New York Fashion Week - for a Cause

So we were off on a magic carpet to the Big Apple for an amazing time called “New York Fashion Week.” The trip came about through an auction lot that Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel donated to the V Foundation Wine Celebration, which we have supported for many years. We wanted to donate a lot attractive to the ladies, since there are always plenty of auction lots that have to do with big sporting events. (ESPN is also a huge supporter of V Foundation.) The marvelous artist/vintner/bon vivant Kelly Finn raised her paddle and won the lot and the privilege of taking five people with her to enjoy the sensational week. It was filled with beautiful clothing, stunning models, creative designers, wonderful restaurants, fashion industry celebrities and crazy, quirky people-watching at every show.

Our series of events started with the Red Dress Gala, which featured 18 designers with their dazzling red gowns modeled by 18 celebrity models. (Chaka Khan, Christie Brinkley, Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Nettles and Michael Phelps’ mom, to name a few.) Other amazing shows we attended included Monique Lhuillier, with her sensational, chic designs; Carmen Marc Valvo, with his gorgeous, flowy gowns and the always-brilliant Carolina Herrera, with her elegant creations. Along with seeing these established, big-name designers, we were privileged to have a private showing at the atelier of up-and-coming fine jewelry designer, Monique Pean. Her pieces are made from materials which are ethically mined and eco-sensitive such as Peruvian opalina and fossilized walrus ivory – they are beautiful and unusual.

With Monique Pean and her beautiful designs

It was a treat for me to take us ladies to dinner where we enjoyed our Napa Cabernets at many delightful places, including the elegant and airy Four Seasons Restaurant. My late husband, Gil, and I started going there in the early 70s and we have always received such wonderful hospitality while dining there. It felt like the continuation of a beautiful friendship to be received in such a way again with these lovely, new friends.

(View Beth's photo album from the week here.)