Celebrating 20 years of Fashion Denver, we’ve watched Denver Fashion Week (run by 303 Magazine) grow and evolve over a decade. In our interview with co-producer Lauren Lippert, she shares her excitement about the event’s continued elevation and the emerging talent showcased each year. We’re proud to be part of a platform that amplifies fresh voices in fashion!
As the co-producer of Denver Fashion Week (DFW), Lauren Lippert plays a key role in bringing this iconic event to life. Alongside her co-producer, Nikki, Lauren handles everything from booking designers and models to curating the script for the hosts and organizing the entertainment. Her background in fashion and journalism has been pivotal in shaping her career, and she’s been deeply involved in Denver’s fashion scene for years.
“I went to school for fashion and journalism and was super immersed in the fashion culture there,” says Lauren. “When I moved back home, I knew I wanted to continue doing something in that realm. I love being surrounded by creative, like-minded people.” After discovering DFW while researching Denver’s fashion scene, she applied for an internship with 303 Magazine, which introduced her to the world of DFW. Starting in social media, Lauren’s journey led her to take on more responsibilities, including managing the Front of House, and now, she’s been co-producing for three seasons.
Event Highlights
Every season at Denver Fashion Week is unique, with new experiences and elevated opportunities for both attendees and participants. This fall, DFW is raising the bar yet again.
Lauren shares, “Nikki and I have worked to ensure that the designers this season are unlike any other. We also added two new nights, Maximalism and Western, which I’m super excited to see.” The event will feature pop-up shops, local restaurants, and a lineup of fresh designers that promise to offer an unforgettable experience. “No season is the same,” she adds. “It’s all about providing a one-of-a-kind experience for our audience.”
Designer Lineup
The designer roster for this season is nothing short of impressive. “Our designers this season are beyond creative,” says Lauren. “Their concepts really push the boundaries and tell stories like no other.” Highlights include returning favorites like KetiVani, Tyne Hall, and Rachel Marie Hurst for M Bolden, along with emerging designers like Three Eyed Art Collective and Seintana Couture.
A few standout collections include Ethan Christe from WARMING, who’s returning to the runway with a streetwear collection that tells a love story, and Ryuju Collective, debuting with a sustainable collection combining Japanese-American aesthetics. Cardiovascuwhore will bring the music-inspired Maximalism collection, which is based on the album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out by Panic! At The Disco.
Audience Engagement
This year, DFW is taking audience engagement to new heights. Lauren reveals exciting new features, including a chance to meet the designers before the show. “Porsche Littleton is our opening night sponsor, providing Porsches for guests to take photos with,” she says. “We’ll also have a 360 photobooth, pop-up shopping, food trucks, and bites to try.” With so many interactive elements, this year’s DFW promises to be an immersive and unforgettable experience for attendees.
Collaboration and Community
Collaboration with local businesses and creatives plays a vital role in the success of DFW. Lauren speaks fondly of the partnerships they’ve fostered this year, including Porsche Littleton, Clean Your Dirty Face (which is offering free facials for the team and some designers), and the nonprofit partner, The International Rescue Committee (IRC). “The IRC offers support to refugees, victims of human trafficking, and immigrants, helping them build successful lives in America,” Lauren explains. These partnerships enrich the event and provide a meaningful connection to the community.
Fashion Trends
When it comes to fashion trends, Lauren notes that Denver is embracing a strong 90s influence. “There’s a resurgence of platform boots, cargo pants, and slip dresses. People are also wearing chunky chain necklaces and oversized tees,” she shares. “The 90s/2000s fashion has truly taken over, and Denver is thriving with it, just like many other cities.”
Memorable Moments
When reflecting on the past seasons of DFW, Lauren recalls the joy of seeing the hard work pay off. “For me, it’s always been the last day of every show, when everyone tells Nikki and me how amazing the shows were. It’s so rewarding to see how much people enjoy it.” She and Nikki even have a tradition that started in Fall 2023—after their first season as co-producers, they lay down on the runway, exhausted but fulfilled, marking the end of a successful show. “It’s become a tradition since then,” Lauren laughs. “It’s our way of wrapping up another great season.”
Future Vision
Looking ahead, Lauren envisions Denver Fashion Week growing into a nationally recognized event. “We hope to continue to elevate DFW, giving a platform to emerging talent and showing that Denver’s fashion scene is truly one of the best,” she says. The goal is to embrace sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity while putting Denver on the global fashion map. As the event evolves, Lauren is focused on nurturing talent and expanding collaborations to solidify DFW’s place in the fashion world.
Denver Fashion Week is more than just a fashion event; it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the future of fashion in Denver. With passionate producers like Lauren and Nikki at the helm, the sky’s the limit for this growing event.
For more information visit https://www.denverfashionweek.com/