Last Sunday at the Grant-Humphrey’s mansion was non-stop activity. Fashion Denver, along with Tease- Studio and Tootsie’s the Nail Shoppe, fused fashion, fitness and beauty into Bounce! ; The summer-market event. The mansion was adorned with large portrait paintings, antique details in the light fixtures and furniture and large paisley rugs. Accent mirrors, french doors and the huge fireplace gave the venue a warm, welcoming feeling.
Upon arriving at the event, it would be hard not to notice the group fitness class on the front lawn in the midst of its workout provided by Fitness in the City. At the entrance, visitors were invited to purchase food from the Kuecho and Basic Kneads food trucks offering many food deals. On the porch was a display of appealing bicycles provided by The Underground Bike Shop also offering quick bike adjustments and other services. The shiny chrome, tassels, banana seats, and vintage details automatically stood out and brought about many observers. Entering the mansion, guests were greeted with snacks from LUNA Bar and beverages from Vitamin Water Zero. On the main floor guests could shop for accessories and clothing from local designers such as Rae Marie, folieM, Beyond Beads, Jennifer Lane Designs, Mukee, Studio Yanagi and Dustin McNa. In the sunroom, free professional manicures were given by Tootsies manicurists. The space was shared by Tease-Studio selling clothing and discounted classes.
On the lower level, fitness classes were being offered by Tease Studio. The first session was the Buti class blending a mix of yoga, zumba, hip hop and more. Shortly after the class, students were able to cool off to a performance by The Filipino-American Community of Colorado. Two folk dances were presented. A candle dance where three women balanced tea light candles on their heads, which would be complicated for the unskilled person, but the dancers made it look easy. The second dance was The Tinikling folk dance which is the routine of two people banging long bamboo sticks together in a beat. Two other dancers dance over the sticks and must not get their feet caught when the bamboo closes. The crowd was intrigued and excited.
After the performance the first fashion show was presented with designs from Rae Marie and Kimono Dragons all staged with local models. Upbeat music was playing while the models walked down the staircase and amidst the audience. Brandi hosted the show explaining the designs, hair and jewelry that was provided by the designers that were present. Following the fashion show was “Naughty Hour” by Tease-Studio. During this class, students were taught erotic moves with a strength and fitness twist.
The second fashion show demonstrated additional designs from Rae Marie and Kimono Dragons. The show was followed by a vintage-burlesque class by Roxy Starr. One last performance carried out by youth dancers from Sol Vida gave an upbeat show, ending with the final fashion show with designs from Cleo Ortiz.
There were so many amazing people at the Bounce! Summer Market! The event ended with a sit-down with Brandi and Ian of Ruby + George. They discussed how the business started and the great exposure it’s getting from its authentic and antique Native American items. Brandi also interviewed Cleo Ortiz where they chatted about what type of woman wears her designs and her journey throughout the fashion industry.
It was a fabulous experience enfolded in one afternoon!