If you’re in town, you should not miss this year’s AIDS benefit Fashion Show at the Belly Up this Wednesday, March 27th.  The Telluride-born event, an amazing mix of fashion and performance art, started 20 years ago, as a nonprofit that raises moey for five AIDS advocacy beneficiaries in Colorado and Africa.  Since then, the organization has donated more than $1.8 million to the cause, with a focus on HIV/AIDS awareness, education, clinical care and NGOs. 

Well beyond your standard runway show, this innovative presentation is truly an entertaining show with a plot, interpreted through modern dance style choregraphy and jam-packed full of emotion.  Fifty designers from around the area, from Obermeyer, Heidi Hat to Autumn Teneyl in Carbondale donate to the show. 

The show and party that follows is co-produced by Telluride’s Katy Parnello and Aspen television personality, Ramona Bruland, who will be returning from France, where she was hosting ESPN’s coverage of the European Winter X Games, to be at her event.  Parnello, a designer herself, who has a background in acting and dance, describes the event perfectly.  “…If we just did straight runway, it would bore people to tears.  So we have a story line run through it and incorporate dance and music.  It’s really theatrical fashion.” 

I look forward to see what they have in store for us this year.   Don’t miss it!

  www.bellyupaspen.com or the Belly Up box office for tickets. Learn more at www.aidsbenefit.org   Show starts at 8PM.