RADIANCE – Colorful patterns and stunning positivity were the hallmarks of the “Metamorphosis” runway show in support of Pacific Clinics over the weekend at La Rinconada Country Club. (Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)
Last Saturday evening at La Rinconada Country Club, the “Metamorphosis” fashion show offered up an enthralling spectacle in support of Pacific Clinics. Professional models, along with locals and clients of the organization delivered an exceptional gathering of fun and fundraising, alongside a delicious dinner.
Why ‘Metamorphosis’?
Before the show, I got chatting with Jasmine Randolph. I understood her to be an integral component of this Metamorphosis evening of fashion and philanthropy. “I’ve been with Pacific Clinics since I was 12 years old,” she said. “I used to live there (Eastfield Ming Quong campus) dealing with trauma and recovering from it. In May, I shared my story at ‘Hearts & Hands Spring Celebration’ held at Nestldown.” (Note: that event raised $500,000 for Pacific Clinics.)
Caterpillars
“When I was 16, I decided that I wanted to kind of change things for the better…to try something new,” Randolph continued. “I graduated high school early and started college at 17, studying recovery topics.” She explained that designer Dustin David was inspired by her story. “He wanted to kick off this fashion show based on my story, which is why it is named Metamorphosis—for my transformation.” From challenging early days to the echelons of higher learning. Randolph was also a model in the show.
Dustin David. (Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)
Butterflies
David is the creative director and owner of the Dustin David Salon, in Los Gatos. “He said he really loved my story,” Randolph said. “He said he was moved by it, and motivated, and that he would love to do a fashion show with me and other Hope Center youth to kind of represent the transformation in growth we went through (with Pacific Clinics) and call it ‘Metamorphosis,’ you know—a butterfly theme.”
As we know, a caterpillar metamorphoses into a butterfly. It’s a complete reinvention. That spirit would be evident in the clothing on display. Randolph is two semesters away from obtaining her alcohol counselor certification. She plans to pursue one for drug counseling in the future. “It’s a way of giving back.” It seems that this butterfly is ready to fly.
David and DeMonsi pull it off
David and Darren DeMonsi, senior director of fund development at Pacific Clinics, worked hard to pull off this seamless show—David with his forward-thinking, edgy creativity and DeMonsi via coordination and promoting Pacific Clinics’ outreach.
The presentation of the boutique wares on the models showed us new looks and traditional styles in today’s fabrics and careful garment ensembles. The “Los Gatos look” was featured prominently: Boots with a dress? Yes. Shorts with boots? Yes, again. Some of these fits were one of a kind. Some were assembled to demonstrate the carefree outdoorsy—yet tailored—presentation so frequently flaunted around town.
INSPIRING – A Pacific Clinics client who modeled in the show. (Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)
Boutiques showcase style
The fashions for this show came from four local style outlets: Bella Rosa, In the Olde Manner, Kismet and Jennifer Croll. Santa Cruz leather designer Mariclare McKnight and I.B. Bayo, a fiber artist from Nigeria, added unexpected flair and batik prints.
Overall, it was quite a well-mixed variety of styles, colors and messages. McKnight stated that she sees clothing as sculpture—and her leather outfit certainly displayed this ethos.
During the pre-show—before dinner was served—models wandered through the crowd in their gorgeous outfits. Getting a close-up look was welcomed. Butterflies adorned multiple outfits.
Fundraising jewels
Just inside La Rinconada’s main hall, a long table of designer jewels from Ashley Ashoff (Paris, ashleyashoff.com) were on display. And 20% of sales went to Pacific Clinics. Luxurious scarves also caught my eye.
Delicious dinner
And what was for dinner? Filet mignon with shrimp and asparagus. And in terms of sponsors?: Swenson Foundation, Jim & Marianne Nelson, Darrell Evora, Sue Ramar & Steve Kottmeier, and Winston Champagne Bar with Joseph George wines. Case Swenson was also a model, along with daughter Sloanne.
The music volume was turned up, indicating the show was about to begin. Bella Rosa’s elevated presentation suggested a boutique shopping adventure. From In the Olde Manner, we got vintage-to-modern via everything from cocktail attire to wedding dresses—custom styling where dreams become reality. Kismet’s elegant-everyday approach echoed their Autumn Allure Fashion Show turn from last month; then it was on to Jennifer Croll fabulous ensembles for men.
But let’s not forget why we went—to further the work of Pacific Clinics, whose programs include: Social Groups for Social Delays, The Hope Drop-In Center (for youths 16-25 in our area) and the Trusted Response Urgent Support Team, which is a partnership between three social service agencies in Santa Clara County that provide urgent help for people struggling with mental health and substance use conditions.