California Apparel News

Fernando Aguerre, founder of Reef and president of International Surfing Association, wore 19th century coat, Duchamp golf pants and Peruvian Alpaca hat.

Most awards shows are a disaster, but there was something glorious about the 22nd Annual Waterman’s Ball produced by Surf Industry Manufacturers Association.

Perhaps it’s Waterman’s unique place in the world. It’s the surfing industry’s awards show/comedy roast/prom/fundraiser for environmental causes that makes it a must for those following the California-centered surf biz. It took place Aug. 12 at palatial The Ritz Carlton resort in Laguna Niguel, of course overlooking the Pacific.

Perhaps what made it grand was the hilariously ribald comments from gray-haired surf legends speaking at the awards show.

Perhaps it was thegood vibes coming from raising $400,000 for eco-causes such as Surfrider Foundation and Kahea: The Hawaiian Environmental Alliance.

It definitely was the inspiring speeches given by honorees George Downing, the Lifetime Achievement award, Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner, Environmentalist of the Year, and Greg Long, Waterman of the Year.

These surf dogs stated excellent cases for protecting the environment and loving the sport of surfing. Said Downing “It’s the beauty of the water, the freedom of the water, and the spirit of the people.” Comments worthy of a standing ovation, which it received.

Of course California Apparel News/Trade Talk traveled far from our downtown L.A. headquarters for the fashion. We found a wild style that would be out of place at any Hollywood awards show, but it makes so much sense by the beach and almost everywhere else. Take a look---

Perry Farrell wore Vivienne Westwood pants, YSL shoes, shirt from unnamed Australian boutique. Etty Lau Farrell wore a vintage Versace dress Perry put those E! Network dollars to a good cause. He spent $20,000 for a Thomas Campbell artwork at the ball.

Greg Long is a Big Wave surfer who was named Waterman of the Year. Everything he wore was made by Billabong, 'cept the tie which he dug up from somebody's closet. When I told that I got scared looking at those 5-story tall waves he surfs, he admitted to feeling a bit of fear when looking at those monsters. But he said his biggest thrill was learning how to overcome that fear.That sentiment definitely gets an "awesome!"

Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner: Environmentalist of the Year. Former Malibu mayor, owner of Zuma Jay surf shop, former model for Polo, Banana Republic and Versace.

He wore a Nordstrom cashmere jacket, Banana Republic shirt and tie. He especially recommended the color scheme. Said Wagner "Tan and blue. I can wear it a city council meeting, or a SIMA meeting, all I have to do is take off the tie and I can drink wine."

Paul Naude, Billabong USA chief SIMA Environmental Fund Board of Directors president wore a Issey Miyake jacket, Billabong jeans. "It’s a mix of different worlds," he said.

From left Sal Masekela, Waterman Ball host, wearing Ted Baker jacket, Bob McKnight, Quiksilver CEO prez, Fernando Aguerre. McKnight wore a Prada suit and Paul Smith shirt. We asked McKnight if there was still a surf style out there. He answered," Yes, it's a casual lifestyle. It’s a coastal lifestyle. Anything goes, a tuxedo or a Hawaiian shirt and sandals."

Joel Cooper, Lost Enterprises CEO: He wore an Armani suit. We also asked him if there was a surf style still out there. His answer. “It depends. There is one at the beach. And with boardshorts, walkshorts and T-shirts, we have that market locked up."

From left Aaron Levant, co-founder of Agenda trade show wears a Canali suit. His wife Laura Levant wears a Herve Leger dress. Their friend Christine Warren wore a dress she purchased from Urban Outfitters.

Tom Knapp, founder of Honolua Surf Co. business professor at USC wore vintage pants with sailfish, probably found far at the edge of closet.

Leila Endersby wore what she called a Brazil Babe dress. Peter "PT" Townend, first world champion of surfing in 1976 wore one-of-a-kind jacket and a shirt made out of Hurley Phantom boardshort fabric.

Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo's Fish Taco, wore an O’Neill shirt, FiveFour jeans, Converse shoes.

Kelly Paul, Wing Lam's fiancee wore a dress she purchased at Bella Bleu in Costa Mesa.

From left Bob Mignona, United Fifty designer Brendan Mignona wearing United Fifty jeans, jacket embellished by United Fifty and grandpappy's bolo tie and snakeskin boots. Shaheen Sadeghi owner of The Lab and The Camp specialty centers wears a bespoke Paul Smith jacket and shirt. His son, Sebastian Sadeghi wears an Armani jacket.

Surf legend Gerry Lopez dressed in a Dale Hope Aloha shirt. SIMA president Doug Palladini in a vintage tuxedo and ostrich skin Vans shoes.