Students, it’s time to trade in those gym sneakers and “work it” with a pair of 7-inch heels. With a couple of bottles of hairspray, layers of makeup, fake eyelashes and a whole lot of attitude, a couple of struts down the Moda Provocateur runway will easily push anyone to supermodel status.
The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation is hosting its ninth annual “Moda Provocateur” fashion show on March 4, and it needs models. The event’s proceeds go to the organization’s programs and services such as food and housing, said event coordinator Monique Vallery.
“The great thing about this show is, anybody can model,” Vallery said. “It’s about personality. It’s about giving back and being a part of something.”
The show doesn’t require a certain age, size, shape or look. Vallery encourages everyone to come to the model call, even if they have never modeled before.
“We will help them learn how to walk the runway,” she said.
On Monday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., anyone can audition on the UA Mall to be one of this year’s volunteer models. Each person will have their own number, get their photo taken and walk on a makeshift runway, said Carol Cullivan, the associate development director for SAAF. The dimensions of the runway will mimic the 72-foot T-shape runway in the actual show, Vallery said.
Those who are chosen will model in Moda’s elaborate event in March, which had an audience of about 800 people last year, Cullivan said.
“It’s a full-scale production,” Vallery said. “I think people get a lot more than they expect when they come in.”
Up to 250 models can participate in the show and more than 100 are expected to be selected from the model call this year, Cullivan said. Boutique and salon owners will also be there to choose their models. Last year, about 110 models in the show were UA students.
“Show up and have personality,” Vallery said. “If you can just bring kind of that attitude and personality, that’s really what the salons are looking for.”
The event will showcase salons including Avalon for Hair, Skin and Nails, Ahead of Style, Aveda Institute of Tucson, Mia Bella Salon and Spa and Style 7 Salon. Each salon is matched up with a boutique and will have 20 to 40 models in the show, Cullivan said. The event also includes the “Project Moda” segment, which is a local fashion design competition modeled off of the television series, “Project Runway.” Participating designers and their models will present their designs on the runway, which will also include the winning selections.
“It’s a great way to experience this, as well as be able to give back to your community,” Vallery said.
The 2012 theme, “Stand by Me” is meant to send a message about HIV/AIDS caregivers. Vallery said “the fight has not stopped” against HIV and AIDS.
Last year’s Moda event raised about $60,000 for SAAF, Cullivan said. This year, the foundation’s goal is to raise $65,000 and showcase a bevy of local designers.
“New York has nothing on Tucson when it comes to style and fashion,” Cullivan said, “and we’re going to show you with this event.”