Hello 2026… How Did We Get Here?!

Holy moly. How are we in 2026 already?!

This year, Fashion Denver turns 22 years old. Twenty-two. That means this little fashion idea that started in 2004 is officially old enough to rent a car and make responsible decisions.

Established in 2004

Fashion Denver was founded with one simple goal: connect Colorado designers with the public — and with each other.

At the time, Denver wasn’t widely recognized as a fashion destination. But something was brewing. Independent designers were creating incredible work, and they needed a platform. A connector. A cheerleader. A place to belong.

So Fashion Denver stepped in.

Over the years, we’ve produced:
• Fashion markets
• Runway shows
• Designer showcases
• Business development programs
• Workshops and mentoring

We even had a brick-and-mortar boutique for four years — a physical home for Colorado design. And along the way, we helped launch Bradley Allen Apparel and ran the apparel line for six years, growing it from idea to full-fledged brand.

What started as a grassroots effort became a movement.

About the Woman Behind It

Hi. It’s me. 👋

I started my first business at 23, designing handcrafted handbags that ended up in boutiques around the world and featured in national and international publications. I was a young designer with big ideas and a lot of hustle.

Adopted from the Philippines and raised in Colorado, I found something special here — community. People who showed up. People who collaborated. People who believed in building something together.

Fashion Denver was born out of that spirit.

I wanted designers to have opportunities I wished existed when I was starting out. I wanted connection instead of competition. I wanted Colorado creatives to feel seen.

So I built what I couldn’t find.

And over the past 22 years, I’ve had the joy of watching designers grow businesses, launch collections, walk runways, open storefronts, and collaborate in ways that make this city shine.

Where We Are Today

Fashion Denver looks a little different these days — and that’s part of growing up.

We’re not producing constant markets and back-to-back shows like the early years. Instead, we’re supporting the incredible work already happening throughout our creative community.

We celebrate.
We collaborate.
We amplify.
We connect dots.

Sometimes Fashion Denver is center stage.
Sometimes it’s the connector behind the scenes.

But the heart is the same as it was in 2004:

Make Colorado a thriving place for fashion, locally-owned businesses, and creative entrepreneurship.

We’re still here.
Still rooting.
Still evolving.

And somehow… still just getting started. 🖤✨