DRESS UP WINE DOWN | 2025 RECAP

​Resounding Success for Fashion and Community
What an incredible evening! The Dress Up Wine Down 2025 was a vibrant collaboration between The Handle District, Lodi Wine, and Fashion Week Sacramento. The event took over the block between 18th & 19th on Capitol Street on Saturday, May 17th, delivering an unforgettable experience that blended high fashion with heartfelt community support for WEAVE Inc.  

​The street pulsed with energy as crowds gathered for an evening that truly showcased the best of Sacramento. Guests enjoyed wine tasting and eagerly awaited the highly anticipated fashion show.

Heart Clothing Boutique | Christopher Pollard Photography

Hosts Bianca Ventura (left) & Thalia Castro-Vega (right) | Christopher Pollard Photography

​The Runway Shines Bright
Hosted by Stylist Thalia Castro-Vega and FOX40 Morning Anchor Bianca Ventura, the fashion show presented by Fashion Week Sacramento and managed by Duane Ram and Felicia Strati, kicking off promptly at 5:45 PM. The runway show was a highlight of the event and proudly featured collections from Richard Hallmarq, Felicia Strati, Ladybuggz Boutique, Heart Clothing Boutique, and Tuxedo Den. A host of models showcased their incredible designs with hair & makeup done at Go Roots Salon from the talents of several accomplished hair and makeup artists.  The show felt like it had "extra energy and sparkle" this year, drawing a strong, engaged crowd from start to finish.

Tuxedo Den | Christopher Pollard Photography

Tuxedo Den | Christopher Pollard Photography

​Growing Success & Community Impact
Dress Up Wine Down isn't just about style; it's about making a tangible difference. Seann Rooney, Executive Director of the Handle District, echoed the sentiment, stating, "I think this was our best DUWD to date." We're thrilled to report a significant increase in participation this year, with an estimated 516 wine tasters, up from 450 last year! Jenny Heitman, Integrated Marketing + Communications Manager at Lodi Wine,  shared her enthusiasm, "Once again, it was our pleasure to be a part of Dress Up Wine Down! We love this event, and our wineries love this event. Sacramento is one of our key markets, so anytime we can secure exposure up there, we’re thrilled!"

Ladybuggz Boutique | Christopher Pollard Photography

Jane Quares Photography

There were four special gift bags given out to four attendees who participated in the runway walk-off. The special canvas Lodi gift bag included a $50 gift card from Zocalo, a $50 gift card from Fieldwork, a cool Lodi water bottle, and a bottle of wine – a total value of over $150!
Our partners at WEAVE Inc., Sacramento’s primary provider of services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and sex trafficking, provided outstanding support. Shanté Johnson, Director of Philanthropy & Communications at WEAVE Inc., expressed their gratitude, stating, "Cheers to another incredible event! Huge thanks to everyone who did the heavy lifting to make it all happen. WEAVE is deeply grateful to continue being the charity beneficiary of this amazing effort."
We're ecstatic to announce that $4,128 was raised on Saturday, over $1,000 more than last year.

Richard Hallmarq | Christopher Pollard Photography

Felicia Strati Boutique | Christopher Pollard Photography

​Thank you to everyone—our incredible sponsors, dedicated staff, production crew, talented models, volunteer stylists, participating designers, boutiques, and the entire Sacramento community—for making Dress Up Wine Down 2025 such a memorable and impactful event! We appreciate your commitment to fashion and community.

Fashion Week Sacramento Crew | Jane Quares Photography