The Country Friends 57th Annual Art of Fashion Show transforms Rancho Santa Fe into center of fall/winter fashion on Thursday, Sept. 20...
Something very happening catwalks Rancho Santa Fe way on Thursday, Sept. 20, across a plain public green magically transformed into one of the largest outdoor fashion shows in the nation.
The Country Friends, in partnership with trendsetting South Coast Plaza, and The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, stages the ultimate in outdoor fashion events, the 57th Annual Art of Fashion runway show.
It's a must-attend event for fashionistas, usually featuring creations from the world's leading designers and front-line, center-stage fall/winter collections. Upwards of 550 people generally make the day's activities.
The amazing festivities begins at 10:30 a.m. with boutique shopping on the lawn at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe followed by lunch at 11 a.m. The ultimate in outdoor runway shows kicks its heels "PROMPTLY" at 1:30 p.m. Then, an Apres' Affair Wine Tasting hosted, by Falkner Winery, Lemon Twist and Allure Chocolates, back at The Inn toasts off around 2:30 p.m as boutique shopping continues until credit cards are maxxed.
The show highlights fashions from the 2012 fall/winter collections of renowned international designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Valentino, Celine, Donna Karan, Roberto Cavalli, as well as clothes from Saks Fifth Avenue and Gucci. It's garnished with jewelry from such as David Yurman and Black, Starr & Frost.
The Country Friends was founded in 1954 with 167 members. It has grown to more than 1,200 members and has distributed more than $12 million to San Diego County charities.
The group funds more than two dozen charitable agencies each year, through events such as the Art of Fashion, and also proceeds from its consignment shop at Rancho Santa Fe, specializing in exquisite furniture, antiques, rugs, silver, china and objets d’art. Its mission is “helping people to help themselves.”
The event usually is sold out, so tickets probably are not available. However, it never hurts to check even at this late date.
Valet parking is available at the event entrance. Tickets cost $225 for the fashion show and lunch, or $125 for the fashion show alone. They are available online at www.thecountryfriends.org or by calling (858) 756-1192, ext. 4.
