Robbi (Kraft) Rino

How much more there is now to living! Instead of our drab slogging forth and back there’s reason to life! We can lift ourselves out of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creatures of excellence and intelligence and skill. We can be free! We can learn to fly! --From the book, Jonathan Livingston Seagull...one of Robbi's favorites.


Her adoring family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Robbi (Kraft) Rino on June 20, 2011. Though she was one of the strongest people you would ever meet, Robbi yielded to serious health issues and passed away peacefully in the comfort of her Mission Hills home with her loving Joe by her side.

As a young woman moving from Eugene, Oregon to San Diego, California, Robbi was a pioneer who blazed trails in the fashion industry to become a renowned expert in her field.

“Beauty” was not only her business but the way in which Robbi lived her life. Growing up, her children Beth and Ron remember with fondness the remarkable aesthetic which was as much a part of their home as it was the people who were an enduring part of Robbi’s personal and professional lives.

From her foundational years as a fashion consultant for Marsi’s to her formidable service as Fashion and Special Events/Publicity Director for the renowned Bullock’s Department Store, Robbi delivered excellence and knew how to bring out the best in all those she encountered. She was a luminary in the San Diego community— she founded the renowned Fashion Scene Agency, managed the trend-setting retail store Something Mad, produced hundreds of sensational and successful fashion shows and events for Bullock’s, consulted and wrote for dozens of retailers and designers as President of Kraft Style and represented the fashion community at San Diego Home Garden Magazine.

Robbi knew how to work hard, but it was her captivating sense of play that her grandchildren will most remember. Frequent outings to her well-loved Balboa Park, the Zoo and Wild Animal Park not only educated but delighted three generations—grandchildren; Kelli Kraft, Katie Lyons-Petry, Kyle, Cameron, and Quinn Kraft plus great grandchildren; Courtney Riddle, Jacqueline, Mitchell, and Jason Rino, Cole, Conner, and Collin Fraas, MacKenna and Matthieu Petry. And no one knew how to put on a birthday party like Robbi—her Mimosas and chocolate delights, adorned with ever-present arrangements of protea and pincushions, were legendary.

In her later years Robbi indulged in extensive travel with her beloved sister, Barbara Hartung and enjoyed extended visits to Barbara’s home in McCall, Idaho where she and Joe loved skiing and golfing and taking in the breathtaking landscape there. McCall was her slice-of-heaven.

Robbi was passionate about philanthropic service, dedicating abundant time and talent as board member, affiliate, and volunteer for remarkable organizations such as The Fashion Group International, San Diego Historical Society/Costume Council and Showcase House, Fashion Careers College, FIDM, San Diego Museum of Man, Klee Wyk Society/Indian Fair.

Her “Robbi time” was devoted to culture and conversation as she coveted her season tickets to the San Diego Symphony with dear friend, Joann Woodall, her monthly encounters with Nanci Washburn and “The Fashion Group Divas,” weekly golf and walks along Mission Beach with Joe, and time with Terri Keefner who visited frequently during difficult days. And while not always easy, Robbi's appointments with her long-time physician, Dr. Howard Williams, filled her with peace and confidence that his attentive care was healing both physically and emotionally.

Countless articles have been written about Robbi and her contribution to the fashion industry. She was honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement, "Golden Hanger Award" from Fashion Careers College. But it was her family and friends of which Robbi was most proud. She is survived by her husband Joe Rino, children Ron Kraft and Beth Lyons, their spouses Janene and Art, fourteen grand and great grand children, former husband Ralph Kraft and thousands of friends and colleagues she held dear.

Robbi was a pioneer, seeker, lover, and teacher. In her honor, a Celebration of Life and Faith will be held at 10am on July 15, 2011 in the beautiful Prado Garden Terrace in Balboa Park. In lieu of flowers Robbi would delight in donations in her memory to the Costume Council
(619 232-6203 x102).

Robbi and Joe skiing in the mountains of McCall Idaho...Robbi's "slice of heaven."