WASHINGTON — At first glance the train on the dress designed by Maria Chaconas showed to be made from crystals, and the necklace sported by a former Miss DC looked as if it were fashioned from beads and wood.

But the fluffy material trailing Chaconas’s “Chronicles of Narnia”– enthused White Witch dress was really sugar, and the baubles adorning the onetime Miss DC were a mixture of chocolate and sugar.

At Monday’s charity Des Alpes Chocolate Fashion Show, only the name gave away what these culinary experts were actually using to cook up their dream gowns.

While walking down a runway swathed in confectionery might seem challenging, none of the models had any difficulty controlling their costumes and Miss DC, who modeled a Cruella De Vil-inspired costume, was even accompanied by a dalmatian.

The ninth annual Sweet Charity event, which benefits DC school libraries, and the corresponding fashion show challenges local chefs to get on the daunting task of creating an outfit from edible treats.

Each outfit must match to an annually-selected theme — “Literacy on the Silver Screen” being this year’s task.

Katie Musser, a first-time competitor, took initial place with her Cruella De Vil-inspired creation, featuring a chocolate-covered dress cinched with a chocolate belt, and a fur stole edged with hanging chocolate balls.