When I was invited to cover the San Francisco Opera's Masquerade Ball for Red Curtain Addict, I knew the night called for something truly special—an outfit that would reflect the elegance and spectacle of the event. This was more than just a red-carpet appearance; it was a celebration of art, fashion, and performance. To match the grandeur of the evening, I turned to designer Jad Racha to create a custom gown that would be as remarkable as the night itself.

Scroll below to discover the creative process behind this one-of-a-kind dress and how it transformed my red-carpet experience at one of the year’s most glamorous events.

The Journey to a Perfect Gown

From the very beginning, Jad and I connected over the shared vision for the gown. He understood right away that it needed to embody the essence of the Masquerade Ball—mystery, elegance, and drama—while staying true to my personal style.

The process was truly collaborative. Jad’s attention to detail shone through every step, as we discussed not just how the dress should look but how it should feel. We talked about creating something that would stand out on the red carpet while still feeling authentic to the event’s theme.

Click below to watch our exclusive “The Making of the Dress with Jad Racha” video:

A Masterclass in Craftsmanship

One of the standout aspects of working with Jad was his dedication to craftsmanship. Every part of the gown was carefully considered, from the luxurious black fabric to the bold pop of red that added just the right amount of drama. The colors perfectly captured the spirit of the Masquerade Ball (and matched Red Curtain Addict!).

In the video, you'll see glimpses of the intricate sketches, fabric selections, and fittings. But what you won’t see are the countless hours that went into every detail, from the structured bodice to the flowing layers of the skirt. It wasn’t just a dress that fit my body—it was a gown that reflected my personality.

The Big Reveal and Red Carpet Experience

The day I finally saw the completed gown was one of the most exciting moments of this journey. As I stepped onto the pedestal for the final fitting, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of anticipation. Jad said something that resonated with me: "When you have something custom-made for you, it fits you... it changes the way you wear the dress." And he was right.

The gown felt like a perfect extension of me. It made me feel confident and ready for the red carpet at the San Francisco Opera. When I swooshed the train around for the first time, it was a culmination of all the hard work, creativity, and passion that went into its creation.

Seeing everything come together on the night of the event was even more exciting. From Jad’s gown to the Alexis Bittar jewelry and flawless hair and makeup by the team at Charles Blake Salon, the whole look sparked so many conversations with artists and patrons alike. It’s always a glamorous night at the opera’s opening gala, but this year felt extra special, with the gown enhancing my connection to the celebration.

A Night to Remember

This experience was about so much more than just wearing a beautiful dress—it was about witnessing the artistry that went into every element. From the performers to Jad’s incredible design, it was a night filled with creativity and collaboration.

One of my favorite moments from the video is when Jad talks about fashion as something that evokes emotion. That’s exactly what this gown did for me. It wasn’t just a stunning piece of clothing—it was an experience that made me feel empowered and connected to the evening in a way I hadn’t anticipated.

From the red carpet interviews to the fun conversations with fellow attendees, the gown truly embodied the essence of the night. Jad captured the opera’s sense of grandeur and transformed it into a wearable piece of art.

A Collaboration to Cherish

Working with Jad Racha was not only a dream come true but a genuine honor. His creativity and commitment to craftsmanship were inspiring, and the entire process was both fun and deeply meaningful. I’ve worn many gowns to events, but none have ever felt as personal or as special as this one.

As you’ll hear in the video, I felt like the belle of the ball, and I truly did. This gown was a perfect reflection of the glamour and timeless elegance of the San Francisco Opera’s Opening Night Gala, with a modern twist that made it uniquely me. This collaboration with Jad—from concept to final reveal—is something I’ll cherish forever.

If you want to see the magic of the night, don’t miss our exclusive red carpet highlights from the San Francisco Opera's 2024 Opening Night Gala. Watch the full video on Red Curtain Addict and follow us on YouTube for more behind-the-scenes moments from this unforgettable evening.

Click to watch our exclusive Red Carpet Highlights from SF Opera's 2024 Opening Night Gala!