fashion week el paseo – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

Narces by Vikki Yassemi

It’s always a pleasure to attend the opening night fashion show at Fashion Week El Paseo in Palm Desert. All the nights are great but there’s something special about the first night.

I was thrilled to get 1st row Diva tickets for “NARCES” by Nikki Yassemi from my friend Candy through her friend Bobbi Lampros; a giving sponsor for the five non-profit local charities benefitting each show.

Standing by a large cover of Palm Springs Life Magazine (a sponsor). Wearing vintage satin cocktail dress with lace trim and a mohair ostrich feather wrap (bought in Capetown years ago). Vintage Gucci kitten heels + matching clutch.

The show was excellent. There were even a few pieces that I could actually see myself wearing given the right occasion. And yes; these unique pieces are especially designed for a special occasion.

NARCES is a womenswear line creating luxury eveningwear, cocktail and bridal designs inspired by the romantic glamour and elegance of the mid 20th century with a distinctive modern twist. The silhouettes are strong yet feminine.

Designer, Creative Director and Founder Nikki Yassemi Wirthensohn brings her international background to her feminine aesthetic. She was born in Austria and grew up in Iran and the UK before moving to Toronto, where the brand is designed and made.

She was surrounded by design, art, and fashion all her life. Her mother worked with esteemed British tailor to the Royal Family, Victor Edelstein, who is renowned for having created some of Princess Diana’s most iconic gowns.

From her website: The pieces are meant to be worn and styled in different ways to show individuality. From a voluminous-sleeve organza gown, which could be worn as an overcoat, to a dress that can be disintegrated into four pieces, there are numerous creative combinations. The feel is ethereal-meets-supernatural, and bodies are textural with hand-embellished flowers that are both dainty and bold with metal and spark.

Friend Tammy in middle wearing a killer jumpsuit to go with her killer figure flanked by her friends Geri (L) and Valerie (R)

https://narces.com/

The pre-show at **PS Air Bar** with David + Candy

Yes; lots of fun had by all

the fun continued at the post show party at “Wildest”

Header Image: d. king

Photo: Gary Bindman for *Palm Springs Life*

The LE CHIEN fabulous fashion event I attended on Sunday wasn’t only for fun; it was for a meaningful cause. Presented by Animal Samaritans and sponsored by the Westin Mission Hills Golf Course & Spa, proceeds from ticket sales and silent auction items go towards rescue, shelter and adoption of homeless animals. The Animal Samaritan group champion compassion for all living creatures, with a primary focus on dogs, cats, and the people who love them…like the people in these pictures.

**Tammy** with her fur babies **Lily Bella** + **Timbit**. Tammy is wearing London designer Karen Mullen. Photo: d. king

Selfie stick lady & her pooch. Photo: d. king

With **Layla & Jia Jia** before leaving for the show. I’m wearing a vintage circle skirt with lots of sequins + *North Face* t-shirt Photo: Lynn Li

Professional models rocked the runway posing for paparazzi with adorable rescue dogs who put their best paw forward. The models wore San Francisco street artist and fashion designer Victor Tung‘s (a Project Runway alumnus) artsy yet elegant fashion.

People in the audience and at the cocktail reception proceeding the show were almost as fun to watch as I’m hoping these photos go to prove.

Animal Samaritans (the same people who put on the monthly “yappy hour” at the Riviera Hotel I previously blogged about) require financial support from community and fellow animal lovers to continue their good work of improving the lives of animals and the people who love them.

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated – Gandhi

Visit: animalsamaritans.org