FabSugar

Behind the Seams: Opening of Helpers House of Couture

FabSugar — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:23:22 -0700

You've heard me mention Joy Bianchi (left) a couple times now. She's the ultimate San Francisco socialite, and someone I hope to be half as fabulous as when I'm her age. She's invited to every glamorous event and dressed to the nines in unique frocks - her designer of choice is Ralph Rucci - but Joy has a generous philanthropic side as well. She runs Helpers of the Mentally Retarded and owns a boutique whose proceeds benefit the organization.

Imagine my joy (pun!) when I was invited to the opening of Helpers House of Couture, an invite-only event that sold couture dresses, designer shoes, hats, and jewels galore - some Joy's, and most donated by upper-crust ladies. I felt like a kid let loose in a candy store, only this candy store had two floors and six rooms stuffed with fashion fabulousness. If money wasn't an object, I would have bought the house and everything under its roof. I did end up scoring two amazing necklaces that I think Kate Moss would be envious of.

To go behind the seams and to see what I scored, read more.

View 17 Photos ›

Behind the Seams: Nordstrom Fall 2008 Designer Preview

FabSugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:00:22 -0700

Seeing runway photos is not nearly as enticing as seeing the clothes live, and Nordstrom's Designer Preview 2008 reiterated that fact. For example, Bill Blass's gray/black tulle-bodice strapless dress - you know, the one Anne Hathaway wore at the Get Smart premiere - literally came to life before my eyes on the catwalk. While I admired it on Anne, I fell madly in love with it that night because I saw the way the bottom half of the dress danced as the model pranced down the runway. Donna Karan, Stella McCartney, Derek Lam, Missoni, Valentino, Michael Kors, Peter Som, Burberry Prorsum, Vera Wang, and Versace also each showed about a dozen Fall looks.

The night was centered around the runway, but the pre- and postparty was also a blast. Clothes hanging on tall racks gave guests, including myself, the chance to get up close and personal with their catwalk faves, while champagne and hors d'oeuvres kept us satiated. Oh, and I got to meet the ultimate San Francisco socialite, Joy Bianchi!

To go behind the seams of Nordstrom's Designer Preview, read more.

View 15 Photos ›

Drew Altizer Photography

Behind the Seams: A Louis Vuitton Night to Remember

FabSugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:00:22 -0700

Imagine being invited to not one, but two Louis Vuitton parties in one night! That is precisely what happened to me when the luxury brand invited Fab to a Louis Vuitton Maison flagship reopening cocktail party, and then a private dinner in honor of artist Teresita Fernandez (left, in front of her work, with President and CEO of Louis Vuitton North America, Daniel Lalonde). In case you're not familiar, Maison signifies that the particular Louis Vuitton store carries every single LV item available on the market.

The night started when we got dolled up and dashed off to the LV Maison store in Union Square. All the beautiful people of San Francisco - top LV customers, press, socialites, the mayor - mixed and mingled amid the latest merchandise, delicious hors d'oeuvres, and bubbly. Fashion lovers drooled over LV goods, while art patrons admired Teresita's installation for the store.

To hear more about our fabulous Louis Vuitton evening and to see photos, read more.

At around 9:30 p.m., a town car collected us and drove us to Orson restaurant, the location of the private dinner for about 50. There, we met a slew of Louis Vuitton employees who had mostly flown to San Francisco from New York. As you can imagine, we were wined, dined, and treated to an amazing night, all thanks to Louis Vuitton. What more can a gal ask for?!

View 19 Photos ›

Photos courtesy of Louis Vuitton