Once again the art of fashion took over the Inn of Rancho Santa Fe in all it’s glory with the signature, giant tents on the front lawn of the historic location. This annual event always brings out the fashionistas of San Diego’s high society, but missing this year was one familiar and distinguished woman, Sally B. Thornton. Her presence was certainly missed as I scanned the row of San Diego’s “Grande Dames of Philanthropy”, where Sally and friends, Phyllis Parrish, Sandra Redman, Leonard Simpson and others always had prime viewing. The Country Friends offered a lovely tribute about their friend and longtime supporter of 40 years.
Click any photo to see the larger version — P.S. Check out the ratio of blondes to brunettes. 😉 I’m only one of a half dozen!
The Ladies
Carrie Woodland, Sophia Alsadek, Alchera Ayaad
Champagne for all!
Grande Dames of San Diego Philanthropy, Phyllis Parrish, Sandra Redman
Sophia Approves
Maggie Bobileff, Mia Stefanko
Sarah Sleeper, Sophia Alsadek, Marie Daniels, Carrie Woodland
Miriam Smotrich
Kimberly Hunt, Denise Hug, Maggie Bobileff
With the champagne reception located on the upper lawn under the canopy of trees, ladies perused the boutique pop-ups, gathered and took photos in front of the step and repeat and toasted with flowing champagne whilst standing on tiptoes so as not to sink their stilettos into the grass. This year seemed especially obstacle-ridden with the giant tree roots out to sabotage the group of spiked heel, well coiffed, purse carrying, Champagne sipping, fashion aficionados.
The annual event which features a full runway show from South Coast Plaza couture boutiques is certainly a one-of-a-kind event for San Diego.
The Shoes
The Fashion
The Models… a job well done.
The Media Area… must have missed the memo 😉
Grande Dames of San Diego Philanthropy, Phyllis Parrish, Sandra Redman
on a personal note
If you are a fashion lover and have not been to the Art of Fashion which benefits the Country Friends organization located in the center of Rancho Santa Fe, this is truly an event that should be on your bucket list. Not only is the fashion show quite a production but it supports an organization who has been doing good for the community for so long. The Country Friends also has an incredible consignment shop in the center of Rancho Santa Fe that contributes to its causes. The Country Friends donates their proceeds from their events and their consignment shop to a plethora of needy causes throughout San Diego. The event always falls on a wonderfully, beautiful day on the steps of an historic landmark of San Diego and is filled with plenty of laughs, champagne toasts and beautiful clothes.