Marie Louise Hom and actress Connie Nielsen
There are two gala evenings each year that more-or-less define the San Francisco social world: the opening of the San Francisco Opera in September, and in March the Mid Winter Gala, which benefits the Fine Arts Museums.
Of all events, the Mid-Winter Gala is the evening which seems to invoke the most excitement. Yours truly began hearing mutterings toward the end of 2008 of who was going and, more interestingly, who was not.
By January, high-end stores throughout the City like Neiman-Marcus and Susan, or designers such as Lily Samii, Joseph Domingo and Azadeh, had already set aside gowns for their favorite clients. Should one wear long or short, formal or fun, big gems or costume jewelry?
Diana Britt, Zem Joaquin and Claudia Ross wore long.
Hillary Armstrong and Kimberly Sesnon did short.
Trusted fashion advisors, like Neiman’s Vicki Winston, ensured none of her ladies bought the same dress. John Hadeed of Torso Vintages scoured his sources for the most rare vintage pieces to guarantee that his clients were unique. And Vanessa Getty wore the most exclusive design of all — her own! Fashion is important at this event — it’s the place to be seen, but only if one looks fabulous!
(For our list of the evening’s “Fifteen Fabulous Looks” click here.)
John and Lucy Buchanan, with Kathryn Lasater and Alexis Traina
Fashion fun aside, it’s ultimately an evening of great importance to the enrichment of San Francisco’s cultural life, for the money raised supports programs of the Fine Arts Museums. We are told that this year’s event, chaired by Trevor Traina and Vanessa Getty, raised approximately $250,000.
Kathryn Lasater, Trevor Traina and Allison Speer
William and Vanessa Getty (earrings by Bulgari)
Generous sponsors, including First Republic Bank, Sotheby’s, Bulgari and PG&E, donated $80,000, thanks to the tireless work of gala co-chairs Allison Speer and Kathryn Lasater. In this economic environment, it’s not easy to get corporate sponsorship, so it’s a testament to their belief in the Fine Arts Museums that they lent their support.
Aubert Vanderlinden, Marcy Karpowitz, Kelly Grimes, Keylee Sanders, Sobia Shaikh, Justin Fichelson
Lia Aaron, Kimberly Miller and Andrea Schnitzer
This glamorous and fun event brought together 400 of the Bay Area’s young art patrons and leaders, including Lars Ulrich, Stephan Jenkins, Maxx Traina, Nicola Miner and Robert Anderson, Damion Smith, Kate Harbin, Jennifer and Doug Biederbeck, Juliet and Andre de Baubigny, Jeana Toney and Boris Putnanec, Becca Prowda, Daniel Lurie, Kendall and Gardner Robinson, Victoire and Owsley Brown, Christina and Jad Dunning, Summer Tompkins, Kelly Phleger Johnson and Don Johnson, Vandy Boudreau, Elizabeth and Paul Touw, Lisa and Jim Zanze, Amber Marie Bently, Lisa Sardegna, Allyson Jackson, Brad Harrington, Brian Wilsey, Stanlee Gatti, Peter Svennilson, Kim Miller and Michael Polenske, and Dr. Jordan Shlain, among others.
Drew Altizer and his team of photographers were there to take the exclusive shots from the evening, which you see here.
Stephanie Unger and Maxx Traina
Shannon Bavaro with Co-Sponsor Jordan Shlain, MD
Co-sponsor Amber Marie Bently in Pucci
Kate Harbin, Evie Simon and Cynthia Pillsbury
Kathryn Lasater, William Freeman and Kathryn Freeman
David Carrillo and Lisa Sardegna
Donna Hoghooghi in Lily Samii
Lindsay Bolton
Patrice Lovato and Kate Chung
Taylor Nagle and Jennifer Nagle
Melissa Barber and Alan Malouf
Lisa Grotts and�Kelly Shuda
Brad Harrington and Alyson Jackson
Steven Hawthornthwaite with Erin Hawthornthwaite in Isaac Mizrahi
Matt Paige and Katie Schwab
Sobia Shaikh with Lisa Alexander in a dress of her own design
Shell Cardon and Craig Cardon
Helene de Baubigny and John Golob
Isha Abdullah
Dawn Dzedzy of Saks Fifth Avenue (right)
Daniel Diaz, Katherine Banks and Alan Malouf
Trevor Traina, Don Johnson, Summer Tompkins Walker
Victoria Reiser and Alex Chases
Ricky Serbin and Lucy Buchanan
Fred Moll and Allison Speer
Monica Maduro and Simon Cheffens
Andre and Juliet de Baubigny (in Azzedine Alaia), with Trevor Traina
Marie Louise Hom and Marc Hom
Kelly Phleger Johnson and Don Johnson
The dinner, catered by Taste, had a Warhol-themed menu, in keeping with the de Young’s “Warhol Live” exhibit: “Campbell’s” tomato soup with little grilled cheese sandwiches, followed by Cornflake-crusted fried Fulton Valley chicken, organic Yukon Gold potato & buttermilk mash, Bloomsdale spinach, baby french carrots, parsley, lemon & caper jus. Waiters wore wigs in homage to Andy Warhol.
Donald Van der Marcke and Summer Tompkins Walker
Afsaneh Akhtari with Joel Goodrich (in Chanel’s mens collection)
Fariba Rezvani, Jorge Maumer and Isha Abdullah
Allison Speer said that “The most memorable part of the night was when the whole party hit the dance floor for Wonderbread Five. They are a fantastic funk band! I have never seen our group get up so fast.” Another partier told us she especially enjoyed the music, which was from the Studio 54 era of the 1970s and ’80s. ”It was like prom, seriously, since there were no Gen ‘Y-ers’ and all the Gen X-ers were present,” she said. “It was great rocking out to the 80s!”
Patrick Barber of Sotheby’s (the Event Sponsor), with wife Melissa Barber
Rexanne Martin and Jill Hetherington
- Further Reading: Fifteen Fabulous Looks [sfluxe.com]
- Honorary Chairs: Vanessa Getty and Trevor Traina
- Co-Chairs: Allison Speer and Kathryn Lasater
- Premiere Event Sponsor: Bulgari
- Event Sponsor: Sotheby’s
- Co-Sponsor: Amber Marie Bently Jewelry
- Co-Sponsor: Bentley San Francisco
- Co-Sponsor: PG&E
- Co-Sponsor: Private Medical Services by Jordan Shlain MD
- Alcohol Sponsors: GREY GOOSE Vodka, and Swanson Vineyards.
- Music: Wonderbread Five
- Photography: Drew Altizer
Tags: Alan Malouf, Allison Speer, Alyson Jackson, Aubert Vanderlinden, Becca Prowda, Billy Getty, Boris Putnanec, Brad Harrington, Bulgari, Chanel, Cynthia Pillsbury, David Carrillo, Diana Britt, Don Johnson, Donna Hoghooghi, Doug Biederbeck, Elizabeth Touw, Erin Hawthornthwaite, Evie Simon, Fariba Rezvani, Hillary Armstrong, isha abdullah, Jordan Shlain, Jorge Maumer, Justin Fichelson, Kate Harbin, Kathryn Lasater, Kelly Grimes, Kelly Phleger Johnson, Kelly Shuda, Keylee Sanders, Lars Ulrich, Lindsay Bolton, Lisa Grotts, Lisa Sardegna, Marcy Karpowitz, Marie Louise Hom, Maxx Traina, Melissa Barber, Monica Maduro, Nicola Miner, Patrice Lovato, Paul Touw, Ricky Serbin, Saks Fifth Avenue, Shannon Bavaro, Sobia Shaikh, Stanlee Gatti, Summer Tompkins, summer tompkins walker, Trevor Traina, Trevor Traina and Allison Speer, Vanessa Getty, William Getty, Zem Joaquin
Osso Steakhouse (1177 California Street at Jones), a new venture from Jerry and Jennifer Dal Bozzo in partnership with Dante Serafini, recently celebrated its grand opening.
The restaurant offers a diverse a la carte menu featuring the highest quality of 4-6 week dry-aged tender prime beef with bone-in (osso) steaks, along with specialty offerings like Hot Iron Skillet Dungeness Crab. Great pride is taken in the extensive wine list.
The Dal Bozzos and Serafini are the same group behind other San Francisco favorites like The Franciscan Crab Restaurant, The Stinking Rose, Calzone’s Pizza Cucina, and the recently revamped The Old Clam House.
Osso Steakhouse is open everyday for dinner only, from 5-10pm. Valet Parking available for $10. 1177 California Street at Jones. 415-771-6776.
We’re delighted to see that the Alex Chases Salon, run by the renowned hairstylist Alex Chases, has recently moved into a larger space at Rosewood Sand Hill’s Sense spa.
Designer Cedric Charlier recently visited San Francisco from Paris, to present his Spring 2013 collection at Barneys.
Osso Steakhouse (1177 California Street at Jones), a new venture from Jerry Dal Bozzo and Jennifer Dal Bozzo in partnership with Dante Serafini, opened on May 3, 2013, and aims to become a new favorite with San Francisco foodies and steak lovers especially.
The owners hosted an intimate gathering of friends and supporters to support the new restaurant the day before the opening.
Osso Steakhouse is open everyday for dinner only, from 5-10pm. Valet Parking available for $10.
With Sloan and Roger Barnett, Sabrina Buell and Yves Behar, Jean-Pierre Conte, and Alison and Mark Pincus, Gucci recently hosted a private cocktail party at the San Francisco store to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the loafer, and the new 1953 collection for men and women.
Catherine Kwong’s living room, inspired by Mick Jagger and Bianca Jagger, is one of the highlights of the 2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase, taking place at 2800 Pacific Avenue.
Saks Fifth Avenue and San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary are presenting Zac Posen as this year’s guest designer at the 32nd San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary Fashion Show, benefiting San Francisco Ballet.
San Francisco Symphony fans recently gathered for a launch party at the Macy’s on Union Square in anticipation of the Symphony’s first Spring Gala, featuring R&B singer, songwriter, and fashion icon Janelle Monae performing with the Orchestra.
The 2013 Spring Gala featured Monae’s funky, soulful hip-hop and R&B style in combination with brand new orchestral arrangements of her songs, plus new material from her upcoming album. The Spring Gala raised money for the Symphony’s education programs, which reach over 75,000 children each year.
Michael S. Smith was recently honored at Hedge Gallery in San Francisco at a party hosted by Alison Pincus, Vanessa Getty and Allison Speer. His design work for a Palladian Villa in Malibu is being put up for auction at Christie’s in New York. Nicolas Berggruen, Princess Tatiana Galitzine, Dede Wilsey, and Sabrina Buell were among the guests.
Deepa Pakianathan and Phil Pemberton recently hosted a reception for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in anticipation of its upcoming Gala on April 20, 2013, which pays tribute to legendary opera baritone and Conservatory Advisory Board member Thomas Hampson.
Conservatory mezzo-soprano Catherine Cook directs and stars in a program featuring special performances by Hampson with Conservatory students, faculty and guest artists. Teresa Medearis and Barbara Walkowski co-chair the event, with catering by McCall’s Catering and Events and decor by Blueprint Studios.
Tickets for this very special occasion can be purchased at www.sfcm.edu
UCSF Partners in Care recently held its 2013 kick-off membership event at Reed & Greenough. Membership co-Chairs Schuyler Hudak and Libby Leffler hosted the launch party and kicked off the well-attended evening with brief remarks, followed by UCSF Partners in Care President Katie Budge, who spoke about the services that the auxiliary organization provides to the hospital.
UCSF Partners in Care works with UCSF hospital staff to fund programs that provide comfort and well-being to patients and their families while visiting the UCSF medical center.
Guests enjoyed spirited greyhounds nicknamed “Doctor’s Orders,” and a “Members Only” wine special while noshing on sweet treats from Kara’s Cupakes, and savory sliders and arancini from Cedar Hill Kitchen and Smokehouse.
Please visit www.ucsfpartnersincare.org for more information about this important organization.
Renowned European designer Ms. Madeline Pauw recently made an appearance at a delightful luncheon at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco, where her Spring 2013 collection was presented.
The Pauw collection is designed by Madeleine Pauw, daughter of the original founders. Pauw is known for its luxurious fabrics and soft touches of femininity while integrating just a splash of masculine undertones, but always keeping the fit and style in mind for the female physique. The company has been in business for over 50 years, and originally was created in the Netherlands where it currently has 29 stores.
You can purchase pieces from Pauw at Saks Fifth Avenue at 384 Post Street, San Francisco, or online at Saks Fifth Avenue
Neiman Marcus and Vanity Fair, with writer Amy Fine Collins, recently hosted a luncheon in celebration of Vanity Fair’s 2013 International Best Dressed List. Guests included some of the West Coast’s best dressed women, such as Vanessa Getty, Pamela Joyner, and Sobia Shaikh. It also provided an opportunity to meet Alan Morell, the new general manager for Neiman Marcus’s Union Square store, following the move of our beloved John Capizzi to Bergdorf Goodman in New York.
ModeWalk recently unveiled its newest service for their clients, a first-of-its-kind, by-appointment showroom in San Francisco called Boudoir, located on the 7th Floor of 391 Sutter Street in Union Square.
Betty Lin, the chic Presidio Heights boutique, recently celebrated the launch of the new Maiyet collection with a party hosted by Alexis Traina, Alison Pincus, Nina Stanford, and Seth Miller.
HBO recently presented the premiere of Game of Thrones Season 3 with a VIP screening at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, attended by cast and creators, and VIP guests.
After the screening there was an on-stage discussion with Executive Producers D.B. Weiss, David Benioff and Co-Executive Producer George R.R. Martin, moderated by Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg, Co-Executive Editor’s at All Things D.
The Mid Winter Gala for 2013 honored the exhibit, “Girl with a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the Mauritshuis” with a chic winter wonderland that raised over $400k. Marissa Mayer, Jonathan Ive, Alison Pincus, Vanessa Getty, Dick Costolo, Stephan Jenkins, Connie Nielsen, Lori Levine, Evgenia Peretz, Jeremy Stoppelman, Trevor Traina, Allison Speer and Kathryn Lasater were among the 380 who attended.
