Darlene C. Ritz at FROST

Darlene C. Ritz
Designer, instructor, and chair of the fashion department at RMCAD

How do you define fashion?

Darlene C. RitzI define fashion with the technical definition: “a taste shared by many for a period of time” Eubank, Phyllis G. Tortora & K. Survey of Historic Costume, 5th Edition. Fairchild Books USA, 6/2009. VitalBook file. 

This may refer to clothing, art, food, interior design, literature, etc. A fashion is anything that is accepted by a group of people for a period of time. 

I use the term “style” in the way that most people use the term fashion. Style is the way a person expresses themselves visually. 

ritz-design-for-gary-lee-days-23-1How long have you be designing your collection and where can we find them?

I’ve been designing as long as I can remember. My industry experience was mostly in private label for large retailers. 

For over a decade, my focus in the industry has been in fashion education and in developing the next generation of fashion industry professionals. I do not currently sell my designs, though I have been active for the past year in using my designs to promote Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) and the relatively new fashion design Read more!

Equillibrium at Frost!

Deb HenriksenDeb Henriksen of Equillibrium was one of the very first designers to participate in our first ever fashion market in 2004!! It’s so wonderful to have her back for our 13th annual holiday market!!

How do you define fashion?
An art form everyone can express themselves in,  just by wearing it.

eqkustomperiodic2How long have you be designing your collection and where can we find them?

Equillibrium was established in 2000.  Over the years we have sold in over 20 stores.  Currently we are focused on direct sales through our  Website:   www.equillibrium.com,   our Denver Show Room,  and Pop-up events.

How does your inspiration appear in your designs?

Through the textiles,  graphics,  and overall design aesthetic…  

eqkustomperiodic1What do you want your fashion to personally express to the world when worn?

As a Designer,  I am always trying to invoke an emotion through fashion.  One that is positive and empowering to both the wearer and viewer on the street.

What one designer would you love to collaborate with? 

Vivienne Westwood for sure!  I just LOVE her,  and appreciate all she has done and does for punx,  high fashion,  and our environment! 

Read more!

Frost featured designer: Stephanie Victa

stephanie1) What is your earliest memory of loving fashion and how did you express yourself as a child with your own fashion?

12 years old, I started to master the art of simplicity with a pop of something interesting. I knew I wasn’t ever going to keep up with fashion trends. I used a lot of basics interchangeably with another garment that had great color or texture. I was more interested in slow fashion and wearing something that would endure the seasons. I was also obsessed with doing my nails to match outfits.

stephanie22) In 3 words, describe your aesthetic with your designs.

Simple, sophisticated hip, comfortable

3) What differentiates your collection?

The sizing is designed for curvy ladies and is somewhere in between model sizing and plus size.

4) How would you describe Colorado style and what do you do to contribute to that style in your designs?

I would describe Colorado style as having the ability to be layered because of the temperature swings, natural colors for the great outdoors but there’s also that special twist people put on their style here with color and pattern. It seems to be a lot about discovering the details.

My designs Read more!

Frost featured designer: Enzen Designs

Featured Frost Designer taking place Thursday, December 8th at Green Spaces! 

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Designer: Josh Enzenjosh enzen

To me, fashion is an expression of ones self that invokes a feeling in ones self and others. 

I have been building my brand for over two years now, and my collection can be found at enzendesigns.com, or ENZEN.designs on instagram which also has all of the limited editions that I have create.  

Inspiration can be seen in my designs based on where I live, friends, family, or simply random thoughts that pop in my head. 

EnzenWhen people wear my designs and my brand, I want it to be an expression of them. While I do express certain things when making my designs, ultimately people wear them differently and express them differently. 

In the street wear world, addidas has always caught my attention with their designs and I think they would be awesome to collaborate with. 

EnzenRead more!

Frost featured designer: Duane Topping

screen-shot-2016-12-01-at-10-31-05-pmHow do you define fashion?

Fashion should be a statement.  What you wear should speak volumes about who you are as a person.  So often that message is tied to a social construct of what is appropriate for what woman.  For me, I say make the statement you want with the garments you choose!  So, for me, Fashion is defined by who is wearing the clothes, and what you wear can redefine the world.

How long have you be designing your collection and where can we find them?

I started work on this Fall Line after I launched my Spring earlier this summer.  My main goal was to elevate my own ascetic and create a cohesive and mature look.  I still wanted to maintain an undertone of rebellion without losing the classic lines of femininity.  It was all about the journey.  Not just my own as a designer, but I want the women who wear my clothes to feel a part of their own journey.  I’ve tried to design a look that expresses the changes I’ve made as a person and a designer.  My hope is that I can share the message that regardless of who the world thinks you Read more!

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