MARALOVE presented its Moody Girls Day Out at Westfield Mission Valley on July 9. This summer fashion show began with a sparkling reception in the Macy’s Home Courtyard sponsored by Topo Chico. All guests were treated to the Topo Chico mineral water, a swag bag, and a free raffle ticket for amazing giveaways. A lounge booth provided photography for the step and repeat photo opp with the backdrop of Mariel Méndez’s artwork.

Mèndez is a San Diego artist who has presented many collections with her artwork. The names of a few are “Color Attraction,” “When Fashion Meets Art,” and “Moody Girls.”

She has also combined fashion and art by creating handpainted apparel. She selects unwanted pieces of clothing and adds her artwork to them such as blazers, dresses, and coats. By adding her distinct style of art to the upcycled garments she is being environmentally conscious and creating one-of-a-kind pieces of clothing.

The fashion show was held at the Hub in the Courtyard. When guests walked into the event space, they were greeted with inviting tunes by DJ Mason Dyer and a room surrounded by jumbo paintings of MARALOVE artwork. Everyone sat in the surrounding booths in anticipation of the show.

The models began parading around the room showing off their hand-painted clothing. These outfits were beautifully styled with jewelry, handbags, and shoes by Liese Victoria, the creative director of the fashion show event. Fabric and tulle bows were added to some of the shoes for an added touch. The crème de la crème were the dark glasses encrusted with jewels. They were not trend accessories but style accessories that made the outfits.

The finale ended with evening wear that consisted of floor-length sequined gowns. When the models strutted around the room they received a huge round of applause from the crowd along with “oohs” and “aahs.” The last model came down the runway hand in hand with Méndez.

Afterward, rolling racks were wheeled out with MARALOVE clothing so that the audience could do some serious shopping with the artist. A hustle and bustle began and everyone had a great time shopping.

Méndez also had some art for sale along with collectible enamel pins, which are designed with motivational phrases of love and self-esteem. If you missed this fun day, visit her website at maraloveshop.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 29-30 – The 13th La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival at The Lot La Jolla. World’s largest gathering of fashion filmmakers. For tickets, visit bit.ly/3meqGO5.

July 29-31, 5-10 p.m. – San Diego Swim Week (SDSW). A two-day fashion show and shopping experience. Fashion show Friday on Runway 1 and Saturday on Runway 2. Time: 6 p.m. Red Carpet: 10 p.m. Located at LUCE on Kettner on 2310 Kettner Blvd. For tickets, visit sandiegoswimweek.com.

Aug. 5 – Ten’s Across the Board Fashion Show from 7-9 p.m. at San Diego Dance Headquarters at 5035 Shawline St. For tickets, visit TensAcrossTheBoard.eventbrite.com.

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