San Miguel Resource Center: 2nd Annual Fashion Show

30 Jul San Miguel Resource Center: 2nd Annual Fashion Show

A view of the runway and surrounds from last year’s fashion show for the SMRC

AIDS-related charities do it all the time. Think Vogue’s “7th on Sale.” And closer to home, the Telluride AIDS Benefit’s fashion show is the hot ticket of the winter season. Fashion events for a good cause work. And they make a difference. People have fun and open their hearts – and wallets  – to party hardy for a good cause. As last year’s fashion show to support the San Miguel Resource Center proved.

The Resource Center is the Telluride region’s only nonprofit serving victims of interpersonal violence. The nonprofit’s mission: eliminate sexual assault and domestic violence in and around Telluride, including the West End, by promoting healthy relationships. Historically, the Resource Center’s only public fundraise has been the Chocolate Lovers’ Fling. Several years ago, however, Kristin Holbrook of Two Skirts, came up with the idea of “Clutch for a  Cause,” an opportunity to clean out your closet and/or acquire a vintage (or new) designer handbag for a great price – and a great cause. A clear win win. “Clutch for a Cause” took place last Friday. This Friday, August 2, is more fashion fun: the second annual fashion show to support the Resource Center. The event takes place at Hotel Madeline in Mountain Village starting at 6 p.m. and includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, a catwalk (of course), and dancing to tracks laid down by D.J. Harry. Suggested dress: high fashion, Telluride style.

The Resource Center’s fashion and jewelry show was put together thanks to the generosity of local retailers, including Two Skirts, Cashmere Red, Dolce, Scarpe, Fuel, Heritage, Swanky Buckle, Worth and features local models: Matt Hintermeister, Alex Smith, Casey Nay, Jeff Shannon, Ross Martin, Robin Jones, Meaghan Hensen, Lauren Harrison, Amy Taylor. Merlin Lucas, Mike Zuendel, Erin Gehrke, Katie Singer, Erica Doemland, Lacy Carlson.

Tickets are $40 at the door, but VIP seating is also available for between $299 ( runway seats) up to $1,000 for a table of four, which includes two bottles of wine, a red and a white, a hot hors d’oeuvre platter an a desert plate.

Threads change with season trends, but interpersonal violence is always in vogue. And that’s the Resource Center’s challenge. Now you have the greatest excuse in the world for upping your chic quotient.

Call board president Cynthia Sommers, 970-729-1157 or go to cynsommers2@gmail.com with questions about fashion show. And read what Cindy has to say as she reminisces about last year’s bash.

Kristin Holbrook of Two Skirts & Caci Grinspan of Cashmere Red

An Affair to Remember

First Annual SMRC Fashion Show Becomes a To-Be-Repeated Event

Although it was a wet and dark stormy summer evening, things were nothing short of festive and bright inside the grand Mountain Village home that hosted the inaugural San Miguel Resource Center Fashion Show. Over 250 people showed up for the benefit, which raised more than $15,000 for the SMRC.

The fun began at cocktail hour as folks rolled through the door promptly at 6 p.m. (even those on “Telluride Time”), dressed to the nines in “high fashion” attire. Guests congregated around the Gold Carpet that ran through the Great Room, and socialized to the sounds of DJ Harry. They sipped beverages and snacked on lobster salad, carved tenderloin, stuffed crimini mushrooms, smoked salmon, and chocolate raspberry mousse cups, all provided by Krasic’s Cusine.


After sufficient mingling, the main event began: the fashion show. Local models strutted their stuff down the runway, draped in exquisite pieces from Two Skirts, Cashmere Red and Dolce Jewels.

The amazing thing was that Katie [Singer], Kristin [Holbrook], and I met on June 27 to discuss the idea of a fashion show. Three weeks later, it was happening. We hit the ground running and never looked back.

The silent auction featured such items as a Beverly Hills shopping trip, a Cashmere Red wrap, and an outfit from Two Skirts. And, to no one’s surprise, DJ Harry kept the party going on the dance floor until midnight. Word on the street the next day? Hands down, one of the best Telluride events ever: intimate, elegant, and entertaining.


Looking back, I will be forever indebted to the team of amazing men and women who made the evening come together. Everyone gave it their all and it showed. We had such an amazing turnout and look forward to making the next show even better.

“We are so grateful to everyone who made that first event a success,” said Melanie Montoya, co-executive director of SMRC. “And grateful to those stepping up for #2. The funds raised will have a tremendous impact on the SMRC, allowing us to spend more time focused on our mission.”

Donations to the SMRC can be made by visiting their website at www.sanmiguelresourcecenter.org, or by mail at P.O. Box 3243 Telluride, CO 81435. All donations are tax deductible.