The Art of Fashion 2024

The Country Friends Art of Fashion, the nonprofit’s annual celebration of fall and philanthropy, takes to the runway at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe on Thursday, September 12.

The fashion show will feature selections from the fall-winter collections of South Coast Plaza’s leading luxury retailers including Balmain, Camilla, Isabel Marant, Lanvin, Max Mara, Michael Kors Collection, Missoni, Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

“This year’s event is extra special because it marks the 70^th anniversary of The Country Friends,” notes Janean Stripe, the nonprofit’s president. “We are also proud of our 20-year partnership with South Coast Plaza, our presenting sponsor, which always presents a fabulous show.” Since it was founded in 1954, The Country Friends has provided $15 million to San Diego County-based charities.

Philanthropist Joan Waitt is the event’s honorary chair, with Tamara Lafarga-Joseph and MJ Wittman serving as co-chairs. Emcee is Sandra Maas, an award-winning broadcast journalist and community leader.

The event, from 10am to 4pm, begins with a champagne reception on The Inn’s lawn sponsored by Linda Sansone & Associates with light bites from The French Gourmet, a photo lounge, and an opportunity drawing featuring designer handbags, staycations, and spa treatments. Guests can shop for fashion and accessories at South Coast Plaza mini-boutiques including Balmain, Camilla, Furla, Isabel Marant, Lanvin, Max Mara, Oscar de la Renta, and Vitra Eyewear. Ten percent of sales benefits The Country Friends.

Centerpiece of the Art of Fashion is the runway show followed by a three-course luncheon with wine, and a live auction featuring items that include stunning amethyst cushion drop earrings with speckled diamonds valued at $9,500 from John Matty Co. in Rancho Santa Fe, an experience with “Sam the Cooking Guy,” getaways, and more. The event concludes with “Sip, Shop, and Support,” the opportunity to continue shopping while mingling with friends.

Top “Couture” sponsor is Wells Fargo. “Haute Couture” sponsors include Joan Waitt, Floit Properties, Inc., Les and Deborah Cross, Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, and The Cassara Carlsbad, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

“Runway” sponsors include F&F Capital Group, LLC; Hoehn Jaguar Land Rover, Innoflight, Jeremy McDonald, CEO of Pioneer Capital Group and Pioneer Sports and Entertainment; John Matty Co., Lucia Capital Group, Premium West Construction, Town & Country Event Rentals and Tenting, and the Warren Family Foundation.

“Fashionista” sponsors are Art of Skin MD and Melanie Palm, MD; Aurae MD, Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine; Elisa Jaime, Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas, Linda Block, Mirandon Foundation for Hope, Mulloys Fine Jewelry, PNC Bank, Sydney Holland, Tamara Lafarga-Joseph, Teresa King, Steve and Brittany Games of The Games Group, The Joyce Family Foundation, Todd Neal, Partner at Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch, LLP, and The Ruehle Foundation.

Nearly five dozen “Patrons,” including individuals and companies, have provided additional financial support. Ranch & Coast Magazine is the main media partner with Giving Back Magazine and Stroll Fairbanks Ranch as supporting sponsors.

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