It was the social event of the season. Announced in all forms of media, it would raise a lot of money for GIFFT (Global Initiative for Flora & Fauna Trust).
Scandalous gossip ran rampant. Apparently 2 Cafe dancers from the Kit Kat Club, (Dorabella & Dorinda) had been selected to headline the entertainment.
How could that have happened? Simple. Dorinda pointed out to the board that their smash hit act, THE MIRROR, was drawing in hundreds every night.
Dorinda, wearing a vintage hand crocheted dress, told the board to think of all the money their act could generate. That was all the board needed to headline the 2 girls.
When the hoi polloi found out that Suzette was doing hair and make-up for the girls, ticket sales soared.
It was near impossible to get a beauty appointment at Suzette’s Pink Place, as she only took 2 each week, tops.
photo ©️ Suzette Benjamin
The Mirror
by – Holly Rene Hunter
In the mirror
nothing comes nor goes
without passing
A woman admires
gold baroque and the
form inside it.
When she dances
the image moves with her.
Over her shoulder
The sad café is still and silent
filled with sacrificial shadows
of devotion in repose, and so
she dances for no one but
the mirror.
The big night came
A car was sent for the girls.
They arrived in style to the hotel.
An overflow crowd was being held back behind velvet ropes.
photo ©️ Dan Antion
They took an elevator to the Grand Ball Room, where a special stage had been set up for their performance.
photo ©️ Robbie Cheadle
The show was a massive hit.
Dorabella and Dorinda had helped to raise a lot of money for GIFFT . A dinner and Gala followed.
The Gala
Everyone gasped when the girls made their entrance to the Gala.
Dorinda wore a hand beaded strapless black voile gown.
Dorabella awed in a cerulean silk with interwoven gold thread gown and floralette styled tail.
An orchestra began playing waltzes. Dorinda & Dorabella’s dance cards were filled.
A big Thank You to Dan from No Facilities for hosting this Annual Doors Challenge. He has a weekly doors event on his blog, with many participants.
The Gowns in this post were designed and hand made in the spirit of Art Gowns Sustainable Glamour especially for this challenge. Photos ©️ Resa McConaghy -2026
Special Thank you to Holly Rene Hunter for her contribution of poetry for this post. I love the way her poetry and my gowns work so beautifully together.
Please note: GIFFT (Global Initiative for Flora & Fauna Trust) is a fictitious charity!
Art Gowns 
wow, you have really outdone yourself with this one! what an amazing post and i love the gowns and the styling – bravo
Yay! Thank you, Beth! It was a lot of relaxation sewing and creating. Now, the fun is on with sharing! x
LOVED this mixed-media storytelling!
Thank you, more than lots, Dave!
It sure is fun being creative.
So damn creative, I relish every scene! Each fresh look Do mine eyes deceive me? Or is Dorinda dawning the Alyssa Liu Hairdo!?🦝🧐💃🏾💫
Thank you, EF!
How clever of you to spot Dorinda’s “Alyssa Liu’s” inadvertently created hair statement.
Of all the bloggers I hang with, you are the one who loves figure skating as much as I do.
💃🏾💫xx
Knew it; Yeah cuz we’re cool⛸️ 🙌 I was just trying to watch Liu’s gold medal skate the other night but it’s wiped from the internet Grrr😤
Thoroughly enjoyed seeing the designs to coincide with the story! Wonderfully done!
Thank you very much! This was lots of fun to create. I’m thrilled you checked it out!
What fun you two!!
Love the Dorinda & Dorabella’s girls and you! Great gowns and poetry! What else is there!
Fun stuff!💕♥️💕
Aww, thanks Cindy!
I appreciate you checking out my latest creative offering. And yes, FUN was my goal.
💕♥️💕💕♥️💕
You’re always welcome, Resa. I loved it! Great fun is right… mission accomplished💕
Yes… a new mission looms.
xoxo Thank you dear Cindy! 💕💕
Terrific collaboration of contributors, styles, and gorgeous gowns!!!
Thank you Cheyenne! 💕
It took a bit of time to calm down from the art show, but I’m sewing and drawing again.
Delightful! Dorinda and Dorabella and the post are stunning!
I think GIFFT should be a real charity! 💙
Thank you Merril!
It took a bit to get over the art show high, but sewing these little gowns has been a great segue back into a creative rhythm.
Thank you for saying GIFFT should be a charity. I was wondering if anyone would think that? 💙
You’re welcome, Resa! 💙
It sounds like a good segue–and a good charity, too!
💙💙💙
I’m now attempting to draw John Lennon. His message of peace, love and unity is on low supply.
💙
💙
The Model in the Mirror!
They’re gonna make a change
For once in their life
It’s gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference, gonna make it right
They’re starting with the model in the mirror (who?)
They’re asking her to change her ways (who?)
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
Wonderfully clever and imaginative post, Resa. I love the gowns, and how you photographed Dorinda and Dorabella looking in the miirors and reflecting in the framed mirrors. Entertainment at its best.
Yay!
Thank you Tim!
I love what you wrote in your comment. I’m thrilled my creative output has inspired you! It is a terrific message.
Crazy, but that gold frame mirror has been hanging in the living room for 20 years. Norm bought it for me from and antique shop. I rarely look in it.
Suddenly, it found its way into one of my creative needs.
Again, thank you! xxx
¡El viejo espejo inspira! Of course, I altered lyrics from Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror!” There has been a lot of “man in the mirror“ stuff over the years. Your models and gowns in the mirror reminded me of some of them.
Oh cool!
Well, whatever you were inspired to do, I love it!
xo
You and your Art Gowns are a good source of inspiration.
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you dear Tim! xx
Oh, what a creative and enthralling post, Resa! I loved the enchanting storyline and the outfits were amazing! I particularly admired Dorinda’s hand beaded black voile gown — so elegant and sophisticated; she’s a lucky lady! What a lovely way to showcase your amazing dressmaking and design talents! 🌷👗🌸
Yay, thanks Ada!
Lol, I suppose you could say gowns are my form of poetry.
I adore the black gown as well. Making these has been a terrific therapy for getting back into a hands on creative space and routine.
The art show kind of blew me away (in a good way), but left my energy scattered.
So great when you come by! It means a lot. 💕💕💕
I love your doll-illustrated story! It’s adorable!
Thank you, Marsha! I am honoured that you stooped to check out the post.
It was my pleasure entirely. I decided to visit all of Dan’s Doors’ participants.
Ahh, yes, I have been trying to visit all the doors people, but time is not on my side here. SO, I am visiting for sure all that used any of my doors.
I will check to see if you are there. It’s a fun challenge…once a year.
Later, Resa. Time is on your side! 🙂 I sent in a short poem.
Okay.. You sent the poem to Dan’s blog?
Yes. Let me find it for you. Here it is. https://alwayswrite.blog/2026/05/13/over-a-cuppaover-a-cuppa-delightful-reviews-pink-memories-and-blogging-conversationsover-a-cuppa/
Heading over!
Resa, this is such a delightful collection. I always enjoy the way you bring together photography, creativity, storytelling, and community in your posts. Your images have a playful, imaginative quality that invites readers to step into the adventure, and I love how you celebrate the people around you while doing it. You have a gift for bringing people together. There is always a sense of friendship, encouragement, and creative energy when I visit.
Rebecca, dahling! Lol.. gowns’r’resa. I just said to Ada that they are a form of poetry for me.
You are right. I do love to include other bloggers. There are many out here who I adore (like you) and it’s fulfilling for me to include my pals. I see a lot of bloggers enjoying their communities by sharing…each in their own way. Challenges are popular. I have only participated in about 4 challenges, as life is hectic.
And… we are constantly expanding, changing, reinventing… as you well know. I love how your blogs have evolved over the years. You are bringing a high quality love of art, literature, history, people who create it and talk about it, to me and all who visit you.
Big Hugs!
Resa, “gowns’r’resa” may be one of my favourite phrases yet! I agree – your growns are a form of poetry. The colours, textures, movement, and imagination all seem to tell a story without needing many words at all.
I think we are all finding our own paths as blogging continues to evolve. Like you, I enjoy seeing the many different ways people express themselves. Some through poetry, some through photography, some through stories, and some through conversations. During my blog break I had a time to reflect on how blogging is transitioning. I believe that there are so many new opportunities to share our creative spirits and connect with others in ways we never imagined when we first started. The forms may change, but the creative impulse remains. Big hugs coming right back to you!
Love the way you think, Rebecca.
Yes, things continue to change and eveolve.
Of course I like to keep up with the times, but I also love having lived the times.
So I get to learn anew, and revel …. languish in the past.
The best is like I say on my other blog…. Languishing in the arts!
🤗🤗
I had goosebumps when I read your words: “I love having lived the times.” What a gift it is to have one foot in memory and one foot in the present. We have seen so many changes, and yet we still get to be curious about what comes next. I think that is why I enjoy conversations with people like you. We can appreciate the past without living in it, while still remaining open to new ideas, new technologies, and new ways of creating. And yes, languishing in the arts sounds like a very fine way to spend one’s time. Art, books, music, photography, poetry. They help us carry the best of the past into the future.
Exactly. What a joy we have discovered about this life and what it offers here and now, there and then.
We are most fortunate t have been born in Canada, in the post WWII 20th century.
I agree wholeheartedly!!! 🤗🤗🤗
🤗🤗🤗
Meece! This is spectacular …. Every gown a work of art… these girls are the belle of the Gala. I’m captivated by the story of the Barbie Beauties and the doors opening up to a night of ballroom magic. The photos are amazing , the doors, the car, ( I want to go for a ride in that !) Robbie did a great job👏. You are out of this world dear Resa, up there with the stars.Thanks for bringing my poem along.
😘 xoxoxo 😘
PS: I’ll be back for this one! xoxo
xoxoxoxoxo
xoxoxo 🏃♀️xoxoxo
xoxoxoxoxo
Yayayay!
Thank you for letting me use your poem dear Meece! It makes the story happen.
It’s been a bit anti climatic getting back into sewing and drawing since the art show, but this project has been a great start.
It helped get me back into my night time creative routine, and as you can see, I am drawing again!
xoxoxoxo🐭🐭xoxoxoxo
This is awesome, I love the beautiful Barbie gowns. People would kill for those. Maybe not kill, but there would be lots of sighs. 😊
xoxoxoxoxo
Sighhhhsssss!
Thank you!
Designing & making doll clothes is my longest running hobby (although there were down years) …. since about 5, when I held my first needle and thread. Baba gave them to me, along with scraps of fabric, a jar of buttons and a girl (not baby) doll.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
That was the beginning , Baba probably sensed you had a talent. My Dad brought me an Antique underwood typewriter ( he got from a lady on the beach) when I was 8 cause he knew I liked to write stories. 😊😘
Resa, this is so very good. I love the collaboration, the story, the poetry and the fashion. I love the way you worked so many doors into the production. The creative energy that went into this post is amazing. The gowns are fabulous and they fit the story so well. I can’t thank you enough for sharing this with us and for.
You’re welcome Dan!
I had a lot of creative me therapy time creating this, and now the fun of posting it.
It’s a once a year thing, and that works for a hectic life.
Thank you for hosting the Annual Doors Challenge!
Your comment is wonderful!
I’m glad you joined us, Resa. The door photos you contributed have been used many times, and this was great!
A beautiful post, Resa. Amazing really. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, John!
It’s the one doors challenge I annually participate in, and it’s lots of fun.
OX OX OX
You did a wonderful job. 😀X
YOU are the absolute best. LOVE this xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thank you dear Shey!
Just having fun with my blog pals!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I thought it is abso brilliant. I loved it. just read it all again actually.
Aww…yayayaya!
Thank you!
Think I’ll read it again! 😂🤣 xxxxxxxxxxx
It is well worth it!!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A wonderful work of art. You must have had fun.
(Devotion in repose? Love that!)
Happy weekend.
Thank you Brian, I had a relaxing time, and it’s been a good segue getting back into art after the art show.
Of course posting and sharing is a wonderful reward.
Happy weekend! xx
🤗
This was so much fun! Applause, applause to all involved!!!
Yay, I wanted this to be fun. Thank you, Liz, your appreciation is welcomed!
You’re welcome, Resa!
🤗
Oh how fun!! Well done Resa and Holly. Wow, the gowns look fabulous on these ladies, they’d turn heads coming and going! 😍 The vintage crocheted dress would be fun for summer, and that beaded strapless black voile gown is fun but classy. 💃 Great post, ladies!! 👏👏👏
Thanks Ruth! xoxo
Yeah, lots of fun, and making the wee gowns was a good way to begin getting back into my night time creativity. I had gotten out of my routine from the art show and taxes time.
I adore crochet. I used to do a lot of that. There is just so much to do in life, but so little time.
Okay… now that I’m catching up a bit over here.. it’s Emmy season. Nominations will start in about 5- weeks. So, I’ve been watching what I can.
Thank you again!!!
XOXOXOXOXO
What a fabulous show and what gorgeous gowns for a special evening. Wonderful post and seriously, loved the story and gowns. Just outstanding and a lot of fun.
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the prettiest of them all? Great story and a wonderful gala with such a fantastic GIFFT!
Well done, Resa; your craftsmanship is extraordinary!
🤗👏💖🎉
I missed this comment. 🤔
Guess I was too busy looking in the mirror to see if I was the prettiest. 😂
Thank you for the visit and reading, Aladin! I appreciate your time, a lot. Making these gowns helped get me back into a “being creative” space, after being blown away by the art show. YAY! Drawing John Lennon, now, and quite excited.
❦🕊🌹🕊❦
Wow, so should I! Please never lose your genius, my lovely one.
🥰☺️🫂
You too! xo🥰☺️
This is fantastic and so creative, Resa! I love your gown! I cannot begin to imagine the work you put into these superbly elegant creations. Wow!
I love how you wove the story of the gala event for charity into the photos for the Thursday Doors Writing challenge. Thank you for including the image and the honorable mention. That Suzette knows how to do hair, at least. I sure don’t… lol.
Really enjoyable share, and I applaud your creativity par excellence. Well done in every way, Resa.
Thank you, Suzette!
I have been fascinated by that “Pink Shack” as you called it, since I first saw it.
It was a lot of fun to incorporate it into my tale.
Lol… I can’t do hair either, but have met some very talented hair designers in the film industry.
It was a lot of fun making the gowns and doing the post. Life is hectic, so I only participate in the annual doors challenge.
I’ll try to do a recap of all the posts that had one of my doors in it. I did one last year… near the end of June.
Again… YAY and thank you so much!
You are most welcome Resa. Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Back at ya!
Such needle-and-thread artistry is beyond me! But what fun it must have been to collaborate so creatively with two art forms. Such a clever use of doors!
Thank you so very much!
Well, I’m not really a writer, I’m a designer… so that is my poetry.
I’m thrilled one of the poets I admire let me use one of her poems.
Tee-hee! I’m giddy about this post, Resa. Thank you — and thanks for using two of my images. You wove all of the pictures together seamlessly or a delightful story. I enjoyed seeing the doll clothes you made too. All around, SPLENDIFEROUS! Hugs on the wing.
Thanks Teagan!
It’s the 1 doors challenge I do once a year, so it’s fun to go all out.
And thank you for the inspiration!
HUGS!
Your imagination is matched only by your creative brilliance Resa.
Oh..kay (Thank you!)
MUAH!
MUAH!!
Loved each gown. ❤
Oh my, what a sensational post, Resa. Your incorporation of the photographic prompts is so clever and your gowns are out of this world. I adore these mini gowns. I’ve always loved dolls and have a reasonable collection.
PS, this post is the star at the top of the Christmas tree.
🕊❦🕊❦xoxo
Thank you so much, Robbie. This means a lot to me, as I value your creativity and opinions.
Wow… I am impressed that you have a doll collection. Maybe you should do a doll post one day?
XOXO
It is my great pleasure, Resa. I adore this post. Yes, I should do a dolls post. I will start thinking about it. Thanks for the suggestion.
Yayay!
🌈💛
Really love this one! I have such a soft spot for these kinds of dolls. ❤️
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This was ridiculously clever! I loved it! And I found out why i have not been getting your updates- somehow or another I was no longer subscribed- Fixed that with a quickness!
Ahh, yes, it has happened to me too… somehow we fall off of the subscription. No Worries!
And with 2 blogs, I’m not always here, anyway… so it can take me awhile to get back to you.
Thank you Violet!
“Ridiculously clever” has made my day!
Yahoo!
I’ll be doing my Doors 2026 recap post on my other blog, Glam. I’ll have links to all posts that used my door pics. Thank you so much for the 2 you wrote inspired by my door pics.
You are a terrific writer!
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Great story and presentation! Looks like it was fun (and a lot of work) to put together, and certainly was fun to read and admire.
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Fantastic, Resa! What a finale, and what fabulous gowns! I especially love the cerulean blue. Hugs, darlin! xx
New here, Resa, and I am blown away! I’ll be writing about one of your door images, the one with the evil eye which you submitted to the challenge; if you’d care to tell me a little about it, I’ll add it to the story if possible. Thanks for the visual feast here!
Hello Nancy,
First, thank you!
The evil eye door… well, it’s part of a larger mural.. sort of. It’s painted on the back of a building in an alley. I have not posted the mural, as it keeps growing. Every time I pass by, a new element is added. There seems to be a music element, as there is a woman playing a piano on one side. No one element of the ongoing piece is predominant.
And.. you are welcome!
That’s great info; I’m into music big time! For door placement, is it in the US or ….?
It is in Toronto, Canada.