Canine Couture

There’s something about fashion, Fidos and fundraising that works well together. But Unleashed: A Passion for Fashion isn’t just another fashion-show fundraiser for an animal shelter — at least not in the usual ways.

First difference? The designers. Haley Mariah of Trophy Clothing and Terra Jo of Havea Lolo are young — really young — and they share a sensibility to match. Their clothes are contemporary, edgy, all handmade, pattern-free and one-of-a-kind; Haley Mariah says she swears by vintage fabrics and the kind of affordable prices that will have you doing a double take. I’ll vouch for what I’ve seen: Her stretchy, hand-stitched clothes are feminine and modern, with ultra-cute details that would translate perfectly on, well, dogs and humans alike.

Which is the point of all this. At Unleashed, the designer clothing is for both. Different, right? Haley Mariah and Terra Jo created matching spring outfits to be featured in a runway show pairing models with adoptable shelter dogs, today at 1:30 p.m. at the Oriental Theater, 4335 West 44th Avenue. And should you decide to take home one of the pretty pooches, they’ll include its little outfit in the adoption fee. Plus, after the show, you’ll be able to shop at the Unleashed Boutique at EvB Studios, just adjacent to the Oriental.

Admission is $5 at the door, and proceeds benefit the no-kill MaxFund and Denver Municipal Shelter; call 720-987-5572 or log on to www.trophyclothing.com for information.

Sat., May 16, 1:30-2:30 p.m., 2009