It felt like driving into Positano Saturday when you crossed the Golden Gate. Sausalito was the chosen city to host the 2nd annual Miss Italia California Pageant. The flavor was authentic Italian and the prestigious Gene Hiller Menswear in Sausalito was the fitting locale.
Guests lined the red carpet eager to get in. Once inside they were surrounded by two stories of the finest in casual to formal imported clothing. Brands like Brioni, Canali, Zegna, Pal Zileri, Zanella and a staff with artisan appreciation, unsurpassed product knowledge and customer service have earned them critical acclaim. This seaside store has gotten international recognition from the Italian Trade Commission, Esquire, GQ and Forbes Magazine.
Italian celebrity hosts Samantha Ferro and Manuel De Peppe directed the festivities along with Gene Hiller Managing Partner, Wayne Kaleck. VP, Tom Gangitano was seen on and off the stage. Entertainment was provided by Italian Tenor, Sergio Catanzariti accompanied by Sal di Maggio. SNL original cast member Don Novello brought back his “Father Guido Sarducci” act and musician Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band also gave a rare performance.
Everyone’s eyes were on the pageant contestants when they lined the expansive staircase of the Gene Hiller store. Wayne said, “the contestants were judged on their beauty, grace, accomplishments and community activism.” They engaged the crowd in Italian and English in several stages. The twelve lucky finalists had been whittled down from hundreds of entries. The winner and her three runners up will go on to compete for Miss Italia USA. There, they will vie for a chance to be sent to Venice and the Miss Italia del Mundo (world) finals.
For part II of this article and a link to all the photos click here.
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All the best-
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