The Fairmont Grand Del Mar hosted a High Tea featuring an Oscar de la Renta Fashion Experience on June 20. This amazing event began with an introduction to the new Pre-Fall 2024 collection in the renovated Lobby Lounge. Models sauntered around the lounge giving everyone a view of this new and timeless collection. Guests sat down in the lobby library for an afternoon tea experience. Jake Taylor Smith entertained the crowd with beautiful tunes on the piano.
The event started with a selection of either black tea, herbal tea, green tea, or red tea. I had never had red tea so I tried the Jolie De Provence with a fruity ripe berry taste, which was balanced with a mild dash of lavender. This was just delicious! Next, they continued with amuse-bouches, finger sandwiches made from local ingredients, traditional tea scones, and then finished with extraordinary pastries.
This floral-themed Oscar de la Renta collection was named Enchanted Garden. Many of the creations had hibiscus, hydrangeas, and poppy flowers incorporated into the motif. Beautiful floral Guipure lace was seen in many of the designs. Christopher Garcia, PR and marketing manager, was MC for the afternoon. The models strolled around the lobby and onto the runway to showcase these elegant designs.
One blue mid-length dress was encrusted with crystal embroidery. The garment with the ultimate drama was a cocktail mini sequin and a feather embroidered dress. Another crowd favorite was a papercut flower bugle beaded gown. It was a gold metallic halter gown with a cascading hem resembling fringe. The show concluded with a strapless bridal gown with a hand-cut floral motif. It took 35 artisans 50 hours to create. It was absolutely stunning.
After the event, there was a pop-up shop to purchase all these amazing designs including jewelry and other accessories. Denise Dingle, director of retail, was there to assist the guests. A laser-cut floral leather Jacket was one eye-catching item. Another was a Gardenia Pendant with a self-tying velvet ribbon. The Gardenia was Oscar’s favorite flower. The Fairmont Grand Del Mar will be featuring a High Tea each month. To stay informed, sign up for their newsletter at fairmont.com/san-diego/.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Through Aug. 4: “A Splendid Decennium: Victorian to Vanguard” featuring the art of Marty Ornish. This exhibit has been extended for three months at the Villa Montezuma Museum (villamontezumamuseum.org) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Call or text 619-233-8833 for tour reservations.
Saturday, July 6 – Runway 40 Fashion Gala at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, Pan American Plaza from 5-9 p.m. The gala features designer Ugochi Iwuaba — tickets at https://bit.ly/3yrxql6.
Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner in San Diego. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and blogger at www.DianaCavagnaro.com