By Diana Cavagnaro

Celebrating Couture 2015

Internationally acclaimed couture designer Naeem Khan brought his 2015 Fall Couture Collection to the Sapphire Ballroom of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel on May 12. The Globe Guilders and Neiman Marcus presented this exciting luncheon and fashion show, marking its “Silver Anniversary” this year. Coinciding with this milestone was the 80th anniversary of The Old Globe Theatre. The afternoon began with a silent auction and Champagne reception and to set the stage the guests were surrounded by incredible costumes from Old Globe productions. Suzie Poet Turner was fashion show chair and Darlene Davies, the Old Globe Historian, was honorary chair.

Naeem Khan is known for his luxurious fabrics, intricate beading, and hand-embroidered gowns. Growing up in India, he developed an appreciation for textiles from both his grandfather and father who designed intricate clothing for the royal families. Khan has a fan base of stars and socialites that have worn his creations: Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, First Lady Michelle Obama and Queen Noor of Jordan.

The audience was sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation of his fall collection and they weren’t disappointed. A coral and black latticework embroidered coat with a fur hat was awe-inspiring. One group on the runway was designed with olive geometric sequins and a charmeuse pleated skirt.

Tuxedo pants with a cropped sequin waistcoat and long tails were a winner on the runway in both black and white. Beaded jumpsuits were a hit, especially the one with a sheer lace embroidered cape. A beaded caftan with stripes jumped out at the crowd. The beaded organza dress was smashing with a matching jacket.

The finale brought a gorgeous segment of elegant red gowns and then ended with a succession of one dazzling white gown after another. After the fashion show, the audience was invited to see “Couture Up Close.” They flocked behind the scenes where they could touch and feel Naeem Khan’s incredible creations. This year, Khan was unable to attend due to the sudden death of an immediate family member but representatives of Neiman Marcus were there to help everyone make their purchase.

The Globe Guilders marked the 60th anniversary this year of providing fundraising and volunteering to benefit The Old Globe Theater. Proceeds benefitted The Old Globe’s artistic, education and community programs. For more information visit globeguilders.org.

Upcoming Events

June 19 | The Avant Garde Costume Gala — at the Mingei International Museum from 7 – 11 p.m. Fashion Show by Shawn Michael Style and performances by the California Ballet Company, Animal Cracker Conspiracy, Patricia Rincon Dance Collective, and Priscilla the empress of Pop. For tickets visit eventbrite.com 

June 28 | Bikini Fashion Show — presented by Fashion Week San Diego. This noon event will be poolside at the Dive Day Club at Harrah’s Resort Southern California located at 777 Valley Center Road, Valley Center. For tickets dayclubtickets.com/affiliate/website-dive/event/SundayJune28thwTBD.

—Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned couture milliner based in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.