This week Vanessa Getty and Melanie Ellison are hosting one of the most popular events of the Spring, uniting some of our favorite things: pets, fabulous clothes, and bargain shopping!

Purr is a fashion fundraiser, to be held on May 14th, benefiting San Francisco Bay Humane Friends, an auxiliary organization of Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. 100% of the profits go directly to helping the animals through spaying and neutering, as well as adoption.

Clothing has been sent in directly from design houses such as Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Riser Goodwyn, Judith Leiber and Jimmy Choo, just to name a few.

In addition, Vanessa sent a request to some of her chicest friends earlier this year asking them to sort through their closets and donate some fabulous clothes to the sale.

And indeed they have! We’ve heard there will be some really gorgeous items.

Trust us, you will regret missing this. Here are the details:

Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Time: 1:00 - 5:00 pm (sorry folks, the earlier time slot is sold out!)
Location: San Francisco Film Centre
Address: 39 Keyes Street (The Presidio)
Admission: $20.00 per ticket (at the door) for the 1:00 - 5:00 fundraiser.

What do Dolly Parton, a nameless drag queen, and Denise Hale have in common?

They were all photographed by Andy Warhol, of course!

And according to the Contra Costa Times, a collection of 152 of Warhol’s fabulous Polaroid pics of some of our favorite style icons — including Denise Hale “wearing an exotic sari-like gown and holding a drink” — will be featured in a rare exhibit at the Hearst Art Gallery at St. Mary’s College in 2009.  Other Warhol Polaroids are being distributed to institutions throughout the country. Locally, they will show up at US Berkeley, Stanford, UC Davis, and the San Francisco Art Institute, in addition to St. Marys.

Photo: Susan Tripp Pollard for the Contra Costa Times.

As you can imagine, SFluxe constantly gets requests to write about certain boutiques or other businesses that want publicity. We’re happy to oblige when the business has something really fabulous going on. The more fab the better, right!

Usually, though, a denim store would not be high on our list for coverage. Denim — you love it, you need it, you own it, you want more of it — what else is there to say?

And then we heard about Duke et Duchess, the new boutique that Paolo Iantorno just opened in the Hayes Valley, and suddenly we found something else to say!

We believe there are three reasons SFluxe readers will want to visit Duke et Duchess: the Price, the Product, and the Paolo…

First, the price.

Duke et Duchess has answered the call for high-class rock inspired denim with a surprising price point: an entire line averaging under $100. This gives our most sartorial denim-clad A-Listers “street cred” without missing the mark on luxe quality.

Secondly, the product.

“Our inspiration is driven from the history of Rock found in San Francisco, a fast paced movement with fashion at the forefront,” says the founder, Paolo Iantorno. The jeans are priced low, but the style is in line with what you’d expect from a $300 pair of designer denim. They also carry a selection of cute, high-quality t-shirts.

We love Paolo, and so will you.

This young designer is best known for the Italian-made shoes he designs and sells at Paolo — which has two locations in the city (524 Hayes and 2000 Fillmore.) But through speaking with friends, we discovered that Paolo is actually well known for giving back to the community, supporting some of our most notable charities.

As we always say around here, the true luxury of living well in San Francisco is to be able to help others, and to work with so many vibrant, interesting people in bettering the community. We like Paolo for his designs, but we love Paolo for his commitment to helping local charities.

So in between trying on the latest sexy rock inspired graphic tee’s, accessories embellished with heavy metal and gusseted studs, and fashion forward denim that is priced to fit, expect to see even more kindhearted philanthropy from our new Rock Royalty - DUKE ET DUCHESS.

• Shopping: Duke et Duchess [528 Hayes St, between Laguna St & Octavia St. (415) 431-3555]

The talk around town for the last month or so has been something called 944. What’s 944? Who’s 944? Is it a store, a club, a hotel, one of those secret code words you see in Craigslist ads?

It turns out that 944 is a magazine that’s about to launch in San Francisco — and in a very big way. Local editions of the magazine are already published in Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Diego and Orange County.

Noting our “strong, resounding arts culture” and “burgeoning nightlife scene,” the magazine’s CEO and founder, Marc Lotenberg, says they’re “thrilled” about breaking into the San Francisco market.

I am told that several writers and editors have recently left other local publications to join 944, ensuring that the magazine is really tuned in to what is going on in our city. The first issue is being closely guarded — in fact, nobody outside of the magazine has even had a glimpse of the cover — so we all have to wait to the June 1st launch date to see what it’s like. I’ve seen the Los Angeles issue, and it has more celebrities and a slightly younger, more energetic demographic than we’ve seen in other SF magazines.

As you know, SFluxe loves celebrities! If 944 can bring some of their LA glitz into the city, I think it will be an exciting new addition to San Francisco.

• Further Information: 944 [944.com]

A reader tells me that David and Victoria Beckham were in the Napa Valley a few days ago to celebrate her birthday.

Oh, and by the way, they brought some friends with them.

Tom and Katie Cruise. Heidi Klum and Seal. Kate and Len Wisema .

I’m sure a few SFluxe readers were included as well… do tell us how it was! Any chance they like it so much they might move here?

More photos are at PopSugar.

The Ed. Fund is giving out over $100,000 in college scholarships. The 26 West County high school seniors represent every comprehensive high school in West Contra Costa Unified School District. All winners will be honored on Friday, May 16h at The Ed. Fund’s 20th Annual Excellence in Education Banquet in Berkeley, California.

Scholarships range from $2,000 to $5,000; some are renewable for up to four years of college. With college costs rising (average fees for a UC is $24,000 per year), many families have no hope of giving their kids the one thing that might most influence their future success in life. The recipients, who have ambitions that range from choreography to opening a free health clinic for poor children, will have a chance to start this fall at the college of their choice. Of this year’s 26 winners, 14 have weighted GPAs above 4.0.

Financial need is a pre-requisite to getting funds, and all applicants must demonstrate their drive and their ability to overcome obstacles. “These are the attributes of people who are most likely to finish college”, said Jennifer Henry, Executive Director of The Ed. Fund. The 20th Annual Excellence in Education banquet is a great way for people to show their support of these aspiring students and is open to the public. The evening includes an elegant dinner and live auction and honors teachers, staff, volunteers and students across West Contra Costa County.

The people who make these scholarships possible are individuals who know the value of college for young people, their families, and their community. Community leader Antonio Medrano believes these donors are heroes, and praises The Ed. Fund for seeking them out. “What The Ed. Fund does is a great gift to the community,” said Antonio.

Who: The West Contra Costa Public Education Fund (The Ed. Fund)
What: 20th Annual Excellence in Education Banquet
Where: Doubletree Hotel, 200 Marina Blvd., Berkeley
When: Friday, May 16, 2008, 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $75 per person; $25 for WCCUSD students
RSVP: edfundwest@sbcglobal.net or (510) 233-1464

Media interested in attending the event may contact Jennifer Henry, (510) 233.1464.

About The West Contra Costa Public Education Fund (The Ed. Fund)
Founded in 1983, The Ed. Fund is a non-profit, public education fund dedicated to inspiring student achievement, encouraging commitment to lifelong learning, honoring and supporting teachers, and building community partnerships committed to public education in West Contra Costa County. For more information call (510) 233.1464 or visit http://www.edfundwest.org

As a few readers already know, SFluxe editor Damion Matthews recently left Prudential to join Sotheby’s International Realty in San Francisco, where he’ll be able to provide his clients with the highest level of real estate options and services.

Sotheby’s is especially known for its multi-million dollar listings, a market which in San Francisco is still doing very well — in fact, it’s “booming” according to a report that was just aired by CBS.

CBS News’ Hank Plante went with Joel Goodrich (of TRI Coldwell Banker) and his client Sophie Azouaou on a showing of one of Joel’s beautiful Pacific Heights listings (located on Lyon Street) to get a sense of what’s going on out there. Here is a transcription of the show, in case you missed it or can’t see the clip online.

“San Francisco realtor Joel Goodrich is showing his client a 5,000 square foot Pacific Heights stunner of a home listed at $8.55 million. The client, an interior decorator and philanthropist, has been looking for three months.”

Sophie: “At the beginning I really wanted a penthouse, to have the beautiful view and yet have the living room and dining room. But now I am changing towards a house.”

Hank: “There doesn’t appear to be a recession at this level.”

Sophie: “Not at all. Not at all. It doesn’t feel like there is a recession.”

And she’s right, because Realtors in the Bay Area’s most affluent communities are reporting a record year for private home sales at the top of the market.

Joel: “Interestingly enough, this year we’ve seen more off-market sales than we’ve ever seen.”

Hank: “What does that mean – ‘off-market’?”

Joel: “They don’t go on the MLS.”

Hank: “In general, what’s the top of the market like these days?”

Joel: “It’s strong. Starting with the $2 - $5 million range, a lot of those homes are actually selling over asking. In fact, the average home sells over asking in the $2 - $5 million range. As you get over $5 million, if it’s a well-priced trophy property, it will sell immediately.”

Look at these recent sales.

2740 Green Street

This house on Green Street sold for about its asking price of $11 million.

2820 Pacific

This house on Pacific reportedly sold for $16 million.

3800 Washington

Here’s a mansion on Washington Street that sold along with its carriage house next door for what realtors say was $20 million.

2515 Scott Street

And finally, this property on Scott Street sold within 10 percent of its asking price, which was $19.75 million.

Hank: “Now all of this is fine at the high-end, but what about the rest of the market? Does a rising tide lift all boats?”

Ken Rosen runs UC Fisher Center for Real Estate.

Ken: “The core Bay Area is actually doing quite well at the moment, even though sales are down probably 30 or 40%. You don’t have as much volume activity.”

Hank: “But the core – San Francisco, Berkeley, Marin…”

Ken: “Marin would be included in that. A little bit softer. There is possibly going to be a 5 to 10 percent correction there. But it depends on how serious the recession gets.”

Hank: “so who, exactly, is driving the boom at the top end?”

Joel: “It’s generally cash. And if they finance, it’s just generally for investment reasons. We’re getting, actually, a variety of buyers from the high tech – young high-tech buyers, for example. A 26-year old bought the penthouse at the Infinity for $6.9 million. And interestingly enough we’re seeing most of our clients in this price range are 30-somethings.”

Thirty-somethings who are aiming for the sky, and can afford it.

• Further Information: Joel Goodrich [joelgoodrich.com]
• Further Information: Sophie Azouaou [sophisticateinteriors.com]
• Further Information: The Fisher Center [berkeley.edu]
• Further Information: Sotheby’s International Realty [sothebyshomes.com]

A gala event at Foreign Cinema to celebrate 25 years of making art and changing lives at Creativity Explored

Creativity Explored, San Francisco’s premier gallery and art studio for artists with developmental disabilities, celebrates 25 years of changing lives with a gala event May 15th at the Mission District’s hot spot for food and film, Foreign Cinema. For 25 years, Creativity Explored’s artists have been creating some of the Bay Area’s most profound, fearless and innovative art and have made significant contributions to the local arts scene. In honor of their sterling achievements and the enduring vision of co-founders Florence Ludins-Katz and Elias Katz, Ph.D., Creativity Explored is celebrating with a silver soiree hosted by longtime fan and legendary maven of the silver screen Peaches Christ.

The evening features a screening of selections from Ben Wu’s Academy Award-winning student documentary about the artists of Creativity Explored “Cross Your Eyes, Keep them Wide” and a silent and live auction of tantalizing items and exceptional artworks by studio artists and some of their nationally-known colleagues. Partygoers will enjoy delicious gourmet treats and an open bar while listening to the Parisian café stylings of The Baguette Duet, western swing and cowboy music by Chris Leone and the Spurs of the Moment plus special performances by surprise guests.

WHAT:
Creativity Explored’s 25th Anniversary Celebration – a gala event to celebrate 25 years of making art and changing lives at Creativity Explored

WHEN:
Thursday, May 15, 7 to 10 p.m.

COST:
$100 per person in advance; $125 per person day of the event

WHERE:
Foreign Cinema, 2534 Mission St., San Francisco

INFO & TIX:
(415) 863-2108
www.creativityexplored.org

As we just mentioned in our coverage of the San Francisco Ballet’s New Work’s Festival, Google’s Marissa Mayer was one of the best dressed of the evening. We especially love the hair — a softer, more feminine look than we usually see from her. But here’s what really caught our eye…

Marissa with Derek Holbrook (in Dolce & Gabbana) and Orkut Buyukkokten (in Roberto Cavalli)

Did you know that Orkut (as in Google’s orkut.com) is an actual person!? I suppose that everyone in Silicon Valley knew this, but me — not a clue. I just thought Orkut was one of those made up words that you use because all the normal ones are taken.

But here he is in person (on the right) with Marissa and 22-year old Derek Holbrook. And who is Derek Holbrook? By the coordinating designer suit, I’m guessing he’s the boyfriend. Orkut’s not Marissa’s, silly!

Not in coordinating outfits: Marissa with Zachary Bogue

Cupcakes anyone? Marissa with business partner Shinmin Li of “I Dream of Cake.”

• Photos: Drew Altizer [drewaltizer.com]

By the way, SFluxe would be remiss in not pointing out how absolutely smashing everyone looked at the opening gala for the festival a few weeks ago. Some of our favorite style setters were there, looking their absolute best — like Karen Caldwell (who you see above in green), Yuri Pascarella, Marissa Mayer, Angelique Griepp, Lisa Grotts (some exciting news from Lisa — she’s publishing a book!)

Here are some of Drew Altizer’s best shots from the evening.

Angelique Griepp

Pamela Joyner with Tim Wu

Shannon Cronan

Marissa Mayer

Joy Bianchi

Tom Flynn, Lisa Grotts, Glenn McCoy

Brenda Wright, Steve Bowdry

Kristen Avensino, Marissa Avansino

Helgi Tomasson, Marlene Tomasson

Richard Goldman, Helen Hilton Raiser

Bob Smelick, Gail Smelick

Todd Kovacevich, Mary Jo Kovacevich

John Traina, Dede Wilsey

O.J. Shansby, Gary Shansby

Susan van Wagner, Pascal Molat, Lola DeAvila

Fritz Jewett, Lucy Jewett

Laura Albini, Daniel Diaz, Danielle Butros

Ann Fisher, Bob Fisher

Kati Kadar Lynn, Doug Lynn

Yurie Pascarella, Carl Pascarella

Riccardo Benavides, Lisa Grotts