The sixth annual San Francisco Fashion Festival didn’t just showcase local talent—it turned a runway into a fundraising engine. Themed GOLDEN and organized by San Francisco Fashion PR, the event on October 17, 2026 at Gray Area/Grand Theatre in San Francisco combined fashion, conversation, and philanthropy under one roof.
The Golden edition of SF Fashion Festival paired designer runway shows and brand activations with a silent auction supporting Dress for Success San Francisco.
Six runway presentations took the stage, featuring Empress Vintage, J.Ehren, HER, IN EVERY FORM by Carlos González, Jorge Cruz, Slavine, and a couture finale from SENSEJOLI. The Jessica Rich Collection displayed its footwear, while guests browsed a Kendra Scott marketplace and pop-ups from Linked by Soph, Richard Rochon, Mad Cute Gifts, Delizioso, and Bon Nails.
Also worth a look: HandicapMD clarifies that non-drivers can get placards, no license needed and Western Specialty Contractors navigates dense foot traffic to patch concrete at Minneapolis Ameriprise tower.
The Noelja (thenoelja.com), a San Francisco experiential marketing firm that connects global K-beauty, wellness, and consumer brands with U.S. audiences, ran a K-Beauty Bar featuring APERIRE, DE ORGANIC, and Victory Nail. The evening concluded with an after-party at Chotto Matte.
Jessica Wills, host of LIVE in the Bay on KRON4, served as emcee. Speakers included Dakota Kate Isaacs (Head of Brand Strategy & Narrative, Quince), Karen Behnke (Founder, Beauty Crush Skincare; Founder & Former CEO, Juice Beauty), Min Bang, PharmD (USA Director, DE ORGANIC), and Richard Rochon (Perfumer & Founder, Richard Rochon). Panels were moderated by Mary Korlin-Downs (Founder, All Things Fashion Tech) and Iryna Voskerician (Editor-in-Chief, Red Hot Monde; Founder & Managing Partner, MachX Venture Capital).
The silent auction benefited Dress for Success San Francisco, an organization that provides interview suits, styling, and career coaching to women entering the workforce. Auction items included pieces from L’AGENCE, a Drybar blowout experience, and tickets to A.C.T. CEO Erin Badillo announced the winners from the stage.
Sponsors included United Airlines, Drybar Union Square, The Westin St. Francis, Ford’s Gin, Rue de Rêve Apéritifs, TÖST, Revelre Social Club, The Noelja, Haute Caviar, Fitness Class, and others.
Designer backgrounds: Empress Vintage is Janina Angel Bath’s San Francisco vintage showroom specializing in restoration and vintage costume jewelry. J.Ehren (@j.ehren) is Joey Ehrenberg’s inclusive, handcrafted Bay Area label. Carlos González (@carlosgonzalezstyle) is a San Francisco stylist and creative director whose HER, IN EVERY FORM reimagines pieces from Fashion Exchange. Jorge Cruz (@j.cruzmx) blends Guanajuato heritage with modern couture. Slavine (@slavine.store) brings independent Eastern European designers to U.S. clients. SENSEJOLI (@sensejoli), founded by Julia Urban and Irina Ostretsova, creates made-to-measure pieces balancing comfort and luxury.
Why it matters: This festival proves that fashion can double as a vehicle for social impact, directly funding career support for women in need. By spotlighting local designers and brands while raising money for Dress for Success, the event shows how community-driven events can amplify both creative talent and charitable causes.
Melissa Dulanto
SF Fashion PR
+1 415-846-6572
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