By Lina Broydo
Emilio Pucci: The Astonishing Odyssey of a Fashion Icon
March 24, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Photo courtesy of the ICI
Behind the imagery of Pucci’s world renowned designs (one of my all time favorite fashion designers!) lies a remarkable tale of courage and intrigue that totally redefines our understanding of this great fashion designer.
The gripping narrative is replete with alliances, manipulations, betrayals, and daring – all shadowed by the unexpected in the dying months of WWII. Blending fashion, history and biography, the book reveals a remarkable story that extends far beyond style.
The conversation will be moderated by Professor Alfonso Montuori, Professor of Transformative Inquiry, California Institute of Integral Studies.
This is a book presentation with authors Idanna Pucci and Terence Ward. California Institute of Integral Studies. Organized by: Istituto Italiano di Cultura San Francisco.
Information: Italian Cultural Institute; 710 Sansome Street, San Francisco. Event open to the public | Free admission. Registration required: 415-788-7142
“Fast Forward”
March 27 and 28, 2026
Enjoy a fast-paced evening of new contemporary ballet. Often described by the dancers as their favorite program of the season, “Fast Forward” provides the opportunity for emerging choreographers, both local and from around the country, to experiment.
The chance to dance work that has been created specifically for them, rather than perhaps for dancers who performed hundreds of years ago, allows New Ballet’s Company Dancers to grow as artists and to be part of the creative process. Audiences will be thrilled and inspired watching choreographic and dance artists take risks and create.
Information: newballet.com. Hammer Theatre Center in San Jose. Groups of 10 or more can receive a 10% discount by using code: FFGROUP.
Tickets start at $20. Premium tickets include an exclusive wine experience.
Photo by Chris Hardy from the 2024 Fast Forward Production
“Indoor Eden”: Victorian Jardinières at SF International Airport
March 21, 2026 at 2pm
During the Victorian era (1837–1901) houseplants became more accessible to the masses. Plant enthusiasts adored hardy species such as parlor palms (Chamaedorea elegans) and the cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), given its common name for its ability to tolerate dismal conditions, such as low light and During gas-lit homes.
Simultaneously, a passion for ferns of all kinds, referred to as “pteridomania,” reached a fever pitch. Commonly referred to as jardinières from the French word for “female gardener,”
ornamental pots and plant stands served as essential components of indoor décor. Larger potteries, like Minton in Staffordshire, as well as smaller art pottery studios, such as Bretby and Ault Pottery in Derbyshire, supplied the demand for wares. Indoor Eden showcases an array of English jardinières, pedestals, and vases, while also exploring historical topics, from Wardian cases, or the first terrariums, to fern fever and floriography.
These objects and stories combine to explain some of the origins of our love of houseplants, decorative planters, and the continued desire for green spaces today. Lecture and Guided Tour by Collector and Author Brian Coleman and Nicole Mullen, Curator in Charge of Exhibitions
Information: Presented by the Aviation Museum & Library, Dianne Feinstein International Terminal at San Francisco International Airport; SFOMuseum.org
Chinese New Year – The Year of the Horse Festival
March 14, 2026, 11am – 4pm
A Fun, Free Family event!
The festivities include: Lion Dance; Chinese Cultural Dances and Music; Martial Arts Demonstrations; Chinese Calligraphy and Brush Painting; Children’s Hands-on Crafts and Games; Story-telling; Selfies with the Dragons; Parade of Participants; Food Trucks; O’Briens Ice Cream Store; Trolley Rides; A must! Visit to the Chinese Chinese American Historical Museum
And much more…
Gung Hay Fat Choi!
Information: historysanjose.org
History Park in San Jose
635 Phelan Avenue
