Every year the Santa Clara Woman’s Club’s annual fashion show draws a bigger crowd. One reason is likely that the show always features real clothes for real people, modeled by the club’s own members.
This year’s show, held on Feb. 8 at David’s Restaurant, was no exception. “We had more people than ever before,” reports event co-chair Nancy Jo Banko. “It was our best ever.”
This year’s fashions were supplied by JCPenney, which has been working hard over the past few years to shed its stodgy image by marrying fresh styling and high-end brands with JCPenney’s low-price value.
Club member and Santa Clara Planning Commissioner Yuki Ikezi got plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” from the audience when she took to the runway in some of-the-moment chic that would be perfectly at home on the racks of youthful retailers like H&M and Forever 21.
The show closed with an entire segment on the timeless sophistication of The Little Black Dress. And showing that TLBD doesn’t necessarily have to be black, club First Vice President Donna Marencia modeled a breathtaking blue satin brocade cocktail dress that would stand out at any special event.
But there was plenty more to enjoy in addition to the fashions – all of which carried price tags of no more than $50. In addition to the show, the afternoon included a lunch that tasted as good as its elegant presentation, raffle prizes and an opportunity drawing. Even the decorations were a unique treat. “The themed artwork, decorations, centerpieces – everything is specially designed and hand-crafted for the event,” explains event co-chair Arlene Rose.
The money raised at the event will be used for the 110 year-old club’s scholarship programs, charitable activities and preservation of its historic adobe, which receives no public subsidies.
Santa Clara Woman’s Club meets the first Friday of every month for lunch. Meetings are held at the club’s Adobe on 3260 The Alameda. Visitors are always welcome, and first-time visitors are invited to come and enjoy a free lunch. Coming up on the Woman’s Club calendar is Bingo on March 22 and a Vintage Hat Tea on May 10. For information, call (408) 246-8000 or visit www.santaclarawomansclub.org.