everyone on the virtual runway and got the show rolling. The first boutique was Satori Designs with its colorful collection from around the world. Icons Clothing Boutique is named after famous women like Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn. These chic designs are for women of all ages.

Be Boutique is located in Little Italy and they showed stylish garments on the runway. One of my favorite coordinates was black and white tie-dye pants. Jacqueline B had a stand out of grey Italian silk with pants and a coordinating top. Shaneh Boutique is located in Del Mar and they showed must-have sheath dresses.

Vista Hills is a nonprofit that has been helping to put lives back together for over 60 years. They originally were called the Vista Hill Psychiatric Foundation and opened as San Diego’s first private, fully accredited psychiatric hospital. They also work with substance abuse, intellectual and developmental disabilities for people of all ages. Their goal is to build stronger families… brighter futures. For more information, visit vistahill.org.

 UPCOMING EVENTS

Due to the coronavirus, most events have been canceled until further notice.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.