“Sometimes all a woman needs is a “statement piece” to pull her look together; so why not throw on a kimono? I founded Ziba Kimonos by Kiana Kouture to fulfill a long time dream to empower women, regardless of skin color or size, to feel fabulous in their clothes!”- Kiana
Who doesn’t love that one perfect piece that can pull together any outfit.. Whether it’s a beautiful cocktail dress, your swimsuit while on vacation, or your favorite jeans and t-shirt, the kimono is a beautiful way to do just that!
We had a chance to get to know the designer behind the kimonos, Colorado resident residing in beautiful Monument, Kiana!
How long have you been a resident of Denver?
I’ve lived in CO for most of my life (almost 46 years). My family moved from Flushing, NY to Colo. Springs shortly after I was born. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer she returned for treatment, and ultimately lost her battle while in N.Y. and is buried there.
I attended CSU Ft. Collins after graduation and have spent the majority of my life in beautiful Colorado. I currently live in Monument and enjoy exploring and shopping in Denver (especially the … Read more!
Fashion Camp Super Hero Edition Saturday July 10th, 2021
10am-4pm
Factory Five Five
10255 E. 25th Ave,
Suite A3 & A5, Aurora CO 80010
$75.00
Whether you have a petite fashionista about to jump into kindergarten or a tween going on 21, this Fashion Camp will keep these creative kids entertained, designing up a storm, and being inspired by our local fashion industry. Designed for kiddos (ages 4-11) who have a passion for style, creativity, and fun, this fashion camp will fuel your fashionista and inspire style all the while providing fun activities throughout the day!
Parents!! After the crazy past year that we’ve had, we want YOU to be part of Super Hero Edition of Fashion Camp! After all, Batman has Robin and let’s face it… YOU are the super hero!! If you can participate in the day’s activities, we would LOVE you with us! However, if you want to drop off and come for the fashion show at the end of the day, that is completely fine too. We all know a break is also good for the soul!
With the theme “Super Hero” we’ll be taking our fashion creation and applying it to creating superhero … Read more!
“We are not guaranteed another day, another smile, another dance, another tight hug, another I love you, and another goodbye. Cherish every moment and live it to the fullest.”- Armina Jusufagic
It’s so cool how a meeting over coffee can open doors into a whole new world that you could never imagine! I sat down with Armina a couple of weeks ago, connecting on some fashion things, but when the meeting was over, my mind was blown at all of the things that she has experienced in her life. I wanted to learn more! So, I did!
Where were you born and what was life like as a child?
I was born in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. My family and I fled to Germany in 1990 as refugees during the Yugoslavian civil war. My mother is Serbian, Orthodox and my father is Bosnian, Muslim. After the war was over we didn’t have a country to return to. We then became refugees again and came over to San Francisco in 1996. Once we settled into San Francisco I was able to pursue basketball. My focus and determination as an athlete took me to the collegiate and professional level. I played … Read more!
“I like to think I slid outta the womb creating…. “-Katie Wells designer behind Giddyup
Fashion is such a statement. Oftentimes, fashion can be taken too seriously. You must look like a professional. You must dress to impress. There can be expectations and pressure to follow fashion trends. Well, thank goodness there’s Katie Wells of GIDDYUP! Katie knows how to keep fashion fun.
I met Katie over a decade ago. The first time I fell in love with Katie’s designs was when I was in a fashion show and I got to model her dress, covered in pompoms!
I fell so head over heels in love with her fashions that I had her put together a look for me for my band performance at the Hi-Dive. She knew exactly to capture my whimsical playfulness.
Then, I became addicted to her headbands… headbands like you will NEVER find!
And then, I was lucky enough to get to carry GIDDYUP in our boutique (when we had a boutique (2008-2011).
Le sigh…. I can go on and on and on about how happy Katie’s designs make me. You can take a frown and turn it into perma-smile with her whimsical, unique and always … Read more!
I love the idea of dressing to be the person that you want to be. I love fashion because of the individual creative freedom. – Kelly Valentine
One of the most exciting and fun things about creating Fashion Denver back in 2004, is meeting the brains behind our local fashion companies! From designers and stylists to boutique owners, we get so inspired by what FUELS these minds and hearts and gives them the courage to go out and passionately pursue their dreams!
It was so much fun walking into the new Scout Dry Goods (formerly Buffalo Exchange) on S. Broadway and being greeted by Kelly Valentine, brains behind the company! I met Kelly through her identical twin sister Anna whom I had met back in 2004. I had followed Kelly’s adventure of opening up Scout Dry Goods in Omaha and when I saw she was bringing Scout to Denver, I was thrilled!
I wanted to find out where her passion for thrifting came from, what it was like to be a twin, what inspires her… and drum roll please… the official interview!
Where did you grow up and what was life like as a child?
I’ve lived in CO for most of my life (almost 46 years). My family moved from Flushing, NY to Colo. Springs shortly after I was born. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer she returned for treatment, and ultimately lost her battle while in N.Y. and is buried there.
I was born in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. My family and I fled to Germany in 1990 as refugees during the Yugoslavian civil war. My mother is Serbian, Orthodox and my father is Bosnian, Muslim. After the war was over we didn’t have a country to return to. We then became refugees again and came over to San Francisco in 1996. Once we settled into San Francisco I was able to pursue basketball. My focus and determination as an athlete took me to the collegiate and professional level. I played … 
