Category Archives: Designer Profile

Interview with Miceala Giulianelli

“Notice what you like and what you dislike to start developing your style…You can always acquire skills such as sewing later, it is not important, the most important thing is to find your style.” – Miceala Giulianelli

By Maya Fuentes

Inspired by nature around her, Miceala Giulianelli created a collection of chic and contemporary designs that were shown as a part of Modello Nuovo’s first semi annual fashion show. Giulianelli enjoys giving a new perspective to classic shapes by reimagining them with modern fabrics like leather, offering her audience designs they are sure to remember. She defines her style as unique, modern, and eye-catching, traits that are obvious to those captivated by Giulianelli’s designs on the runway. While she hopes everyone is inspired by her designs, Giulianelli explains, “My target audience is women who want to feel powerful and confident in what they wear.”

At just 17, her personal style follows normal teen trends varying heavily from what she creates. Giulianelli envisions her contemporary and sophisticated pieces being worn at the office or as a statement for a special occasion.

A word of advice she’d give to other teens looking to start designing at her age, “Notice what you Read more!

Mona Lucero and the Inspiring Winds of Change

Mona Lucero and the Inspiring Winds of Change

By Micky

Mona Lucero’s earliest memory was asking for a pair of red patent leather shoes. Years later she is still pursuing color and vibrance through her unique fashion designs. Mona is a local Denver fashion designer who has built her own brand around a prominent guiding principle; change. Mona constantly evolves, experimenting not only with color, but texture and prints to capture the attention of her customers. “Customers are aware of what is happening in the world and they want change. You have to evolve and follow the trends,”  says Mona. 

Culture is among one of the ever changing aspects of the modern world , especially in fashion. As observed by the emergence of fashion trends, one day something is in the next day it is out pushing fashion designers, like Mona, to always be aware of fashion trends. When asked what she pulls inspiration from for her designs Mona remarked, “Cultural trends are very important to pull inspiration from.” Mona observes cultural trends in order to morph her brand, “ I pull inspiration by thinking about the world culturally and what my customers are looking for, then I tailor to Read more!

Designer Crystal Sharp : Edgy Victorian Style

I first met Crystal Sharp back in 1999 when she had a little boutique right off of S. Broadway. Her designs were impecable, elegant, and had this really cool vibe of Victorian chic! I’m so excited to have her at our 15th Anniversary celebration!

What inspired your love for fashion and fashion design?

I started sewing doll clothes for my barbie dolls by age 6 and my father got me my first sewing machine when I was 9. We grew up rather poor so I started to sew for the family.

Did you go to school for design or are you self taught?

I don’t have any technical training in fashion. I moved out at 14 and I wanted a degree that would allow me some stability so I went to UCD and studied economics.

Who is/are your biggest inspiration/s? (Family, Friends, Designers, etc…)

The person who all ways was my biggest fan is my mother she loved to sew and would sew for us kids (7 of us) so I guess it runs in the family.

Dress designed by Crystal Sharp

Coco Chanel is my favorite designer. But I’ve been inspired my many designers along the way.

What is your go to textile?

My … Read more!

SMASHERROBOT: Custom, one of a kind shirts

Who said that a button-up shirt has to be one solid boring color with a corporate feel? NOT Eugene Rooks, brains behind Smasher Robot.

What inspired your love for fashion and fashion design?

During my freshman year of college, I went with a friend to this awesome vintage store in Seattle. I was amazed by all the cool clothes, especially the 70’s style shirts. I was hooked from that point, hitting up thrift stores looking for vintage duds of the more wild variety. It has morphed as my abilities have grown. Now instead of looking for unique clothing, I mostly just wear what I make.

What is the first thing you ever designed? (Do you have a photo? If so, please include it!) 

The first thing I ever designed was a Squirrel mascot style costume. While living in Missoula, Montana during college, I borrowed a friend’s sewing machine and just went for it. I had no experience with patterns, I just started cutting out fabric and stitching. My friends were impressed and told me I should go into costume design.

How long have you been designing?

I’ve been a tailor for the last 12, and sewing for 15 years.  As … Read more!

Designer Interview: Julia Rhoden Design

The first time we met Julia Rhoden, of Julia Rhoden Design, was when we held an eco-fashion competition where designers were partnered up with an ecological fashion disaster! I need to find those photos!! Julia’s design was so innovative and clever and ever since then, she has been on the forefront of our minds as a designer here in Denver.

Let’s see what inspires this woman!

What inspired your love for fashion and fashion design?

Honestly for most of my life I wanted to be a zoologist and chase wolves around in Russia UNTIL I saw the movie the ‘Devil Wears Prada’ in high school and I instantaneously became inspired by the ‘Miranda Priesly’ character and just knew in my heart- “This is what I need to do.” Senior year of high school I changed my direction and directed everything towards becoming a fashion designer.

The first thing I ever made was my best friends bright yellow prom dress!

How long have you been designing?

I have been designing since high school but have been seriously designing over the last seven years. Really honing in on my construction, my technical skills and aesthetic.

Did you go to school for design Read more!