The sold-out preview party, held at Fort Mason, benefited the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Words by DIANE DORRANS SAEKS
A profusion of jungle blooms, fluttering palm trees, filigree shadows, paper lanterns, and the fragrance of white lilies and ginger flowers created a heady, paradisical scene that welcomed guests to the 43rd annual San Francisco Fall Show. The lavish gala took place at the historic Festival Pavilion of Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture in San Francisco.
Many of the 1,500 guests followed the suggestion of chair Suzanne Tucker to let loose and dress in tune with the theme, Paradise Found. Shocking pink saris created an exotic and festive scene, along with tangerine and turquoise silk gowns, floral crowns, taffeta turbans, bejeweled silk slippers, and even silver brocade silk jacket and pants, beautifully costumed by Tucker herself, who added diamond-dazzled earrings for further enchantment.
“I love the way guests have interpreted Paradise Found tonight,” said Tucker, surrounded by interior designers Michael S. Smith, Paul Wiseman, Beth Webb, and Amy Weaver. Landscape designers and interior designers had arrived from as far away as Tangier, London, Paris, Mexico City, Houston, and Miami. “For many their dream escape is a tropical jungle or a remote island, and for others it’s in their own home, surrounded by antiques and art they love,” she said.
Two of the happiest and best-dressed guests were Dee and Tommy Hilfiger, honorary chairs for the preview event, who arrived earlier in the day from New York. They were giving the keynote lecture on Hilfiger Homes, their new design book by Vendome Press, the following day. “We are so honored to be here. The Fall Show is far beyond all our high expectations in scope and in style,” said Tommy. “It’s wonderful for us, visiting San Francisco after so long,” Dee added. “Everything here feels magical, fascinating, and thrilling. I wish we could stay longer.”
Meanwhile, Denise Hale was delighted when Tommy dashed over and enveloped her in a hug. “Tommy looks exactly the same as he did when I last saw him in New York — 40 years ago,” Hale said. “He was launching his new fashion company. It’s a great pleasure to see him and Dee tonight.”
Designer Penelope Bianchi flew up from Santa Barbara to see the show. “I’ve been an avid fan for more than 25 years,” she said. “It’s the best in the country, and I always find new pieces for my collections.” Smith, who was shopping for paintings and decorative objects, said he has had long professional connections with art and antique dealers in the city. “San Francisco dealers are very worldly and connected,” he said. “I have always had good luck finding rare and unusual treasures at this show.”
Zac Posen said it was his first attendance at the Fall Show. He created a long denim-driven gown for Vanessa Getty to wear to the preview and a private dinner at Tosca restaurant. “I love seeing all the ways the social scene, the art world, and the antiques group come together here,” he said. “The collectors are a fascinating and eclectic group. I love the rich cultures of San Francisco. So inspiring.”
George Kiskaddon, owner of Builders’ Booksource, created a haven for book lovers in a decorative corner of the show. He watched as new design books were acquired at record speed. “Everyone wants new books signed by the authors, and all the designers are happy to dedicate their books,” he said.
Also viewing contemporary paintings, Dana Kraus’s Boivin jewels, embroidered velvet pillows by B. Viz Design, Chinese porcelain from Tony Buccola, Greek statuary, and new design tomes were Becca Bloom, Ken Fulk and Kurt Wootton, Yurie Pascarella, Dede Wilsey, Alexis and Trevor Traina, John Berggruen, Martin Muller, and Hannah Cecil Gurney.
October 28, 2025
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