Amazing Lace: Turning Heads toward Autism

More than 500 local supporters, fashion enthusiasts and designers got together on September 20 to kick off FINE Magazine’s 2014 Amazing Lace Fashion Show, the annual charity event that raises money for families coping with autism. 

Once again, FINE Magazine teamed up with Allison Whitney Schnepper, Founder of Be Involved Act Now Cure Autism (BIANCA), in the elegant community of Rancho Santa Fe to host an evening of food, fashion and entertainment in their second big effort to raise awareness. This year’s show was another smashing success.

Living up to its reputation as San Diego’s “sexiest” charity event, Amazing Lace showcased some of southern California’s hottest fashion trends—from lace to lingerie, fine jewelry, stylish apparel and more. Claudia Yates, Ooh Fashionista and GSB are just a few of the names on a long list of participating designers.  

Aside from racy modeling and fresh fashion, guests enjoyed a delicious assortment of fine foods and spirits by some of San Diego’s most celebrated establishments, among them 067 Eatery, Stone Brewery, and Red Oven Pizza. And with the help of live music, stilt-walkers from Sexy Cirque and the illusions of celebrity Magician Rodney Reyes, the party quickly came to life and lasted energetically through the night.

The spotlight, of course, fell on Amazing Lace’s overall purpose: raising awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). During a silent (but lively) auction, guests excitedly outbid one another for a number of luxury items, happy to know their donations were supporting a great cause.

“The goal is to raise awareness about autism,” says Schnepper, whose niece, Bianca, was diagnosed with autism at age 3. “There are a lot of misconceptions about the disease that are being spread throughout the community. We at BIANCA believe society will benefit from having a clearer understanding of what autism really is so as not to be afraid of it and, more importantly, of those affected by it.”

As the Amazing Lace Fashion Show proves to be an outstanding success, Schnepper and FINE Magazine are already focused on next year’s event, which is scheduled for August 2015. This time, Schnepper promises even greater education on the matters of ASD.

“We plan to have speakers informing guests about the organization’s ongoing effort to make services and treatments available to those affected by autism.” 

Both FINE Magazine and BIANCA would like to extend a special thanks to everyone who attended and participated to help make this special event possible.

To learn more about supporting BIANCA or the Amazing Lace Fashion Show, contact Allison Whitney Schnepper at 877-435-4483 or visit BIANCA’s website at biancanpo.org. You can also email FINE Magazine at events@FineSD.com for more information.