Parker: Max Martinez's holiday spirit hits the runway

By Penny Parker, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published November 25, 2006 at midnight

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Max Martinez, owner of Max women's boutiques in Cherry Creek, Boulder, Aspen and Highlands, sounds like an impatient kid waiting for Santa when he talks about this year's Max fashion show.

"We're getting ready for another great year," Martinez said. "We've doubled our projections. Last year at this point we were at $38,000, this year we're already at $78,000."

Martinez's models strut their stylish stuff at roughly 9:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Tracks Event Center, 35th and Walnut streets.

This annual fundraiser for Brandon Center, a shelter for battered or homeless women and their children, is Denver's most anticipated fashionista fest - not just for the European and American couture on the runway - but for all the peacock peeps who competitively dress for the event.

Added to this year's show is a silent auction, which Martinez hopes will tip the take over the $100,000 mark for the Volunteers of America charity.

"All my vendors have participated in the silent auction," Martinez said. "We have bags from Stella McCartney, Elton John tickets, a trip to Mexico; even Mariah Carey is sending us a big basket with her CDs and signed posters."

One of Max's vendors donated 300 cashmere sweaters and scarves for the women of Brandon Center.

"It's all about sharing your luck and making a difference for these wonderful women," Martinez said.

The new venue at Tracks offers more seats (although they're already sold out) and room for the silent auction. There are still standing-room- only tickets available at voacolorado.org or at 303-307-7335.

DELISH DOGS: I've seen Food & Wine magazine editor Dana Cowin dining at Aspen's finest restaurants during the annual F&W Classic, but never at a hot dog stand. But in the December issue of F&W, Cowin's column raves about the "superb reindeer sausage" she ate at Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs at 16th and Arapahoe. She gives it top billing over New York's L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon's Maine lobster.

BIG HEAD TV: KBDI-Channel 12 will air Big Head Todd and the Monsters' Live at the Fillmore DVD as part of the PBS affiliate's fall pledge drive. The members of the band will be talking with callers starting at 7 p.m. Nov. 30.

HUNTING FOR HUNTERS: The World Hunting Association is hunting for hunters to participate in a new reality television show. One male and one female winner will get a one-year Pro Staff contract with the WHA and a shot on a hunting reality show.

Submissions are due Jan. 1 and must include a video clip (less than five minutes long), a 1,000-word article on the future of the hunting industry, a 300-word hunting tip and up to 10 photos of yourself with game trophies. Registration: worldhunt.com.

SIGN OF THE TIMES: A sign held by a panhandler on the corner of Logan and Colfax: "Saving for a hooker."

EAVESDROPPING on two women talking about dating: "The only time you use real names is when you're getting married."

Penny Parker's column appears Tuesday through Saturday. Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail parkerp@RockyMoun tainNews.com.

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