Ladies’ Lunch Deploys Army of Models

From her place at the podium on stage at the Beverly Wilshire’s grand ballroom on April 10, Nancy Reagan told the assembled crowd how she knows each year that spring has arrived: She checks her calendar for the Colleagues philanthropic organization’s award luncheon. And on a particularly springlike day, amid a sea of tables topped with arrangements of pink tulips, roses, and hydrangeas by Julian Designs, the former first lady and honorary chairwoman presented the group’s Champions of Children award to Brooke Shields and Chris Henchy. The Colleagues’ president, Ginny Sydorick, oversaw the event.After a first course of cream of Roma tomato soup with basil chiffonade, a stream of models strutted 66 looks in an atypically robust fashion show featuring the Oscar de la Renta fall 2007 collection. Sponsor Saks Fifth Avenue worked with Jack Alexander to produce the fashion show. Proceeds from ticket sales—to an overwhelmingly female audience—went to child-abuse-prevention nonprofit Children’s Institute Incorporated.

—Alesandra Dubin

Posted 04.12.07

Photos: Donato Sardella/WireImage