Country Friends’ annual ‘Art of Fashion’ runway show to be held in Rancho Santa Fe
You know that fall is fast approaching when fashions from such designers as Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karan, Lanvin and Versace take to the runway at The Country Friends Art of Fashion, to be held Sept. 18 at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Presented in partnership with South Coast Plaza, this year’s event includes a runway show, luncheon on the lawn, boutique shopping and Après Affaire wine, cheese and dessert tasting.
Art of Fashion Chair Andrea Naversen recently announced that this year’s emcee is Sandra Maas, an award-winning journalist who is the co-anchor of the KUSI News. Naversen is also proud to recognize Art of Fashion Silver Sponsors including DJO Global, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, Hélène and George Gould, Hoehn Jaguar Land Rover and the Warren Family Foundation.
Bronze Sponsors are Chase Bank, Joan Waitt, Pangaea Group Foundation, The John and Mary Rainsford Charitable Foundation, Torrey Pines Bank and Virginia Napierskie. Dr. Melanie Palm of Art of Skin MD is the Copper Sponsor. Pewter Sponsors are Debbie Turner and Conrad Prebys and Alphatec Spine.
Proceeds from the Art of Fashion will benefit more than 30 charities, including Angel’s Depot, the Armed Services YMCA, Burn Institute, Canine Companions for Independence, Casa de Amparo, Community Resource Center, REINS Therapeutic Riding, Ronald McDonald House Charities and many more.
The event begins at 10 a.m. on The Inn’s lawn with a photo lounge, a sparkling-wine tasting presented by Gen7 Wines, sweets from Mes Petites Pastries, and shopping at South Coast Plaza boutiques including Barbara Bui, Donna Karan, Jo Malone, Lanvin, MaxMara, Salvatore Ferragamo, TOD’s and Versace. Ten percent of boutique sales benefits The Country Friends chosen charities.
The runway show begins at 11:30 a.m., with selections from the fall/winter collections of Barbara Bui, Canali, Donna Karan, Faconnable, Max Mara, M Missoni, Oscar de la Renta, Saks Fifth Avenue, Salvatore Ferragamo and Versace. Luncheon, prepared by The Inn’s Executive Chef Todd Allison, follows the show at 12:30 p.m.
Art of Fashion concludes with Après Affaire, a fine wine, cheese and dessert tasting from 2-4 p.m. featuring B Cellars, Falkner Winery, Gen7 Wines and Wine Jellies, Mirror Wines, and cocktails from The Gingered Pear. Yummy Cupcakes and Lemon Twist will provide sweet treats, along with cheese from The Inn and Specialty Produce. Guests are encouraged to sip and savor while they shop the boutiques of South Coast Plaza.
This year, The Country Friends is proud to honor the 28 women who have served as president of the organization since its founding in 1954. They are Dorothy Patton, Johanne Wenz, Edith Havens, Kay Wencke, Erna Mullins, Nancy Murphy, Joan Corlett Johnson, Polly Young, Marilyn Pratt, Peggy Pharr, Mary Jane Brown, Joanne Warren, Tari Wood, Nancy Podbielniak, Suzanne Teasdel, Mary Ann Fitch, Karen Weseloh, Jean S. Newman, Pat Wood, Florita Bible, Joyce Glazer, Christie Wright, Nell Herzer, Karen Moller, Jeanne Lucia, Jan Fitzpatrick, Marci Cavanaugh and current President Rhonda Tryon.
The 2014 Art of Fashion Honorary Committee includes: Maggie Bobileff, John Cavanaugh, Ellise G. Coit, Gigi Cramer, Les and Deborah Cross, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry F. Englert, The John H. Foster Foundation, Arline Genis, Drs. Shakha and Scott Gillin, Lola Green, Stephanie Gruenert, Denise Hug, Laurie McKellar Joseph, Kerr Family Foundation, Jo Ann Kilty, Bess Lambron, Jeanne Lucia, Karina Lyon, Gayle Gillies Mize, Catherine Nicholas, Tina Rappaport, Esther Rodriguez, Dr. Jeffry and Sandra Schafer, Karen Lee Tanz, the John M. and Sally B. Thornton Foundation and Anna Waite.
The Art of Fashion Committee includes President Rhonda Tryon, Chair Andrea Naversen, Donna Ahlstrom, Tamara Banks, Betty Jo Billick, Maggie Bobileff, Judy Burer, Sabrina Cadini, Marci Cavanaugh, Terri Chivetta, Deb Cross, Pam Devaney, Chris Epstein, Sharon Ferges, Rebecca Franks, Joon Fuller, Arline Genis, Megan Hansen, Amber Hodges, Betsy Jones, Jo Ann Kilty, Elaine Leach, Jana Leibo, Yvette Letourneau, Jeanne Lucia, Ana Maria McBrayer, Patricia Mogul, Ellen Nakamura, Pearl Padovano, Mia S. Park, Tina Rappaport, Esther Rodriguez, Cheri Salyers, JoLynn Shapiro, Diane Sutherland, Mercedes Van Buren, Anna Waite, Jean Waters, Laura Wireman, Shana Witkin, Laura White and Bonnie Wright.
Parking is provided at First Church of Christ Scientist, 6165 La Flecha, with shuttle service provided by Elite Chauffeured Services.
Tickets begin at $225 for the fashion show and lunch, or $125 for the fashion show only. Buy tickets online at
or by calling 858 756-1192, ext. 4.
The Country Friends, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, was formed in 1954 with the mission of “Helping San Diegans, One Hand at a Time.” The organization raises funds for charities throughout San Diego County, primarily through proceeds from its consignment shop in Rancho Santa Fe. The shop specializes in exquisite furniture, antiques, rugs, silver, china, and
objets d’art
.