The actual event referenced by the article was the opening of the Symphony season, which is an event available to anyone who wishes to purchase a ticket. No act

The actual event referenced by the article was the opening of the Symphony season, which is an event available to anyone who wishes to purchase a ticket. No actual red carpet was in evidence in the photos. Those who attend and wear clothes by top designers are more likely than others to get their photo in the society page. It's not really about tech people being respected in the bay area in this example, it's about tech people who happen to be interested in the arts and who also wear clothes that cost a few thousands of dollars.