Captain Jack Sparrow may still be sailing the seven seas in search of lost fortune, but plenty of bona fide booty can be found at tonight's Erotica Aquatica Fashion Show at the Boulder Theater. Designers and boutiques including Buffalo Exchange, Tricia Russell, Common Era, Fascinations and the Ritz will strut their scantiest stuff as the show weighs anchor with some of the hottest trends in fetish fashion. "We are joining the other businesses in presenting an aquatic theme, but we'll incorporate our own twist on it," says April Sheffler, manager of Boulder's Buffalo Exchange. "Let's just say there will be lots of naked fun fish craziness."
The underwater odyssey will feature Colorado creations spun in everything from liquid latex to twirly tulle, with proceeds benefiting the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. "This is not a traditional runway show," says Erotica Aquatica Peak Productions' Pamela Dore Alford. "This is a ritual of the four earthly elements coming together in an erotic and poetic fashion event."
Aquanuts can lounge beneath the waves in a forest of pillows or dive into a traditional drum circle as "Girl Spirit to the Ghost Train" Mara Jane King navigates the evening with DJs Just Ginger and djb spinning the beats of the briny deep.
The sea-themed jubilee serves as prelude to the thirteenth installment of the Erotica Exotica Ball, which splashes down October 24 in the same location. That infamous fetish masquerade will submerge folks in a wild water world of delights.
"The fashion show gives people an idea of what to wear to Erotica Exotica," says Alford. "These events bring people together from all walks of life; it gives them an opportunity to participate in someone else's art and beauty. Just leave your inhibitions at the door."
The Erotica Aquatica Fashion Show sets sail for those 21 and over at 7 p.m. tonight; tickets, $12 to $20, are available at the Boulder Theater, 2032 14th Street, Boulder. For details, call 303-786-7030 or go to www.exoticaerotica.org. Shiver me fishnets! -- Kity Ironton
Fete Celebrates Joys of the 'Hood
FRI, 10/3
"There is a lot of history that's been lost here. By calling attention to what is here, there's a better chance of preserving it," says Margerie Hicks, executive director of the Golden Triangle Association, in reference to the area at the south end of downtown Denver. But history is only part of Striking Gold in the Triangle, a free two-day event sponsored by the association. Festivities begin today at 5 p.m. with a kickoff party at the Art Institute of Colorado (1200 Lincoln Street) featuring free food from local restaurants and live music by the Denver Musicians' Association. In addition, a shuttle will run between Golden Triangle galleries this evening and tomorrow from noon to 5 p.m.
A highlight of the urban celebration is the introduction of the "Trio of Tours" brochure, which is filled with photos, historical facts and an easy-to-follow color-coded system for self-guided walking tours of three historic areas: Civic Center, Gasoline Alley and Acoma. Group tours will also be available at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. tomorrow.
Opportunities for families in the Triangle this weekend include the Denver Art Museum's fun center, currently featuring Japanese memory games and various craft projects, and the DAM's Western Adventures backpacks, which provide a wealth of museum-centered activities. And visitors to the Denver Public Library can view a 3 p.m. Chautauqua performance about the life of Josephine Roche, Denver's first policewoman and a candidate for governor of Colorado.
For more information, call 303-572-0506 or visit www.goldentriangleofdenver.com. -- DeNesha Tellis
Tasty Eyecandy
FRI, 10/3
If you take your trendy reading with a quirky twist, flip open the latest edition of Eyecandy Mag, a two-year-old Colorado publication that delves into local and national underground art, photography, fashion, music and lifestyles. "We cater to all the different subgenres, from clubbing to hip-hop to fashion. We're not into your mainstream scenes," says Eyecandy art director Ray Romero. "Out here in Denver, a lot of cool stuff is flowing our way from both coasts. We try to be a good indicator of what is about to hit it big on the radar."
The Eyecandy crew will release its latest prose, Eyecandy Mag Issue 11, with a party and art show from 6 to 10 p.m. tonight at the Den Photography Gallery, 774 Santa Fe Drive. The bash will feature "The Emperor's New Clothes: An Accessories-Only Anti-Fashion Auction Spectacular," during which sultry fashionistas will strut around in tiny lingerie to the hip tunes of a large lineup of ear candy, including DJs MALik, Ms. Jackalope, C-1, Jellicious and Blood Preshah.
Copies of Eyecandy are available at several galleries and boutiques in Denver and Fort Collins; call 303-298-8143 or e-mail [email protected] for locations. -- Julie Dunn
Talking Shop
She She fashions a look for women
Looking to break away from the classic -- but boring -- plain black cocktail dress? Head to She She, a tiny boutique specializing in festive, flirty fashions. Sandwiched between Broadway and Lincoln Street at 5 East Bayaud Avenue, She She features handmade clothing, handbags and chunky beaded jewelry created by owner Crystal Sharp and other local artisans.
"We're really trying to target fashionable women who are individuals, who have their own sense of style," says Sharp. "Our goal is to make every woman feel comfortable while looking fabulous."
She She, which celebrates its fourth anniversary this month, also sells Asian-print photo albums and soaps and lotions. And if a lady really wants to stand out, Sharp designs custom clothing, including wedding gowns, by appointment. "Every single item in the store is handmade here in Denver," adds Sharp. "I want women to have unique yet affordable items in their wardrobe."
She She also sponsors wine tastings and benefit fashion shows, with the next one, She She Masquerade: A Brazilian Fantasy, to be held at the Parkside Mansion, 1859 York Street, on October 18. For information, call the store at 303-282-8548 or visit www.esheshe.com. -- Julie Dunn
