Courtesy of the United Way
Hair and make-up artist work their magic to bring high-fashion to the catwalk show at the Paramount.
By Polly Lynn
RUTLAND — Twelve local retailers with 10 local models, each done up by local hair and make-up stylists, will strut their stuff down a catwalk on the Paramount stage, Nov. 22 for the third annual Catwalk for a Cause benefitting the United Way. This year local belly-dancers from Cobra Gymnastics as well as Lily Fangz, well-known hip hop rapper from Colorado, will add to the high-energy show.
“I’ve been catwalk crazy this October!” said Kelly Logan, owner of Five Elements Salon and Day Spa, and head organizer of the event.
Billed as a community-based fashion show, the 2015 show retailers will include Effie Dudley, Base Camp Outfitters, Cabi, Deja New, Overland, Sister Wicked, Green Bandit Production, Basin Sports, Body Gears & Penguin Jacks, McNeil & Reedy, Raw Honey and Fruition.
Hair and make-up stylists from Five Elements Salon, Avanti, O’Briens and Bellezza Salon at the Stafford Technical Center, will beautify over 100 models for the show.
The models were selected at a “call for models” event Sept. 20 at the Rutland Intermediate School Auditorium on Library Avenue. The only requirements for selection were that participants had to be 15 years old or older. Male and females were encouraged to walk as well as people of all shapes and sizes, including plus-size models. Additionally, a representative from the Wilhelmina Talent Agency of New York City will be at the show, so opportunities in modeling could result from participating!
As in the past, the teams of retailers, models and stylists will be competing for three awards: Best Overall Look, Most Creative and People’s Choice (by text voting).
“The event is good exposure for area retailer and stylist and it’s a fun competition, but the whole reason for the event is to raise money and awareness for the United Way, which helps 32 non-profit organizations in our community,” Logan said.
During the time when the judges decide the winners and tally the People’s Choice, there will be a new call to action “text in your donations” for audience members. The money raised during that time will go specifically to drugs and alcohol substance abuse programs in the community. There are five different agencies that provide such services in and around Rutland, Logan noted.
Logan hopes to raise thousands of dollars in the 10 minute text-to-donate window. She also has set a goal to sell out the Paramount Theatre, filling its nearly 830 seats. Last year the event drew a crowd of 560.
“The goal is always to sell out, but this year I think we can do it,” said Logan optimistically.
Additionally, there will be six major raffle prizes sponsored by businesses in Killington, Mendon, Rutland, Manchester, among others.
Keeping the show going smoothly and color-commenting along the way will be emcees Kwame Dankwa, from Z.97, and Kathy Korza, a stylist in NYC and judge from last year’s event. Dave Hoffenberg from Artist Entertainment Agency will deejay the show, matching appropriate music with each retailers “look.”
This year the event will have reserved seating, so organizers suggest attendees select their seat early for the best viewing. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and children under 16, and are available at the Paramount Theatre Box Office at 30 Center Street, by phone at 802-775-0903, or online at www.paramountvt.org.
