Patriotic Panache

By Lisa Duncan

The Santa Barbara Woman’s Club was positively twinkling with patriotic panache as it hosted its New Members’ Fashion Show – an affair themed “Stars, Stripes, and Style,” and, by Jove, a proper good show of it. With America’s 250th anniversary on the horizon, the fête struck a stylish salute to both national pride and the Club’s storied history – no small feat, and executed with flair.

Serving as emcee, the ever-effervescent Rachel Bishar kept proceedings at a merry clip, her wit as sharp as a Savile Row seam. Behind the scenes, Celeste Barber, Bishar, Stephanie Ingraham, Cevin Cathell, and Pat Hooser orchestrated the occasion with admirable aplomb, while auction aces Valerie Banks and Margaret Lloyd ensured spirited bidding.

The runway – right on stage – was a delightful display of individuality, with ensembles plucked from personal closets: casual, creative, and charmingly eclectic. Taking their turns with poise were Ellen Thermos, Cynthia Hofmann, Kathryn Padgett, Mary Pat Hogan, Linda Brown, Renee Crawford, Marianne Wetzel, Cheryl Kelmar, Laura Kate McHugh, and Phyllis Grey – a lineup as lively as it was stylish. Think Riviera chic meets red, white, and blue bravado – less haute couture, more heartfelt couture.

Among those spotted soaking in the sartorial splendor were board members Linda Alderman, Valerie Banks, Mary Benard, Cindy Gracey, Dee Jones, Maureen Killian, Barbara LaPlante, Julie Morrow, Barbara Shaw, Bonnie Tanase-Cairns, and Coleen Van Nostrand.

And then, the hats – oh, the hats! A final flourish of frivolity, the room bloomed with grand Kentucky Derby-style creations, each more magnificent than the last.

In short, this fantastic fundraiser proved a stylish salute to sisterhood, history, and star-spangled swagger – simply smashing.