Dear Pennies and Pens,
The guest list at Italian designer Renato Balestra’s U.S. debut sparkled as much as the couture. The event not only showcased Balestra’s work, but also benefited the City of Hope—enticing the social elite to gather at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles on April 14 for both fashion and a good cause.
The City of Hope, a research center for cancer and other diseases, not only is one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country, but also conducts research to battle diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.
A cocktail party was held before the fashion show, and guests entered by way of a red carpet that featured Italian-American celebutante Sabrina Parisi, actress Joelle Carter, actress and dancer Britta Lazenga with her fiancé Ryan Kavanaugh, actor Francesco Quinn with his wife Valentina, and actress Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Designer Renato Balestra (on far left), actor Francesco Quinn (on far right) and wife Valentina at the Balestra fashion show in Los Angeles, benefiting City of Hope. 
- Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph sits front row at the Renato Balestra fashion debut in Los Angeles on April 14.
Backstage, young models marveled at the Renato Balestra gowns, and the social elite greeted a grinning Balestra. It was obvious that the fashion show attendees and participants will forever remember the breath-taking designs, and, in return, that night will forever be a sparkle of hope for the City of Hope.
Note: All photographs in this column were taken by L.A. Confidential
And there it is. The Fashion & Style of the Pen…Chosen by Pen…Reported by L.A. Confidential.
