The scene: Woodbury University showcased student talent on the runway during “Brilliance,” its 44th annual fashion show and benefit gala. Held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills and packed with 600 attendees, the event also honored real estate developer Thomas Gilmore as the “Woodbury Citizen of the Year.”

Fashions included avant-garde dresses that transformed on the runway into swimwear, wedding dresses, juniors apparel and evening gowns. Senior designers were awarded several recognitions. Among the award recipients were Tiffany Maxwell for “Best of Couture,” Rania Salibi for “Couture Technical Merit,” Cristina Osorio for “Couture Creative Merit,” Heather Dodd for “Couture Overall Concept,” Amanda Delacy Michaels for “Overall Achievement in Senior Studios” and Alexis Marcy for the “Experimental Design Award.”

Gilmore, who is credited with helping revive Downtown Los Angeles’ historic core and who saved the former St. Vibiana Cathedral (a new favorite venue for runway shows) from demolition, credited his family and visionaries such as photographer Julius Shulman as his inspiration. Shulman, who is best known for his iconic photographs of Southern California’s modern architecture, was on hand to honor Gilmore.

The developer also acknowledged his father, who was in attendance. “It is nice having your father present when someone is being nice to you because it is an acknowledgement of what a great man he is,” he said.  —Erin Barajas