Fashion Diva Sonam Kapoor at SAF, Oct. 3. (Vasudha Badri-Paul)

Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area’s glamorous fundraiser fashion event, the South Asian Fashion Show, took place at the City View Metreon building, downtown San Francisco, on Oct. 3. The charitable proceeds help support children with life-threatening diseases, writes Vasudha Badri-Paul.

SAF invited #Bollywood megastar father-and-daughter team, Anil and Sonam Kapoor, singer Jay Sean, fashion designer Amita Bal, celebrity blogger Miss Malini, and a beautiful bevy of models. Guests included several VIPs from SF Bay Area. The celebrities displayed cardboard images of Twitter and Facebook to encourage social liking and sharing. The hashtags for the event were: #MakeAWish, #SAFGala, and #FashionForACause.

Anil Kapoor Interviews at SAF, Oct. 3. (Kamran Rehman)
Anil Kapoor Interviews at SAF, Oct. 3. (Kamran Rehman)

The evening opened with a red carpet event where celebrities were being interviewed and photographed by the press and the general audience.  Anil Kapoor inaugurated the event and generously gave his time to the media and fans.

His history of charitable efforts for children are noteworthy, particularly donation of his salary for the Oscar winning “Slumdog Millionaire” to Plan India, an organization that supports vulnerable children. His daughter, Sonam Kapoor, also made an appearance on the red carpet, in a very feminine floral outfit, looking every inch the “style diva” that she is reputed for.

SAF Gala San Francisco 2015, models walk the ramp. (Kamran Rehman)
SAF Gala San Francisco 2015, models walk the ramp. (Kamran Rehman)

While the main event was indoors and the fashion models were getting ready for the ramp, the breathtaking scenery of the city and starry sky from the balcony drew many attendees to step out. Food was served outdoors, a mini-bar and a catered buffet, offering delicious Indian style food. Seating at dinner was at several round tables, all draped in white.

The fashion show was an extravagant affair with models strutting the ramp in Amita Bal’s creations, a reputed Bay Area Indian American designer. Her bridal couture, dresses, and accessories decked the gorgeous models. Indian styles mingled with western, giving the show an international flair. Sonam Kapoor made her fashionable ramp debut, towards the end of the show, in a pretty pink and gold outfit.

Jay Sean at SAF. (Vasudha Badri-Paul)
Jay Sean at SAF. (Vasudha Badri-Paul)

Singer Jay Sean rocked the event with his “Down” song and belted out a full series of dance songs. The crowd went wild as he paced up and down the ramp, extending his hand to the guests. He also dished out some upbeat Punjabi songs, displaying his Indian roots.

The party lasted into the wee hours of the next morning, October 4, and most guests exited only after midnight with some great memories, a good cause, outstanding celebrities, beautiful models, and great food. A shining night for fashion, Bollywood, and Make-A-Wish Foundation.