The premiere event of the Big Balloon Build was a fashion show featuring outfits made from none other than balloons! Each outfit was designed in honor of the event’s space theme and the models were local leaders, invited by Life Stories Child and Family Advocacy, because of their involvement with the organization.
Stuart Davies first created the Big Balloon Build in 2013 as a way to challenge himself and his staff in making enormous balloon sculptures and learning new techniques. Since then, he has evolved it to work with a charity, using more than 100,000 balloons and bringing in 70 of the world’s most talented balloon professionals, to create a once-in-a-lifetime immersive Balloon Wonderland all in aid of a local charity to give them a platform to fundraise and raise awareness. The Big Balloon Build was created in the United Kingdom, and first made its way to the United States last year. Greeley was honored to host this incredible event which kicked off with the fashion show.
Darren Huffman and Peyton Westfall, owners of Pop Culture Sculptures, and Tim Whittaker, all from Kansas City, Kansas, helped design and build the balloon outfits for the fashion show. The outfits took three days to assemble ahead of the fashion show. Each outfit averaged 300-400 balloons, with an extra 1000-3000 in the outfit's tiny twists and bubbles. The models listed their top three favorite designs and attended fittings to get their designs custom-tailored for the show.
Deirdre Pilch, Greeley-Evans District 6 Superintendent, modeled ‘Queen Martian,’ designed by Darren Huffman, featuring a lime-green tutu paired with a pink corset and a large green antenna headband. Deirdre was escorted by her great-nephew Elijah.
Elizabeth Finch, detective with the Greeley Police Department, modeled a Darren Huffman design called ‘Solar Flair,’ decorated with fiery shades of red, yellow, orange and gold featuring a large flame neck cape. Elizabeth was attended by her husband, Todd Finch.
Jamie Ulrich, director of the Weld County Department of Human Services, modeled the design ‘Shuttle Frock’ designed by Tim Whittaker. The white dress was elevated with a colorful curly train and a balloon tiara. Jamie was attended by Phillip MacHendrie.
Leah Bornstein, president of Aims Community College, modeled ‘Alien Alloy,’ designed by Peyton Westfall. This silver dress was accessorized with a reflective headpiece, a neck cape and hand fans. Leah was attended by Joe Findley.
Melanie Woolman, United Way of Weld County president and CEO, modeled ‘Saturn Rings.’ The design featured a color palette of purple and silver accessorized with a hand-held green orb. Melanie was escorted by her husband, David Woolman.
Nina Duran-Gutierrez, president of Can Do Concrete Construction, wore a design called ‘Droid,’ designed by Peyton Westfall. This design was a black minidress accented with navy and turquoise. Nina was escorted by her husband, John Gutierrez.
Polly Kurtz, retired non-profit executive and CASA volunteer, modeled a Tim Whittaker design called ‘Asteroid.’ The gold and silver dress featured a neck cape and was wrapped in a floating spiral of balloons. Polly was escorted by her husband, Bill Kurtz.
Rhonda Solis, office manager at Northern Smiles Family Dental in Windsor, and State Board of Education, was dressed as ‘Starry Night’, designed by Tim Whittaker, featuring a color palette of midnight blue/navy, black and silver decorated with LED twinkling lights. She was escorted by her husband, Mike Solis.
Tara Rasmuson, the owner/publisher of the Greeley Lifestyle magazine, modeled a design called ‘Comet.” This extravagant design featured a long floating train and bustle, in a color palette of gold and silver. The attire was so large, she had to back into the elevator and ride solo. Tara was attended by her husband, Craig Rasmuson.
Marcy Miller, senior sales director for Hewlett Packard Enterprise, was dressed as ‘Planet-Airy’, designed by Peyton Westfall. The dress featured a gold corset wrapped in spirals and a gold and silver tutu. The design was accessorized with colorfully-painted planets. Marcy was attended by her husband, Robb Miller.
Adam Turk, police chief of the Greeley Police Department modeled a design called ‘Traveler,’ a collaboration between Peyton Westfall and Darren Huffman. This design featured a turquoise neck cape accessorized with a light sword. Adam was escorted by his wife, Angela Turk.
Mike Campbell, loan originator with Luminate Home Loans, was dressed as ‘Moon Man,’ designed by Peyton Westfall. The design featured a white crescent headpiece accompanied by an all-black attire and a black balloon vest. Campbell was attended by his wife, Tracy Campbell.
Following the show, the dresses were displayed in the Big Balloon Build, then auctioned off and the proceeds were donated to Life Stories.
The outfits took three days to assemble...Each outfit averaged 300-400 balloons, with an extra 1000-3000 in the outfit's tiny twists and bubbles.