Capitol Concours d'Elegance (Image by: David Alvarez)

The annual Capitol Concours d'Elegance 2012 took place at the Capitol Mall on Sunday June 10. The motor classic event was presented by Wells Fargo Bank.

A (pardon my French) Prelude d'Elegance Haute Couture Classic Automobile and fashion show featuring delectable hors d'oeuvres took place the night before.

The Tiana Vega Concours d'Elegance Collection was featured at the Prelude d’Elegance on Saturday, June 9. The haute couture event took place at Sacramento's Shriners Hospital for Children.

Hair Stylist Sui Mike Crusett working with model Alexis Pinkney (Image by: David Alvarez)

Classic cars were paired with the Tiana Vega collection making this an exquisite showing for the audience at Shriners.

Peter Steinert's 1955 Thunderbird (Image by: David Alvarez)

Guests were also able to set appointments with designer Vega for custom fittings. Part of the proceeds benefitted the Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California and also the Sacramento Automobile Museum.

Vega created an exclusive Concours d’Elegance Collection that was unveiled for the Prelude d’Elegance. Vega’s creations were paired with classic automobiles driven by their owners.

Designer Tiana Vega during runway rehearsal (Image by: David Alvarez)

Each outfit was elegantly designed by Vega and showcased her design talents. Several  exciting gowns were displayed each created with unique style and design.

Several of the designs had never been seen before and the fabrics selected, style and color created a very elegant collection.

Tiana Vega's exquisite collection (Image by: Fred Jennings)

A windy day that changed scheduled plans for the showing also allowed Vega’s designs to flow with nature. Elegant hairdos could have created havoc on the models but hair and make up artists had reason to be proud as their work remained pretty much intact and at times the wind accentuated the models’ hair, makeup and designs.

Prelude d'Elegance runway rehearsal (Image by: David Alvarez)

Inside Shriners Hospital guests enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and were able to enjoy vintage wine, fashion and automobiles. Guests also mingled and learned about Shriners Hospitals and the work they do in our area.

Guests inside Shriners Hospital enjoy festivities at the Prelude d'Elegance (Image by: David Alvarez)

Shriners Hospitals for Children - Northern California is a regional pediatric medical center located at 2425 Stockton Boulevard/ Shriners is supported entirely by private donations.

Shriners Hospitals for Children provides the gift of free care to children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, acute injuries, and specialized plastic surgery. Any child is eligible for care, providing the child’s condition is within the scope of services provided.

Shriners Hospitals also provide a variety of donation opportunities to help them achieve their mission to:   

     
• Provide the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment.

• Provide for the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals.

• Conduct     research to discover new knowledge that improves the quality of care and quality of life of children and families.   

The hosting of the Prelude d’Elegance by Shriners Hospitals allowed guests the opportunity to see the services provided by Shriners.

The Prelude was well received and guests included representatives from the Sacramento fashion scene, classic automobile owners, models and other community dignitaries. 

Guests at the Prelude d'Elegance (Image by: David Alvarez)

Vega’s creations were elegantly featured along with several hair and make up artists including Sui Mike Crusett, Claudette Bulaclac and other artists. Their hard work is sometimes overlooked but they work hard in the several hours before shows.

One of the featured classic car owners was Land Park resident Peter Steiner. Steiner and his wife Mary attended the event and indicated they also participated in the event two years ago. Steiner said, “The last time I came to Shriners I brought my ’57 Ford Custom which won the Dave Beeman Award and then the year before that I brought my  ‘55 Ford Thunderbird. This year, tomorrow, I’m adding my ’56 Nash Ambassador.”

Mary and Peter Steinert at Prelude d'Elegance (Image by: David Alvarez)

Steiner has been a collector for the past 20-25 years. Steiner’s support also extends to Shriners where he and his wife have been active for four years.

When asked how he initially became involved Steiner indicated that a friend had been involved in putting on the Shriners car show. Steiner said, “My wife and I both worked in the social service transportation industry which servers older people and people with disabilities including Shriners clients.”

Jennifer Siopongco and Michelle Bates at the Prelude d'Elegance (Image by: David Alvarez)

Another guest, Jennifer Siopongco, President Sacramento State Student Fashion Association (SFA) attended with Michelle Bates, SFA Charity Chair.

Siopongco a senior at Sac State majoring in Public Relations and Journalism attended the event hoping to get some inspiration as she’s trying to plan the SFA fashion show in the fall.

Siopongco is very involved in the Sacramento fashion community. She hopes to stay with this industry saying, “I really enjoy the subculture that’s fashion in Sacramento. I feel that when I graduate if I can get into it a little bit more I would really like it to make it a career.”

Prominence in the Sacramento fashion community grows with events such as the Prelude d’Elegance. Pairing with organizations such as Shriners Hospitals and the Sacramento Automobile Museum enhances community awareness for all involved and gives back to the community.

The pairings also worked well with Wells Fargo Bank as they presented the 18th Annual Capitol Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, June 10.

The weekend Capitol Concours brought a touch of elegance to the streets of Sacramento and look forward to next year’s event that will take place on Sunday, June 8, 2013.