Runway fashion comes to Sonoma

Bryant Park is the 10 acre, privately-managed park in midtown Manhattan that is  annually overrun by fashionistas of every stripe (that is, if stripes are in) during Fashion Week. If you happened to miss the seven-day fashion fete this past September, never you worry – Sonoma native Sarah Haggberg of J for Jordan Productions brings a little sliver of Bryant Park to Sonoma this weekend.
Hosted at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, “Bryant Park West” showcases fall, winter and holiday styles from San Francisco-based Maneater Threads – including 12 exclusive pieces from Hollywood designer and “Project Runway” star Rami Kashou, who will also be in attendance.
“I am trying to pull some strings to get some of his higher end cocktail, one-of-a-kind couture and other unique pieces to show on the runway,” said the 26-year-old Haggberg as she navigated Sonoma Hwy during a phone interview and effortlessly relayed the origin of the runway as a showcase for royals who would select garments modeled by their servants. Multi-tasking has become de rigeur for Haggberg of late, whose event benefits Sonoma’s teen services organization Operation Youth, which organizes programs including Teen Safe Ride, The Shop and the No Name Café.
“I work a lot of fashion shows, I did New York Fashion Week in Bryant Park and I was really inspired there,” explained Haggberg, who has also participated in show in San Francisco as an assistant producer. It was her transformative experiences back east, however, that have compelled Haggberg to bring some New York savoir-faire to Sonoma’s fashion scene – a notion borne purely of enthusiasm and a yen to share.
“I think several of the shows in Sonoma are great,” said Haggberg, who added “I want to show what a New York fashion show is like and do it in Sonoma. This is why it is called ‘Bryant Park West.’ They have basically picked up the runway in New York and set it down in the Jacuzzi Winery.”
Epicurean Connection will cater the event with wines poured by Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. In addition to the main event,  designer shoes, jewelry featured in the show, and a day with a personal stylist among other prizes will be raffled. Additionally, those who sign up in advance for the pre-raffle contest will enter to win a Sonoma-based shopping spree at either the Loop or Angelique for an outfit to wear the evening of the event. Professional hair and makeup and a complimentary fashion consultation are included.
Haggberg intends to make her fashion extravaganza an annual benefit for Operation Youth, though next year she has at least one change in mind.
“I learned a lesson this year – next year I am going to ask for help,” she said wryly, though she is quick to point out that her beneficiaries, friends and family have all helped out. “I didn’t put a committee together and I think that next year I will put together a committee and delegate a bit more and not have to do everything,” she laughed.
Ticket prices are as follows: $250 for V.I.P, which includes first-class seats on the runway and a 7 p.m. pre-show cocktail party; $125 seated admission; and $75 general admission. Admission includes complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m. Jacuzzi Winery is at 24724 Arnold Dr., Sonoma. For tickets or more information, contact Sarah Haggberg at shaggberg@mac.com or call 415.359.5455.