Transitions 09 Fashion Show Wows Evergreen

A transition is an evolution that shifts energy into a new gear and Transitions 09 was an energetic shift in into high gear that raised the bar for a rockin’, rolling and reeling in the quiet, Rocky Mountain foothills town of Evergreen, Colorado.

"It was the best event that’s ever been in Evergreen," says Gail Ridings, owner of sponsoring TallGrass Aveda Spa and Salon. "It was knock down, drag out incredible!"

Lights, music, and a slide show of colorful images set the stage for a high style hair and fashion show with models strutting their stuff in an inaugural event that exceeded everyone’s expectations and put the fun in fundraiser.

Sponsored by TallGrass Aveda Spa and Salon and benefitting Evergreen Animal Protective League and the Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce, Transitions 09 was produced by the hairstylists at TallGrass, headed up by Jen Schapiro.

Guests seated in rows of chairs three-deep along the runway and standing-room behind were treated to fashions from Evergreen merchants DARE Boutique, Le Boudoir Lingerie and Boone Mountain Sports. Models from TallGrass, who were staffers from every spa department, sported exotic makeup and hair styles. "It was so cute to see the young women from TallGrass, normally so shy, vamping it up on the runway. They got so into it, "said Ms. Ridings. The audience looked on, wide-eyed, as TallGrass stylists performed a daring haircut technique on stage, teasing the model’s hair up high and taking turns making cuts then whipped off the cape as the model paraded down the runway.

Canine models in costume added to the fun, some accompanied by their owners, others candidates for adoption from the Evergreen Animal Protective League, an all-volunteer organization that provides foster homes for dogs and cats awaiting placement in permanent homes. "I can’t believe we raised $500 in an hour," said League president Jackie Bell, talking about the spirited sales of raffle tickets.

Photos of Transitions 09, are posted on the TallGrass Aveda Spa and Salon Facebook page. More information about TallGrass can be found at www.TallGrassSpa.com and information about the Evergreen Animal Protective League is at www.eapl.com.

TallGrass Aveda Spa and Salon, located in a picturesque mountain meadow in the foothills community of Evergreen, was voted "Best Day Spa in Denver" for the second year in a row in the A-List competition sponsored by Denver’s 7, the local ABC-TV affiliate. During the summer and early fall, viewers were invited to go online to vote for their favorite businesses from among select nominees.

Comments like "not only was my facial wonderful, but the atmosphere was heavenly" and "you just never want to leave" and "they are purely outstanding, you will never get better attention, period" accompanied viewers’ votes for TallGrass. More comments from voters can be viewed on the television station’s web site at www.TheDenverChannel.com/alist.

TallGrass owner, Gail Ridings, is the recipient of the Leadership Evergreen Award, recognized for her outstanding leadership qualities and unique dedication to the community. She has served as the Chair of the Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce, is on the Board of the Evergreen Rodeo and is a member of the Evergreen Rotary.