Colorado Fashion Week: October 2 – 6

Photos by Cameron Devon of Devon Advertising

Colorado Fashion Week launched its second annual event this past week. Taking place at the Seawell Grand Ballroom in the Denver Center for Performing Arts Center and the JW Marriott in Cherry Creek, the event was a perfect opportunity for student and emerging designers as well as locally known established designers. The collections ranged anywhere for three hand-crafted pieces to 20 or more items.

Produced by the JTA Group and Creative Director Justice Kwesi Kwarteng, Colorado Fashion Week is described as “existing to nurture, mentor, market, and present the next generation of fashion industry experts and professionals.” The foundation was also created as an opportunity to change per-conceived notions of fashion in Colorado, organize a professional fashion trade and marketing event, and finally create new jobs and elevate Denver’s potential as an emerging fashion capitol.

Each night of the four-part event had something very unique to offer. Emerson Windy, Manuel Molina and His Latin Jazz Band, and Postal Holiday each opened the evening with a special performance before the runway show. As lights dimmed and Justice announced the next great talent, the vibrant pink carpet provided the frame for their artwork.

Marissa Lundeen, … Read more!

Mentors Needed!

Seeking Fashion Design Mentors! – Community Resources, Inc. is seeking fashion design mentors to share their knowledge with Denver Public School students. The Academic Mentors Project matches high achieving DPS students, 5th through 8th grades, with community volunteers who are accomplished in their field. The program provides opportunities for learning that are not available in the regular classroom. Together, students and mentors work on small projects designed to help the students learn more about particular careers , or to increase their understanding and competence in an area of outstanding ability. Mentorships culminate after approximately six hours together, with the students presenting their project to share their learning experience with their classmates. The Academic Mentors Project has served more than 2200 students in Denver Public Schools since 1984. If you enjoy working with 10-14 year olds and want to make a difference in a student’s life by sharing your knowledge of fashion design, please contact Laura Kent at 720.424.6554 or laura_kent@dpsk12.org.… Read more!

Falling Into Style

Hey all! Sorry I’ve been gone for so long, but to say the least this school year has been crazy busy! Follow me on my blog to keep up with my outfits, quips, and more!

Fall is my favorite season because you can finally break out those long sleeve shirts, deep colors, and boots!!

I saw this outfit on my friend’s Instagram and immediately had to post it! It has all the class of fall with the fun frill of summer.

The top is from Francesca’s and the brand is Buttons. The skirt is from Banana Republic and together these pieces create a wonderful simplicity, while also highlighting your assets in an understated way. Both items are versatile, which is great (especially on a college budget)! I love lace because it is so classy and the detailing is so simple, but beautiful.

Sorry for a short post, but I promise to be back soon 🙂… Read more!

Barrera International Fashion Show

An evening of sequins, sky high heels, and signature pink cocktails; Barrera International’s showcase event was undoubtedly a night to remember. Denver’s historic Grant-Humphrey’s Mansion housed the lavish event where the grand staircase provided the backdrop for models in elegant attire. Each of the mansion’s rooms was arranged with runway seating and enlivened by models gliding from room to room. Photographers, designers, writers, and lovers of fashion and design were among the many on the guest list.

Founder of Barrera International and recent graduate of Johnson and Wales University, Juan Jimenez celebrated the label’s one year mark with a collection of 40 beautifully crafted looks for Spring/Summer 2013. The collection encompassed all the glamorous aspects of a woman’s wardrobe, from cocktail attire and evening gowns to versatile staple tops and skirts. Several expertly tailored men’s wear pieces were spread throughout the show as well.

Drawing inspiration while traveling from Montreal to London, Jimenez describes the collection as “very soft and light, loosely-fitting and free spirited, yet closely fitting and accentuating the female body.” Gorgeous French and Italian fabrics including turquoise and black metallic silk jersey and floral embroidered lace in black and gold were perfectly allocated among the pieces. Scalloped … Read more!

Emily Bormann, welcome to the team!

We are thrilled to bring Emily Bormann on board with Fashion Denver! Emily is our public relations intern, Fashion Denver blogger and will also be assisting with fashion event production, as well as sharing her fashion tips! Welcome to the team!

At a young age, Emily knew she wanted to be involved in the fashion industry. Playing with paper dolls and Barbies quickly turned into filling her school notebooks with all sorts of fashion sketches. As the time for college applications approached, Emily knew only one true love, fashion design.

Colorado State University furthered her passion, where she studied Apparel Design and Production. She became involved in: assisting in the production of fashion shows, learning to create and sew garments, illustrating new design ideas, designing unique and innovative textiles, and finally creating her own line for her senior capstone.

Her college experience came to an end following an internship working at Zac Posen in New York, however Emily knew this was actually the beginning of her career in fashion. After spending a year working with a local custom clothing company, she had the opportunity to showcase a design for Westword’s Atropia Fashion Show. Now, Emily finds herself furthering her fashion … Read more!

Supporting Colorado designers since 2004 through production of fashion markets, fashion shows, and business development