A Thank You Letter from FWSD

San Diego is not New York. Nor is it Paris, Milan, Los Angeles, Miami, Berlin, London, or Tokyo. It's San Diego, which is precisely why we love it whole-heartedly the way we do. San Diego's fashion culture teeters between the tastes and trends of two extremely artistic countries, and those of us who shop here are lucky enough to reap the benefits of each country.

Fashion Week San Diego is the world's only bi-national fashion week. Some of our designers speak only English; some speak only Spanish, and some an interesting blend of Spanglish. And that's the beauty. Through the cultivation of this event, we have crossed borders, and transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries. Above all, we've discovered a stunning array of talented individuals. The seamless blend of fashion and culture you will experience at Fashion Week San Diego knows no borders.

An event of this caliber is not possible without a strong desire from the region, the support of numerous communities, and the raw talent of artists. The creative vision, and incredible vision of featured designers, hair and make-up artists, musical brilliance of Shane Baker, and event designers Bambi Palma and Sean Stauder are unparalleled.

Over the past months, Chipotle kept us fed, Travelocity gave us inspiration for dream vacations, and Extensionista.com kept us looking good. All our sponsors and affiliates have given us great support, and made this possible.

Personally, I would like to thank my family for all of their support-especially my mother, Patricia Ross, for her style sense and encouragement, and to my step father, Bill Ross, for his advice and for reminding me to laugh it off.

And to all my girls in the office-you've helped make history. Without your patience, hard work, and giggles, it wouldn't have been the same.

By way of contrast, San Diego is a region united in the thirst for innovation, and demand for creativity. Our neighbors to the South are an extension of our city.We want to genuinely thank all of our contacts in Mexico-especially mayor Jorge Ramos, and everyone in his office.

As a parade of models spill down the runway at Fashion Week San Diego, you won't need me to tell you that this is quite possibly the most immense visual ecstasy you'll ever experience. See for yourself.

Welcome to Fashion Week San Diego!

Allison Andrews