Photos: Chad Chisholm, Custom Creations
Models: Lauren Cisneros and Gregg Avedon, Donna Baldwin Agency
Stylist: Jenece Amella, Styles by Jenece
Makeup Artist: Erroll Perkins
We have lofty goals for gala season—both for the funds we raise for the community and for the ensembles we don while celebrating them. For the latter, this fine lookbook is brimming with fresh possibilities. Ready to put on the ritz?
ON LAUREN: Mark’s Diamonds 18-karat white gold and diamond earrings, $7,000, and 18-karat white gold, sapphire and diamond necklace, contact store for pricing, both at Mark’s Diamonds, Cherry Creek North, 877.766.2757, marksdiamonds.com; Xscape open-back embellished gown, $335, at Macy’s, Park Meadows, 303.566.6370, macys.com ON GREGG: Justin Alexander classic tuxedo, contact store for pricing, at The Black Tux at Nordstrom, Park Meadows, 303.799.3400 x1545, theblacktux.com ON GREGG: Justin Alexander classic tuxedo, contact store for pricing, at The Black Tux at Nordstrom; Mark’s Diamonds 18-karat white gold and diamond men’s ring, contact store for pricing, at Mark’s Diamonds; Tuxedo shoes, provided by stylist team ON LAUREN: Mark’s Diamonds 18-karat white gold and diamond flower necklace, contact store for pricing, at Mark’s Diamonds; Xscape beaded flounce-hem gown, $289, at Macy’s; Custom needlepoint handbag, provided by stylist team; Shoes, model’s own Mark’s Diamonds 18-karat white gold earrings with round, princess, marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, contact store for pricing; 18-karat white gold and diamond floral ring, $8,500; 18-karat white gold necklace with marquise and round brilliant diamonds, contact store for pricing; and platinum ring with round brilliant diamonds, $9,000, all at Mark’s Diamonds; Betsy and Adam metallic cape gown, $258, at Dillard’s, Park Meadows, 303.790.0100, dillards.com; Handbag, model’s own ON LAUREN: Mark’s Diamonds 18-karat white gold and diamond earrings, $7,000, and 18-karat white gold necklace with marquise and round brilliant diamonds, contact store for pricing, both at Mark’s Diamonds; Jovani navy lace-overlay gown, Goodwill’s Déjà Blue Boutique, Cherry Creek North, 303.996.5668, goodwilldenver.org; Shoes, model’s own ON GREGG: Justin Alexander classic tuxedo, contact store for pricing, at The Black Tux at Nordstrom; Mark’s Diamonds 18-karat white gold and diamond men’s ring, contact store for pricing, at Mark’s Diamonds; Tuxedo shoes, provided by stylist team ON LAUREN: Mark’s Diamonds 18-karat white gold and yellow and white diamond earrings, contact store for pricing; 18-karat yellow gold and yellow and white diamond necklace, contact store for pricing; and 18-karat yellow gold and yellow and white diamond bracelet, contact store for pricing, all at Mark’s Diamonds; Xscape classic fitted gown, contact store for pricing, at Goodwill’s Déjà Blue Boutique ON GREGG: Justin Alexander classic tuxedo, contact store for pricing, at The Black Tux at Nordstrom; Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II “The Batman” watch, contact store for pricing, at Mark’s Diamonds
GALA STYLE TIPS FROM OUR STYLIST
Denver-based JENECE AMELLA has been a wardrobe, hair and makeup expert for more than 20 years. She has worked across the world—from New York to London to Portugal to Chile—and has styled the likes of Lindsey Vonn, Mikaela Shiffrin, Amy Purdy, Missy Franklin and Von Miller. Here, her advice on women’s silhouette trends, jewelry to pair with them and more.
INTERESTED IN TRYING TRENDS?
“Be daring and go against the norm. Glamorous, formal just-above-the-knee cocktail dresses and menswear-inspired pantsuits are big right now.”
DON’T SACRIFICE COMFORT
“Comfort and a good fit should always take precedence. If you are busty, try a V-neck. Great arms and shoulders should be seen with an off-the-shoulder, strapless, spaghetti-strap or halter neckline.”
KEEP ACCESSORIES SOPHISTICATED
“You want to have jewelry that compliments, rather than competes with, your outfit. Add a glitzy statement piece to a simple gown, dress or pantsuit; complement a beaded, studded or sequined outfit with something understated like pearls.”
NOW, ON TO HAIR AND MAKEUP
“A relaxed updo or a low chignon with some loose hairs around the face works well with any silhouette. If you’re wanting to wear your hair down, choose an outfit that exposes your arms and shoulders. When applying makeup, make one area of your face the focus. A smoky eye goes best with a neutral cheek and lip; bright lips can be balanced by a dramatic cat eye.”
Downtown Denver-BOUND?
Stay in THE BROWN PALACE HOTEL AND SPA’s renovated Eisenhower Suite, where Ike enjoyed the summer of 1955, to turn your night out into an official staycation. The amenities: a master bathroom completely made of marble, a four-poster cherry wood king-size bed, a cherry wood dining room table that seats eight and, on the fireplace mantel, a visible dent from the President’s golf practice.