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
LOVED this mixed-media storytelling!
So damn creative, I relish every scene! Each fresh look Do mine eyes deceive me? Or is Dorinda dawning the Alyssa Liu Hairdo!?🦝🧐💃🏾💫
Thoroughly enjoyed seeing the designs to coincide with the story! Wonderfully done!
What fun you two!!
Love the Dorinda & Dorabella’s girls and you! Great gowns and poetry! What else is there!
Fun stuff!💕♥️💕
Terrific collaboration of contributors, styles, and gorgeous gowns!!!
Delightful! Dorinda and Dorabella and the post are stunning!
I think GIFFT should be a real charity! 💙