A Parade of Clothing Classics and a Newport Mystery Cruise

One hundred years of sartorial style--from bustled dresses to mini-dresses--were promenaded at the Women’s Committees of the Orange County Philharmonic Society’s “Symphony of Classics” fashion show.

The style evolution, presented Tuesday by the Mannequins Auxiliary of the Assistance League of Southern California, captivated 750 guests and netted $30,000 for the society’s music education programs for youth.

Benefit chairwoman Joyce Reaume, a member of the committees and the auxiliary, saw the collection of classic clothing modeled last year in Los Angeles and decided “to bring it to the Orange County Philharmonic.”

After a luncheon of chicken Dijon, guests watched fashion coordinator Sandy Wessel open the show at the Disneyland Hotel with a model wearing pantaloons and camisole, accompanied by a maid. Wessel pointed out that, with all the hooks, laces and buttons of the Victorian era, a lady needed help when she got dressed.

Guests also saw ensembles from the ‘20s--a Chanel evening dress of black cut velvet with mink-edged jacket--and a white taffeta gown from the Mary Pickford estate.

Four Yves Saint Laurent museum pieces--flown from Paris for the show--highlighted the ‘60s decade. They included a Russian cossack costume and a dramatic Mondrian-esque dress, patterned with rectangles of bold color edged in black.

Guests, invited to don vintage attire for the affair, wore classics of their own. Kathleen Suddarth chose a lacy ‘20s gown and lace-up shoes. Linda Hahne wore a crocheted dress from the ‘30s that featured fringe at the hem.

Special guests included Erich Vollmer, executive director of the Orange County Philharmonic Society, and Jack Caldwell, society president.