Academy of Art students' fashions impress pros
Carolyne Zinko, Chronicle Staff Writer
With decades of runway shows under her belt, it takes a lot on the catwalk to impress Suzy Menkes, the fashion editor for the International Herald Tribune and the grande dame of the world's fashion press. Her tart...

Student show sets sights on sustainability
Daniela Province, Special to The Chronicle
In an industry where the lines between seasons and trends are so blurred and often repeated, it's refreshing to watch a group of young designers who answer only to their own inspiration. The 18 students presenting their...

Sunday in the park with George (and Pete)
Louise Rafkin, Special to The Chronicle
It was just a year ago today that these men met in Dolores Park, but the level of comfort between them together suggests they've been together longer. It was a scorching hot day; Dolores Park, our own little Santa...

'How to Tell a Woman by Her Handbag'
Deborah G. Guadan
"How to Tell a Woman by Her Handbag" By Kathryn Eisman (Andrews McMeel Publishing; 79 pages; $11.99) Target audience: Fab females who embrace the objet d'art on their arm or shoulder not as an accessory, but as an...

Friends of the Earth gala at Fort Mason
This Week Meals on Wheels The Star Chefs & Vintners Gala features a wine-tasting reception of primo local vino, three-course dinner created by local chefs, dessert and dance-party in support of this organization's food...

Miss Bigelow Social City / Here's the goal: Prevent cancer
Catherine Bigelow
It was a metaphorical hole-in-one at the Lake Merced Country Club during the 11th PlumpJack/LINK Golf Awards dinner, which raised $190K in support of the Cancer Prevention Institute of California (formerly Northern...

Suzy Menkes is all over the map
Carolyne Zinko, Chronicle Staff Writer
When you spot her in the front row at a fashion show - whether in New York, London, Paris or Milan, what you notice about Suzy Menkes, fashion editor for the International Herald Tribune - are two things. First, her...

Pink Party for Breast Cancer Emergency Fund
This week's featured Bay Area charitable events: Coats' Disease Foundation benefit Annual Pink Party for Breast Cancer Emergency Fund American Liver Foundation Salute League of Women Voters Gala Heart to Heart...

Fashion designer Colleen Quen's favorite spots
Carolyne Zinko, Chronicle Staff Writer
For Bay Area women in need of a custom evening gown, San Francisco fashion designer Colleen Quen is one of the top names in town. Her dramatic, sculptural creations are often seen at San Francisco Symphony, Opera and...