We're officially a month away from San Francisco Symphony's Opening Night Gala that will be held on Wednesday, September 5, 2018! We are so lucky to have such an amazing arts community in San Francisco and I wanted to celebrate that by working with Bay Area Fashion Designer, Karen Caldwell to create a beautiful gown for this special occasion.

Yes, there are many wonderful dress boutiques and even online shops that are great destinations for finding a gown. But this year, I'm excited to have the complete local experience by wearing local fashion while celebrating our local arts!

Click to WATCH our first of three videos and go behind the scenes of our dress-making experience while finding out more San Francisco Symphony's Opening Night Gala!

The gala one of my favorite events of the year because it's a celebration of our local symphony and everyone that comes (both the audience and the musicians!) is always looking their best and feeling their best. The gala marks the beginning of a new season for the San Francisco Symphony and funds raised benefit their artistic, education, and community programs throughout the Bay Area.

This year, the San Francisco Symphony will be playing pieces from several Hollywood films such as Cinema Paradiso, Scent of a Woman, Schindler's List and Out of Africa. I'm most looking forward to is seeing legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman play the iconic Theme from Schindler's List. Why? Because Itzhak was the was original violinist that you hear in the movie! In fact, John Williams hand-picked him for the film's recording because of his incredible musicality and his the ability to tell stories through music.



When Karen and I started talking about the design for my gala gown, she was inspired by the Hollywood theme that is infused into this year's program. She was immediately reminded of a vintage photograph by Richard Avedon (top middle) that she has been holding on to for the perfect project.

"This gown has always captured my imagination so I'm excited to create my version of it!", said Karen. "I also envision the style of Rita Hayworth because her gowns were always so fitting but had an amazing flow for her dance sequences."



Last week we met at Britex, her go-to place for anything fabric. Started in 1952, this San Francisco landmark is where designers from all over the world go to shop the latest and greatest fabrics. Karen and I instantly fell in love with a lavender silk chiffon that's covered with golden shimmery leaf prints.



Next week, I'll be going to the Karen Caldwell Design Studio for my first fitting and to select jewelry from her personal vintage collection! Make sure to follow us on YouTube or join our newsletter to access the next video from our dressmaking series.

And the best part is, you can have this same experience with Karen! Click HERE to find out more about Karen Caldwell's designs.

Click HERE to access tickets to the San Francisco Symphony Gala!