The Mingei International Museum was alight with color in a fantastical world created by leading 20^th century designer Zandra Rhodes who reprised her smashing breakthrough designs in a fashion show capturing the imaginations of a sold out room of admiring patrons. Featured models cruised the runway under waving streamers of biased-cut fabrics and between tables of artfully clad diners, some proudly attired in their own Zandra Rhodes creations.

Who Was There: Jeanne Jones and Don Breitenberg lit up the cocktail reception amid the haute couture displays on the second floor, along with Mary Anne and Arnold Ginnow, UCSD Chancellor Marye Anne Fox with Jim Whitesell, Irwin and Joan Jacobs, Carol and Martin Dickinson, Ingrid Hibben and Barbara Kjos. Mingei Museum docents Susan Polakiewiez, LaDean Berry, Jan Rightmer, and Jacqueline Palacios enjoyed catching up after hours. Mingei Executive Director Rob Sidner moved through the happy crowd introducing his sister Lisa Suycam, while Founder Martha Longenecker visited with friend Alo Munizza. Deborah Lindholm and Fashion Careers College President Pat O'Connor and Lori DeMaria arrived resplendent in Zandra Rhodes designs. KUSI Style Guy Leonard Simpson and Veryl Mortenson were there along with Eric Johnson, Natasha Reiss, Pat Weil and Louie and Taylur Ngyen.

The Cause: The fashion show, dinner and auction were presented in conjunction with the Mingei Museum’s exhibition, ZANDRA RHODES – a Lifelong Love Affair with Textiles, juxtaposing objects from the Museum’s permanent international collection alongside Rhode’s high fashion garments from the 1960’s through the 1980’s. The Mingei specializes in folk art and design from all eras and cultures of the world and features Southern California’s richest collection of mingei – the art of the people.

The Good-Hearted: Corporate sponsors Bloomingdale’s, UBS Financial Services and Altour supported the hard working Hot Pink Ladies Host Committee, including designer Chetna Bhatt, Jeanne Jones, Susie Spanos, Dixie Unruh and Zandra Rhodes herself, who are credited with the planning and execution of an evening of luxurious beauty. Mike Dessent, Dean Emeritus of California Western School of Law stood up as auctioneer.

The Creative: Table centerpieces featuring hot pink (Rhodes' signature color) and yellow gerbera daisies -- artistically arranged by Lynda Kay Woodworth -- were anchored by an array of sparking stones. A luscious dinner catered by Dining Details was enjoyed with wine from Tim Bacino’s Brookside Winery. Irresistible silent auction items, donated by a host of local artists including Arline Fisch, Marion Craven, Ron Boyd, Mike Jackofsky, Sarah Winston, Mee Shim, Niki de Saint Phalle and Deanne Sharp from Lola Guhl, complimented the work of the celebration's distinctive standard bearer.

Get Involved: Visit ZANDRA RHODES – A Lifelong Love Affair with Textiles running through April 3, 2011 at the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park. Must see satellite events include The Affair Continues, exploring the designer’s opera costume and set design work and the intimate connection between color, textiles and music theatre - March 19, 2011, 7 – 8 pm. Make reservations at www.mingei.org/programs.

For more event photos, go to: CAUSE

Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50146795@N02/sets/72157625883426992/with/5379241652/