El Paseo came alive under the Toscana Country Club Runway Tent as 10 of the stylish street’s finest retail stores and designers showcased their spring collections of jewelry and fashion inspired by this world-class shopping destination. The third Fashion Week El Paseo event kicked off with an “LBD” cocktail reception hosted by nonprofit The Girl Friend Factor that included Frasca Jeweler’s fine jewelry popup shop and a raffle benefitting education for women.
In an ode to street style, the runway took on a club vibe with an on-stage disc jockey spinning hip tunes and colorful break-dancers energizing the crowd. El Paseo Jewelers opened the show with a lavish display of regal drama. Veiled models draped in diamonds donned romantic evening gowns setting a rich overtone.
Retailers presented an eclectic array of resort lifestyle trends including diamonds, contemporary and couture fashions, fashionable swimwear and sports wear, kids clothes, and bold designer accessories. Printed silks seemed to rule the runway with patterns blending modern graphics, stripes, and florals. Light, ethereal fabrics layered over sleek, body-skimming pieces that would move easily from pool party to evening soiree.
The diverse nature of the El Paseo stores was further reflected in Bohimi’s couture assortment of men and women’s cosmopolitan attire. Elegant eveningwear accompanied embellished jackets and leather pants to lend an urban edge to upscale silhouettes.
The crowd went wild for BG’s exotic womenswear featuring peacock and feathered accents and a black angel-wing set paired with a simple yet sexy leopard tank and brief.
Modern black and white remained strong in BeBe, Eileen Fisher, Diane’s Beachwear, and bbOne selections with pops of vibrant orange, fuchsia, and yellow. Corals, teals, and desert hues also figured prominently, with Tommy Bahamas sportswear leaning toward mélange of ocean blues.
While She She Kids delighted the crowd with tots dressed in spiffy sport coats and shorts, She She’s chic bohemian apparel gave preview to April’s Coachella Fest fashion focus with flowing maxi dresses, butterfly tops, sleek jumpsuits, and edgy accents. Out of the Closet (designer consignment) gave the audience a peek into the desert’s well-healed wardrobes with a contemporary take on vintage finds.
Cheers erupted when evening sponsor, Cambria, sent ambassadors Mariel Hemingway and Cheryl Tiegs down the runway to showcase diamonds from El Paseo Jewelers. The veteran models wore cocktail dresses from El Paseo newcomer Charmaine Menn, designer and owner of Bohimi. Original supermodel Tiegs charmed in a sophisticated black ensemble, and actress/author Hemingway shined in a sparkling beaded sheath. It was a grand finale fit for celebrating the design, beauty, and style that define the stores on El Paseo.
