Mesa College and San Diego History Center present Fashion Redux

Fashion, culture, history and more were on tap during the 15th anniversary of Fashion Redux 2026: Cocktail Hour.

The theme for this year’s event, presented by San Diego Mesa College and the San Diego History Center, was “Cocktail Hour.” Four inspirational garments were selected from the History Center’s archives and Mesa College students from the draping class visited the center to study these pieces before returning to create their original designs.

The cocktail dress reflects social change and the evolving role of American women when they moved en masse from domestic duties into the male-dominated arena and political spheres. The style first emerged in the 1920s with shorter silhouettes, such as flapper dresses. Christian Dior popularized the term “cocktail dress” in the 1940s.

The evening began with Taste SD. The guests were encouraged to vote for the People’s Choice Award while models were standing in the gallery next to their inspired garments. Liese Victoria served as the creative director for the models. Sheila Thomas from the History Center and Lyndsey Cook from Mesa College welcomed the audience.

A Q&A panel featuring the student designers followed, moderated by draping instructor Kathie Taylor. The students were eager to speak about their journey throughout this exciting project, and audience members had the opportunity to ask questions.

Awards were presented at the close of the evening:

• Best Translation of Historic Style: Brooke Jones, who also received the People’s Choice Award.
• Most Innovative Garment: Jace Libut, who created a dramatic black and white flirty cocktail dress.
• Most Whimsical/Imaginative: Josh Jiminez, whose design was influenced by the Rococo and Baroque eras and featured a built-in scarf on the bodice.
• Most Innovative Use of Silhouette: Christian Muñoz, who designed a black and white dress with varying sizes of polka dots, currently a major trend.

The San Diego History Center will feature this exhibition through the end of the summer.

Upcoming event

April 25 – Fashion Week San Diego 2026 presents Spring Showcase at 4 p.m., at The Living Room La Jolla. Tickets can be found here.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the Southern California area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and podcaster at dianacavagnaro.com.