B.W. Cook--THE CROWD

There were 100 of the best-dressed women in Orange County at the Mondavi

Food & Wine Center in Costa Mesa last week for lunch. Why were they so

well-dressed? They are The Fashionables, a support group of Chapman

University.

And while their mission may be to underwrite the projects of the

university, they never work in, well, their school clothes.

Actually, it was the Fashionables annual luncheon meeting, focusing on

the changing of the guard and presenting Chapman President Jim Doti with

a check representing recent fund-raising efforts.

It was the year of Joan Riach, a glamorous Newport Beach activist who led

the Fashionables into the 21st century. Under Riach’s capable

stewardship--with tremendous support from members--the group raised

significant dollars for Chapman, earmarked for the construction of The

All Faiths Chapel, a long-standing project first championed by

Fashionables co-founder Mary Lou Hopkins Hornsby.

Over a number of years, fund-raising for the chapel has reached the

multimillion-dollar mark and it will soon be constructed on university

property. The chapel will be the realization of a dream for Hornsby and

many others in the community who staunchly support the model of education

embraced by Chapman.

“We have been nationally recognized for our leadership in the realm of

providing ethics-based education for our students,” said Doti, as he was

presented a check for more than $80,000. “This chapel will be a tangible

element of our ongoing commitment to this goal.

“I believe that this is the largest single donation the Fashionables have

provided,” he added, with generous praise for the work of the group over

many years.

“I’m proud to tell you that there will be a courtyard built as a

frontispiece that will bear the Fashionables name in thanks for your

efforts,” said Doti, as the women applauded themselves and the

university.

Riach--joined at the luncheon by her two daughters-in-law, Wendy and

Vicky--donned a handsome wheat-colored summer blazer by Escada with

flared-leg slacks, the ensemble accented with antique ivory jewelry. She

turned over the gavel of authority to the new Fashionables president and

social powerhouse Donna Bunce.

Bunce, attired in her signature Mandarin red luncheon suit, gracefully

took charge. Others stepping into their places in the Fashionables order

were President-elect Barbara Glabman and Barbara Bowie, in a beautiful

white pique Escada suit accented by classic turquoise, ivory and diamond

jewelry by David Webb.

Joining them were Betty Belden Palmer, Nancy Burnett, Leslie

Cancellieri, Roe Edwards, Patricia Groth, Marlene Hamontree, Pat Hancock,

Ollie Hill, Nora Johnson, Betty Klein, Eve Kornyei, Kim Lazarus, Dorothy

Ralphs, Elena Ross, Phyllis Shafer, Mary Thompson, Mary Sue Witter and

Noddie Weltner.

Let me say, this was one grand chorus line.

As the members conducted their annual business, lunch was served with the

finest Mondavi wines. A cold pea soup, quite delicious, was followed by a

nouvelle-style chicken salad featuring designer greens and white beans,

al dente.

Amid the food, the wine, the praise for Chapman and plenty of comparing

notes on fashion, one of the best informal fall fashion previews on the

coast unfolded around the tables. Considering that many in attendance

chose to wear clothes by the German house of fashion known as Escada, who

do you think sponsored the fashion show?

The Escada fall line, previewed for The Fashionables, is exquisite. Isn’t

it always, say you fashion mavens? Indeed, Escada is known for classic

tailoring and the finest of fabrics.

For the fall season the accent will be subtle, sexy, a bit looser, very

artistic and younger in attitude. Models paraded outfits fashioned in

leather as soft as butter, with colors that jumped off their bodies.

Rich, very rich shades of orange, and reds with deep magenta undertones,

sky blue hues with shimmering hand-beading done in India (by men for

those who need the information) and, of course, plenty of classic blacks,

browns and grays made a statement for autumn.

Animal prints were used sparingly and elegantly. There was a bit of ‘60s

nostalgia in sweaters fashioned in the poncho style. Believe me, there

were no ponchos at Woodstock that looked like these. Ilse Straub, the

dedicated working manager of Escada, South Coast Plaza was on hand with

regional representative Alison Dalberg and design and fashion show

officiants out of New York to ensure a first-class program. It was

flawless.

Women gasped as each model entered the room.

In the crowd were Mary Dell Barkouras (“I have to have it all”);

Chapman’s Steve Christensen with Jerry Richards, leader of the Men’s

Fashionables support group being taken over by Christensen; plus Ann Van

Ausdeln, Beryl Goward, Martha Green, Maralou Harrington, Cathy Lowden,

Irene Mathews, Ann Pange; Charlene Prager, who accepted accolades for

years of support from the Ritz Restaurant; Ann Stern, Joan Stevens, Chris

Sullivan and June Wian.

Gloria Osbrink took home the Escada raffle prize, and each of the gals

accepted a silk scarf from the design house for her support of the

Fashionables, Chapman University and good taste.

* B.W. COOK’S column appears every Thursday and Saturday.