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Posted: 11/2/2011
Posted at Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News:
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A record crowd of more than 550 incredibly fashionable patrons showed up for the big tent on Thursday, Sept. 23 as the Country Friends, in partnership with South Coast Plaza, turned heads with its 55th staging of that grand annual tradition the Art of Fashion outdoor runway show.
It's one of the largest, if not the largest, outdoor fashion show in North America. The latest in haute couture for the fall/winter season from some of the leading designers and fashion houses in the world strolled, strutted and amazed a highly attentive, and appreciate gathering.
'We are thrilled to have such an incredible line-up of designers,' said Jeanne Lucia, president of the Country Friends.
Added Debra Gunn Downing of South Coast Plaza, which partnered in the event for the sixth consecutive year: 'It's a pleasure to bring our stellar cast of luxury boutiques to this show.'
This year's runway show featured fall/winter collections from Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Marni, MaxMara, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Ranta, Saks Fifth Avenue, St. John, TOD'S, and Versace.
Aloha Taylor, KSWB 5/69 Fox San Diego meteorologist, and former Miss USA Hawaii, emceed the fabulous event, noting how the weather was perfect and so were the fashions. Andrea Naverson, chair of the Art of Fashion, welcomed everyone to the special event and introduced Country Friends Art of Fashion committee members and special guests.
Those guests included family members of the late Betty Mabee and Betty Zable. These ladies were honored at the event. 'Mrs. Zable and Mrs. Mabee, longtime members of the Country Friends, are being honored for their commitment to the community,' Naverson said.
The Country Friends was founded in 1954 with 167 members. It has grown to more than 1,200 members and has distributed more than $12 million to San Diego County charit