For over 40 years, St. John has been one the most distinguished fashion houses in the US, producing elegantly fashionable knitwear. Known as the “accomplice to accomplishment”, St. John also became a Champion of Yes when they presented their Resort 2016 Collection to benefit Fashion Fights Arthritis at the Fairmont San Francisco. The event raised over $240,000 for the Arthritis Foundation—with $78,000 of those funds coming from a live auction as well as the Key to the Cure paddle raise.
Fashion Fights Arthritis is a luncheon event, live auction and runway show supporting the Arthritis Foundation its goal to help people battling arthritis to live their lives to the fullest. The Bay Area Arthritis Auxiliary has successfully presented this event since 1999.
St. John’s Resort 2016 Collection reflects graceful sophistication inspired by the South of France and Italy. While the colorful designs are painstakingly crafted, the ensembles create a feeling carefree perfection—with an assortment of playful tweeds and daring stripes, dreamy florals and sensually silvered evening silhouettes—each piece creating a signature entrance where warm Golden Coast Glamour meets continental flair.
Lizzie Yuen, 22, who modeled an alluring St. John gown, also spoke at Fashion Fights Arthritis as the Foundation’s 2015 Youth Honoree. Yuen was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of nine. She has been active with the Foundation since 2002 when she first attended Camp Milagros, an Arthritis Foundation JA camp for kids aged 8 to 13. Lizzie has also participated in the Foundation’s Summer Science Internship at UCSF in 2013.
“I have grown up with the Arthritis Foundation,” Lizzie stated, “Through experiences with the Arthritis Foundation, I have come to terms with and made peace with my lupus. Participating in Arthritis Foundation events and activities has inspired me to pursue a career as a pediatric rheumatologist.”
Ann M. Palmer, President and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation, was also in attendance, “The Fashion Fights Arthritis event is a true testament of the local community’s commitment to raising funds to support the more than 50 million Americans who have arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation’s goal is to provide personalized tools that allow people with arthritis to live the best life possible.”
Numerous local fashion students were involved with the luncheon—including over 25 students from City College of San Francisco Fashion Department who volunteered to help with the production of the show and other backstage needs. After the runway show, St. John hosted a pop-up shop in the Pavilion Room at the Fairmont San Francisco; 10% of all sales made at the pop-up shop were donated to the Foundation.