This year’s Mid-Winter Gala, hosted by the Fine Arts Museums' Junior Committee was a smash hit, raising a record $400,000 for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and attracting an array of well-clad attendees. Alexis Swanson Traina was spotted in Dolce & Gabbana, Committe Chairman Allison Speer was wearing Oscar de la Renta, and Committee Benefactor Mireille Schwartz was looking tres chic in … Mireille Schwartz.
Mireille has become part of the hot new DIY design trend. Inspired by her good friend Karen Caldwell, who just started her own line, Karen Caldwell Design, Mireille decided this year she would create her own look. “The process began when I was shopping for the Gala and couldn't find the "right" dress,” explains Mireille. “I kept identifying a beautiful gown, but not in my size, or a fabulous fit but the gown wasn't my style.” Mireille soon realized that she didn’t have to sacrifice a thing; she could have exactly what she was looking for by designing her own gown. Why not? She sketched some ideas, keeping in mind jewel-tones, classic lines, and glamour Hollywood draping. Her daughter helped choose the fabric and color and a local seamstress, whom Mireille calls her new Fairy Godmother, whipped it all up.
The result is a lovely red silk chiffon one-shoulder gown with rosette accents. “The seven hand-tooled rosettes on my dress signify life, vitality, and most of all whimsical fun,” says Mireille. “I try and not take myself too seriously; there are festive moments in fashion if you're willing to have a giggle with or at yourself.”
Well done, Mireille. We hope to see more of your designs in the future.
(Photo by Drew Altizer)
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