There is something incredibly special about watching creativity come alive through the eyes of a child.
Fashion Denver’s Summer Fashion Camp transformed Thrive Workplace into a colorful design studio as young designers spent the day imagining, creating, and celebrating sustainable fashion. This year’s theme, Resort Remix, challenged campers to transform upcycled sheer curtains into stylish swimsuit coverups, proving that creativity doesn’t begin at the fabric store. Sometimes it begins by seeing something ordinary in an entirely new way.
Before diving into the fabrics, campers filled their pages with colorful drawings and big ideas. Then the real fun began! They wrapped, tied, twirled, clipped, and zhooshed colorful sheer curtains into fabulous resort-inspired looks. There were giggles, impromptu runway walks, and lots of “Look what I made!” moments as every little designer discovered their own unique style.
Before diving into their projects, campers heard from several incredible members of Denver’s creative community.
Our little designers also got to spend time with some amazing creative friends! Emily Clarendon made learning about the color wheel bright, colorful, and full of fun. Michael Sullivan of HAUS HOLD had everyone striking poses, practicing their runway walks, and discovering their inner supermodel. To top it all off, Salina added playful summer hair and makeup before the big “runway” show. A few of our youngest designers were especially fascinated by the lipstick and proudly “tried it on” with adorable enthusiasm, adding a few extra smiles (and laughs!) to the day before everyone showed off their one-of-a-kind creations.
One of our favorite parts of Fashion Camp is watching friendships form over fabric. Campers couldn’t wait to show each other their creations, borrow ideas, cheer one another on, and celebrate every new twist, tie, and fabulous zhoosh. Somewhere between the giggles and runway poses, they discovered that fashion is so much more than what you wear. It’s about imagination, confidence, kindness, and having the courage to create something that’s completely your own.
None of this would have been possible without an incredible team.
A heartfelt thank you goes to kari Dusenbery and her daughter Lily, who brought so much encouragement and assistance throughout the day. It was wonderful having Lily involved as she attended Fashion Camp herself more than a decade ago. Watching her return as part of the team was a beautiful full-circle moment and a reminder of how creativity continues to grow from one generation to the next.
Thank you as well to Thrive Workplace for once again opening your beautiful space for our campers to dream, design, and create together.
As each young designer stepped onto the runway wearing their one-of-a-kind resort-inspired creation, the room erupted with cheers. The smiles said everything. These weren’t simply coverups made from curtains. They were confidence stitched together with imagination.
For more than two decades, Fashion Denver has believed that fashion has the power to inspire creativity, build confidence, and create community. Watching these young designers embrace that mission reminds us exactly why Fashion Camp continues to be one of our favorite traditions.
Thank you to every camper, parent, volunteer, mentor, and creative professional who made this unforgettable day possible.
We can’t wait to see what these young designers create next.