With guests decked out in fabulous sun hats, skin-baring sundresses, and candy-colored prints, the scene looked more O.C. than Silicon Valley on June 2 at Santana Row’s Fourth Annual Poolside Soiree and Fashion Shows.

More than 400 fashion followers—a few who came from as far as Seattle and Napa—descended upon San Jose’s stylish retail-residential hot spot for a balmy afternoon of bubbly, bites, and a double-header of fashion shows featuring summer’s biggest trends.

“I saw the posting for this on Facebook and I love going to fashion shows,” said Amelia Ahtty of Napa, who was sipping a glass of sparkling rose. “So here I am!”

Tucked away at the poolside courtyard of Santana Heights, the private residences on the upper levels of the bustling retail row below, attendees mingled at the pre-show party where Sino and Straits restaurants served up dim sum, chicken satay skewers, and fresh vegetarian spring rolls. Vintage Wine Merchants poured assorted wines, while DJs spun dance-heavy beats.

Others partook in complimentary lash treatments or shopped for accessories on display by Furla, Cole Haan and Flying Lizard Designs.

For the main event, models zigzagged across the pool on a makeshift runway in ensembles from Santana Row’s retailers, which ran the gamut from vacation-ready bikinis and cover-ups to breezy floral chiffon maxi dresses and of-the-moment jumpsuits.

“I wanted to check out what’s new for the season, especially stuff by Free People,” said Khuyen Do, a student at University of San Francisco. “Also I’m here to do a little networking in the fashion industry since I’m in the midst of becoming a fashion student.”

By Nerissa Pacio Itchon. As seen on sfgate.com June 6, 2012