An Evening Celebrating Lily Samii: A Tribute to a Fashion Icon

A glittering crowd of notable San Franciscans gathered at the de Young on September 12 to view a fabulous new addition to the costume collection of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco: a donation of some of designer Lily Samii’s most fabulous creations. Surrounded by a curated selection of 21 of her elegant gowns, an exclusive group of San Francisco VIPs raised a glass to the designer’s artistry. The generous donation will ensure that Samii’s legacy of masterfully executed designs will inspire future generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts. 

Local luminaries (and fashion mavens) on hand for the special viewing included 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. Renowned for her exquisite designs and impeccable craftsmanship, Samii has dressed countless women in the Bay Area and nationwide, earning a reputation for chic elegance and sophistication.

Reflecting on her work’s new place at the museum, Samiii said, “As a young designer, I always dreamt of having my work displayed at the de Young. This event is truly a dream come true and I am so delighted that my creations will be shared for generations to come.”