B.W. COOK -- The Crowd

An exclusive West Coast showing of the 2001 spring/summer collection

of Salvatore Ferragamo will debut at the Four Seasons Hotel, Newport

Beach at a March 14 fashion show and luncheon. The splashy fashion event

is being organized by The Guilds of the Orange County Performing Arts

Center.

Rosemarie Kramer will chair the massive show and luncheon, which will

also honor Margrite Biever Mondavi, a friend of the arts world.

The event marks the first time that the House of Ferragamo has

presented a full season collection in Orange County. Such events are

generally reserved for the New York and Los Angeles circuit. It’s just

more proof that Orange County continues to attract a broader and more

sophisticated sphere of influence.

The March 14 event will begin with an 11:30 a.m. champagne reception,

followed by the Ferragamo fashion show and a luncheon prepared by Four

Seasons Executive Chef Michel Pieton. A few tickets, at $125 per person,

are still available for this fund-raiser benefiting the Center. Call

Dianne Howe at (714) 556-2122, Ext. 224.

* * *

The one and only Zignature, aka long time Orange Coast mover and

shaker Gloria Zigner, is once again executive producing the “Follies” for

Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). The extravaganza, starring

local talent, will debut at the end of March for the fifth consecutive

year.

Insiders report that one of the featured performers in this year’s

production will be millionaire entrepreneur Chuck Martin. Martin is

apparently in rehearsal and will dismiss his customary attire -- a blue

blazer and gray slacks -- for the more colorful persona of a singing and

dancing star.

“He’s really wonderful,” said Zigner. “And, he’s got a great voice.”

Jeanette Segerstrom will once again host an elegant underwriting party

at her waterfront villa next week for the patrons of the CHOC “Follies.”

Last year’s cocktail party turned into a personal cabaret show as cast

members, underwriters and friends of CHOC gathered around the Segerstrom

grand piano and sang their hearts out, taking the party into the wee

hours of the morning.

* * *

My local society informant and friend Corinne Black, who also happens

to handle public relations for the Assistance League of Newport Mesa,

reports that the Virginia Castle Auxiliary and the Las Reinas Auxiliary

of the Assistance League are preparing to present homespun television

personality Huell Howser at their upcoming annual luncheon, slated for

March 9.

The charming Howser, who has become known for narrating unique

documentaries focusing on bits and pieces of California lore, will share

with the local crowd his perspective on “California’s Gold.” The luncheon

will unfold at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and funds raised will

benefit underprivileged children in the Newport Mesa community through

programs supported by the Assistance League. Information: (949) 645-6929

* * *

Another local league, namely the Junior League of Orange County, is

putting the final touches on its Saturday Monte Carlo Night to be held at

the Clubhouse Restaurant, South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.

Nicole Marshall of the Junior League shares that the Clubhouse and the

league are going all out with Las Vegas-style gaming tables.

They will also once again have the “Champagne Diamond Event,” where

one luck person will find a spectacular piece of jewelry in their glass

of champagne. The diamond giveaway is generously sponsored by Mayors

Jewelers in Fashion Island.

Tickets are still available and are priced at $70 per person.

Information: (949) 263-3785.

* * *

Saturday night in Newport Beach will also be swinging when the Sound

of Music Chapter of the Guilds of The Center symbolically reopens the

door of New York’s infamous Studio 54. Only this version of the nightclub

happens to be at the Four Seasons, Newport Beach.

The spectacular disco gala is being chaired by Newport Coast hostess

Sally Crockett. With her at the helm, the party is sure to be one of the

best events of the spring social season. She is a woman of taste,

imagination and organization -- a rare combination.

Organizers confide that prestigious retailers including Gucci, Chanel

and Neiman Marcus have donated packages to inspire generous donations

from patrons attending the party.

Kelly Hague and Patsy Marshall are serving as underwriting chairs,

bringing in support from such local philanthropists as Donna and John

Crean, Eve Kornyei and Stan Hanson, Kathy and John Porter and many more.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.