The Winter Wonderland Fashion Show and Luncheon was presented on Dec. 1 at The US Grant Hotel by The Arc of San Diego. The event began with shopping at local boutiques and a chance to bid on silent auction items. The event chairs were Maria Stanley and Cici Drummond, Laura Applegate, and Erica Ram. Dr. Howard and Barbara Milstein were the event’s honorary chairs. The guests then retired to the ballroom for the luncheon and fashion show.

Mary Murphy, who you may remember was from the dance competition-reality show, “So You Think You Can Dance,” took the stage as the emcee for this event.

She first announced local opera singers Rosario Monetti and Victoria Robertson, whose performance left the audience speechless. The amazing auctioneer, Clint Bell, was the announcer for the live auction. The most sought-after item was: “Be first in line at the valet to leave.”

The star-studded fashion show began after the luncheon. Style personality and runway show producer Leonard Simpson created this phenomenal runway show. Emil Gampe was the opening designer showing off his glamorous gowns from his EMILcouture collection. This Australian fashion designer was the winner of Bravo’s Reality show “Launch My Line.” He designed Beyonce’s World Tour outfits and hundreds of other celebrities. Each one of these gowns took you back to the ’60s Hollywood era.

The audience was delighted with more fabulous looks such as the eclectic styles from Satori Designs and the bespoke tailor shop, Zeglio Custom Clothiers. The Rancho Santa Fe Consignment and Boutique, Edit presented some must-have designs. The show concluded with the elegant bridal designs of Winsome Brides and GG Connections by designer Debbie Nghiem.

Proceeds for this event go to The Arc of San Diego. This nonprofit charitable organization has provided services since 1951 for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. For more information, visit www.arc-sd.com.

UPCOMING EVENT

Sunday, Jan. 28 – Bridal Bazaar-Wedding Expo and Festival at the San Diego Convention Center from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Two fashion shows by Gretchen Productions. Tickets at www.BridalBazaar.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.