Each summer in Laguna Beach, the Festival of Arts transforms from an exhibition of fine art into a dazzling celebration of fashion, innovation, and community spirit. On Sunday, August 10, 2025, the Festival Green became the backdrop for the sixteenth annual Runway Fashion Show, where artists reimagined couture using recycled and repurposed materials. This extraordinary afternoon blended high style with philanthropy, drawing art enthusiasts, fashion lovers, and community leaders for an event that was as meaningful as it was visually stunning.
A Celebration of Fashion With a Purpose
Unlike traditional fashion shows, the Festival of Arts Runway Show is more than an exploration of aesthetics. It is rooted in sustainability and community giving. Guests were invited to attend free of charge by bringing a gently used clothing donation to benefit Working Wardrobes, a nonprofit organization that provides career readiness services and professional attire to those in need. This thoughtful partnership ensured that every ensemble that walked the runway contributed not only to artistic expression but also to empowerment and change.
The concept aligns beautifully with the ethos of the Festival itself. Since 1932, the Festival of Arts has fostered creativity, education, and philanthropy in Laguna Beach. By combining fashion with community support, the Runway Show continues this legacy while embracing the spirit of sustainability.
Artists Turn Vision Into Wearable Art
The designers behind the collections were not conventional fashion professionals but Festival exhibiting artists who translated their talents into wearable form. From jewelry makers to ceramicists, sculptors to printmakers, the runway was a canvas for innovation.
This year’s highlights included:
Most Creative Concept – Anne Moore, whose collaboration with model Allison Adams captured the essence of transformation through reclaimed materials.
Most Exciting Ensemble – Paula Collins, who paired Jano Faro and Avery Clear in a striking dual presentation that had the audience buzzing.
Most Innovative Use of Materials – Mark Hendrickson, who surprised attendees with an avant-garde design modeled by Becky Ryan.
Most Glamorous Red Carpet Worthy Creation – Jonathan Boyd and Valerie Killeen, whose design worn by Quinne Boyd looked ready to sweep Hollywood premieres.
People’s Choice Award – Also awarded to Boyd and Killeen, solidifying their gown as the favorite of the crowd.
The event also spotlighted Junior Artist Makanna Johnson, who received special recognition for her imaginative gown titled The Dream Set. Her inclusion marked the first year that junior artists participated in the runway show, a milestone that brought youthful energy and fresh vision to the Festival.
A New Sensory Dimension With Fragrance
Adding another layer of creativity this year was The Fragrance Boutique, a pop-up experience where guests designed their own custom signature scent. This addition allowed attendees to connect with artistry not only through sight and sound but through smell, elevating the afternoon into a truly multi-sensory occasion. For many, crafting a fragrance alongside viewing couture was an unexpected delight, reflecting how the Festival continues to evolve with new dimensions of luxury and personalization.
Star Power On Stage
Guiding the event with charm and expertise was Nelson Coates, acclaimed film production designer best known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians, The Morning Show, and The Proposal. His presence brought a touch of Hollywood glamour while keeping the spotlight on the artists.
The judging panel was equally impressive, featuring Laguna Beach artist and former costume designer Gerard Stripling, alongside Brad Elsberry, lead scenic artist for the iconic Pageant of the Masters. Their discerning eyes ensured that creativity, craftsmanship, and originality were honored appropriately, while the audience had the final say in the coveted People’s Choice Award.
Where Fashion Meets Community
What makes the Festival of Arts Runway Show stand apart is the synergy between high design and community service. Unlike high-end couture events reserved for industry insiders, this runway is open, inclusive, and purposeful. Attendees leave not only with inspiration from the gowns but also with the knowledge that their contributions help empower individuals preparing to re-enter the workforce.
For the Laguna Beach community, the event is more than an afternoon of glamour. It represents the values of sustainability, philanthropy, and creativity that make the Festival of Arts such a treasured cultural institution.
A Tradition That Continues to Evolve
For over ninety years, the Festival of Arts has captivated visitors with world-class experiences including the renowned Pageant of the Masters and the Fine Art Show. The Runway Fashion Show has become a highlight of the summer season, bringing an inventive twist to the Festival’s offerings.
The inclusion of junior artists this year and the debut of The Fragrance Boutique prove that the event is unafraid to evolve while staying true to its roots. By encouraging artists to repurpose and reimagine, it highlights the intersection of sustainability and luxury, two themes that resonate strongly with today’s sophisticated audiences.
Looking Ahead to Future Seasons
As the sun set over Laguna Canyon, the energy of the runway lingered. Guests left with memories of gowns that defied convention, fragrances that captured imagination, and a sense of community uplifted by collective giving. The Festival of Arts Runway Show has secured its place as more than a fashion event. It is a cultural experience where art meets altruism, and where innovation shines on the runway for a cause greater than itself.
For those who missed this year’s spectacle, there is always the next season to anticipate. With each passing year, the Festival continues to set the stage for new stories of creativity and connection. The 2025 edition reminded us that luxury and purpose can share the same spotlight, and when they do, the result is nothing short of extraordinary.
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