On the Runway

Nov. 15, 2009

By Erin Crowell
“Girls, ya’ll got one
A night that’s special everywhere
From New York to Hollywood
It’s ladies night and girl
The feeling’s good”
-- “Ladies Night” by Kool & The Gang
Calling all sophisticated mamas to the third annual Gals, Glam & Glitz event, happening this Friday, at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City. The Zonta Club of Traverse City invites all women of Northern Michigan to an evening of shopping, wine, chocolate and fashion. Once again, the styling team at Imprés Salon will feature their original hair creations in a runway style hair show, with over 40 models hitting the catwalk.
The event is held in conjunction with the Festival of Trees, one of two major annual fundraisers for the Zonta Club. Both G3 and the Festival of Trees raise money for local grants and scholarships provided to women in the community.
This year’s fashion show theme is “Think Green,” and will showcase styles that can be reworked from already-existing wardrobes.
“The idea is that you can choose something from your own closet. You don’t have to spend a lot of money,” says Marci Berry, one of the support members at Imprés.
Brooke Deshasier, creative director for the G3 show adds, “It’s not going organic, but reinventing yourself without spending all the money.” A concept that comes in handy during these rough economic times.
If it’s not used, it’s local -- models will also be wearing fashionable duds from several local clothiers, including designer shoes by Michelle Pollock from Art for the Sole. Attendees have the opportunity to win $500 for her designer boots, one of several door prizes.
Other perks for the evening include a complimentary glass of wine, appetizers, entry into the Festival of Trees and a 50/50 raffle with “very handsome salesmen.”
Does that mean no boys allowed?
“Men are welcome,” says Marsha Dew, co-chair and creator of the G3 event, “but the first year it was women only. No men were allowed at all. Not even male waiters. There was maybe the lighting guy, a camera guy and the guy doing the music for the show, but that was it.”
So, what changed?
“The men started squawking,” she says. “They wanted to see their girlfriends and daughters in the show.”
Originally, the idea for Gals, Glam & Glitz started as a night out for women only, something to do while husbands and boyfriends were out hunting, says co-chair and creator Peg Jonkhoff, administrative director of Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City.
“It’s a really fun night out with friends. You can come have a drink and see a unique fashion show. You really never know what to expect,” says Jonkhoff.
The team at Imprés Salon has been working hard to live up to that standard. 10 stylists will put together what has become a culmination of 10 months of planning and preparation.
“We’re stepping outside the box,” says Deshasier. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s going to be, Wow!…Wow!…Wow!”
The event would not be possible without the Imprés team, says Jonkhoff.
“It’s off-the-wall fun for a great cause. It’s not your normal fashion show.”
Come see over 40 local women of all ages strut their stuff (and unique hairdos) at this year’s Gals, Glam & Glitz event, happening Nov. 20, at the Hagerty Center on the Great Lakes Campus of Northwestern Michigan College. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the fashion show starting at 7:45 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door, and include your first glass of Brys Estates wine, entry to the Festival of Trees, access to the Wreaths and Accessories shopping area and a chance to win door prizes. More information is available at www.ZontaClubOfTraverseCity.org/galsglam.html.

Zonta Club of Traverse City presents
Festival of Trees 2009
Nov. 20-22
Located in the Hagerty Center of the NMC Great Lakes Campus in Traverse City.
Featuring decorated trees, holiday store,
gift raffle and a variety of events including:

“Small World” Art Sale
Friday, 9am-5pm
Miniature artworks by Charles Murphy.
Included in general admission.

Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, 9-11am
Pancake breakfast. Highchairs NOT
available. Cost, $11 for adults and $6 for kids 12 & under.

Short Films, Big Message
Saturday, 7pm
Featuring local films. Cost, $15.

Visit ZontaClubofTraverseCity.org for more information