An Evening Celebrating Fashion Icon Lily Samii at the de Young Museum

On September 12 the de Young opened its doors to an exclusive guest list of 150 patrons, to pay tribute to renowned couture designer Lily Samii. Surrounded by a display of 21 of her most dazzling designs, partygoers honored Samii’s extraordinary 50-year career in the beautiful Piazzoni Murals Room.

The event was both a tribute and a thank you to Samii, who is making a significant donation of her elegant creations to the costume collection of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. The donated gowns showcase her exceptional talent, innovative flair and lifelong dedication to the art and craft of fashion design.

Notable attendees included Honorary Event Co-chairs former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Gretchen B. Kimball and Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco trustee David H. Spencer, who offered welcoming remarks. Event co-chairs Sherene Melania and Mary Poland said, “Lily is the jewel in the crown to our fair city and community. We are honored to host this important evening, celebrating Lily’s tremendous legacy.”

Born in Isfahan, Iran, Samii’s training began with legendary Hollywood costume designer Edith Head, and continued with famed designer James Galanos. A fixture in the Bay Area fashion scene for over four decades, Samii has dressed women for prestigious events ranging from White House galas to international red carpets. Her special place in San Francisco’s fashion community was reflected in the number of VIPs who turned out for the event, including Gretchen Kimball, David Spencer, Diane B. Wilsey, Denise Hale, Carl and Yurie Pascarella, David Gockley and Linda Kemper, Maryam Muduroglu, Elisa Stephens, Romana Bracco, Andy Tidwell, Diane Rubin, Susan Malott, Carol Benz, Shauna Marshall, Alison Mauzé, Barbara Wolfe, Adriana Pope Sullivan, Shannon Cronan and Beverly Maytag, among other distinguished guests.