Runway! PPWC Fashion Show a Multi-Generational Success

The Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club has been hosting their Fashion Show Luncheon fundraiser for more than 30 years. It remains one of the PPWC’s longest-standing philanthropic endeavors and brought in a record-breaking nearly $10,000 this year.

Many of the guests at the sold-out affair on March 11 noted that the familiar event was hardly recognizable – and for all of the right reasons.

“This was such a dramatic change. This year we finally made my runway dream a reality,” said Kristin Sibson, president of the PPWC. “It’s amazing to see the transformation. We couldn’t have been more pleased with the event.”

Under the creative direction of Steph Smith this year, the Clubhouse was transformed into a chic house of fashion, complete with a runway and live music from Mister Eight Forty and DJ Stevo.

The decor was a fun and playful take on elegance, with cardboard chandeliers nodding to the club’s rich history.

“The PPWC is undergoing a transformation. We have 65 years of history, but we have fresh faces and a vibrant new attitude,” Smith said. “We care about the Palisades, we love fashion, we support the community, and we are a network of more than 200 local women who can throw a good party for a good cause.”

The luncheon opened with live music by harpist Phillip King whose new age sounds filled the room as more than 135 guests bid on items donated by local businesses, including Denton’s Jewelers, Studio K and many more.

Raffle tickets were sold for a number of prize baskets given away as guests dined on a fresh summer salad and fruit tart catered by Citron.

Vivian Foster brought a bubbly energy to the stage as the show’s emcee, introducing fashions from local retailers, including her own Vivian’s Boutique.

In the first-ever appearance of male models at the event, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce Arnie Wishnick opened the show, donning a very clean look and leather bag from BOCA Man.

Dr. Andrew Frew, Matthew Cook and Ed Lowe, all sporting the latest trends from BOCA Man, followed Wishnick down the runway.

“Arnie roped me into this, but it was such a great event,” Frew said. “I made sure to watch ‘Zoolander’ to pick up some runway tips. I’m not sure it worked for me but I really enjoyed the event.”

The show’s leading ladies, Judy Gold, Austin Holland, Robin Terman, Crystal Perez, Gabrielle Gottlieb, Katie Norberg, Zara Guivi, Susan Cane, Krystyna Kaszubowski, Trish Bowe, Ingrid Vinje, Dr. Jane George and Marie Tran donned the latest looks from Denise Carolyn, BOCA and Vivian’s Boutique as they danced down the catwalk.

“This event was a magnitude above in beauty, creativity and enthusiasm,” Haldis Toppel said. “Everyone looked stunning.”

Toppel said the event served as a great reminder to support local retailers by shopping locally.

Event chair, Brook Dougherty said the new look and feel of this year’s event was a step in the right direction for both the PPWC and the Palisades community.

“It was a major facelift, and I think that is so reflective of this community,” Dougherty said. “To have the old guard and the new guard, all generations, working together to put on the event really shows the vitality of a community in transition. That’s what is so wonderful. There is still so much life in this town even as we go through our own transition.”

As a non-profit organization, proceeds from the fashion show will go toward the perseveration of the clubhouse facility for the enjoyment of the community and other charitable efforts. Last month, the PPWC awarded more than $32,000 to 30 local organizations at their annual grant giveaway.

“It was amazing to see it all come together. I look forward to making the Woman’s Club a larger and more relevant part of the community,” Smith said. “The goal was not only to raise money, but also to show the new, fresh and modern face of the Woman’s Club to new members. Today’s PPWC is cool, fashionable and fun.”