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Blacktie photojournalists have professionally covered hundreds of events from benefit runs, walks, and thrift store openings to intimate and enormous fund raisers and of course, blacktie galas. Here you will find the events that our members wanted covered. Many of the over 100,000 pictures from the thousands of covered events from the last seven years are here for all to enjoy and share

Dress for Success Sizzles for Fashion


What:  Dress for Success annual fashion show "Fashion to the Rescue"
Where:  Paramount Theatre
When:  May 22, 2003
Beneficiary:  Dress for Success, Denver
Host(s):  Evelinda Urman and Brian Kellen
Gala Chairperson(s):  Kimberly Bourne
Executive Director:  Kris Mattione
Committee Members:  Lora Horta, Tamara Horta, Tammy Montabon, Deborah Pearson, Keely Rubis, Susan Klann, Nadere Nateghi, Vikki Stevens, Kris Mattione, Deana Alfonso, Megan Harrod, Judy Hartman, Donna Kerwin, Elizabeth Ojeda, HONORARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Emily Stark, Mrs. Colorado, 2002, Elisabeth Carmill, Mrs. Colorado, 2003
Staff:  Kris Mattion, Exec. Dir. Kimberly S. Bourne, Dev.Dir., Lori Nelson-Carothers, Program Dir., Volunteer Staff: Nancy Contizano, Megan Harrod, Jeannette Cavos, Alice Paden
Libations:  Rock Bottom Brewery
Catering:  Decisions, Sambuca Jazz Cafe, Chocolate Fountains
Entertainment:  Mr.B's Ballroom Dance Academy and Kim Robards Dance
Music:  Fabulous Boogienauts
Of note:  Fat Jack's Super Subs donated lunch for models and hosts
Sponsors:  DirecTV, AT&T Wireless, Westword, 9NEWS, KNRC, Women of Colorado.com, Rock Bottom Brewery, Sevilla, DionysusLLC, Aspire Model & Talent, Mr. Neat's Formal Wear, Hot Heads, Salon, glo Skincare, Reed Photo-Imaging, Denver Firefighters, Karen Carter Designs, John Atencio, 1st Bank
Attendance:  450
Attire:  Cocktail/Blacktie optional
Special Thanks:  To the dedicated volunteers
Florist:  LT Designs
Models/Fashions:  Aspire Model & Talent and Denver Firefighters
Event Coordinator:  Kimberly Bourne
Board of Directors:  Elizabeth Ojeda, Pres. Susan Liehe, Sec. Dawn Reyling, Treas. Victoria Ashby, Kay Landen, Jeff Martinez, Dixie Trimble
Blacktie Photos by:  Phyllis St. John

Walking back from the VIP party were Teri Doleman, Justin Murphy and Jessic Fehrd
Walking back from the VIP party were Teri Doleman, Justin Murphy and Jessic Fehrd

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SIZZLE, HOT, SPARKS,… the description for the Dress For Success annual fashion show “Fashion to the Rescue.” The 2003 event was held May 22nd at the historic Paramount Theatre in Denver.

The evening began with a VIP party hosted by Sevilla. Nearly 80 people enjoyed great Spanish tapas and champagne. Fashion was in evidence right from the start as guests arrived dressed to the nines in outfits that went from sublime to the avant-garde.

The lobby of the Paramount was packed to capacity during the reception. Guests were treated to Rock Bottom Brewery selections and wine along with an eclectic selection of appetizers provided by Denver restaurants, Decisions, Sambuca and Chocolate Fountains.

The evening was a tribute to the talent of Denver fashion designers. Accessory designers were given the opportunity to display their wares in the lobby during the reception. Attendees milled around the tables, talking to the designers and commenting on the uniqueness of their products. Prissy Purses fused fun with fashion while Teddy Silva’s double-sided vintage cigar box purses use tassels as part of his signature theme. Emily Wahler’s handbags are large enough to hold everything a woman needs and are striking in their funky and individual design.

The jewelry designers captured the attention of many attendees. Dodi Frye showed off her one-of-a-kind pieces, which include the use of semi-precious stones, Raku beads, Swarowski crystals and Bali silver. Jamie Gallegos confirmed that jewelry withstands the hands of time with a collection of investment jewelry. Lynn Noonan with Zoopaloopa displayed stunning hand-made fun jewelry featuring a combination of pearls, turquoise, crystal and funky lamp glass.

The fashion show kicked off with a welcome by a Rocky Mountains News columnist and KNRC host of “Style Matters," Evelinda Urman. Comedian, Brian Kellen with Aspire Models and Talent, opened the evening with a hysterical monologue, setting the tempo for the rest of the evening. The door prizes included a travel package from Frontier Airlines and Visevant Limousine Services, a DirecTV System package and the prize most woman wanted, the $2,500 sterling silver pendant, earrings and bracelet from John Atencio’s Pacifica collection.

Showing that Denver is well-represented in fashion were designers, Brooks, with a collection of special occasion dressing and designs for women with individual needs, Doug Paris featuring his Paris Collection, which ranged from avant-garde business suits to elegant cocktail dresses and Kathy Ilian with a celebration of color in silk. The fashion show continued with Carol Mier showing a selection of wearable art, Jerry Whitehead with a selection of Career Chic, fashions and accessories transforming from office wear to evening wear, Your Best Friend’s Closet, featured new, resale, vintage, European and local designer pieces and Rochelle Jay specializing in embellishment on fine fabrics. There was more to come with Nadyia Nelson and her spring color blend, Naomi Macstras showing the urban funky functional wear, Renee Atkinson featuring Punk Rock, Michelle Baum with her selection of uniquely one of a kind and Gabriel Conroy featuring a line of Couture style. Mr. B’s Ballroom Dance Academy and Kim Robards Dance provided beautifully performed dance selections during the intermissions.

The party continued well into the evening with an after-hours party at Sevilla’s. The Fabulous Boogienauts offered their special brand of music for listening and dancing.

Dress For Success Denver is a not-for-profit organization that provides interview-appropriate clothing and professional development assistance to low-income women seeking employment. They are part of a worldwide network, with affiliates in over 70 cities in four countries. DFSD depends on the support of individuals, foundations and corporations for funding of their services that help over 2,000 women a year.