Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the San Diego History Center and Mesa College Fashion Program present Fashion Redux 2026: Cocktail Hour. This collaboration brings together the evolution of the cocktail dress, pairing historical archives with the talent of San Diego’s emerging fashion designers.
The 2026 theme, cocktail hour, will explore how social rebellion and Prohibition-era legislation influenced the American wardrobe. From Victorian roots to mid-century glamour, this exhibition features historic textiles owned or worn by women in San Diego, as well as the unique material culture and archives specific to our binational region.
inspirational garments
O 82.14.3 Dress
Black velvet, sleeveless dress with a curved neckline and drop waist. Rhinestones trim the front waist. Left-gathered skirt features varied hem lengths and a slit. Lined in black silk.
O 2014.44 Dress
Yellow beaded silk cocktail dress by “Gino Charles.” Short, figure-skimming design with shimmering beadwork for elegant evening wear.
O 94.85.1 Gown
Strapless ballgown in blue and green silk brocade with floral pattern, circa 1960. Designed by Helen Barbieri, featuring structured silhouette and formal evening elegance.
O 95.105.1a Dress
Black lace dress with decorative split short sleeves and sequin detailing at collar and sleeves. Mixed laces, gold contrast stitching, and layered overskirt over lace underskirt.
O 95.105.1a Dress
Women’s floor-length printed silk dress with sash, labeled “Emilio Pucci, Florence, Italy” and “Exclusively for Saks Fifth Avenue,” dating to the 1960s.
Creative Director: Liese Victoria @bellablankxo at @sdmesafashion
Photographer: Katarina Paredes @de.la.gato
Hairstyling: Nancy Fuchs, Emily Elizabeth at The Portal Salon @nancyfuchshair @emelizstyles @theportalsalon
Assistant: Shira de Jong @shirrraaaa
Designer: Jace Libut @j.atera_
Model: Karicia Clark @great_karicia_
Designer: Christian Muñoz
Model: Lily Soleil @selfbysoleil
Designer: Josh Jimenez @jocsgrotto
Model: Ariel Brownlee @arielxore
Designer: Brooke Jones @xnoelledesigns
Model: Ireland Kaye @i_kaye_e
