American luxury fashion house St. John presented its resort 2016 collection as part of Fashion Fights Arthritis, a luncheon, live auction and runway show at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco on October 30, 2015. The event, a benefit for the Arthritis Foundation, raised over $240,000 to help adults, children and teens living with arthritis.
Photos by Drew Altizer Photography
The St. John Resort 2016 Collection featured tweeds, bold stripes, romantic florals and sweeping evening gowns inspired by the South of France and Italy. One of the models, 22 year old Lizzie Yuen, was also the Arthritis Foundation’s 2015 Youth Honoree. Lizzie was diagnosed with Lupus, one of over 100 types of arthritis, at age nine. She connected with the Arthritis Foundation in 2002 when she attended Camp Milagros, a camp for youths aged 8-13. Lizzie also participated in the Arthritis Foundation’s Summer Science Internship at UCSF in 2013. In Lizzie’s words, “I have grown up with the Arthritis Foundation. Through these experiences, I have come to terms with and made peace with my lupus. Participating in Arthritis Foundation events and activities has inspired me to pursue a career as a pediatric rheumatologist.”
Ann M. Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Arthritis Foundation based in Atlanta, attended the event and introduced Lizzie Yuen. “The Arthritis Foundation’s goal is to provide personalized tools that allow people with arthritis to live the best life possible,” said Palmer. “The Fashion Fights Arthritis event is a true testament of the local community’s commitment to raising funds to support the more than 50 million Americans who have arthritis.”
— Related: Red Carpet Bay Area coverage of past Arthritis Foundation events in San Francisco:
