A Night To Remember: Willie Brown’s Birthday And Fashion Show

On March 31st, Mayor Willie Brown celebrated his birthday at Pier 24. And if it weren’t for the spectacular view of the Bay Bridge—which was named after him—it would be easy to think this event was a fashion show in New York or Paris. The crowd read like a who’s who of San Francisco’s glitterati and political powerhouses. Guests mingled, viewed the artwork throughout the space, while sipping champagne and enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres.

The celebration was hosted by Sonya Molodetskaya and was topped off with a spectacular fashion show. The beautifully choreographed show was an imaginative collaboration with Vasily Vein for her line Major Obsessions. Both her and Mr. Vein are incredibly talented designers, so the collection was a true delight to experience. Enchanting models glided down the runway wearing dramatic works of art created by the dynamic Russian duo.

The post fashion show festivities included a fantastic water show by the SFFD’s fire boat under the Willie Brown Bay Bridge. That was followed by a rousing speech from the former mayor and a spirited rendition of “Happy birthday to you!” by the esteemed crowd. Notable guested included Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom – Lieutenant Governor of California and a former Mayor of San Francisco, Dianne Feinstein – United States Senator from California, and Charlotte Mailliard Shultz, the Chief of Protocol for the state of California, and the Chief of Protocol for the City and County of San Francisco. Members of San Francisco social scene included Joel Goodrich, Mark Calvano, Aubrey Brewster, Clara Shayevich, Farah Makras, Pernella Sommerville, Heidi Pettit, Deepa Pakianathan, Natalia Urrutia, Rosalina Lydster, and Rada Katz.

Recognized media included Carolyn Tyler from ABC News, Carolyne Zinko from SF Chronicle, and Olivia Decker, publisher of Haute Living SF.