Red, White, and Blue on the Runway, and Fashion with a Passion

The Women’s Museum of California presented Red, White, and Blue on the Runway, a luncheon and book talk with Dr. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell held at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe on Oct. 21. Chrisman-Campbell is an award-winning fashion historian, curator, and journalist. She discussed her book, “Red, White, and Blue on the Runway: The 1968 White House Fashion Show and the Politics of American Style,” offering attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the only fashion show ever held at the White House.

Amid a stormy political climate, Lady Bird Johnson hosted this unique event with renowned designers such as Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene, and Oscar de la Renta. Many of the guests were wives of governors and members of President Johnson’s Cabinet, making it a truly once-in-a-lifetime event.

The event was co-chaired by Andrea Naversen, Ranch and Coast Magazine, and Sandra Maas, board president of WMC and trustee of SDHC. Laura Mitchell, Ph.D., executive director at WMC and vice president for programs, at SDHC, welcomed the guests. During the event, it was announced that the WMC is merging with the SDHC in Balboa Park to become a program of the SDHC with the merger expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

FASHION WITH A PASSION

Fashion with a Passion was a Mad Hatters Fashion Tea Party held on Oct. 20 at the Mission Beach Women’s Club, benefiting Make-A-Wish San Diego. Guests arrived wearing their favorite hats participating in a fashionable hat contest.

The event was co-chaired by Denise Baca, Carolyn Morris, Nichole Mayer, and Alicia Lowery. Denise Baca, serving as mistress of ceremonies, interviewed the featured fashion designer Kenneth Barlis on stage. Models showcased Barlis’ latest designs, complimented by Jean Amour Minaudiere’s luxury clutch bags, and Georgia Mugol’s bolero jackets.

Leana was this year’s Make-A-Wish kid and had her wish granted with a trip to New York Fashion Week. She also was given the opportunity to model in a fashion show. If you are interested in volunteering next year, contact the Fashion with a Passion group at Make-A-Wish San Diego.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, Nov. 10 – Sip and Style at Novo Brazil Brewing Mission Valley from 1-4 p.m. Each ticket includes a bag filled with fashion and a drink of your choice. https://bit.ly/4eandJ7.

Monday, Dec. 2 – BIMS Week Fashion Show (Black in Marine Science) at Paradise Point Resort & Spa from 6-8 p.m. Showcasing sustainable fashion, swimwear, and dive/snorkel gear. https://bit.ly/48be7u5.

Friday, Dec. 6 – Winter Wonderland Fashion Show & Luncheon at the US Grant Hotel. Leonard Simpson will present the runway show. arc-sd.com/winterwonderland.

Saturday, Dec. 14 – Kenneth Barlis Fashion Show (Made in the Philippines from 3-8 p.m. at the Port Pavilion. Formal attire only. https://bit.ly/4h9XN0P.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the Southern California area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and podcaster at dianacavagnaro.com.