Issue date: 2/9/10 Section: A&E

Media Credit: Rosie Githinji One of 11 models, Ashley Sturm, turns heads with a dress predominantly made up of One Condoms. A show similar to the Condom Chic Fashion Show is upcoming at SIUE on Feb. 25, in order to raise HIV/AIDS awareness.

Media Credit: Rosie Githinji Walking out to "Fever," the overall winner of the Condom Chic Fashion Show, Brittney Barr, exhibited "Josie" for HIV and AIDS awareness.

Media Credit: Rosie Githinji Known by her fashion name "Night on the Town," drag queen Raven Winters struts down the runway wearing an array of latex "One" condoms.

Wearing a rubber has adopted a new meaning.

On Thursday night models exhibited both the safety and pleasure of One Condoms by Global Protection at the Condom Chic Fashion Show. The event was sponsored by Bethany Place at the Regency Conference Center in O'Fallon.

This is the first year they have done one, but according to Holly Velazco, who organized the show, it will happen again next year.

"It was fabulous," Velazco said. "We met our goals, and we feel like, for a first fashion show, it was a great success."

The reason for the fashion show was to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS and also to raise money.

There were different categories for those who wore something for the show such as nightlife, school pride, etc., as well as rules, such as the models could only use items of clothing that already existed and were donated, for what they could and could not do, according to Velazco.

All of the clothing used was donated as well as the condoms. The condoms were provided by "One" brand condoms and were pulled off the line before they were lubricated and packaged, according to Velazco.

Michele Brown is a graduate of SIUE and a volunteer at Bethany Place. She appeared in the show under the fashion name "Cosmo Barbie." She won third place in the show, and one of her co-workers made her outfit.

"It's an interesting way to raise awareness," Brown said.

Tiffany Smoker is also a graduate of SIUE and works as a case manager for Bethany Place. Her dress was made by a Bethany Place volunteer and won fan favorite in the show under the name "Sassy Swinger." She was not planning on being in the show and had already bought a table to support her work place. A week before the show, however, she was called into the office and asked to be in it since she fit the dress.

"It's something I would do anyway," Smoker said. "It's the start of a really neat event."

Senior community health major Justin Strait of O'Fallon volunteered to be in the show. He is the president of Eta Sigma Gamma, a health education honor society.

He received an e-mail asking for his organization's participation and decided being in the show was a great way to show off the creativity of the group.

"I think it's a great form of expression," Strait said. "People are usually conservative when dealing with condoms."

He also made his own Asian cowboy outfit and walked onto the stage under the name, "Southern Comfort."

"It took me about 10 hours to make it," Strait said. "I thought it would be unique to have an Asian dress up as a cowboy. There are Asian cowboys, and I am one of them."

He said his mother was a little stunned, but after he explained it was for HIV/AIDS awareness, she was more understanding.

SIUE had its own table at the show for staff and students to come support the three models from campus.

Assistant Director for the Kimmel Leadership Cheryl Heard and Coordinator of Greek life John Davenport attended, along with Mal Goldsmith, a professor in the kinesiology and health education department. They were there to cheer on the first place winner, senior Brittney Barr of SIUE, whose fashion name was "Josie" and whose outfit channeled the 1920's.

"It's good to remember the cause," Goldsmith said. "It's a wonderful opportunity to raise money for a really good cause."

Heard liked the different outfits in the show.

"I think it's phenomenal what they have been able to do with their designs," Heard said.

Davenport said he thought how the outfits were made were interesting.

"I didn't know condoms could be in quite so many colors," Davenport said.

Those interested in learning more about Bethany Place or how to help, can visit www.bethanyplace.org or call 618-324-0291 ext. 112 and ask for Katie.

For those interested in attending a condom fashion show, there is one being planned for the SIUE campus on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m., according to Velazco. Fashions from the past show will be brought to the show on campus.The event will take place in the Morris University Center's Oak/Redbud room.

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