On the Town :: Fashion Festivities

Two blockbuster events absorbed our weekend! Friday night, we joined Kevin Lisle and headed to the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park for one of their series of after-hours Friday nights, featuring various special exhibits, live music, dance, panel discussions, and other activities. This night featured Mr. David for "Juanita More! 24 Years of More... Runway Show!" Not being lucky enough to own a Mr. David original, we donned our best signature Oscar de la Renta, in a nod to the American designer whose retrospective is currently on display at the DeYoung.

Blockbuster hardly describes the feeling of this first-time ever event! From the moment we arrived, the buzz of excitement was palpable with guests of every age, attire, and persuasion bustling for the best vantage point in cavernous Wilsey Court.

We chatted briefly with Erin Lavery, Johnny Razzaroli, Carlton Paul & Andy Cross, Gareth Gooch, Linda Lee, Nicole Monsoon, Karin Lee Jaffie & Lori Howes, and Reigning Emperor Salvador Tovar. In addition to those there for the fashion show, the crowd was augmented by museum visitors unaware of the uniqueness of this night, but quickly caught up in the thrill of the anticipation.

We finally found an excellent spot just outside the dressing room as Mr. David and Juanita More!, swathed in emerald taffeta ruffles over muted bronze silk, arrived surrounded by admirers to take their seats on the front row. Having attended runway fashion shows in New York, Paris, and London, we can tell you that this one had all the trappings of a full-scale fashion happening!

After the briefest of announcements, the music swelled and the first models sashayed onto the expansive stage. Models of every gender variation represented many facets of the community and of Juanita's own social circle, including Honey Mahogany, Katya Smirnoff Skyy, Mercedez Monro, Paju Monro, Mini Minerva, Gina La Divina, Mutha Chucka, and Reigning Empress Emma Peel.

Fashions spanned the gamut of Mr. David's creativity, including fanciful costumes, whimsically exaggerated details, voluminous capes and wraps, dazzling fabrications, bold colorations, and exquisitely detailed garments. The audience rightfully applauded each entry, giving special attention to their personal favorites. The only interruption came when the sweeping staircase had to be cleared by security due to fire safety regulations, a telling indication of the capacity crowd.

As the formal show ended, the crowd swelled forward to congratulate the designer and his muse and within a short period of time, the de Young Museum returned to its more staid setting. What a whirlwind of San Francisco magic!

Musical Moments

Saturday night, the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band performed Spotlight on Broadway in the Empire Ballroom of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. This first-ever openly gay music group in the country was formed in 1978 by the legendary Jon Sims and at the time included a twirling corps, perfect for those earliest Gay Pride Parades.

Since then, they have grown to an accomplished musical ensemble, becoming the official Band of San Francisco, joining two presidential inaugural parades, creating the holiday Dance-Along Nutcracker, and performing at countless community events at no charge.

This was the first of what promises to become an annual fundraiser for the band, enabling them to continue their wide community outreach and assuring that no band member is denied participation due to financial constraints.

We were thrilled to join the very talented Leanne Borghesi as guest stars that night, relishing the rare opportunity to sing with a full band accompaniment. Even the audience got into the act, invited by Artistic Director Peter Nowlen to follow lyrics projected on a big screen and to sing along with their Broadway favorites.

Tables were decorated in Broadway show themes and a lively auction and raffle raised additional funds. Among those attending were Mike Proctor, James Holloway, Dana van Iquity, Miguel Gutierrez, Jen Viegas, Josephine Caffese Lotte (celebrating a birthday that night), former Artistic Director Jadine Louie, and the Reigning Emperor Salvador Tovar. Watch for upcoming events of the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band and support this historic and community loving organization.

Upcoming Events

Tonight, Thursday, May 19, the Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic returns to San Francisco at Beatbox starting at 8PM. When Patrik Gallineaux of Stoli Vodka hosts an event, we are there. This is truly an international event with previous competitions in cities across the United States and Canada and the winner receiving an incredible prize package that includes a trophy, participation in Key West's Pride Parade, a trip to Stoli's Ibiza Bartender Weekend, and $10,000 for the charity of the winner's choice.

This year's local judges are Jai Rodriguez, BeBe Sweetbriar, and 2015 North American Cocktail Classic Champion Matthew Mello with entertainment by Jai Rodriguez, Brian Kent, and Leanne Borghesi. Don't worry, the first 100 attendees also have a part in the judging. Don't miss it!

Tuesday, May 24, we'll join an exuberant crowd for Cirque de L'Arc: Puttin' on the Ritz, at Oasis starting at 6PM, benefiting The Arc of San Francisco, which provides essential services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This night has it all with midway entertainment, silent auction, food and drink. and an all-star drag revue featuring Heklina, Cockatielia, Alexis Miranda, Kandi De-Lite, Serena Jackson, Daft-Nee Gesundheit, and this humble columnist.

Additional performers include Vocal Minority from the Gay Men's Chorus, Kitten on the Keys, Kippy Marks, members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and The Arc Unstoppables. The whole event is a salute to recently retired Kitty Glamour who added so much to The Arc and leaves the drag community of San Francisco sadly less stellar. It will be a night to remember!

The following night, we hope to see many of you at Petchitecture, the annual gala fundraiser for Pets Are Wonderful Support, that recently merged with Shanti. The elegant Fairmont Hotel hosts this year and we will honor longtime supporters Dede Wilsey and the late Wilkes Bashford with entertainment by enchanting chanteuse Paula West and a special appearance by The Honorable Willie Brown.

If you've never attended this unique event where human supporters mix with canine beneficiaries, you'll be glad to be there. We can't say enough about the important work PAWS does to encourage the indescribable human-animal bond and its healing and supportive properties. This recent merge with Shanti promises to benefit the clients of both organizations while streamlining processes and putting funds to most effective use.

And on Thursday, May 26, Joe Wicht and Katya Smirnoff-Skyy host the Sixth Annual Cabaret Showcase Showdown Finale at Oasis. Seven singers will compete for the honor of Best New Cabaret Performer, judged by Russ Lorenson, Skip Ziobron, Marilyn Levinson, Paula West, and the writer of this very column. Don't you love finding the newest, best talent right here in San Francisco?

Up next... Pride Month and all the many events vying for your attention! Count on this biweekly column in the Bay Area Reporter to keep you focused on the most essential places to be as this City celebrates once again as no other place in the world!