Country Friends 55th Annual Art of Fashion Show VIDEO Presentation

A record crowd of more than 550 incredibly fashionable patrons showed up for the big tent on Thursday, Sept. 23 as the Country Friends, in partnership with South Coast Plaza, turned heads with its 56th staging of that grand annual tradition the Art of Fashion outdoor runway show. It all happened from 10:30 a.m. to well past 3 p.m. in, and around, the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.

 It's one of the largest, if not the largest, outdoor fashion show in North America. The latest in haute couture for the fall/winter season from some of the leading designers and fashion houses in the world strolled, strutted and amazed a highly attentive, and appreciative gathering.

"We are thrilled to have such an incredible line-up of designers," said Jeanne Lucia, president of the Country Friends.

Added Debra Gunn Downing of South Coast Plaza, which partnered in the event for the sixth consecutive year: "It's a pleasure to bring our stellar cast of luxury boutiques to this show."

This year's runway show featured fall/winter collections from Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Marni, MaxMara, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Saks Fifth Avenue, St. John, TOD'S, and Versace.

Aloha Taylor, KSWB 5/69 Fox San Diego meteorologist, and former Miss USA Hawaii, emceed the fabulous event, noting how the weather was perfect and so were the fashions. Andrea Naverson, chair of the Art of Fashion, welcomed everyone to the special event and introduced Country Friends Art of Fashion committee members and special guests.... (more)

BREAKING NEWS 4 P.M. - GOING, GOING, GONE TO THE COUNTRY FRIENDS 'ART OF FASHION SHOW'

Midnight UPDATE: Video of the event will be posted later today...

A record crowd of more than 550 incredibly fashionable patrons showed up for the big tent on Thursday, Sept. 23 as the Country Friends, in partnership with South Coast Plaza, turned heads with its 55th staging of that grand annual tradition the Art of Fashion outdoor runway show. It all happened from 10:30 a.m. to well past 3 p.m. in, and around, the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.

 It's one of the largest, if not the largest, outdoor fashion show in North America. The latest in haute couture for the fall/winter season from some of the leading designers and fashion houses in the world strolled, strutted and amazed a highly attentive, and appreciative gathering.

"We are thrilled to have such an incredible line-up of designers," said Jeanne Lucia, president of the Country Friends.

Added Debra Gunn Downing of South Coast Plaza, which partnered in the event for the sixth consecutive year: "It's a pleasure to bring our stellar cast of luxury boutiques to this show."

This year's runway show featured fall/winter collections from Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Marni, MaxMara, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Saks Fifth Avenue, St. John, TOD'S, and Versace.

Aloha Taylor, KSWB 5/69 Fox San Diego meteorologist, and former Miss USA Hawaii, emceed the fabulous event, noting how the weather was perfect and so were the fashions. Andrea Naverson, chair of the Art of Fashion, welcomed everyone to the special event and introduced Country Friends Art of Fashion committee members and special guests.

 Those guests included family members of the late Betty Mabee and Betty Zable. These ladies were honored at the event. "Mrs. Zable and Mrs. Mabee, longtime members of the Country Friends, are being honored for their commitment to the community," Naverson said.

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 Art of Fashion show, the consignment shop on El Tordo, and the Hats and Flats event at the San Diego Polo Club were the annual fundraising events with proceeds going to 18 county nonprofit groups.

Much more to report, including a great video about the event, all of which will appear at Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News later today and tonight.