Tickets now available for The Country Friends 57th Annual Art of Fashion Runway Show

Tickets are now available online for The Country Friends’ 57th annual Art of Fashion Runway Show, the largest fundraiser for the nonprofit volunteer organization that has funded human care agencies throughout San Diego County since 1954. Art of Fashion will take place on Thursday, Sept. 20, at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe in partnership with South Coast Plaza. All event proceeds benefit more than 20 designated charities throughout San Diego County.

This year’s event pays tribute to Connie McNally and Jean S. Newman, two dedicated members of The Country Friends. McNally has headed up volunteer efforts, served on the board of The Country Friends, and is a past Art of Fashion event chair. Newman is a past president of The Country Friends and longtime manager at the organization’s Consignment Shop in Rancho Santa Fe.

The 57th Annual Art of Fashion schedule of events is as follows:

10:30 a.m. – Event begins.

10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Boutique shopping from South Coast Plaza retailers.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Luncheon on the lawn prepared by Executive Chef Todd Allison.

1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Runway Show begins promptly.

2:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Apres Affaire Wine Tasting hosted by Falkner Winery, Lemon Twist and Allure Chocolates.

The Runway Show will feature the fall/winter collections of: Brunello Cucinelli, Canali, Donna Karan, Escada, Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, MaxMara, Oscar de la Renta, Saks Fifth Avenue, Salvatore Ferragamo and Versace.

Throughout the day, the boutiques of South Coast Plaza will offer the latest trends in clothing, handbags, jewelry, eyewear and other accessories. Participating retailers include: Brunello Cucinelli, Canali, David Yurman, Donna Karan, Emilio Pucci, Escada, MaxMara, Molton Brown, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tod’s and Versace.

The 2012 Honorary Committee includes: Joy J. Bancroft, Paula Marie Black, Gary & Maggie Bobileff, Bokal & Sneed Architects, Jenny Craig, Les & Deb Cross, Kathy Davidson, Barbara Enberg, Dana Falk, Alexis Fowler, Cathy Geier, Laurie Joseph, Kerr Family Foundation, Bess Lambron, Kurt & Jenny Listug, Jeanne Lucia, Tina Rappaport, Helen Lacey Reed, Karen Tanz, The John M. & Sally B. Thornton Foundation, Andrea Naverson Wait & Dwight Wait, Warren Family Foundation, The Zable Family and May Zawaideh.

The Art of Fashion Runway Show is sponsored by: Hoehn Jaguar Land Rover, DJO Global, California Bank & Trust, Joan Waitt, Alaska Airlines, John and Mary Rainsford Charitable Foundation.

Valet parking will be available at the event entrance. Parking and shuttle service also provided at the Village Community Presbyterian Church (located on Paseo Delicias), and First Church of Christ Scientist (located on La Flecha).

Tickets begin at $225 for the fashion show and lunch, or $125 for the fashion show only. Guests can purchase tickets online at www.TheCountryFriends.org or by calling (858) 756-1192 ext. 4.