It’s time once again to don your gayest red apparel for the fifth annual Red Dress/Dress Red Party, one of the season’s hottest dance events.
Drag is not your thing? No worries. An actual dress is not required. Just wear something red. And make sure you’re dressed to impress. After all, you don’t want your friends to upstage you with a more fabulous look.
The evening’s fun stems from the wardrobe, according to Mike Thompson, CEO of the LGBT Community Center of the Desert. “There’s something special that happens when 500-plus people forgo their typical party attire in favor of a sassy red dress or a snappy red pant suit,” he says. “The level of fun is instantly ratcheted up a few notches.”
The red-hot event takes place from 8-11 p.m. March 12, at Snapshot Palm Springs, where it moved last year from the Ace Hotel & Swim Club.
“Guests will be in everything from red top hot and tails to red sequin and feathers,” Thompson says. “Regardless of one’s red comfort level, there’s a lot of fun to be had, whether you’re nibbling on tasty bites from our restaurant partners or dancing to the sounds of DJ Bob Scatch.”
In addition to tasty bites and and floor-thumping tunes, your $75 admission gets you an open bar, complimentary valet parking — and the good karma that comes from benefitting a worthy cause.
What began in Portland as an intimate little party in 2001 (which, according to legend, took place in a basement and drew 75 attendees) has grown into an annual drag extravaganza/local fundraiser in various cities around the country.
Proceeds from the Palm Springs Red Dress/Dress Red party benefit The LGBT Community Center of the Desert, whose programs address mental health, wellness, support, education, social services, and a food bank.
5 Tips For Putting Your Best Red Foot Forward:
5 Tips For Putting Your Best Red Foot Forward:1. The more outlandish your getup, the better. The possibilities for outrageousness are endless: You can go fancy in a lavish ball gown or make yourself streamline with a sexy onesie.
2. Accessorize! A quick trip to your favorite thrift store (Revivals, Collectors Corner, or Angel View) could yield all kinds of groovy red things to complete your look, be it a pair of Sally Jessy Raphael glasses, a hat, scarf, or a red feather boa.
3. Have you been hitting the gym? Good, show some skin. Consider a minimalist look, like a nice red miniskirt and some pearls for clean, studly appearance.
4. Wear something you can move in. It’s a dance party; you can’t just stand around and look pretty. Well, maybe.
5. Lastly, don’t be afraid to mix your reds. The same way that people from all walks of life make a great party, diverse reds make a great outfit. Don’t limit yourself to one hue.
Red Dress/Dress Red Party, 8-11 p.m. March 12 at Snapshot, 4575 E. Camino Parocela, Palm Springs; www.thecenterps.org/events/red-dress-dress-red
Inset photos courtesy of The LGBT Community Center of the Desert and David A. Lee Photography
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