Hairstory 2008 is one of the more literal titles for an event one can possibly fathom.

The event, set for Sunday, Feb. 17, at Blue Bubble Ball Room, will feature the works of numerous local hairstylists who hope to tell a story by pairing hairstyles with posh fashion and their choice of merengue, rock or hip-hop music. The stylists, who work in boutiques and salons in the greater San Antonio area, will each showcase between 6 and 10 hairstyles of their choice on runway models.

According to Hairstory's Web site — signaturestyling%productions.com — “each design will take on a point of view, and every style will make a statement, but the goal is the same ..... to tell a magnificent story.”

“(Event organizers) want everyone who participates to have ownership,” said Stephanie Rivers, marketing director for Signature Styling Productions, a network of makeup artists, hair stylists and others involved in the hair and fashion industry. “A lot of times, when events take place, people are in it for themselves or trying to make money. They're not giving back.”

Hairstory 2008, meanwhile, will give something back to the community.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Dress For Success, a charity that assists women with transitioning into the workforce. Among the continuing services provided by the organization are interview preparation, job skills training and assisting with proper dress in the workplace.

Dress For Success works with women from a number of local shelters, including the Battered Women and Children's Shelter of Bexar Country and SAMMinstires.

Hairstory 2008 attendees will be able to donate items for Dress For Success, such as makeup and clothing.

“When we decided to have this event,” Rivers said, “we wanted to do it to give back to the community, not just to raise money.”

Organizers said they will raise money in stylish fashion.

“We're exposing stylists here ..... and it provides a lot of opportunity (for them),” Rivers said. “For everyone, that's the whole idea. We want everyone to feel ownership.”

CLINT HALE | 210SA