Scene & Heard: What’s happening on the L.A. social circuit

Hosts Andrew and Avery Barth at the fundraiser for American Ballet Theatre held at their home in San Marino,.  (Ann Johansson / For The Times)

Actress Eva La Rue, left, with Bob and Debbie Sharka.  (Ann Johansson / For The Times)

Host Avery Barth greets guests.  (Ann Johansson / For The Times)

Actress Mila Kunis, left, and ballet teacher Alexandra Blacker.  (Ann Johansson / For The Times)

Maria Riccetto, left, Stella Abrera and Isabella Boylston perform Odalisques from “Le Corsaire.”  (Ann Johansson / For The Times)

Stella Abrera, left, and Isaac Stappas perform “Leaves Are Fading, Third Pas de Deux.”  (Ann Johansson / For The Times)

“If you have any brains, you pick your school by your teacher,” said Elizabeth Pitcairn, a violin soloist who studied with Robert Lipsett at L.A.’s Colburn School. She said she started playing at age 3 and, at 16, her grandfather bought her the legendary Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius, which was handcrafted in 1720 and then disappeared for 200 years, inspiring the film “The Red Violin.”

She played that violin at “Conversations With Colburn,” an intimate dinner earlier this month at Jennifer and Royce Diener’s historic home on Santa Monica’s “Gold Coast.” Silent-film star Norma Talmadge and her sisters built the house, which was later owned by Cary Grant and Barbara Hutton and restored to its 1930s splendor by the Dieners.

Jennifer Diener said she hoped to raise awareness for the school, adding, “We know how music is made, but how many of us know how musicians are made?” By way of answers, she cited the Colburn School and its renowned teachers, such as Lipsett.

-- Ellen Olivier

Host Royce Diener, in blue, speaks with guests during a fundraiser for the Colburn School at a private home in Santa Monica on Sept. 14.  (Ann Johansson / For The Times)

Author Judith Krantz at the fundraiser, held at a private home in Santa Monica.  (Ann Johansson / For The Times)

Benefit host Jennifer Diener speaks to guests.  (Ann Johansson / For The Times)

Pianist Margaret Chen looks on after violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn’s performance on her famous Stradivarius.  (Ann Johansson / For The Times)

As co-chair of Aviva’s Platinum Associates, Susan Casden sought something special for the group’s annual luncheon and, in the process, snagged the American premiere of Chanel’s 2010 Cruise Collection. So rather than settle for a simple fashion show, she re-created the seaside setting in Venice, Italy, where Karl Lagerfeld first presented the collection to the international press.

“I love that she trucked in the beach,” said Lisa Mindlin, an Aviva board member, as she surveyed the backyard boardwalk at Casden’s Beverly Hills home. While some women happily dug their toes in the sand, others took another route: Larissa Sabadash, for one, tied on booties.

Larry Bruce, general manager of Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills, teamed with Chanel to sponsor the event, saying, “in this day and age, in this economic climate, it’s a challenge to decide which cause to support.” Aviva Family and Children’s Services, which treats abused and neglected children, filled the bill, he said, because Saks cares about women: its customers, as well as young women in need.

Proving the adage that people give to people, more than just to causes, Mi Ahn said she first became involved with the charity at Casden’s suggestion. “But now I go there and see what I can do,she said. “There are some really good success stories. Aviva helps adolescents and young women to get on their feet and get going.”

Joining the 160 guests were board members Robin Broidy, Linda May, NancyJane Goldston and Sandra Milken, plus Ginnifer Goodwin of “Big Love” and Perrey Reeves of “Entourage.”

-- Ellen Olivier

Mi Ahn, pictured, socializes during the luncheon fashion show for major donors.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Helene Galen and Diane P. Glazer.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Cameron Silver, center, at the Beverly Hills home of Susan Casden.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Catherine Quilan, left, Elaine Leventhal and Mara Granderson.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Larry Bruce, vice president and general manager of Saks Beverly Hills, chats with host Susan Casden.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

A model shows off Chanel during the luncheon fashion show.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

More Chanel from the fashion show.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

A model in Chanel.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

The fashion show featured the American premiere of Chanel’s 2010 Cruise Collection.

ellen.olivier@society-news.com  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)