On Saturday, October 14, 2017, San Francisco’s Museo Italo Americano hosted a fundraising event organized by Isabella Weiss di Valbranca and Valentina Consolo, co-chairs of the Giovani section of the Leonardo Da Vinci Society of San Francisco.
The fires that devastated the wine areas of Sonoma and Napa, and are still burning causing death and destruction, have been one of the worst catastrophes of this kind in the last decades. Maybe the worst of all time. That is why the Leonardo Da Vinci Society thought it was right to put its efforts into trying to help, to give a hand to the people who are struggling and lost their homes and businesses.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has called the recent disaster “One of the deadliest and most destructive weeks in California’s history.” News agencies are reporting at least 42 people killed, approximately 10,000 homes damaged or destroyed with more than $1 billion worth of insured losses.
The Italian Fashion Show, which had great attendance and success, showcased Italian brands, such as Annaborgia, a cruelty-free brand that produces mostly in Italy. Annaborgia loves feminine and sensual lines, cocktail dresses together with eco leather and suede. The owner, Daniela Degrassi, constantly travels to Italy to find the best tailors and artisans. Annaborgia describes their fashion as for women who are conscious about the impact of fast fashion on the environment. Annaborgia’s website is at https://www.annaborgia.com.
Another artisan brand is Rossi&Rei by Elisa Rossi, with cardigans, sweaters, dusters and especially its signature pieces: hats and bags. The hats, as well as the beautiful leather bags, can all be personalized in many different colors. “At Rossi & Rei, we abandon the mass-produced, experience-lacking notions of luxury as they often have become, and instead reclaim luxury as the guilt-free, self-care you need and deserve to live a well-balanced and meaningful life.” Rossi&Rei’s website is at https://www.rossi-rei.com.
Superga SF was among the participants and its owner, Claudia Volpi, is very well known in the Italian community. Superga doesn’t need an introduction as it has been one of the most popular Italian shoe brands since 1911, but Claudia’s store is the only Superga monobrand shop in the west coast, where you can find original models from Italy and you can personalize your shoes, too. This fashionable shoe line originated back in 1911 in Torino, Italy. The collections now include a vast array of styles and colors in addition to the original Superga Vulcanized and Sport lines. Superga SF’s website is at http://www.supergasf.com.
Last but not least we had Xela Imports, owned by Paola and Sandro Bifulco, a very well established reality, a little gem in the heart of Noe Valley, in business 30 years. They bring jewels and clothes from Italy and all around the world, choosing the latest trends and items you won’t find anywhere else in San Francisco. Xela Imports has unique collections of spiritual art, jewelry & textiles. Xela Import’s website is at http://www.xelaimports.com.
On the runway there were a lot of wonderful ladies, of different ages and sizes, to represent Italian beauty and class. The event was successful thanks to the sponsors of the delicious Prosecco Zonin and red wine by Cantine Greo.
The Zonin representative was unable to come to the event as he was stuck in Santa Rosa (one of the most devastated areas) hosting in his house a lot of family and people who lost their homes. [Text Wrapping Break]During the fun evening, the Italian singer Maria Signorile entertained the guests with her beautiful voice; among the participants there was the Consul General’s wife, the beautiful Mrs. Sheila Pierce Ortona.
The Leonardo Da Vinci Society is continuing the fundraising until December, please contact ldvsf2017@gmail.com and ask how you can donate. All donations will go to the Red Cross.
The Italian Fashion Show was hosted by the Museo Italo Americano, located at Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd., Building C, San Francisco. https:// museoitaloamericano.org
The Leonardo da Vinci Society is a cultural organization based in San Francisco. Under the leadership of President Amelia Antonucci, the Society organizes presentations and other events that highlight the importance of Italian history and culture, and of Italian contributions to American life. Membership is open to all who love Italy and wish to learn more about this wonderful country. All events take place in San Francisco. Leonardo Society events are free to members, invited guests, and registered attendees.
Upcoming events include an exhibition of sculptor Oceana Rain Stuart on Saturday, December 9, at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Italian Cultural Institute. The Institute is located at 601 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco.
Oceana Rain Stuart, who has a dual citizenship of USA and Italy, has been recently nominated one of the best modern sculptors in the USA. Her “Eternal Bliss” bust is part of the permanent collection of the Modern Art Museum of Catania (Sicily). Last October she had 14 bronze sculptures at the carousel exhibition at the Louvre Museum in Paris and she has been awarded many times for her work.
For more information about the Oceana Rain Stuart exhibition and the Leonardo da Vinci Society, visit their website at http://www.davincisanfrancisco.com.
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