EARNIE GRAFTON / Union-Tribune Despite its behind-the-scenes drama, Fashion Week San Diego debuted over the weekend and featured the work of regional designers. This flirty dress by North County's Nelli was among the standouts.

EARNIE GRAFTON / Union-Tribune In the hotel lobby during the runway show were former Fashion Week San Diego intern Dawn Webster (left) and kicked-off designer Drea Hull. The women said they felt betrayed by the show's director, Allison Andrews.

The ambitious, first-time show, inspired by New York and Los Angeles fashion weeks, was supposed to be the biggest style event this jeans and t-shirt city ever saw.

But last month it was postponed because organizer Allison Andrews suffered an injury. Then a few weeks later, after designers expressed concern to Andrews about their credibility and finances, the show was back on.

And in the end, Fashion Week San Diego did make its debut. But drama and hurt feelings took as much of the spotlight as the actual fashion.

Instead of the original plan of a week's worth of runway shows in a big, white tent, there was just one show, held Friday in the Manchester Grand Hyatt's Kin Lounge. The rest of the weekend was devoted to parties at On Broadway and the Hard Rock Hotel, as well as an afternoon shopping event.

Still, despite the show's smaller scale the outcome was the same – unknown talents were given the opportunity to show their collections to an audience of hundreds, even if the crowd consisted mostly of family and friends instead of buyers and industry people.

“It was amazing to see my clothes come down the runway,” said Los Angeles designer Parris Harris. “It all looked so beautiful. This night is just so fantastic.”

EARNIE GRAFTON / Union-Tribune Tijuana's Fuegorosa created a vibrant and glamorous gypsy-inspired collection.

EARNIE GRAFTON / Union-Tribune Los Angeles designer Parris Harris calls his avant-garde, futuristic look Phunk Mail TV.

On the surface, the scene at the outdoor lounge on Friday seemed amazing enough. Ten regional designers showcased their clothes on a runway that extended into the pool, giving off a chic, Southern California feel.

Around the pool, beautiful people sipped cocktails and shmoozed. “We're having a lot of fun,” said Temecula hair salon owner Christine Larsen. “We came to see what the new trends are, and we're picking up a lot of ideas.”

Throughout the night, the designers showcased flirty spring dresses with a variety of twists: San Diego designer Jorge Corella showed brightly colored sequins. Nelli featured short, flirty looks. Fuegorosa showcased gypsy-inspired clothes and Ivette Alaniz concentrated on '40s glamour.

Petra O.'s black and white dresses made more of an impression after the designer jumped off the runway and into the swimming pool, all while wearing a long, black evening gown.

But under the happy veneer, there were some issues bubbling on the edge of the show.

Just outside the door, about a dozen ticket-holders weren't able to get in because they were under age.

“I scoured the Web site and there was nothing about this being a 21 and up event,” said Jordan Wicht, who bought two $50 tickets for his girlfriend's birthday.

Next to the couple was a group of girls from the San Diego Art Institute. Along with the tickets, they bought new dresses and drove up from Tijuana. They were also turned away at the door. “They let us watch the show from a hotel room window,” said Renee Topete. “But you couldn't really see anything, and after a while we just left. They told us we'd get our money back through the school, so I'm waiting to see if that happens. I think the event was very badly organized.”

Andrews refused to comment or give details about refunds.

As the teens walked out of the hotel, they may have gotten a glimpse of an equally disappointed woman in the hotel lobby. Drea Hull of Sugar Couture, the designer who brought media attention to Fashion Week San Diego's initial problems, was kicked off the roster the morning of the runway show.

“I worked so hard on my collection,” an angry Hull said through tears. “This just isn't fair. I want to know what I did.”

Andrews declined to comment.

But fellow designer Corella said the in-fighting and postponement issues left him feeling hurt.

“Allison talked up the event and told us never to minimize anything,” he said. “In the end, she minimized the show to one night. Fashion Week San Diego didn't deliver on any of its promises and I refuse to be a part of it anymore.”

So, San Diego did get a fashion week. But maybe not the kind the city's fashionistas imagined. Along with the clothes, drama and distraction were sent down the runway.