SFBayStyle

Special Jimmy Choo Launch for a Cause

Thursday evening, our friends at Vivanista and Saks Fifth Avenue are hosting a fabulous shopping event with Wine, Women and Shoes. Featuring the new Choo 24:7 collection by Jimmy Choo, a percentage of purchases from the evening's purchases will go to Children of Shelters, a San Francisco based community organization.

Let's be clear: this isn't just any other shoe shopping event. Wine, Women and Shoes was founded by Napa Valley vintner, Elaine Honig with the express purpose of showcasing unique designer collections paired with exquisite wines. Their special events have collectively raised over $4 Million in funds for women's and children's charities.

It's okay to browse too! Just RSVP to events(at)vivanista.com.

Raphael House is Puttin’ on the Ritz: One Home, Many Hearts 2010 Benefit Gala

The Raphael House One Home, Many Hearts 2010 Benefit Gala is set for April 17 and promises to be the cat’s pajamas with a 1920s themed affair at San Francisco’s historic Bimbo's 365 Club in North Beach. Since 1971 Raphael House has been helping at risk families find stable housing and achieve financial independence. In the past 39 years of service to the San Francisco community, Raphael House has sheltered more than 17,000 children and their parents with help and support from foundations, corporations, businesses, civic groups, churches and synagogues, and individuals like you.

“Now more than ever, there will be a need to support our families in crisis and we hope to continue to successfully raise the vital funds in order to do just that,” says Claudia Ross, Chairman of the Board. “The Gala is our single most important fund-raiser for the year – the revenue generated from this event is critical to our programs and services for our families.”

Included in this year’s swanky Gala are gambling tables, plenty of hooch, dinner prepared by Taste Catering, tunes provided by The Richard Olsen Orchestra and some swell vocals by jazz singer and former Raphael House resident Amanda King. A silent auction and a live auction will offer ample opportunities to part with your dough - for a good cause. And this is no baloney - complimentary valet parking for your jalopy.

So get a wiggle on and plan your flapper and dapper glad rags (black tie) for Raphael House One Home, Many Hearts 2010 Benefit Gala, Saturday, April 17, 2010, 6PM, Bimbo’s 365 Club, 1025 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco. For tickets contact Flavia Henrique, fhenrique@raphaelhouse.org or 415.345.7262

Hollywood Legends: The Barry Barsamian Collection at the Metreon

 

Click here to see images of the exhibit

Back in the day, Easter for most kids meant a visit from The Bunny, colored hard boiled eggs and perhaps a basket of jelly beans. But for Hollywood memorabilia collector Barry Barsamian, Easter was the one opportunity he had to watch his favorite movie on television – The Wizard of Oz, starring Judy Garland. “There were no videos or DVDs in those days,” Barry explains. Every year he watched the 1938 classic film, every year becoming more and more intrigued with Hollywood, movies and movie stars. When in 1976 Barry had the chance to purchase one of the dresses Judy Garland wore in the film, he jumped right on it and he’s been collecting Hollywood memorabilia ever since. Now through May, Barry has opened up his collection of over 100 items for a public exhibit at the Metreon in San Francisco.

Among Barry’s Hollywood treasures are:

• Fur trimmed coat belonging to Marilyn Monroe circa 1950s.
• Youthful dress worn by Judy Garland in a dance scene with Fred Astaire in the 1947 film Easter Parade.
• Joan Crawford’s costume jewelry and Lucy Ball’s dyed wig from the movie Yours Mine and Ours.
• One-of-a-kind Donna Karan black dress specially made for Barbra Streisand.
• Blue chiffon dress worn by Elizabeth Taylor.
• Phyllis Diller’s 1960s chandelier dress.

One Kings Lane Launches Exclusive Sales With Top Interior Designers

Just across from Washington Square Park sits an elegant pink building that houses some of the best views of San Francisco you could ever see. The fourth floor flat with an $8.5 Million price tag served as an ideal location to host the anniversary celebration and Tastemaker Tag Sales launch party for One Kings Lane. The guest list matched the exclusive sound of the program, but in reality, the idea is to appeal to a broad audience of home owners and connoisseurs.

As founder Alison Pincus put it, "the customers are excited to have access to truly unique pieces you wouldn't find in your neighborhood" and the designers are thrilled to be able to move items that perhaps didn't fit in their homes or that they no longer need. (Pincus, pictured left with Ken Fulk and cofounder Susan Feldman.)

To celebrate the new launch, guests were welcomed by bagpipes, cocktails and luxurious decor. Cocktail chic doesn't even begin to describe this crowd. Beginning April 10, they - and the rest of us - will be able to shop online ever weekend for hand-picked items selected by designers and collectors such as Nathan Turner, Ann Getty, Kimberly Ayers, Suzanne Tucker and Kendall Wilkinson.

Finally, it doesn't cost anything to join. This is a sale not to be missed. There's no harm browsing, right?

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(Photos by Drew Altizer, Sarah Granger)

Mireille Schwartz dons her own Creation at the Mid-Winter Gala

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)

84 Years of Fashion for Charity

Friday, the Junior League of San Francisco staged two elaborate back-to-back fashion shows as an effort to raise funds for local programs including Compass Community Services, the International Rescue Committee, the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center and Support for Families of Children with Disabilities. These fashion shows have raised millions of dollars over their 84 years, and this year's did not disappoint.

As always, the children stole the show, but the jovial atmosphere between friends lit the room. It was my first time attending the evening dinner gala show; in previous years I always attended the afternoon luncheon. I now see why it's one of the big San Francisco events people talk about all year long. The festive decor brought to life a world of life sized cards and chess pieces, reminiscent of "Alice in Wonderland."

Revelers began the evening in the Penthouse of the Fairmont Hotel (see image of Courtney Bocci, fashion show chair, right) and ended it there, participating in the silent auction before the live auction and dinner fashion show in the ballroom. Double Funk Crunch played on as guests danced following the show.

The League's largest annual fundraiser, some of the city's top volunteers work tirelessly for years to make these events happen. As a result, the organization gives back to those who put in their time and money to providing the community with both memorable philanthropic events and funds for important causes. The past show chairs (shown below) continue to be recognized over the years and there's a camaraderie built between the women who work on these committees.

Partnering with Macy's now for 22 years, the department store has always been an active participant in the show and guests were able to purchase what they saw on the runway. Other major sponsors included Exquisite Cultural and Wildlife Adventures, Epi Center MedSpa, KPMG and SHOPHAUS, but the list of major donor organizations and individuals was a mile long, published in a magazine to showcase how gigantic the project of producing this event is each year.

Next year marks the Junior League of San Francisco's 100 year anniversary, so the expectations will be set high for the show to make another mark on our community.

See also: more of my favorite images from the night. (All photos by Drew Altizer Photography.)

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Sarah Granger is the Founder of SFBayStyle. She is also on the Board of the Junior League of Palo Alto/Mid-Peninsula.

Favorite Photos - JLSF Fashion Show 2010

Some events, it's not enough to just write an article and post a pair of photos. There are just too many good ones to share. So here - after a few hours of pouring through a few hundred images from Drew Altizer Photography - are my favorites from Friday's Junior League of San Francisco Fashion Show:

(Note: For some images, we do not yet have all of the names, but we're working on adding them.)

Model getting ready pre-show.

Child model in make-up.

Santana Row Presents: Dinner on the Row & A Show

 

For those of you who always enjoy the atmosphere of Santana Row in the Bay Area, you might be interested in attending “Dinner on the Row & A Show.”  Brought to you by Santana Row and the San Jose Repertory Theatre from March 21^st through April 18^th.  You can enjoy a prix fixe two-course dinner for two which includes a soup, salad, or appetizer and choice of entrée.

This offer is from any Sunday- Wednesday evening for $24.95/ person as well as two complimentary tickets to the production Ain’t Misbehavin’.  After your meal save your receipt to show your purchase of two dinners to the Santana Row Concierge where you will receive a voucher for two show tickets to Ain’t Misbehavin’.  Will supplies last.

To reserve your table: Attend one of the 11 participating Santana Row restaurants: LB Steak, Roux Louisiana Kitchen, Sino, Thea Mediterranean, Village California Bistro, Rosie McCann’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Consuelo Mexican Bistro, Left Bank Brasserie, Amber India, Yankee Pier and The Counter.

For more information, call 408-551-4611

Vintage Fashion Expo

 

Stylish Bay Area locals know the score - vintage clothing is hot. In LA, vintage is on fire with celebrities, stylists, costumers, fashion students, designers, pretty much everyone who's fashionable. They all know to hit the Vintage Fashion Expo when it comes to town and this weekend - March 20-21 - it's our turn, when the fun comes to San Francisco's Concourse.

The Vintage Fashion Expo hosts 100 dealers from around the country, including Oakland dealer Ardis Taylor. Mr. Taylor is known for providing Hollywood with some of their more stylish vintage gear. Most recently he outfitted Christian Bale and Johnny Depp in the film Public Enemies. He also deals in women's clothing and fabulous 40s platform shoes.  When it comes to vintage, Mr. Taylor says what people want is something special. "Overall it's always the most unique  pieces within a decade that people seek out." As for what's new and hot in vintage this season, it's dresses for women and separates for men. "There's also a demand right now among young men for 60s suits," says Mr. Taylor. "That continental look with the tapered pant leg and slim jacket."

Want to go out more? Try Go Tribal

Last week, a new kind of social network launched, based in San Francisco, called Go Tribal. Geared toward women (but just as likely to be a tool for men), the aim is to help people plan more casual social outings. It's great for the young professionals set, but also just as good for moms who want a GNO (girls' night out).

You can hook up with Facebook Connect, so it takes about 1 minute to join. After that, you can record when you're "down" to go out! Check your friends' lists and put together ad-hoc events for grabbing cocktails, dinner, after-dinner drinks, dancing, whatever. It's that simple.

Check it out and let us know what you think. It's likely to become the newest hottest latest social media trend.

Junior League Fashion Show This Friday: Through the Looking Glass

For 84 years, the Junior League of San Francisco has produced a fashion show run by volunteers and benefiting community organizations. Partnering with the Fairmont Hotel and Macy's, this Friday will be the 84th annual show. I've been lucky enough to attend several of their shows over the past decade and it has become one of my favorite annual events.

Models are members of the Junior League and their families, and the clothes showcased are for women, men and children. (Spoiler alert: the adorable kids always steal the show!) It's a fun way to support great causes including Compass Community Services, the International Rescue Committee, San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center, and Support for Families of Children with Disabilities.

This year there are two shows - one champagne luncheon with a reception beginning at 10:30am on Friday. Then the black tie dinner gala begins at 6pm. Both are part of the San Francisco social calendar every year and are not to be missed. Tickets are still on sale - get yours before they sell out!

Kiehl's Helps Old Dogs Find New Homes

Last Saturday, Kiehl's on Fillmore Street hosted a unique pet adoption and fund raising event for Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, an organization that helps find homes for older dogs and provides hospice services for them. Throughout the week, every shopper who donated over $10 to Muttville took home complimentary Kiehl's samples.

As Kiehl's has a mission to improve the quality of the community in addition to providing fabulous skin and hair care products, the event helped raise over $1200 for Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, funds that will be much needed for food, shelter and veterinary care.

Slide into the Speakeasy for Raphael House

Raphael House, a San Francisco organization dedicated to combating family homelessness, made themselves quite at home at Slide recently to kick-off the promotion of their annual "One Home, Many Hearts" gala to be taking place April 17 at Bimbo's 365 Club in North Beach. The pre-party was "password required" and guests came decked in roaring twenties threads to celebrate.

Claudia Ross, founder of CrossMarketing PR continues to produce fabulous events to raise funds for worthy organizations and as Chairman of the Board of Raphael House, she's dedicated to making the benefit gala at Bimbo's one to remember. “The Gala is our single most important fundraiser for the year – the revenue generated from this event is critical to our programs and services for our families.” This is no joke - Raphael House has housed over 17,000 children during its 38 years of service.

Ready to buy a ticket? They range from $100 to join in the festivities in April. There will be jazz, gambling and "prohibition-era libations." See you there!

(Pictured above left: Carolyn Bojanowski, Caleb Krasnor, John Warren, Stephanie Warren; right: Claudia Ross. Photos by Drew Altizer Photography.)

Sold-Out Symphonix Soiree Rocks Postrio, Celebrates Grammy Winning Symphony

Those who don't know the San Francisco Symphony may well assume that it's all about long-dead composers like Beethoven, Brahms and Mozart. On the contrary, that couldn't be more off the mark. The Grammy winning symphony (yes, you heard us right - they won 3 Grammys in January) led by Michael Tilson Thomas performs powerful music in the heart of San Francisco to packed houses and the young professional league that supports it, Symphonix, has grown 1600 strong, packing Postrio recently for a sold-out event dedicated to underwriting concert attendance for local tweens. Classical music, yes. But far from dead.

 For their first event of the year, Symphonix chose Postrio's art-filled atmosphere filled with works by Lichtenstein, Rivera and Chihuly. With the run of the three tiered restaurant, the revelers wined and dined on behalf of the San Francisco Symphony's Concerts for Kids program. But the party's not really over - this weekend, the symphony will be performing with the Grammy winning chorus, Mahler's 2nd Symphony, also known as the Resurrection Symphony. (Their recording of Mahler's 8th won the Grammy awards.) Inside sources say they sound amazing. Tickets start at $35.

(Pictured top right: Zen St. Clair, James Key Lim, Ye-Hui Lu.)

Bulgari Store Grand Opening in San Franicsco

 

Enjoying the scene at Bulgari are Mark Rhoades, Mireille Schwartz (sporting a Karen Caldwell original coat), Karen Caldwell, Oliver Caldwell Photo: Drew Altizer

A city buzz for months, the evening finally arrived on Tuesday March 2 for the grand opening of the fabulous Bulgari store in Union Square. Six hundred guests meandered around the new three story Bulgari boutique, sipping cocktails and admiring the bold and colorful Bulgari wares. At 13,000 square feet, the Bulgari SF boutique is the largest in the United States. 

The Bulgari story begins in 1884 when Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari moved to Rome, Italy and opened his first shop, which offered handcrafted silver objects. In the early 20th century Sotirio's sons, Costantino and Giorgio took over the family business and incorporated watches and jewelry with precious stones into the line.  After WWII, the business shifted focus to what would become their signature style -  a large and dramatic look inspired by Greco-Roman classicism. By the 1950s and 60s, distinctive Bulgari caught the attention of American celebrities such as Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor. Today Bulgari is a diverse luxury brand offering jewelry, watches, leather goods, fragrances, skin-care, and spas/resorts. 

Cartier and America: Exhibit at the Legion of Honor Museum

Cartier Tutti Frutti Necklace 

Photo: Legion of Honor Museum

To see more photos from the Cartier exhibit visit:

http://www.examiner.com/examinerslideshow.html?entryid=1014233

The Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco certainly knows what thrills the ladies – jewelry. The museum’s latest exhibit, Cartier and America is a retrospective of the famous French jeweler from the 1899 to the 1970s and runs now through April 18, 2010. Curated by Martin Chapman this exhibit is an exclusive treat to San Francisco.

The House of Cartier illustrious background -

The House of Cartier was established in Paris in 1847 by jeweler and watch maker Louis-Francois Cartier. Many years later his grandsons Louis, Pierre, and Jacques took over the business and developed it into a notable brand by creating extravagant pieces for European royalty and wealthy Americans such as the Vanderbilts and the Astors. In addition to jewelry, the Cartier brothers are known for designing the first wristwatch in 1904 and later the tank style watch in 1917. In the early 20th century Cartier opened shops across Europe and New York in 1909. The current NYC location on Fifth Avenue is the former mansion owned by railroad tycoon Henry Plant. The story goes that Cartier purchased the mansion in 1917 for $100 and a double strand necklace of natural pearls. In 1964 the family sold the business to a group of investors. Cartier still carries on today as a luxury brand.

Kiss the Curves Rocks Uptown Oakland

 
Photo: Ron Fulcher

Pantsuit by Ashley Stewart

It was a rockin’ Saturday night on February 6th when several hundred enthusiastic fashionistas gathered at Historic Sweets Ballroom in updown Oakland for Kiss the Curves: The First Ever Plus-Size Fashion Gala in the Bay Area. The evening included a VIP champagne reception, a runway show featuring seven plus-size designers, standard tunes sung by local artists, and an opportunity to purchase goods designed and made by local artisans.

A mere four months ago, Oakland based actor and plus-size model Tracie Collins had a dream to produce the first ever fashion show for plus-size women. Concerned about the lack of quality, chic designs for full figured women as well as the messages mainstream fashion is sending to young girls, Ms. Collins set about creating an evening where full-figured women were the stars. With the help of dozens of industry professionals, Ms. Collins made her dream come true. Women from across the Bay Area showed up ready to hoot and holler and celebrate, finally designs for them. (Photo: Ron Fulcher)

Kiss the Curves: The First Ever Plus-Size Fashion Gala

On Saturday February 6, 2010 at Historic Sweets Ballroom, Oakland will step into the runway spotlight as the city-of-choice for Kiss the Curves: The First Ever Plus-Size Fashion Gala. Highlighting some of the top plus-size designers in the fashion industry, Kiss the Curves ultimately wants to encourage positive awareness of the plus-size community as well as send the message to mainstream outlets that fashion is not limited by size.

The Gala’s Executive Producer is local actress and model, Tracie Collins. A Bay Area native, Ms. Collins attended Actors Conservatory Theater as a child. She went on to start a successful acting career, landing roles in Dreamgirls and Misery Loves Company. Eventually she set her sights on modeling, hoping to show young women a realistic image of beauty. Ms. Collins has modeled for Ashley Stewart, Mocha Bridge Magazine and Orisa Wear Fashions.

Mr. Rick's Martini Club rings in the New Year at Oakland's Lake Merritt Hotel

On Saturday January 9th close to 200 guests of Mr. Rick’s Martini Club arrived at Oakland’s Lake Merritt Hotel ready to ring in the New Year all over again. The question was – what year? The stylish crowd, donning their vintage finest, had entered a time warp and every year from 1930 to 1950 was up for celebration.

Since 1990 Laurie Gordon and Richard Fishman of Mr. Rick’s Martini Club have specialized in presenting 1930s to 1950s swing dance supper club events at various venues around the Bay Area. With themed events such as Casablanca and the Rat Pack in Las Vegas, Mr. Rick's offers attendees a chance to experience true glamour only seen in movies today.

(Photo Credit: Michele Smith)

Gorgeous & Green at Five

 

Gorgeous & Green event co-chairs Zem Joaquin and Nadine Weil

The San Francisco Committee of Global Green USA hosted their fifth annual Gorgeous & Green benefit dinner and fashion show December 8th, 2009. Held this year at the W Hotel in San Francisco's SoMa district, the event celebrated Global Green's smart climate solutions just as the Copenhagen Climate Conference commenced.  

Global Green USA was founded in 1993 and is the American affiliate of President Gorbachev's Green Cross International. Their mission is to support projects that address stemming global climate change, specifically by the development of green buildings in cities around the country. Proceeds from the event went to Global Green's initiatives, including works to rebuild New Orleans with zero-energy homes, advancing the Green Schools Initiative in California and New Orleans, and launching a pilot program to recycle Starbucks cups.