Fashion Week San Diego at La Valencia Hotel

On Thursday, April 23, Fashion Week San Diego (FWSD) held its annual Viva La V Lunch Series at La Valencia Hotel. Nearly 75 guests attended and enjoyed Al fresco dining from Executive Chef James Montejano (special fashionable menu), complimentary champagne, and informal modeling from FWSD14 top designer A'doreus and FWSD15 jewelry designer GFASH.

Both designers will be showcasing their 2016 spring/summer collections, along with 22 others, on the runway during this year’s Fall Runway Shows, held in La Jolla,Calif., Sept. 28 through Oct. 4. Part of the week-long event will be held at La Valencia, with two nights of runway shows on Wall St. FWSD will close down the street on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3 for the event. Tickets are available on www.fashionweeksd.com

Additionally, there will be another Viva La V Series luncheon, featuring two other designers, on May 21, 2015. More info here: http://fashionweeksd.com/events/2nd-fwsd-viva-la-v-series-featuring-carou-belle/

VIVA LA V DESIGNERS (April 23)

A’doreus. FWSD14 Top Designer and four-year veteran A’doreus returns to the FWSD runway to showcase a collection that celebrates the full figured woman (review here), embracing diversity and size acceptance through the many facets of fashion. A’doreus designs, created by Sharlene Borromeo, encompass romantic styles, classic silhouettes, and an eclectic mixture of textures and textiles. In December 2014 Borromeo was awarded a proclamation from the city of San Diego and recognized by the California Assembly and Senate for her "… outstanding achievements and contributions in the arts, devoted community service, and inspiration to our youth and community." (San Diego, Calif., www.adoreusfashion.com)

GFASH. After years of providing custom design work for high-end cliental and attendees of events, such as the Grammy Awards, weddings and jazz festivals, Gwendolyn Bates has finally decided to build a brand composed of feminine, elegant, yet lustrously radiant designs. GFASH currently offers a few diverse lines of accessories for day and night looks and customizable products for those who love to be unique and stand out. Each product at GFASH contributes to the mission of "Fabulous-ity" and devotes itself to organizations with self-esteem building programs and stands behind the cause of female empowerment. (Oceanside, Calif., http://fashionweeksd.com/fwsd-2015-designer-spotlight-gfash/)