Erowid Center Benefit Gala A Feast for the Mind and for the Senses June 21, 2008 : San Francisco

Fabulously Formal...Festive Best...Creative Black Tie...words that spark anguish in the hearts of many men (and some women). Fear not! We know the terms are contentious, and we wish that there were better ones. We would love to see you all in the most elegant, fanciful threads that you feel comfortable in.

FIRSTLY: Gentlemen, a classic tuxedo is fabulous, formal, and entirely welcome. Feel free to leave the "Creative" part to what's between your ears.

That being said, modifications, transformations, elaborations and deconstructions are encouraged!

"But what, what, what can I do?" ask those among you not already busy with a sewing machine, your mother's prom dress, and a pair of leather chaps.

The easiest way to start hacking the penguin suit is with color. A pocket square with a peacock blue psychedelic print is about as far off the beaten path as one Erowid board member is planning to stray. Try a dark suit with a beautiful evening shirt in a color you love but would never wear to work. Waistcoats, cummerbunds, and ties can also be found in various fabrics and patterns. Have fun! A dress kilt, for example, would make a very fine choice. Go retro, wear tails, don a smoking jacket. We can't wait to see you in your magnificent finery!

AND, Ladies: We hope by now you get the drift! We welcome all expressions of beauty, whimsy, and glamour. Wear whatever makes you feel your most gorgeous, splendorous self.

For those ladies already squealing with glee at the thought of the sartorial possibilities, and any others of a foppish bent: Along with my gown of silk and satin, I myself am planning to sport the eighteenth century courtly fashion of a towering wig decorated with little models (in this case molecules!). If any of you would care to join me, we can have a contest for Most Psychoactive Hair.

For those of you with better things to do with your day: Throw on your sparkliest cocktail dress, your slinkiest pants ensemble, or whatever you would wear to the wedding of your dearest, most outrageous friends.

We hope we have cleared up any confusion, and banished anxiety and distress. We love you, you look perfect, see you in June!

-- Katherine (event hostess)