The 16th annual Runway Fashion Show returned to the Festival of Arts main stage on Sunday, Aug. 10, showcasing sartorial creations designed from recycled, reclaimed and repurposed materials.
Makanna Johnson’s “The Dream Set” is made of pleated recycled newspapers and magazines.
Guests gained free admission by donating a gently used clothing item at the gate in partnership with Working Wardrobes, turning the show into a celebration of fashion for a good cause.
Rory Enoch models Quinn Riley’s outfit of old book pages and repurposed bottle caps.
Awards were presented in four categories, with the audience choosing the coveted People’s Choice Award. Anne More won Most Creative Concept for her design, modeled by Allison Adams. Paula Collins received Most Exciting Ensemble for a look presented by Jano Faro and Avery Clear. Mark Hendrickson took Most Innovative Use of Materials for his creation, modeled by Becky Ryan. Jonathan Boyd and Valerie Killeen won both Most Glamorous “Red Carpet” Worthy Creation and People’s Choice for their design, modeled by Quinne Boyd. Special recognition was given to junior artist Makanna Johnson for introducing the idea of including junior artists in the Festival Runway Fashion Show and for her striking gown, “The Dream Set.”
Allison Adams models Anne More’s California Gold Coast–themed design, winner of Most Creative Concept and People’s Choice.
Participants included jewelry artist Linda Potichke, printmaker Anne Moore, ceramicists Mark Hendrickson and Paula Collins, and sculptors Jonathan Boyd and Valerie Killeen.
The event also debuted The Fragrance Boutique, an interactive pop-up where guests could create custom signature scents for an additional fee.
Becky Ryan models Mark Hendrickson’s vest of red, white and blue plastic casings, winner of Best Innovative Use of Materials.
Acclaimed film production designer Nelson Coates, known for “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Flight,” “Fifty Shades Freed,” “The Proposal” and the Apple TV+ series “The Morning Show,” returned as host. Judges included local writer and podcast co-host Marrie Stone; Laguna Beach artist and former costume and set designer Gerard Stripling; and Brad Elsberry, Pageant of the Masters lead scenic artist and former Festival Runway competitor.
PHOTO GALLERY
Host Nelson Coates opens the event.
Host Nelson Coates fields questions about his couture trousers by New York designer Mardona, who also made his hat.
Host Nelson Coates gets a hug from Tamara Campbell.
Cinthia Cecchini and Gloria Markussen view a display of found-material dresses.
Gigi Hollady stays shaded in a bold red hat.
Allison Adams and Jana Faro chat backstage with designer Anne Moore.
Arica Peterson, Makanna Johnson and Keegan Johnson count the house backstage.
Judges Marrie Stone and Gerard Stripling applaud fellow judge W. Bradley “Brad” Elsberry.
Sound engineer Sid Greenbaum watches Quinne Boyd model her redwood costume.
Arica Peterson models a Linda Potichke design of trash bags, upholstery fabric, ribbon and bamboo skewers.
Arica Peterson models a Linda Potichke design of trash bags, upholstery fabric, ribbon and bamboo skewers.
Jana Faro and Avery Clear model “the heat of a kiln” ensemble, which won Most Exciting Ensemble.
Jana Faro and Avery Clear model “the heat of a kiln” ensemble, which won Most Exciting Ensemble.
Becky Ryan models Mark Hendrickson’s vest of red, white and blue plastic casings, winner of Best Innovative Use of Materials.
Judges look on as Becky Ryan models Hendrickson’s award-winning vest.
Six-year-old Quinne Boyd models “The California Redwood Princess,” winner of Most Glamorous “Red Carpet” Worthy Creation.
Makanna Johnson’s “The Dream Set” is made of pleated recycled newspapers and magazines.
Makanna Johnson’s “The Dream Set” is made of pleated recycled newspapers and magazines.
Sofis Guerrero and Lauren Lee’s outfit uses plastic flowers to reflect the Pageant’s theme.
Sofis Guerrero and Lauren Lee’s outfit uses plastic flowers to reflect the Pageant’s theme.
Junior Artist Runway participants receive prizes from the judges.
