Vintage trunk show paired with vintage wines coming to Rancho Santa Fe
By Diane Y. Welch
Contributor
In the spirit of recycling, stylist and fashionista Erica Ashley Hecht has taken fashion to a new level. Rather than create new fashion designs her collections comprise items repurposed from bygone eras. By seeking out vintage clothing and accessories, Hecht has been able to create a specialty style through her business EA Vintage that is unique, classy and easy on the pocket book.On Nov.13, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Miami-based Hecht, will have her West Coast trunk show, “Vintage Fashions paired with Vintage Wines” at a private estate in Rancho Santa Fe. Collections will be paired with Joe DiLullo’s vintage wines of Temecula Wine Country as well as gourmet hors d’oeuvres by Chef Scott Wagner of ChileCo Catering.
Ranch resident Lena Evans will host the event, which will benefit the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation, a charity that brings awareness and support for the lesser-known congenital syndrome that affects. Named for the doctor who first discovered it in 1933, the syndrome affects 1 in 10,000 live births.
“Erica’s sister, Allison, has this rare condition,” Evans explained. “When she was born she was expected to only live three months but she is now 28 and still strong.”
The foundation helps fund research into the syndrome and the support and education for the families of those affected. A portion of the proceeds of the trunk show will be donated directly to the charity.
Evans met Hecht at an event that was part of last year’s New York Fashion Week promotions when Hecht was selected as one of The New York Times’ “Twenty Most Stylish People of Fashion Week” for the Spring/Summer 2011 collections.
“Since that time, I have gotten to know her well, and of her level of commitment and passion for vintage fashion,” said Evans, who has not only become friends with Hecht but also has become her business mentor. “I coach, motivate and encourage her to pursue her life’s passion,” she said.
The trunk show will give guests the opportunity to browse, to try on, and to purchase unique, one-of-a-kind garments, jewelry, scarves, handbags, belts, shoes and boots. The collections include notable designers like Christian Dior, Anne Klein, Gucci, Bill Blass, Chanel and more.
“When people think of vintage, they often think ‘used’ or ‘old’ clothing. However some of these pieces, which were not mass-produced, are in beautiful condition; you would never know what era they are from. It’s all about having ‘the eye’ to select the right pieces and this is Erica’s forte,” said Evans.
An ability to hand select vintage designer couture and accessories was honed when Hecht, as a child, accompanied her mother browsing thrift stores and estate sales. By later opening retail outlets in Miami’s Antiques Collectibles Market, and the Market at Mary Bricknell Village, she has garnered attention and a following. Hecht now dresses celebrities and those wishing to make a unique fashion statement. A recent client is Marysol Patton, star of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Miami.
For each item purchased at the trunk show, guests will be given one entry ticket for an opportunity drawing to win one of two official Mercedes Benz Fashion Week tote bags originally given to VIPs at this year’s New York Fashion Week.
To RSVP for this free trunk show, email
or call Lena Evans at (619) 302-6