ESCONDIDO: Local grad returns to show off his lingerie collection

Runway show part of Fashion Week festivities

By RUTH MARVIN WEBSTER - Staff Writer | Tuesday, May 6, 2008 7:09 PM PDT ∞

ESCONDIDO --- Lingerie designer Ricky Lizalde brought some big city glitz and glamour to Escondido's Fashion Week on Tuesday, when he rolled out a selection of pieces from his latest lingerie collection at a runway show to benefit the women of Serenity House.

North County Serenity House provides a safe environment for women and families recovering from drug and alcohol dependency.

Lizalde, an Escondido High School graduate, was a contestant on "Project Runway," a hit reality television show in which emerging fashion designers competed to present their designs at New York Fashion Week and for $100,000 in cash to start their own line.

Obviously touched by the warm reception of Tuesday's sold-out crowd, Lizalde, who nearly made it to the final four on "Project Runway," wiped away tears before thanking his family for their support.

As a contestant on "Project Runway," Lizalde was often caught crying.

"Without them, I'm nothing," he said, smiling at his mother who sat beside his father in the front row.

The 12th of 14 children, Lizalde has credited much of his fashion inspiration to his parents, Eloisa and Raul Lizalde. Lizalde started creating clothes when he was 9 and has worked for famous designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang.

"I think it's probably the first time my mom has been to a fashion show," said Lizalde's brother, Jorge.

Many other members of the large Lizalde family turned out for the show, including sisters Heli Hondo, Noemi Nieblas, Maggie Palacio and Lupe Calzada.

"We're all just so proud of what he's done," Calzada said.

Two of Lizalde's nephews, A.J. Rodriguez, 18, who is a senior at San Pasqual High School, and Trey Hondo, 13, a student at Bear Valley Middle School, were also in the audience to support their famous uncle and view his designs.

"Girls are always asking me if Ricky can make them a dress for prom," said Rodriguez, adding that he recently met a young woman who said Lizalde made her wedding dress.

Tuesday's professional lingerie models were provided by Maurinda Andre's Model and Talent Management Agency. Lizalde's niece, Tatiana Lizalde, also modeled some of his creations.

Tatiana's photo announcing Lizalde's new Web site was featured on a card tucked in a gift bag for guests that included coupons and sample hair products from the Loft, a local hair salon that sponsored the runway show.

Tuesday's runway show was a first for Escondido. The eclectic, Latin-flavored collection of "bits and pieces" was from Lizalde's Spring 2009 collection.

One part of the collection featured slips in vintage floral prints trimmed in lace. Another included sets of tap pants and matching bras in black satin and metallics. Still other pieces were made of bright red and orange fabric trimmed with small pieces of gold rope reminiscent of Lizalde's final designs on the Bravo reality show.

"You really have to love what you do," Lizalde said in responding to a question from an audience member after the show. "I don't look like this very often. I'm usually by myself, sewing in a basement somewhere."

Contact staff writer Ruth Marvin Webster at (760) 901-4074 or rwebster@nctimes.com.