The county’s glitterati buzzed with anticipation at Dawson Cole Fine Art in downtown Laguna Beach on March 13. Fashion leaders, designers and stylists rubbed shoulders as they sipped cocktails and marked the official opening of OC Fashion Week, for which Maserati of Newport Beach was this year’s presenting sponsor.
A portion of the opening night’s ticket sales and silent auction benefited JDRF and Orangewood Children’s Foundation. Chilly though it was, guests took in the outdoor runway fashion show that spotlighted two intriguing emerging designers, Berenice Gonzalez and Jonathan Jimenez.
“I want my name to be with the big shots, and being able to showcase at OC Fashion Week has given me an opportunity to do just that,” Jimenez said.
The week went on to feature more runway shows, photography exhibitions and model competitions, as well as numerous receptions, at locales ranging from The Resort at Pelican Hill to Fashion Island. OC Fashion Week President Kathryn Marino maintains that Orange County is “emerging as a new fashion capital.” “The OC has become one of the most sought-after global destinations for shopping, and the fashion industry has taken note,” Marino said.
