The Country Friends Art of Fashion returns to Rancho Santa Fe in September

The Country Friends Art of Fashion takes to the runway at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe on Thursday, Sept. 11, partnering for the 21st year with South Coast Plaza, a premier shopping destination in Costa Mesa.

The show features dazzling selections from the fall-winter collections of the plaza’s luxury designers and retailers, including Bally, Balmain, Camilla, Eleventy, Max Mara, Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, and Stella McCartney, according to a news release. Event co-chairs are Sophia Alsadek and Anna Laurel, with Sandra Maas as honorary chair. KGTV/10 News Anchor Kimberly Hunt serves as emcee.

The Country Friends President Janean Stripe said in the news release that the nonprofit is also excited to announce that Wells Fargo is this year’s premier event sponsor. “We are proud to partner with this leading institution which gives back to many local nonprofits,” she said in the news release.

“Together we can do even more to help our community at a time when needs have grown even greater.” Since it was founded in 1954, The Country Friends has provided more than $15 million to San Diego County-based charities with special emphasis on women, children, the elderly, military families, and persons with disabilities. Stripe is also grateful for the longtime support of the historic Inn, the sole site of The Country Friends annual fall fashion fête since the nonprofit was founded in 1954, the news release stated.

Many more sponsors and patrons, both individuals and companies, have provided additional support.

Linda Sansone & Associates will host a champagne reception on The Inn’s lawn which kicks off the event at 10 a.m. with light bites from The French Gourmet, the photo lounge, and an opportunity drawing featuring designer handbags, clothing, getaways, spa treatments, and more. Throughout the day, guests can shop for fashion and accessories at South Coast Plaza mini-boutiques, including Bally, Balmain, Camilla, Max Mara, Oscar de la Renta, and Vitra Eyewear. Ten percent of sales benefit The Country Friends’ selected charities.

Centerpiece of the Art of Fashion is the runway show followed by a three-course luncheon with wine, and a live auction. Prizes include jewelry from John Matty including a set of African Garnet and Diamond Flower Earrings in 18k valued at $7,900, a Steak 48 dining experience, and a one-week stay in a grand luxury villa at the five-star Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort in St. Lucia, valued at $11,500 from Scott Dunn. The event concludes with “Sip, Shop, and Support,” the chance to browse boutiques and mingle with friends.

For tickets or sponsorships, visit www.thecountryfriends.org or call 858-756-1192.