St. Vincent de Paul Society - Helping the poor, homeless, victims of domestic violence

New Address! 1237 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 977-1270 info@svdp-sf.org

Fashion Forward: Discarded to Divine Offers Hope to the Disadvantaged

The adage rags to riches takes center stage at the St. Vincent de Paul Society's annual fundraiser Discarded to Divine. The much-anticipated fashion auction and reception brings together local designers who remake discarded clothing into one-of-a-kind couture items, which are auctioned. The proceeds support the Society’s services to the poor, homeless and victims of domestic violence. On April 29, 2010, more than 700 friends of fashion and compassion gathered at The Hall at St. Mary's Cathedral to enjoy fabulous food and decadent cocktails while bidding on original fashions and home décor in the live and silent auctions.

Photos by Ed Jay

Academy of Art University student Laone Botshoma's "Dear Luba"

Honorary Chair Mrs. Henry J. Kaiser, Jr. recited a heartwarming poem at Discarded to Divine this year, capturing in words the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s dedication to teamwork.

“All have a part in the beauty,
All have a part in the plan.
What does it matter what duty
Falls to the lot of man
Someone has blended the plaster,
Someone has carried the stone.
Neither the man nor the master
Ever built it alone.
Making a roof from the weather
Or building a house for a king
Only by working together
Can men accomplish a thing.”

Honorary Chair Mrs. Henry J. Kaiser, Jr. delighted the audience with her love of fashion and passion for community service. Master of Ceremonies Nick Smith from abc7's View from the Bay kept the show moving seamlessly. Matt Stuart and Mike Berger of Stuart Berger Eco Chic Jewelry presided over the VIP raffle drawing, where one lucky guest received an exquisite 4.5-carat ruby and diamond ring, valued at more than $2,500. Auctioneer Patrick Meade from Bonhams & Butterfields rallied the audience with energy and panache. The talented ladies from City Model Management, Inc. brought life to the garments as they paraded down the stunning stage set, hand-crafted by students from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). The night kicked off with a private VIP pre-party exclusively catered by Knight's Catering and included champagne, wine and cocktails provided by Segura Viudas, Bear Flag Wine and FIJI Water.

FIDM student Coral Castillo's "Green Butterfly"

"Criss-Cross Coat" by gr.dano was created from two discarded linen tablecloths and sold for $1,500.

Guests were treated to tantalizing gourmet bites from hot Bay Area restaurants XYZ Restaurant, Starbelly, Joe DiMaggio's Italian Chophouse, Rose Pistola and Whole Foods Market. Additional delicious hors d'oeuvres were provided by Judy's Breadsticks, Popchips and Cabot Vermont.

Auction items submitted by more than 100 local and international designers were the real stars of the show. Designers from the Bay Area and beyond flocked to the St. Vincent de Paul Society's Vincentian Help Desk to select discarded, donated clothes that would soon be transformed into wearable art.

Made from completely recycled materials, Academy of Art University's Laone Botshoma created "Dear Luba", an inventive jacket and skirt ensemble made from reconstructed coats and outerwear. FIDM student Coral Castillo sewed together more than fifty pieces of fabric to construct her whimsical green cocktail dress, "Green Butterfly".

Local designers Jill Giordano and Brian Scheyer of gr.dano transformed two linen tablecloths into a stunning trench coat, featuring a sculpted collar and sleeves and lined with a discarded silk curtain.

Other designers included Jay Nicolas Sario from Project Runway, Sweet P from Project Runway, Cari Borja, Kevin Parcasio, Jill Pillot, Aurelio, Colleen Quen and Christopher Collins.

This year's event brought in $82,000 to support the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco's work with the poor and with the thousands of women and their children who suffer from domestic violence.

The Society operates one of only two agencies that distribute free clothing to the poor and homeless. More than 1,200 men and women come to the Vincentian Help Desk each month in need of a job interview outfit, warm coat, shoes without holes and essential home appliances.

One in four women in the United States will experience some form of domestic violence in their lives. The St. Vincent de Paul Society operates the largest continuum of domestic violence shelters and services in San Francisco, with nearly half of all domestic violence beds in the City. The Riley Center for Battered Women and Their Children also serves clients that other agencies cannot help, such as undocumented women who do not know they are protected by federal law.

Our ability to help the less-fortunate hinges on community support generated by St. Vincent de Paul's Discarded to Divine. Our deepest thanks to the many sponsors, donors, guests and volunteers who made this event a success!