Michael Costello to headline 16th annual Desert Woman's Show
The 16th annual Desert Woman's Show 2024 will take place Feb. 17 at the Classic Club in Palm Desert. It is an all-day indoor and outdoor expo where one can enjoy a cornucopia of well-planned fun events. You won't want to miss the inspiring presentations, including author Tracy Smith with her new book "Divine Inspiration" plus an informative wellness panel in the Taurus Salon presented by Desert Care Network medical professionals.
Retail vendors will be on hand with art-to-wear offerings, allowing you to shop until you drop. Once outside you will find the ultra-popular Great Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival, offering delectable bites, wines, craft beers and spirits. From tequila to butter cakes, there is an exciting array of samplings to savor. Let the kid inside you enjoy participating in a scavenger hunt for a chance to win the grand prize — none other than a stunning 2-carat lab grown diamond, courtesy of Eco Diamonds.
And there is more.
Desert Woman's third annual charity golf tournament tees off that same Saturday morning on Classic Club's golf course. Open to both women and men, the event benefits the nonprofit The Unforgettables Foundation, dedicated to helping families after the loss of a child.
"We hope to exceed the $28,000 we raised last year," says event organizer Diana Marlo Noll. "The fabulous day in the sun will conclude with a cocktail awards celebration."
Have you been trying to make up your mind about wearing wigs? An entertaining demonstration presented by Susan (Sparky) Sparks and Barbara Rogers called To Wig or Not to Wig just might help make up your mind. There will also be a fabulous fashion show featuring fashions by Grayse, Lily Pulitzer, Pure Essentials, Dori Collection, Coco Rose and more.
Headlining the day is the internationally famous fashion designer and reality television personality Michael Costello. Costello's roots stem from the Coachella Valley. At the age of 2, he was drawing dresses on his bedroom wall. When he was just 15 years old, he opened his first store on North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. In 2010, he appeared on the 8th season of Project Runway where he placed 4th place. In 2012, he competed in the show's All Stars series and finished 2nd runner-up.
His big breakthrough came in 2014 when he designed a gorgeous white lace and nude mesh dress for Beyoncé at the 56th annual Grammy Awards. Since then, he has custom designed fashions for Jennifer Lopez, Suzanne Somers, Faye Dunaway, Celine Dion, Barry Manilow, Lady Gaga, Kate Hudson, Mariah Carey and many others. His off-the-rack couture fashions can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue. He recently launched a new summer collection with online retailer Revolve.
The inspirational theme for Costello's talk at the Desert Woman's Show is embracing diversity and empowering women from all walks of life and sizes through fashion, thus emphasizing individuality and strength. His models for the day, wearing some of his top designs, are local ladies. A shopcostello.com pop-up will be available in the Orion Salon throughout the day.
"We could hire professional models for this show," Costello said, "but I want to demonstrate to those in attendance that my designs are very diversified. All women are real women, no matter their size or their background. I have never celebrated one body type. If I can get a woman to try on a design, I can show her how beautiful she can look. My fashions are not just for a size two professional model — they are for everyone."
The 16th annual Desert Woman's Show, produced by Diana Marlo Productions, opens Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. The annual event is sponsored by Desert Vein & Vascular Institute, Desert Care Network, The Lighthouse Coachella, Spotlight 29 Casino, Blanke Shein Advisors, Clark's Nutrition, and Barbara Rogers. For tickets and information please go to marloproductions.com or contact Diana Marlo at diana@marloproductions.com.
DeAnn Lubell, writer, novelist and publicist, has represented nonprofits and businesses in the areas of marketing, event planning and fundraising productions in the Coachella Valley since 1991. She is a PR and marketing representative for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley and Read With Me Volunteer Programs as well as her own nonprofit Amy's Purpose, an educational pet safety and predator awareness and counseling service.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Michael Costello to headline 16th annual Desert Woman's Show
