Plymouth Woman Models In New Age Fashion Show Tonight

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but with a youth obsessed looking a certain way can mean everything.

But tonight eight local woman, ages 50 to 83, will combat the standard of beauty and show what it really means at the second annual "Dispelling the Myths of Age and Fashion Show" tonight Oct. 20 at the Nicollet Island Pavilion in Minneapolis.

For 52-year-old Kathi Pitra of Plymouth, this is her first chance to be a model that breaks the cultural beauty mold.

"This is something that's out of my comfort zone, outside my box a little," Pitra said. "Every year since I turned 50 I tried to do something at least once a year that's impactful and that I haven't tried before."

Even though she's afraid of the water, when Pitra turned 50 she went fly fishing in rapids. Last year she picked up a hand gun and she doesn't like guns. 

This year she is a model in a show that will benefit the nonprofit organization Dress for Success, dedicated to promoting the economic independence of disadvantaged women in the Twin Cities by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

For Pitra the experience has been inspiring.

"I am on the low end of the perspective age spectrum," she said. "But when I see 70- and 80-year-olds who have not onlytaken care of their bodies, but minds and spirits too, I hope that I can be on that type of path--positive and caring for myself and others."

Pitra found out about the show last year and saw it, but the show founder, Jean Ketcham, is a long time friend and urged Pitra to audition to be in this year's show.

The fashion show is presented by Aging But DANGEROUS, a group of women dedicated to help motivate women ages 50 and older to find new meaning in their lives. The event's co-sponsors are Minnesota Monthly Magazine and the Jon Charles Salon. Tickets cost $35 in advance or $40 at the door.

“This is an engaging, real-life fashion show for women — that any age or gender  can appreciate," said Ketcham. "The models — including one or two with former experience  — will tout the latest clothes and looks with high volume attitude and energy like no mere ‘kid’ could express. These power-packed sexagenarians, septuagenarians and beyond are made up of Twin Cities’ moms, professional women — and maybe even your next-door neighbor.”

Pitra is excited and a little nervous about modeling for the first time. She will be modeling several looks from businesses in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

“Women comprising our 'Kick-Ass Modeling Squad' will make you rethink the runway,” said Aging But Dangerous Co-Founder C. Suzanne Bates. “Our women are emancipated, not emaciated. They’re strong individuals with personal and professional history, not teenagers and 20-somethings that often represent a false, or projected, view that only the very young can possess beauty, glamour, personality, or the ability to look really HOT!”

Pitra looks forward to being involved in what she remembers as a fun, friendly and invigorating event for women of all ages, backgrounds and talents.