Sophisticates spring into fashion

The annual “Crowd” spring fashion preview featuring the Sophisticates

of ATSC, photographed at the recent 2003 luncheon fashion show “Le

Beau Boudoir” displays a diverse dressing attitude, from conservative

to daring.

“Orange County is not Los Angeles,” said Newport’s Lana Chandler,

a former Sophisticates president. “Black is not our only fashion

choice,” added the pretty blond Chandler who is active in O.C. civic

circles.

The recent luncheon-fashion event, staged at the new Hyatt Regency

Huntington Beach, attracted more than 550 guests and raised more than

$175,00.00. Underwriting chairs Tora Brown, Shari Ciko, Debbie

Newmeyer, Eve Kornyei and Nili Stevens were extremely proud of the

success.

“We had an exceptional turnout, tremendous underwriting and, in

the end, strong financial success to help the children and families

of ATSC,” Kornyei said.

Nordstrom, South Coast Plaza handled the fashion duties,

presenting the collections of Donna Karan, Roberto Cavalli, Leonard,

Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabbana, Celene, Missoni, Ralph Lauren’s Purple

Label, Gianni Versace and Christian Lacroix. Nordie’s Kim Cimino,

vice president at South Coast Plaza, introduced the show to the

crowd.

The day of fashion began with a massive silent auction accompanied

by a martini bar hosted by Grey Goose Vodka. Denice Mock,

Sophisticates president, led the charge along with Grace Thelen,

fashion show chair, making sure the crowd had a spectacular time with

food, fashion and commitment to the cause.

The event was dedicated to 20 years of past presidents of the

Sophisticates. Many local women attended, including Ev Parrella,

Carlyn Callan, Cindy Galardi, Mary Sabatasso, Darlene Drummond,

Darleen Manclark, Jeannie Lawrence, Marianne MacDonald, Martha Green,

Cathy Lowden, Penny Fox, Sue Cannon, Nancy Weisbrod, Barbara Magness

and Debra Nickel.

“We are all dedicated to the ATSC mission,” Mock said. “Arrest the

problem, not the child. It is all of you who enable us to provide the

urgently needed funds to enable ATSC to counsel local children and

families.”

Established in 1974, ATSC has treated more than 10,000 families

and has never charged a fee for service.

Major support this year came from Mercedes Benz, USA Inc, Donna

and John Crean, Lindsay and Shawn Green, and a host of community

leaders dedicated to keeping children on a path of opportunity and

positive growth.

* THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.