Divine Design: Shop Worthy With Style
December 04, 2009The scene: A well-dressed crowd turned out to mix, mingle and shop at the opening night of Divine Design. As the early shoppers packed the marketplace at the former Robinson May building, Project Angel Food supporters dined, raised funds in the gala dinner.
The evening honored Council of Fashion Designers of America Executive Director Steven Kolb as this year’s Man of Style and “Mad Men” actress Christina Hendricks as its Woman of Style.
Dorothy Kneedler Lawenda, co-owner of the Kneedler-Fauchere interior design showroom at the Pacific Design Center, was recognized as this year’s Interior Design Pioneer. Kneedler Lawenda died last year and her husband, Harry Lawenda, accepted the award in her name.
And Barbie—the Mattel fashion doll, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year—was named this year’s Fashion Icon. Richard Dickson, head of head of global licensing for Mattel, accepted the award, which was presented by stylist Rachel Zoe, who taped the segment for her Bravo reality show “The Rachel Zoe Project.”
The evening also featured two Barbie runway shows—one featuring the work of Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising students and the other featuring well-known California-based labels including Jeremy Scott, Tadashi Shoji, Sue Wong, Trina Turk, Magda Berliner, Katy Rodriguez, Single by Galina Sobolev, Kevan Hall, Juicy Couture, Guess, BCBG Max Azria and Monique Lhuillier.
“Some say to be a success you have to be in New York,” said Kolb in his acceptance speech. “L.A. has proved that wrong. Twenty-five percent of our membership is from California ranging from legendary designers James Galanos and Bob Mackie to future legends Rodarte and Band of Outsiders.”
The Divine Design marketplace features a mix of fashion, accessories, furniture and other home décor items. Labels in the sale include 7 for All Mankind, Hanky Panky, L.A. Eyeworks, Alternative, Elizabeth & James, Bradley Bayou, Frankie B., Marc by Marc Jacobs, Smashbox Cosmetics, Theory, Ed Hardy, Black Halo, Moschino Cheap and Chic, Nanette Lepore and many more.
The sale runs through Dec. 7 and every day organizers will take an additional discount off the goods. You can still purchase tickets for the sale here.—Alison A. Nieder
Photography by Volker Corell