Column: The Crowd: DARTS lecture features fashion influencer Cameron Silver

Cameron Silver, the director of fashion for H Halston and founder of L.A. store Decades, graced the April presentation of Newport’s Decorative Arts Society (DARTS) lecture.

The April 11 event was the final of five lectures this season sponsored by DARTS, with the concluding outing focused on fashion design.

DARTS president Maureen Madigan welcomed Silver, sharing with the crowd his accomplishments as a global celebrity stylist, bestselling author, as well as a successful fashion design executive in the highly-competitive high fashion arena.

“As the founder of Decades, an acclaimed vintage retail store in Los Angeles, Cameron is worshiped by fashionistas and collectors for his unparalleled collection of designer clothing dating [back] to 1920,” Madigan said.

Appropriately, the DARTS reception welcoming Silver to Newport unfolded in the salon of the upscale retailer A’Maree’s on Coast Highway.

The chic showroom with an international clientele opened its doors after hours to DARTS underwriters for the customary meet-and-greet the evening before their guest delivered his lecture to an audience gathered at Edwards Big Newport.

Major support for DARTS comes from community enthusiasts such as Randa Phair, Barbara Roberts, Hyla Bertea, Janet Curci, Judy Dickson, Marion Grant, Melinda Moiso, Pam Muzzy, Marilyn Hester Robbins, James and Glenys Slavik and many more.

For more information, visit decorativeartssociety.net.

Palisades Tennis Club gears up for Memorial Day weekend event

Palisades Tennis Club in Newport Beach is gearing up to host its 56th Roy Emerson Adoption Guild Tennis Classic over Memorial Day weekend.

Palisades owner Ken Stuart is working closely with tennis great Emerson and his wife Joy Emerson, as well as dedicated event co-chairs Chris Garber and Katie Richardson, to host some 400 competitors over four days of play at The Tennis Club at Newport Beach, Racquet Club of Irvine and Mesa Verde Country Club, along with the final round at Palisades.

Proceeds from entry fees will benefit the work of Holy Family Services Adoption & Foster Care (HFS), a program providing non-judgmental support for birth parents considering adoption along with other services for prenatal mothers and children.

Garber reported that funds raised at the tennis event will be combined with funds raised this spring at an annual luncheon sponsored by a group known as the Adoption Guild in support of HFS work. Guild members hope to top $100,000 in net funds for the cause.

Garber and Richardson also shared that the tournament will be punctuated with special programs and parties.

On May 28, a “Just for Fun” party will unfold at Palisades Tennis Club featuring food vendors, complimentary wine and beer and entertainment. Guests wishing to attend may purchase a $20 ticket at the door.

On finals day, May 29, a “Sponsor Garden” will host a Champagne reception, gourmet food and premier seating for end-of-play viewing.

The Roy Emerson Tennis Classic is a United States Tennis Assn.- sponsored event with prize money awarded in open men’s and women’s events.

For player registration as well as general ticket information and event reservations, visit adoptionguild.org and click on the “events” link.

Who said tacos were not gourmet?

Share Our Selves (SOS) Costa Mesa presented its 24th annual “Wild & Crazy Taco Night” April 20 at its local facility.

A record $100,000 was raised in support of the SOS Food Pantry, helping to feed needy O.C. residents at risk. An astounding 750 citizens turned out to sample the exotic, unusual and creative taco creations of 29 O.C. culinary masters.

Making taco magic was Shachi Mehra from Adya, who made a pineapple pork vindaloo taco with cilantro crema and pickled veggies.

David Moldovan from Five Crowns created a mushroom Barbacoa taco with feta and tomatillo. And my personal favorite, Newport’s most outstanding chef Alan Greeley of Golden Truffle designed a “Mardi Gras Catfish Heaven” taco. Every one of the 29 chefs deserved a big thanks for partaking in this annual community event that has become more of a lovefest for the work of SOS.

Committee members deserving recognition are Gaye Besler, Kara Demostene, Maggie Hayes, Elizabeth Hopkins, Helen Kinsey, Marie Macaulay, Mary Moyer and Julie Neja.

Also serving on the committee were Karen McGlinn, Katie Santore, Kate Servino, Debbie Springer and Cindy Tuch.

Major donors, sponsors and underwriters involved were James D. Akins, Jr., Jim and Diane Bailey, Christopher Blank, Bob and Anne Cress, Vick and Richard Lee, Jeanne Olenicoff, David Stennes, and Gregg Thomas.

Sponsors also included Andy Templeton Photography, Ballard Electrical, Barley Forge Brewing Co., Hi-Time Cellars and Melissa’s Produce.

For more information, visit shareourselves.org.

B.W. COOK is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.