Throughout the late 17th and early 18th century, hats appeared to be for the birds. Or at least, made of them. Oodles of feathers from exotic species, and sometimes even an entire stuffed bird, would be the main ornament of choice on ladies' millinery. Feathers indicated not only "delicate beauty," but a sign of economic prosperity. The feather-fetish got so cuckoo that some breeds were becoming extinct and the Audubon Society stepped in to stop its annihilation. Still, feathers of all sorts continued to embellish ladies' hats until the early 20th century. Flash forward to the 21st century, in San Francisco, where the ladies of our modern society no longer wear said plumage, but instead, throw benefits to conserve the creatures who produce it. Benefiting the San Francisco Zoo and organized by the ladies of the San Francisco Zoological Society Auxiliary, Birds of a Feather showcased its fourth annual hat luncheon at the Neiman Marcus Rotunda restaurant. It is their objective to connect people with wildlife, inspire admiration for nature-with advance conservation action. In support of this cause, they benefit the conservation of the exotic bird. It's become the must-attend, October gathering.
One by one, the supporters channeled their inner Audrey Hepburn as they sashayed across the "gilded cage" venue, with its stained-glass dome and windows overlooking Union Square. They enjoyed a three-course lunch lavished with champagne, and graced by the beautiful birds of Neiman Marcus modeling the latest fashions of the season. Throughout the afternoon, guests enjoyed giveaways of luxury items such as a $500 gift certificates to stores, a $1,000 dinners, and other gifts of extravagant dinners, fine jewelry, shoes, and cosmetics. The sold-out affair raised well over $75,000 for the zoo's South American Tropical Aviary.
In portraying the ladies as current-day MGM musical starlets for the festivities, Arturo Rios, must be mentioned. He's the master of the hat who knows how to use his craft, to make his creations enhance the beauty and personality of many of the women in attendance. By doing so, he elevated the event from "Wilderness Chic" to Haute Couture. For next year, it'll be interesting to see how the femmes will top themselves.