Bead-Dazzled: Alana Leigh & Jennifer Siebel Newsom

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It was all beautiful baubles and beautiful women on Tuesday when jewelry designer Alana Leigh and film producerJennifer Siebel Newsom joined forces to raise funds.

Leigh began her jewelry company in 1986 and is proud that all the pieces are made locally. Crafted from semi-precious stones such as baroque pearls, amethyst, turquoise and moonstone, and set in silver or 24-K gold, Leigh’s work has long boasted of a star-studded following (Madonna, Melanie Griffith, Uma Thurman).

The majority of the guests were of the female persuasion. But a few good men were on hand, too: Leigh’s husband, Don Dianda who graciously tended to guest’s coats; and Kurt Charron arriving with new-to-town actress Aimee Garcia, who plays a helicopter pilot in the locally-filmed (and, yippee!) new NBC drama titled Trauma.

“I warned Kurt, ‘Dude, you’re probably going to be one of the only guys here so be prepared for a lot of estrogen’!” said Garcia, laughing.

The stylish soiree was hosted by Siebel in the new home she shares with her husband, Mayor Gavin Newsom. However, no deets on their domicile, here. I’m operating under a strict, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

Anyhoo, this dynamic duo pooled their talents to support each other: 50% of sales on Leigh’s distinctive and stylish line benefitted production of Siebel’s documentary, Miss Representation.

Guests check out the artfully displayed jewelry

An even bigger production arrives for the Newsoms in September, when they’ll welcome their first child. But Siebel is still at work on her film which she hopes will be completed by December.

“I’m really excited about how excited people are who’ve seen a rought-cut,” said Siebel, tucking her tired legs on a bench as she took a break from hostess duties. “But I wish I were done with fundraising so I could be out helping fundraise for my husband!”

(Note to those residing under rocks: Mayor Newsom is running for Governor).

The documentary explores the under-representation of American women in positions of power and influence. Siebel wants to pay tribute to the progress of inspirational women and give support to those that lack either a voice or a forum.

“How to bring these voices forward is an issue very dear to my heart, as well as to many other women,” explained Siebel of her passion for this documentary. “My hope is that this film will create an understanding of how to foster a power shift in a culture dominated by the gender stereotypes created by mainstream media.”

Now that she is responsible for the future of another little woman, Siebel feels keenly the pressure shared by all women who in live a society which values youth, beauty and sexuality and often ignores all other aspects of individual achievement.

“My other greatest hope is that my child will grow up in a world where she not only feels her own power as a woman,” says the mom-to-be, “But that she will not be influenced or objectified or demeaned by mass media.”

Check out more photos below

Allison Speer and Kate Harbin Clammer

Kurt Charron and Trauma actress Aimee Garcia

Paulette Goodrich models the goods

Amber Schmidt and Penny Siebecker

Joy Bianchi and clothing designer Christpher Collins

Kendall Wilkinson and Tina McCutcheon

Kristin Fiore and Amy Hyde

Alexandra King and Aimee Carlson

Anga Manuel and Dr. Lillie Mosaddegh, owner of the new Cop Copine boutique which opens on Union Square in Sept.

Joy Boatwright, Lee Gregory and Wendy Sullivan

 

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