FASHION FRIDAY: TELLURIDE AIDS BENEFIT & 2 SKIRTS

21 Feb FASHION FRIDAY: TELLURIDE AIDS BENEFIT & 2 SKIRTS

Editor’s note: Vogue does it. The high powered glossy hosts “7th on Sale,” the proceeds from which go to AIDS-related charities working in the U.S. and abroad. Just like the Telluride AIDS Benefit whose six beneficiaries (one, Ubuntu Africa, is honorary) do good work from the Front Range to orphanages in Africa. Fashion and fun are TAB’s soft center, on display at the glittering fashion show and auction, Saturday, March 2, but the hard reality is that AIDS has not gone away. Except from the headlines. In fact, the whole reason TAB hit on the idea for fashion show as fundraiser, was because TAB’s muse, Robert Presley, who died of AIDS in 1997, was a fabric artist and costume designer. In support of TAB, Two Skirts’ Kristin Holbrook took a break from her sabbatical from her regular column, Fashion Friday. Here’s what she has to say about TAB’s upcoming gala. (And talk about putting your money where your mouth is, five of the lines at the Student Fashion Show came from Two Skirts. Good on your Kristin.)

Milly, New York

I love it when fashion and fundraising come together, and the Telluride AIDS Benefit Fashion show is the epitome of that high-powered combo.

For years, models have been walking (and dancing on) the runway in Telluride for the purpose of raising awareness and money for the worldwide AIDS epidemic. For over 10 years, Two Skirts has supported the event with runway outfits that add to the designer-packed show. The fashion show is not only a worthy cause, it is also Telluride’s social event of the year, packing the house with two sell-out shows at the Telluride Conference Center, Mountain Village.

This year from Two Skirts, expect to see a 20-outfit lineup with looks from Alice + Olivia, Lela Rose, Sachin + Babi, Milly and Kate Spade to name just a few. Other local shops also have their time in the spotlight, with looks from cashmere and diamonds to sporty and western. Donations also come in directly from New York and Los Angeles designer showrooms including Nanette Lepore, Black Halo, and Rogan.

High fashion isn’t just expected on the runway. It trickles down to the seats as the spectators take advantage of the rare opportunity in Telluride to dress to the 9s and strut their stuff. Anything goes at TAB, but in keeping with this high fashion show style, Two Skirts offers some great options.

I recommend anything from Kelly Wearstler. The style diva’s designs scream runway sensationalism with leather accents, subtle pops of animal print and hints of 80’s glam. Look for her asymmetric scribble print skirt and blouse on the TAB runway. Elizabeth and James’ looks also have a runway flare. Try the white ponte knit/black leather top with matching black leather high waisted skirt. But fair warning – you might be confused with one of the models on the catwalk. Lastly RED Valentino has a real show stopper this spring with a red, white and blue anchor print jumpsuit. Wear this number and you are sure to steal the show.