By Lana Bradstream, Journal correspondent | Sunday, September 20, 2009

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Around 200 people turned out Friday night for flashy and bedazzled bras and a runway fashion show benefiting breast cancer research at the Downtown Molly Brown Runway Show in Art Alley.

Decorated bras, ranging from a hodgepodge of stuff stuck on the piece of clothing (even a free taco coupon from Taco Johns) to a belly-dance inspired brassiere, were modeled by a variety of people, all wearing clothes underneath. A young boy, an older man, women of different ages, and even emcee Mike Golic of Mike in the Morning on radio 99.5, who wore a bra with guitars on the straps, got into the spirit.

Golic said he discovered a few things that evening: "It's hard to turn into a parking space when you got big boobs," he said. He also noted that women were unable to tell him the color of his eyes.

Debbie Stangle, 50, of Rapid City, was among crowd members bidding on some of the pieces. She said even if she didn't win one, at least she would drive the price up.

"This is a wonderful idea," Stangle said. "I like that the men are willing to help. It's not every day you see men strutting around in highly decorated women's lingerie."

Stangle said she is hoping the event comes back next year, because she and a friend are planning on getting creative on a brassiere for next year.

"I like the bras," she said. "It's fun to see the different designs and styles and the work that was put into some of them."

Sara Henrickson, 18, and Michael Phillips, 21, were also in the crowd, supporting friends who were in the show. Henrickson said she really enjoyed the bras. Phillips was more keen on the lights and Art Alley being put to use.

Henrickson said she also enjoyed watching canines on the catwalk model some "doggie fashion."

"This was a good idea," Phillips said. "There are a lot of kids everywhere, not just old people."

Stores included The Celtic Connection, Take A Hike, The Organic Company, Global Market, CHH Designs, Simply Style, Paris Chic, Mona Lisa's on Main, Shaviq Designs, LaMae and Paws Pet Bakery. Each store added their own flavor to the event.

The Celtic Connection opened the runway for their models with a bagpiper and fuzzy scarves being thrown into the crowd when they were done. The Organic Company featured a blond 2-year-old girl leading-- and sometimes following or being twirled by -- a small Chihuahua-sized dog.

Morgan VonHaden, 28, was a model for Mona Lisa's, along with her mother. VonHaden works for Volunteers of America, and when she heard about the cause for the fashion show, she said she would definitely do it. She was happy with the experience.

"The Best Little Hair House did my hair. Merle Norman did my makeup. I felt like a real model because they made me feel so pretty and special. We even picked out the clothes we would model," she said.

VonHaden said she has had a couple of friends fight breast cancer, along with some co-workers.

"The best part of this has been knowing it helps a cause," VonHaden said.