Setting the Stage for Guild Fashion Show

Those working behind the scenes on the upcoming Center of Fashion show staged by the Guilds of the Center for the Performing Arts were themselves the center of attention last week.

The guilds held an “Overture Luncheon” for the 200 models, sponsors, underwriters and store representatives who have a hand in putting on the theatrical fashion show. With Cartier serving as luncheon underwriter and the Center Club in Costa Mesa as the locale, the luncheon proved a stylish affair.

Naming Names

Organizers used the event to unveil plans for their fourth annual show, to be held Oct. 1.

Sue Feldman and Cindy Boragno, the Center of Fashion co-chairwomen, announced that Peggy Jennings of St. Petersburg, Fla., will be the show’s featured designer. Jennings is known for her elegant, wearable clothes made of fine European fabrics.

“We wanted a woman designer because this is the year of the woman,” Boragno said.

Many of the 120 guild members chosen to model attended, most already looking fit for the runway in slim summer suits and shoulder-baring dresses. Patty Edwards, who turned up in a pink suit, will model for the fourth year in a row.

“It’s a chance to be with friends and make new friends,” Edwards said. “And it’s great if you get to model an outfit you love.”

Chris Norwood, one of the few professional male models in attendance, looked forward to the show for a different reason:

“There are some very beautiful ladies here I’d like to meet,” he said, eyeing the crowd.

Carlton Burnett, the show’s producer/director, warned the models that fall fashions will emphasize the body.

“I’ve dubbed the theme for 1993 ‘Lose 10 pounds,’ ” he joked. “We can’t hide anything this year. If I see any bumps and bulges, I’m in trouble. This is your last dessert.”

Burnett’s not really worried. The chosen models were required to have a Size 6 or 8 figure.

High Style

Fighting off those extra pounds wasn’t easy: The luncheon fare included chilled melon and raspberry soup, spinach salad with grilled chicken breast and a diet-busting chocolate hazelnut mousse with fresh raspberries.

Blue and gold vases filled with fresh flowers adorned each table. The centerpieces complemented the luncheon’s blue and gold invitations, place cards and menus--all the handiwork of Cartier.

After lunch Boragno and Feldman presented framed Center of Fashion posters to store representatives.

This year’s show will feature fashions from Anastasia, Armoire, Barneys New York, Bernini Sport, Calvin Klein, Gary’s & Co., Gucci, Giorgio Beverly Hills, I. Magnin, Linda Bentley, Max Studio, Mi Place, Mineral, Nike Town, Polo Ralph Lauren, Roberta, Saks Fifth Avenue, Shebue and The Bride. Fashion Island Newport Beach and South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa are show sponsors.

Stores pay $2,500 each to participate. In return their fashions will be seen by an estimated 5,000 people.

“The Center of Fashion is becoming a household name in Orange County,” Feldman said.

The show will be held in the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s Segerstrom Hall at 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $75 and can be obtained through the center box office or TicketMaster outlets.

Others attending the luncheon were: Marlene Short, guilds chairwoman; Arlene Dungca, Cartier manager; Mary Bryant, Marian Dougherty, Shari Esayian, Karen Fullerton, Mimi Michael, Donna Miramontes, Barbara Moreland, Tina Schafnitz, Candice Schnapp, Carol Wilken and Madeline Zuckerman.