A touch of pink

WHAT: “A Touch of Pink Fashion Show”

WHEN: 8:00 p.m., Saturday

WHERE: Nick and Eddie restaurant, 1612 Harmon Place, Minneapolis

COST: $15

For an industry that’s so scrutinized and oftentimes written off as excessive or vapid, it’s important to acknowledge the many positive contributions that fashion is capable of making to society.

While a little runway glamour may not be able to cure breast cancer, what it can do is raise awareness and funding. Nothing fights the good fight quite like some sexy, haute couture, and this Saturday, fashion lovers have the opportunity to support both at “A Touch of Pink Fashion Show,” a benefit production for the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Produced by Natasha Kimbrough, “A Touch of Pink” not only seeks to gain money for the Susan G. Komen foundation but also to raise awareness about women’s health and to celebrate the courage of those who have suffered or are currently combating one of the most deadly ailments that women can face.

“The only way towards a cure is research,” Kimbrough said. “I think a fashion show is an especially fitting means to the end because it’s celebrating the beauty of women.”

The show itself will present a combination of New York runway style and live music from local R&B siren Chantel. Every realm of production will project the quality of a prestigious, trendy affair but with one major difference: the models.

“The women that will walk in this runway show are real women,” co-host Christine Tulgren said. “They will be all colors, sizes, shapes and ethnicities. That was especially important to us because breast cancer can affect anyone. We want to represent everyone.”

All proceeds will benefit the Minnesota affiliation of the Susan G. Komen foundation, including items available for a silent auction, the $15 ticket price and the evening’s themed drink: the pink martini.

While the show will present viewers with up-to-date trends, this approach can be perceived as less formal than traditional local fashion shows. Fashion is the vehicle to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Conceived as a means to do good in the simplest sense, Kimbrough eagerly anticipates the response from the local environment.

“This project was created out of a desire to give a little back to the community,” Kimbrough said “It’s a win-win. Regardless of turnout, we’re doing work that’s very rewarding.”

As a grave, but preventable threat to women’s health across the world, it’s through efforts such as “A Touch of Pink” that hope can be fostered, research continually pursued and the tangible reality of a cure can become that much more reachable.