Los Gatos Chamber Gala Showcases Community Fashion Flair

Annual awards event celebrates local businesses and style in equal measure.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:21pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic cocktail dress repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the fashion-forward energy of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce gala.The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce gala allowed the community to showcase their fashion flair, with attendees donning elegant cocktail attire that reflected the town's evolving style.Los Gatos Today

The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual 'Shine Among the Stars' gala on March 28, honoring local businesses and individuals at a formal event that allowed the community to dress up and showcase their fashion sense. Attendees donned elegant cocktail attire, with women in rich fabrics like satin and lace, and men in tailored suits. The event's organizers said there was high demand for more formal, community-focused events after the pandemic, reflecting a broader trend of people seeking opportunities to get dressed up.

Why it matters

The gala highlights how the Los Gatos business community is evolving, with a greater emphasis on curated, elevated events that bring the town together. It also reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior, as people look to reconnect with their local communities through unique experiences that allow them to express their personal style.

The details

The 'Shine Among the Stars' gala took place at the Nestldown event venue, with attendees donning cocktail attire that ranged from $200 satin gowns to custom-designed suits. Chamber CEO Jennifer Lin said the event exceeded expectations, with guests praising the venue, cuisine, and social atmosphere. The dress code was 'relaxed, elegant,' with men in suits and women in rich fabrics like lace and tulle. Local fashion designer Franco Masoma, who has dressed many of the attendees, was also recognized at the event.

  • The gala took place on March 28, 2026.
  • The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce reintroduced its Annual Member Celebration event after the pandemic.

The players

Jennifer Lin

CEO of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce, who organized the gala and said it exceeded expectations.

Nicole Kerman

Owner of recruiting and HR firm NHK Inc., who attended the gala with friends and treated it like 'adult prom.'

Brian Bernasconi

The gala's emcee, who previously was an actor and played in a nine-piece horn band.

Franco Masoma

A Los Gatos-based clothing designer whose work was on display at the chamber event, where the mayor gave him a shout-out.

Dina Britten

A certified public accountant who noted that fashion in Los Gatos reflects values like sustainability, empowerment, and the greater good.

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What they’re saying

“'I think people are ready to get dressed up and celebrate.'”

— Jennifer Lin, CEO, Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce

“'My girlfriends and I are treating this like adult prom. This is a very rare occasion for us to come out and celebrate ourselves and the community and have a night away from the kids as well.'”

— Nicole Kerman, Owner, NHK Inc.

“'When we're young, we think we need a lot of attention or we want a lot of attention or it feels good to get a lot of attention, and maybe when you get a little older, you figure that you're doing some of your best work behind the scenes.'”

— Brian Bernasconi, Emcee, Gala

“'I match people's personality. I never ask my customer what they want; I tell them what they need.'”

— Franco Masoma, Clothing Designer

“'Our clothes, it's not just glamor and shine, like it would be in Paris. Here, it's much more philosophical. It's more sophisticated now. And so much culture is coming here, so many excellent people are moving here, so this is the future.'”

— Dina Britten, Certified Public Accountant

What’s next

The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce plans to continue hosting the annual 'Shine Among the Stars' gala as a signature community event, building on the success of this year's edition.

The takeaway

The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce gala showcased the community's growing appetite for elevated, fashion-forward events that bring together local businesses and residents. This trend reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior, as people seek unique experiences that allow them to express their personal style and connect with their local communities.