A Season of Style: Chloe King Leads The Art of Fashion Runway Show & Luncheon with San Francisco Opera Guild and Neiman Marcus

We had the opportunity to go behind the scenes of one of San Francisco’s most stylish and purpose-driven spring events: The Art of Fashion Runway Show and Luncheon, presented by San Francisco Opera Guild and Neiman Marcus.

Held on Wednesday, May 28th at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco, this signature event brought together the worlds of high fashion and the performing arts for an unforgettable afternoon—raising vital funds for the Guild’s award-winning music education programs, which serve more than 60,000 students across Northern California each year.

Take a seat in the front row by clicking below to watch our exclusive coverage of The Art of Fashion—featuring runway highlights, standout style tips from fashion expert Chloe King, Director of Fashion & Lifestyle at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus and a few of our favorite moments from this extraordinary celebration of fashion, philanthropy, and the performing arts.

“We wanted this to be the best of the best!” said Chloe King. “This is a special group of people, and Neiman Marcus is a very special place, so we really wanted to bring all the ‘wow’ in fashion.”

And the fashion certainly delivered!

Guests were welcomed with Scharffenberger Cellars bubbles and Castellucci Napa Valley wines in a beautifully designed setting by acclaimed event stylist J. Riccardo Benavides, setting the tone for an afternoon of sophistication and style.

Sasha Baldino

Ramiro Sanchez

Anjali Kambham

While The Art of Fashion has been a celebrated Neiman Marcus tradition for over 30 years, this year marked the first time for San Francisco Opera Guild to partner with the brand to present their annual luncheon through this iconic format. So rather than spotlighting a single designer, the event partnered with fashion expert Chloe King to curate a runway experience featuring standout looks from a range of top designers—including Brunello Cucinelli, Alexander McQueen, Carolina Herrera, Etro, Libertine, Monique Lhuillier, Michael Kors, Tom Ford, and more. 

“Some of the big themes that we’ll be looking at are the color stories for this season,” said King. “A primarily neutral palette with pops of a sort of dusty pastel—if you think of Milan and the idea of pistachio, terracotta, sage, and limoncello colors.”

Vinny Well

Tatum Crawford

Madalynn Chernoh

Some of our favorite looks of the afternoon were a black pantsuit with a flowing red blouse that created a dramatic train effect, a rhinestone-detailed duster layered over a floral gown, and a crystal-embellished men’s blazer that caught the light with every step. Accessories played a leading role too.

“We’ve seen designers experiment in the last few seasons with beautiful accessories,” said King. “So bringing back a beautiful hat or an elbow-length glove—that’s often a way to add personality and texture and layers.”

Following the runway, guests were treated to a refined luncheon and a special performance by the Guild’s Opera Scouts, showcasing the young talent nurtured by the very programs the afternoon supported.

Opera Scouts

Katie Colendich, Robert Beadle, Kathy Huber, and Courtney Labe

“We’re very excited to raise money for the students to continue their education,” shared Kathy Huber, Co-Chair of The Art of Fashion and SF Opera Guild Board Member.

“Fashion is another way to bring the artistic community together and create an ecosystem of loving culture, art, and beauty,” added Katie Colendich, Co-Chair and SF Opera Guild Board Member. “And I think continuing to have fashion shows is such a wonderful way to celebrate that and be a part of the civic pride of San Francisco.”

The event concluded with a spirited live auction and Fund-a-Need, securing critical funds to expand access to music education throughout the region.

Pamela Preston, Toni Wolfson, Daru Kawalkowski, Kari Lincks Coomans, Parker Coomans, Chloe King, Stephanie Block, Chloe King, Kristin Sorensen, Joy Mbanugo, Aquila Farrel, Stefanie Roumeliotes, Farah Markras, Jennifer Walske, and Karen Caldwell.

“I’m really proud to be partnering with this organization that really seems to be investing in a piece of culture in San Francisco that’s really vibrant and important!” said King.

To learn more about San Francisco Opera Guild’s education efforts, click here.

To purchase tickets for the upcoming Opera Ball at San Francisco Opera, click here. To see more photos of the event, click here!

Photography by Drew Altizer and his amazing team.