The Country Friends’ Art of Fashion 2017
The Country Friends’ Art of Fashion 2017
September 14, 2017
Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Bally, Salvatore Ferragamo, Max Mara and Versace are among the top international designers and luxury retailers to be showcased on September 14 when The Country Friends presents the 2017 Art of Fashion in partnership with South Coast Plaza. The runway show, which celebrates South Coast Plaza’s 50th Anniversary, also will include the latest looks from the fall/winter collections of Roberto Cavalli, Brunello Cucinelli, M Missoni, Weekend Max Mara, The Webster, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
“South Coast Plaza is celebrating 50 years of iconic style in 2017,” says Debra Gunn Downing, the center’s spokeswoman. “Supporting philanthropic organizations throughout Southern California such as The Country Friends is an important aspect of our 50-year heritage and will continue to be part of our future.”
Deb Cross, the President of The Country Friends, says the nonprofit is proud to partner yet again with South Coast Plaza, known for its unrivaled collection of luxury brands. “The Art of Fashion is our signature fundraiser that will benefit dozens of charities throughout San Diego County.”
In keeping with tradition, the event recognizes those who have given their time and talents to help further the organization’s mission of supporting human care agencies. This year’s honoree is Jenny Craig, the Rancho Santa Fe entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded the weight loss empire Jenny Craig International with her late husband Sid. Craig is known for her support of Shriners Children’s Hospital, the Salvation Army, Charity Vision, San Diego Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, and the SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation, among many others. She supports Fresno State, her husband’s alma mater, which named the Craig School of Business in his honor in 1992. The University of San Diego dedicated the Jenny Craig Pavilion for sports and recreation in 2000.
Cross is also pleased to announce that Rancho Santa Fe residents Maggie Bobileff and Denise Hug will serve as this year’s Art of Fashion co-chairs. Born and raised in Switzerland, Maggie’s love of fashion started at an early age. In her early twenties, she traveled to Munich, Milan, Paris, and Rome on buying trips, meeting such legendary designers as Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace, and Gianfranco Ferré. Maggie moved from Switzerland to San Diego In 1997, where she married Gary Bobileff, a Ferrari and Lamborghini restorer. In 2005 she opened her first men’s store, Mister B, followed a few years later by Maggie B for women. Maggie has served on The Country Friends Board of Directors for the past eight years, and on the Art of Fashion committee for nine.
A native Californian, Denise is married to Bertrand Hug, her husband of 42 years. Together they own two of San Diego’s best restaurants: the iconic Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe as well as Bertrand at Mister A’s in Bankers Hill. The couple has been very active in the community over the years, supporting numerous charities, including countless fundraising events for The Country Friends at Mille Fleurs. Like Maggie, Denise loves fashion, having modeled in her late teens and twenties. She is especially honored to co-chair the 2017 Country Friends Art of Fashion with her close friend, Maggie, and to be part of such a dedicated group of people who have made the event a long-running success.
Kathleen Bade, Fox5’s primetime anchor, will once again serve as mistress of ceremonies for the Art of Fashion. Bade has earned multiple Emmys for her work in journalism as well as recognition as a child advocate. She has anchored Fox5’s 6pm and 10pm newscasts since the station’s launch in 2008.
The Art of Fashion is sponsored by Jenny Craig, Les and Deb Cross, Ron and Alexis Fowler, Bob and Karen Hoehn of Hoehn Jaguar Land Rover, Duncan and Karen Wallace, the Warren Family Foundation, Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa and Grand Pacific Palisades. John Matty and Joan Waitt also provided substantial support, as well as Art of Skin MD, BNY Mellon Wealth Management, Torrey Pines Bank, SKY Facial Plastic Surgery, and Wells Fargo Private Bank. Generous patrons include Lisa Alvarez, Charlie and Terri Chivetta, Marjan Daneshmand, Jo Ann Kilty, Tamara Lafarga-Joseph, Lorraine Hennessy, Connie McNally, Andrea Naversen, Kim Quinn, Sandra Schafer, Deb Sims, Sarah Sleeper, and Suzy Westphal.
The historic Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, which completed a $12 million renovation in 2012, including a new restaurant and spa, once again serves as the charming venue for this annual fall homage to fundraising and fashion. Art of Fashion will begin with a Champagne reception complete with a photo lounge prior to the runway show highlighting the 2017 Fall/Winter collections of South Coast Plaza’s renowned international designers and retailers, followed by a luncheon and the opportunity to shop South Coast Plaza mini-boutiques offering the latest in clothing, handbags, jewelry, eyewear, and accessories. 858.756.1192, ext. 4, thecountryfriends.org
Maggie & Denise: Photo by Felice Kinnear; Runway shot: Photo by Jennifer Nelson
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