San Francisco Ballet Sets the Bar[re]

San Francisco Ballet Sets the Bar[re]: When it comes to ballet, San Francisco Ballet is praised for its broad repertory, dancers of uncommon range and skill, and a vision that continually sets the standard for the international dance world. When it comes to events, San Francisco Ballet Gala ranks among the top five in the Bay Area. This year’s season opening event raised some $2.6 million for the esteemed company. When it comes to red carpet style, its audience delivers. Below are just 16 of the countless VIGs (Very Important Gowns) we spotted at this year’s opening gala.

Nancy Kukacka in Naeem Khan

Navid Armstrong in Roberto Cavalli

Huifen Chan in Dennis Basso (Drew Altizer Photography)

Yurie Pascarella in Andrew Gn

Vivien Rattanafun

Alison Mauze in Carolina Herrera

Clara Shayevich in Vasily Vein

Karen Caldwell in a dress of her own design

Bandel Carano and Paula Carano (in a gown by Naeem Khan)

Deepa Pakianathan in Andrew Gn

Stephanie Marver in Valentino, with her husband, Jim Marver

Hannah Comolli in Temperley London, with her husband, Kevin Comolli

Suzy Kellems Dominik in Christian Lacroix

Christine Suppes in Rodarte

Camille Bently in vintage Nettie Rosenstein, with her husband, Christopher Bently

Tanya Powell in Oscar de la Renta

Red Carpet Bay Area salutes Mrs. William S. Brandenburg, Gala chair, SF Ballet Trustee Christine Leong Connors, Gala dinner chair, and the entire San Francisco Ballet Gala committee (pictured left): Rhonda Mahendroo, Carolyn Koenig, Deborah Taylor, Donna Bachle, Ave Seltsam, Catherine Bergstrom, Claire Kostic, Rene Rodman, Jennifer Brandenburg, Christine Leong Connors, Trecia Knapp, Patricia Ferrin Loucks, Marie Hurabiell, Suzanne Thornton

Photos by Drew Altizer Photography

— Related — Red Carpet Bay Area coverage of more San Francisco Ballet opening events:

• Encores on San Francisco Ballet Opening Night (2016)
• A Provocative Opening Night (2016)
• The Best Events in San Francisco 2015
• Red Carpet Style on Opening Night at the Ballet (2015)
• Infinite Romance at San Francisco Ballet Gala (2015)
• Cute Couples at Encore!’s Opening Night Party (2015)
• A Phenomenal Night for San Francisco Ballet (2014)
• The Late Scene on Opening Night at San Francisco Ballet (2014)
• San Francisco Ballet’s Global Tribute (2013)
• Encore! on Opening Night for San Francisco Ballet (2013)
• High Style at San Francisco Ballet’s Opening Night Gala (2012)
• Date Night at the Ballet (2012)