Stella McCartney’s 2014 spring fashions star at Autumn Party
“This is my favorite house in L.A.,” exclaimed celebrity stylist and designer Mary Alice Haney Davidov about the sprawling Holmby Hills estate belonging to Bradley and Colleen Bell.
Wednesday night, the Bell’s home hosted hundreds of supporters, including Portia de Rossi, Monique Lhuillier and Harper’s Bazaar Editor in Chief Glenda Bailey, who turned out for the Philanthropic Society Los Angeles’ (PSLA) 4th annual Autumn Party, the charity and event founded by Rochelle Gores Fredston.
PSLA works to raise funds for various causes supported by the Children’s Institute Inc. (CII). For the next two years, PSLA and the Autumn Party will focus on raising money for the Watts Project, erecting a building at CII’s Otis Booth campus where families can receive parenting education and necessary resources for their children.
“We’re partnering and working with the community,” said an 8 1/2-month-pregnant Fredston, who not only chaired the event but gracefully led the evening’s program while teetering in tan, peep-toe high heels. “We’ll be there regardless of the economy, to provide education for parents and work to keep families together.”
Fredston founded the Autumn Party with a focus not just on philanthropy but also fashion (her family’s company, the Gores Group, owns J. Mendel and 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent, and Fredston previously owned the now shuttered Arcade Boutique).
This year, Saks Fifth Avenue presented Stella McCartney’s spring 2014 collection, which was worn by models playing musical chairs to live music – a very clever and refreshingly playful way to showcase the clothes.
The British designer wasn’t present for the event but delivered a message in support via video. British Consul General of Los Angeles Chris O’Connor also spoke on behalf of McCartney and noted that from Oct. 31 through Nov. 8, Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills plans to host trunk shows featuring several other notable British designers.
The British vibe was carried out in the décor and dinner menu – English roses in the centerpieces and Beef Wellington and shepherd’s pie entrees.
McCartney was also a part of a package being auctioned off that included a New York Fashion Week experience with the designer and Saks Fifth Avenue as well as a shopping spree and luxury travel. But it was the auction’s other item that raised the most funds: A trip to the Master’s Gold Tournament aboard a Bombardier private business aircraft went for $40,000.
“I really think that this event could become the premier fashion event in L.A.,” said Haney Davidov, who co-chaired the event and is launching her own customizable luxury fashion line this month.
Judging by the heavy hitters who turned out in support, chances are the Autumn Party is bound to keep flourishing.
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