The models' runway was made of two dozen wooden tables, laid end to end. Music came from a small radio placed underneath a basketball hoop. And uniformed guards eyed the exits -- including two doors with metal bars.
Yesterday's fashion show held none of the glitter of Paris or New York. But for about 300 inmates of the Baltimore City Detention Center, it provided a break from normal routine, as well as a chance to boost spirits and self-esteem.
"I'm going to gain my self-respect back when I get up there," inmate Denise Jones said before the show. "This is going to give me a chance to do something for myself and when I go home, I'll do something more positive for the community."
The fashion show is one of the activities designed to educate or entertain inmates, said Commissioner LaMont W. Flanagan.
"Our motto here is: 'Let's entertain them before they entertain us,' " he said. "We try to keep inmates very busy and preoccupied. It's much cheaper to busy them with activities than to try and stop an uprising."
As music blasted from the makeshift sound system, the models -- 13 female and two male inmates -- dressed in the hallway. They received last-minute instructions on how to smile and walk from Margurite Shropshire-Addison, owner of Maggie's Place, the West Baltimore boutique that donated the clothes.
And when they changed clothes, many inmates changed their demeanor -- holding their heads up, smiling and walking with confidence. Then they pranced and glided down the gym's makeshift runway, wearing everything from evening wear to authentic African attire.
"I feel on top of the world," said model Marie Moses, who showed a South American flair as she danced down the runway.
Other inmates cheered and clapped as they watched acquaintances make their modeling debuts.
Gwen Oliver, director of inmate activities, was proud to see the inmates regain some self-esteem.
"This gives them a better feeling about themselves instead of feeling like a misfit or someone who has been thrown away," said Ms. Oliver, who has organized the event for the past three years.
The women also may be able to use what they learn about hair, makeup and dress on job interviews when they are released, officials at the center said.
After the show, Ms. Shropshire-Addison encouraged the inmates become positive influences in the community, adding that their children needed them.
"I want to give them some incentive," she said. "I want to show them how a woman should look and act, and I want to show
them that they can do exactly what I'm doing."