It all started back in 1994, when Telluride locals Kandee DeGraw and Robert Presley were having a beer at the historic Sheridan Bar. Presley, a fashion designer battling AIDS, was sharing his frustration as to the costs and commuting involved with getting treatment. DeGraw, then part of a comedy troupe, suggested her group do a benefit to help pay for Presley's medical costs. While very appreciative, the selfless Presley said if there was to be a benefit, it should be for the Western Colorado AIDS Project rather than for him. And just like that, the event that has become a regional and international legend began, raising $12,000 for WesCap in its first year, with DeGraw taking three months off of work to put it together. "We ran an ad for volunteers and had 120 people show up; it was incredible," recalls DeGraw.
By year two, the comedy show transformed into a fashion show when local Daiva Chesonis entered the picture, adding distinct elements that would forever shape the event. "It's really Daiva's baby," says DeGraw. "She made the fashion show happen." For the 1995 inaugural show Presley made an entire clothing line out of inflatable pool toys and during the first years that ensued, threads were made from household items like cellophane and tin foil. It was a light and comical event with a serious point. There were also big name designers that donated early on and Presley always created a special collection until he grew too ill during the last couple of years of his life.
Today, while still light and comical and with a point still as serious, the Gala Fashion Show has matured into a production that rivals those seen during Fashion Week in New York City. Between the choreography, music, makeup, sets, hours of rehearsals and of course, exquisite garments, it is a totally professional, seamless and gorgeous runway extravaganza that attracts merchandise donations from fashionistas like Catharine Malandrino, Autumn Teneyl, Elie Tahari, Kenneth Cole and Dolce & Gabbana.
There is also a staff of about 100 people, many of whom have been involved from the start when it was purely a volunteer event. "It's such a tribute to Telluride that the people who live here have this incredible spirit and are willing to put so much work into something to make it happen," says DeGraw. "It might have been my idea right at the start, but the event and its success belongs to this community. Telluride is amazing; people truly rally to support things they believe in and you don't see that much in today's day and age."
In 2008, alone, the event raised a record $160,000 with hopes of surpassing that number this year and in the future. TAB also prides itself on funding relatively unconventional projects, shying away from much of the bureaucracy and red tape involved with so many larger nonprofits. Some of its projects receive almost their entire annual budget from money donated by TAB. "This event has made such a big impact on people's lives," says DeGraw. "Locally, people don't have to drive to Denver to get treatment and globally, projects that might otherwise get overlooked get the money they need."
TAB's Gala Fashion Show is a Telluride institution, a favorite amid both locals and visitors to the Telluride area; those who mark it on their calendars every year, the minute its date is released. We invite you to become a part of it.