A Runway with Heart: Fashion Icons and Community Leaders Unite for George Mark Children’s House
- Melissa Dulanto
- Dec 28, 2025
- 3 min read
An Evening of Fashion & Philanthropy: Lily Samii’s Gowns Light Up Union Square for George Mark Children’s House
San Francisco is set to shine this summer with one of its most dazzling nights yet — a celebration where couture meets compassion.
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, San Francisco’s style scene gathered at Union Square’s historic Beacon Grand Hotel (formerly known as the “Sir Francis Drake Hotel) for a night that blended glamour and generosity. An Evening of Fashion & Philanthropy proved to be one of the year’s most unforgettable events, uniting couture, community, and compassion in one runway under the direction of Charleston Pierce.
Lily Samii’s Rare Gowns Shined on the Runway
Lily Sammy’s Rare Gowns Shined on the Runway. For years, Lily has dressed the city’s socialites for red carpet moments, weddings and opening galas. She was mentored under fashion icon Edith Head, who she apprenticed with. Edith is known for her work as a costume designer in Hollywood defining film style between 1920-1970’s winning 3 Oscar Nominees for “Best Costume Designer”. The evening’s centerpiece was a breathtaking showcase of 20 gowns from the private collection of iconic designer Lily Samii. Known for her exquisite craftsmanship, Samii’s designs drew admiration from the crowd before being offered in a spirited live auction. Each gown represented not only artistry but also a profound act of generosity, with proceeds benefiting George Mark Children’s House (GMCH).
Retiring after more than 50 years in the fashion industry, Lily Samii shares her extraordinary story in Lily Samii: A Journey through Life and Fashion. Readers are taken on a captivating journey through her remarkable life—from her childhood in Iran, where she nurtured a secret passion for fabrics, nature, and movement, to her global adventures in the glamorous worlds of Hollywood and costume design, trained under legends Edith Head and James Galanos. The book also explores her iconic Bay Area boutique, LYZ, which was celebrated for 30 years in publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and Women’s Wear Daily. From LYZ, Samii launched her couture career, designing gowns and ensembles for celebrities, influential women in politics, society, philanthropy, and the arts.
For more, see Lily Samii: A Journey through Life and Fashion.
San Francisco Leaders Became Models for the Night
In a unique twist, the runway was graced not by professional models, but by leaders from San Francisco’s business, arts, and philanthropic circles. Their presence on the catwalk symbolized a powerful message: style and society can come together to create meaningful impact. Community members who modeled Lily Sammy’s gown included Betty Yu, Tracy Chen, Maryam Muduroglu, Meron Foster, Shekinah Cohn Eliassen, Christine Comaford, Carolyn Chang and Lisa Mirza Grotts.
A night of glamour and glitter. Guests enjoyed fine wines, gourmet bites, and an exhilarating live auction featuring highlights such as:
Two United Airlines First-Class tickets
A $5,000 luxury package from Epi Center MedSpa
An exclusive VIP caviar tasting presented by The Caviar Co.
Lavish gift bags provided by Ol:factorie Apothecary
The atmosphere was electric, equal parts fashion spectacle and philanthropic celebration brought to you by Teresa Rodriguez from Liberte Press, Lily Samii and George Mark Children’s House. This event was dedicated in loving memory of Penny Rodriguez.
Fashion With Purpose
The true star of the evening was George Mark Children’s House, the nation’s first freestanding pediatric hospice. Funds raised supported GMCH’s mission of providing respite, transitional, and end-of-life care in a compassionate, home-like environment. Guests left inspired, reminded that fashion’s greatest power lies not only in beauty but in its ability to bring people together for a cause.
To donate and get involved with George Mark Children’s House visit
Credits:
Charleston Pierce
Teresa Rodriguez
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