Friday, November 8^th marked the 40^th Anniversary for the Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center. It also marked the day that I did something I never could have guessed I would do: attend and help produce a Condom Couture Fashion Show.

Condom Couture was held at the Boulder Theater and was completely unique from any other fashion show that I have attended in that it featured designs entirely made out of condoms. Yes, I said it: condoms. All fashions were the unique creations of local artists, activists, fashion designers and fashionistas, designed to help promote safe sex and sex positivity.

I worked closely with Brandi Shigley, Justice Kwesi Kwarteng, and Carlos Estrada from the Global DJ Academy to finalize the music, prep the models and ultimately help produce one of the sexiest and most distinctive fashion shows I have ever been to.

The event began with a 40^th Anniversary Video Presentation, followed by a live auction with Don Martin.  The live auction items included a Cabo Getaway, a Breckenridge or Beaver Creek Condo Stay, a couple’s night out in Downtown Boulder, a private helicopter ride, a hot balloon ride and many more seriously awesome items! Shiff Dance Collective then performed a special and beautiful performance before the models would rock the runway.

I was working backstage for the event, but could feel the overwhelming excitement from behind the curtains as the fashionable attendees laughed, clapped and awed as the night went on.

Behind the scenes of a fashion show is just as bustling as you would imagine – outfits ripping, models cramming into small spaces to get their hair and makeup fixed, a “photoshoot” around every corner, cameras following your every move – seriously – it is the most exhilarating feelings and there is no match to the rush you get from it.

Moments before the fashion show, models lined up and perfected their poses for their moment behind the silhouette screen. Makeup artists added their finishing touches to the models makeup and hairstylists perfected the models elaborate hair. Once the fashion show cued to start, the models were ready to make their presence known on the runway.

And believe me: their presence was KNOWN.

The fashion show was broken down into 4 different genres’: the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s.  Some of the most popular tunes from each genre were chosen for the models to walk to and had the crowd excited and dancing to icons such as Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake. Fashion Denver’s very own, Brandi Shigley, was the emcee for the fashion show and I honestly couldn’t have picked a more qualified personality to have the honors and to get the attendees riled up.

 

 

 

Working backstage allowed me to get a closer look at how much time and effort went into the production of each unique design. It is truly remarkable how intricate and beautiful all of the fashions turned out using just condoms – and as I stood backstage, with the chaos going on around me, I wondered how it would be possible to choose only one “Best in Show” after seeing all the remarkable designs.

A “Clap-Off” from the audience indicated that Kitty Krell (Model and Designer) of Crimson Rose Couture and her “Sperm-aid” design was the fan favorite, and thus she was awarded a large $250 check.  The check went to a worthy recipient; her design was flawlessly executed and thought out to the very last detail.

 

Brandi Shigley sang farewell to the lively audience and concluded the sexy soiree by inviting guests to continue the party over to Shine Restaurant & Gathering Place.

On that note, I finally caught my breath from the overwhelming excitement from backstage and gushed over how amazing the night turned out. I made my way over to Shine Restaurant to mingle with the gorgeous models, incredible designers, the Women’s Health staff, and my awesome production crew, and said cheers to a vastly successful night.

All proceeds go to supporting Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center – a nonprofit and safety net reproductive health clinic.

For more of my behind the scenes photos, click here.

For Merrick Chase’s full event photo album, click here.

PRODUCTION CREW

Project Manager  Angie Jeffords, ADJ Planning

Emcee  Brandi Shigley, Fashion Denver

Auctioneer  Done Martin

Hair & Makeup  Twig Salon/BW Makeup

Stage Manager  Tina Kvitek

Production Consultant  Justice Kwesi Kwarteng, Justice Talent Agency, Stephanie Rowe, Fashion Denver

Backstage Crew  Nanci Feeney, Janique Esrey, Susan Peterson, Livvy Feeney, Kendall Rolfe

Photographer   Merrick Chase

Videographer   Ky Lotte

 DJ  Carlos from Global DJ Academy

40^th Anniversary Video Production   Jessica Wunderlich, Shenna Fitagerald, Jenny Martin, Lisa Radelet

 

DESIGNER & MODEL

Amanda Jean Anderson of Amore Loves

Model: Danielle Hups

Jessica Chase

Model: Jessica Chase

Maia D’Urfe of Zenzero Designs

Model: Jenny Schiff

Vanessa Empire of Studio BERNINA

Model: Lynette Boxford

Michelle Hale of Designs by M

Model: Michelle Hale

Leigh Harkin

Model: Leigh Harkin

Shani Hime of Stitch In Time Costumes

Model: Shani Hime

Karen Holloway of Infernal Contraptions Apparel

Model: April Teaze

Kitty Krell of Crimson Rose Couture

Model:Kitty Krell

Rachel Lubanowski

Model: Rachel Lubanowski

Nicki Post

Model:Lo Cianflone

Elise Sigley

Model: Laura Reed

Katt Smith of Malice & Malicious

Model: Ashlynn Marques

Marie Smith of Ten 20

Model: Cassie Cilli

Ula Sztukiel

Model: Anastasia Davis

Team “Affection”: Clint Hefner, Courtney Solt and Brittany David

Model: Clint Hefner

Team “Beneath the Surface”: Yasmin Mazl, Zan Darling and Austin Schott

Model: Zan Darling

Team “Da Nile”: Jacklynne Usselman, Lauren Hickok and Jennifer Ober

Model: Lauren Hickok

Sarah Tracy/Women’s Health Volunteers

Model: Lauren Bader

Ann Whitehill & Jan Vanderlinden

Model: Jan Vanderlinden

Women’s Health Employee’s: Sundari Birdsall, Helen Evertt, Suzy Gardner, Brittany Burton

Model: Dainzu Mosqueda

Bonnie Carmichael of Rip CLub Sewing

Model: Melody Esler