Guys in Skirts, Dudes in Camis: OIWC Shows It Off

The Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC) will redefine “outdoor industry fashion show” with Ramp It Up!, brought to you by Fox River, the fashion show featuring all the guys you know from the halls of the Outdoor Retailer show sporting the latest in women’s outdoor apparel.

Tired of the same old industry party or standard fashion show? OIWC is celebrating their 10th year anniversary in style by putting the shoe – or the sports bra — on the other foot, or… well, we’ll just leave it at that. For decades, women have had to make do with ill-fitting apparel and equipment that was designed for men, now they want to turn the tables. To acknowledge just how far the outdoor industry has come, and to applaud the male mentors of the industry who have provided tremendous support to their female counterparts over the years, OIWC is throwing a fashion show. This time, however, the men will be wearing the gear that doesn’t quite fit.

Join your fellow industry members Friday, August 11th at 6:00 PM at the Port O’Call, a private club for members. Be prepared to laugh until you cry as Michael Hodgson of SNEWS, Mark Martin of Marmot, Steve Bendzak of Ex Officio, Jon Dorn of Backpacker Magazine, Mammut-sponsored climber Jared Ogden, Demetri Coupounas of GoLite, Steve Casimiro of National Geographic Adventure and many others show off the latest in women’s fashions. Renowned climber Timmy O’Neill will be providing commentary on the models, their outfits, and their runway talents (or lack thereof).

A duplicate of every outfit worn by one of these divas will be up for grabs at an online auction prior to and after the show.

Fox River, manufacturers of outdoor, casual and athletic socks, is the bold and generous underwriting sponsor of Ramp It Up! “We can’t wait,” said Fox River’s Joel Anderson. “This should certainly raise the bar for OR events, and will undoubtedly be a spectacle not to miss, all for a good cause. We’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

Don’t miss this hilarious event! Buy your tickets now by calling 720-249-2524. Tickets are $10; proceeds from Ramp It Up! will benefit the OIWC’s Professional Development program.

If your company would like to contribute apparel or gear for these dashing dudes to show off on the runway or if you’d like to see a man from your company model, please contact OIWC Director Sally Grimes at sgrimes@cableone.net.


OIWC is a non-profit corporation focused on the mission of equipping women to achieve their success. OIWC is sponsored at the Gold Plus level by Fox River, REI, and WL Gore. At the Gold level, sponsors are Jansport, Mountain Hardwear, and The North Face. Silver sponsors are Thule, Hi-Tec, Black Diamond, Burton, Camelbak, Hooked on the Outdoors, The Forest Group, K2 Sports, Marmot, Outdoor Retailer, Timberland, and Tubbs. Bronze sponsors are Leisure Trends Group, Backpacker Magazine, GoLite, Leki USA, Moving Comfort, Outdoor Industry Association, OutdoorMind, SIA, Sierra Magazine, Kelty, and Cascade Designs.


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