Fashionistas and philanthropists flocked to the annual Lake Tahoe fashion show

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The annual Lake Tahoe fashion show, presented by Oscar de la Renta and Saks Fifth Avenue, brought fashionistas and philanthropists together in a dazzling location.

Each August, Oscar de la Renta and Saks Fifth Avenue join forces to host their annual fashion extravaganza at Lake Tahoe.

With a backdrop of the pristine sapphire blue lake, which straddles California and Nevada and is surrounded by majestic mountains, it is a breathtaking venue to showcase fashion and philanthropy.


A shimmering jewel of blue, Lake Tahoe is North America's largest alpine lake, spanning 22 by 12 miles.
A shimmering jewel of blue, Lake Tahoe is North America’s largest alpine lake, spanning 22 by 12 miles.

A RECORD-BREAKING $1.4 MILLION RAISED

This year’s gathering shattered records by raising $1.4 million for The League to Save Lake Tahoe, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the sanctity of the Lake Tahoe Basin for over half a century. The League’s primary projects include tackling invasive species, combating pollution, and advancing restoration in the face of wildfires and other climate crises.


To date, the fashion show has raised a cumulative contribution of $27 million toward this noble cause.
To date, the fashion show has raised a cumulative contribution of $27 million toward this noble cause.

GUESTS ARRIVE IN STYLE

Some guests arrived in ultra-high style, gliding in on their boats, elegantly cruising the serene waters and avoiding the bustling seasonal traffic. Others arrived via a stroll through the wooded landscape.


Many guests arrived in their boats to beat the summer traffic.
Many guests arrived in their boats to beat the summer traffic.

Guests traveling by car enjoyed a short stroll through towering woods to reach the venue.
Guests traveling by car enjoyed a short stroll through towering woods to reach the venue.

Alex Bolen, Eliza Bolen, and Oscar de la Renta CEO Philip Bolen; Longtime League supporters Joseph and Dede Tobin, with Event Producer Riccardo Benavides.
L. to r.: Alex Bolen, Eliza Bolen, and Oscar de la Renta CEO Philip Bolen; Longtime League supporters Joseph and Dede Tobin, with Event Producer Riccardo Benavides.
Farah Makras, Komal Shah, Mary Beth Shimmon, and Carolyn Chang.
Farah Makras, Komal Shah, Mary Beth Shimmon, and Carolyn Chang.
Poppy Brittingham, Taylor Tobin, Dede Tobin, and Ella Brittingham; Matt Lituchy and Yvonne Mycal.
L. to r.: Poppy Brittingham, Taylor Tobin, Dede Tobin, and Ella Brittingham; Matt Lituchy and Yvonne Mycal.
Allison Birdwell, Elizabeth Zambricki, Samantha Bechtel, and Caroline Brinckerhoff.
Allison Birdwell, Elizabeth Zambricki, Samantha Bechtel, and Caroline Brinckerhoff.
Krista Giovara and Darcie Collins; Riccardo Benavides and Jennifer Walske.
L. to r.: Krista Giovara and Darcie Collins; Riccardo Benavides and Jennifer Walske.
Roman Gronkowski and Lisa Goldman, whose father-in-law, the late Richard Goldman, was also a longtime League supporter; Michelle Harris, Maria Hemphill, and Ann Chung.
L. to r.: Roman Gronkowski and Lisa Goldman, whose father-in-law, the late Richard Goldman, was also a longtime League supporter; Michelle Harris, Maria Hemphill, and Ann Chung.

THE BREATHTAKING BACKDROP

The day’s extravaganza took place at entrepreneur Kern Schumacher’s family estate nestled along the pristine beach of Lake Tahoe, setting the stage for an unforgettable affair.


Julie Schumacher, Ryan Schumacher, Kern Schumacher, and Hollye Shepherd.
Julie Schumacher, Ryan Schumacher, Kern Schumacher, and Hollye Shepherd.

For generations, Lake Tahoe has been a sought-after vacation spot for San Franciscans and Bay Area residents, thanks to its accessibility, plethora of year-round activities, outdoor adventures, and scenic beauty.


Boat rentals are a favorite family activity on Lake Tahoe.
Boat rentals are a favorite family activity on Lake Tahoe.

The lake offers an endless list of water sports, such as jet skiing, water skiing, paddle boarding, and more.
The lake offers an endless list of water sports, such as jet skiing, water skiing, paddle boarding, and more.

There are numerous hiking trails of all skill levels with stunning views.
There are numerous hiking trails of all skill levels with stunning views.

Lynn Poole, Oscar de la Renta designer Fernando Garcia, and Sarah Poole; Fernando Garcia with Komal Shah.
L. to r.: Lynn Poole, Oscar de la Renta designer Fernando Garcia, and Sarah Poole; Fernando Garcia with Komal Shah.
0480 Deborah Barrera, Hannah Barr, and Alison Mauzé.0500 Barbara Brown and conductor Felipe Tristan.
L. to r.: Deborah Barrera, Hannah Barr, and Alison Mauzé; Barbara Brown and conductor Felipe Tristan.

VISION FOR THE FASHION SHOW

This annual fashion show was started in 1969 by Saks Fifth Avenue to provide a unique opportunity to connect with existing and new customers in a spectacular setting. A brilliant idea, Saks understood that many customers spend their summers in Lake Tahoe, so they brought fashion to this idyllic destination.

The event blossomed into a beloved tradition that continues to draw fashion enthusiasts and philanthropists alike. In 1999, Oscar de la Renta took the baton, infusing the event with his signature charm, and the brand has continued that legacy after its founder’s passing in 2014.







KEEPING TAHOE BLUE

Oscar De La Renta CEO Alex Bolen stated his appreciation for the Andrews/Tobin family, long-time supporters of the League to Save Lake Tahoe over the past 25 years.

His words resonated with the sentiment shared by all present, affirming Lake Tahoe as a national treasure worth cherishing. The enduring partnership between Oscar de la Renta, Saks Fifth Avenue, and the dedicated supporters of the League symbolizes a commitment to preserving this natural paradise for generations to come and to “Keep Tahoe Blue.”


Guests are looking forward to next year’s annual Save Lake Tahoe fashion event.
Guests are looking forward to next year’s annual Save Lake Tahoe fashion event.

I’m marking my August calendar for future years to attend this annual day of fashion, fun, and giving back at Lake Tahoe. It is a celebration of beauty, style, and the enduring spirit of generosity.


Another breathtaking view as the sun sets over the Tahoe Basin.
Another breathtaking view as the sun sets over the Tahoe Basin.

Photography by Drew Altizer, and courtesy Wikimedia Commons, visitlaketahoe.com, & keeptahoeblue.org

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