Photo by Kelly Weaver Photography

Fashion is always a great way to benefit a cause, and this time it’s Paula’s Moms & Proms that’s taking to the runway to raise awareness about teen suicide. The event, which takes place at The Wildlife Experience in Parker from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., will feature girls from area high schools modeling top prom styles, make-up demonstrations by Sweet Cheeks Boutique, hair demonstrations by Ashton Anderson, dance performances by Colorado Dance Center, vocals by Ashley Kisner, professional photography by Kelly Weaver Photography and more. The Second Annual Prom Fashion Show benefits Second Wind Fund, a Colorado non-profit organization that provides funding for licensed on-going therapy to teens who are considering suicide. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, suicide is the second leading cause of injury deaths in Colorado.

“We were shocked last winter to hear that one of our teen customers had committed suicide,” says Paula Mitchell, who co-owns Paula’s Moms & Proms with her daughter Hollie. “My daughter was devastated by this news and decided that, as a business, we need to help teens that are in trouble. We called as many girls as we could to volunteer, and, in only three weeks, we planned a fashion show. The small venue was packed, and the feedback we received was overwhelming. We decided the day after to start planning the 2012 show.”

This year’s show features 30 models from various high schools in the area. “All are committed to selling at least 10 tickets, but most will go way over that amount,” Paula says. “These girls are committed to the cause. Several have been very close to someone who tried suicide. And, one of our model’s sisters, just three weeks ago, attempted suicide. People attending this event will not only be entertained by some of the awesome young talent Denver has to offer, but they will also get to know an organization that is doing incredible things to help our youth.”

Photo by Kelly Weaver Photography

Paula’s Moms & Proms offers more than 350 unique styles of prom dresses that can’t be found in department or chain stores. Some of the key styles to watch out for at this year’s event include hi-low dresses (a much classier version of the mullet; it’s short in the front and long in the back), chiffon fabrics in orange, pink and green, as well as reflective embellishments like sequins. All prom dresses at Paula’s range between $200 and $450. Tickets to the runway show are $15 and can be purchased by calling 303.689.9593.

 

Misty Milioto is affectionately known as Denver’s Fashion Gal. She covers haute trends and local designers in the Mile High City, all while keeping a close and critical eye on national trends that are currently rocking the runways and the major glossy magazines. Stay tuned for all the best in fashion that Denver has to offer.