Savoir Femme

Savoir Femme

BY SENDY TAPIA

It’s the first thing we think about in the morning or the last thing we think about before the end of the night, “what am I going to wear?” How pressing this question feels may depend on age, career, privilege, or interest; nonetheless, it does cross everyone’s mind at some point during the day. Stepping into spring late March, this question was at the top of mind at Fashion x Philanthropy, an event charitably celebrating Women’s History Month. 

Housed in the historic venue, San Jose Women’s Club, the theme, Savoir Femme, mirrored the elegance and beauty of the space and the incredible fashion designs that walked the runway. Headlined by House of Scarlett Rose and Marcela Basto Couture, alongside six additional designers—BARE, Eastern Folk, Eddy by Eddie, Eternal Sunshine Jewelry, Jhonatan Salic, and House of Jefas—accompanied by vendors, models, and the crew of hairdressers, makeup artists, media, and production.

“We’ve been here early this morning attending to the models’ hair and makeup,” one of the hairdressers commented, and the level of detail shows.

One can only imagine the multitude of sketches drawn and discarded over and over again, and the calluses formed atop designers’ fingers after one too many needle pricks while finishing hand stitches. Fitting once, twice, and adjusting a fitting to the model’s body. The hairspray in the air, clouds of eyeshadow, and blush formed after tapping away the excess. Details that not everyone will see under the spotlight, but the creatives at hand can easily empathize with. 

The line to get inside wrapped around the house and well into the back of the building, with attendees dressed tastefully for the occasion. The crowd inside was a reflection of greater San José—intergenerational, diverse, and fashion fierce—abuelitas, teens, parents, and friends. These are the things you need to see if fashion, entrepreneurship, or event planning is a dream. The mosaic of support in one room alongside photographers, event organizers, designers, makeup artists, and hair stylists—it truly takes a village to bring a vision to life.

Across eight designers, guests were transported through a kaleidoscope of emotions, each unique to their heritage, preferences, and fantasies. Ferocity can be soft, elegant, and chic. Savoir Femme, paired with a heartfelt goal of fundraising for the Endometriosis Foundation of America and Girls Inc., was truly a show that demonstrated women's empowerment. 

“Ferocity can be soft, elegant, and chic. Savoir Femme, paired with a heartfelt goal of fundraising for the Endometriosis Foundation of America and Girls Inc., was truly a show that demonstrated women’s empowerment. ”

When pressed with the recurring question, “What am I going to wear?” Look towards the emerging fashion talent in our backyard; they’ve always got something fiery up their sleeves.