Azura Trella is a self-taught seamstress who makes one-of-a-kind pieces that frequently feature a multitude of buttons and detachable pockets. Tonight's runway showcases three pieces as a sneak peek at her full collection, which can be seen at Denver Fashion Week's Streetwear Night Nov. 14.
Kathleen Tom-Garcia is an enrolled member of the DINE (Navajo) Nation. Her Clan is “Bitterwater,” born for “Redhouse,” originally from Pinon. She currently resides in Chandler, AZ. and has lived there for 25 years. During the Pandemic in 2021, Phoenix Indian Center offered a class on how to make a RED RIBBON skirt led by Agnes Woodward. Through this class, Kathleen learned the history of ribbon skirts, how to make a skirt, and the meaning of the “RED RIBBON” skirt. This class started her fashion career. Since then, she's entered fashion shows, receiving recognition for her designs, and her artistry has flourished as a small business that has gained recognition among many Indigenous Artists. Many of her skirt designs can be found on her KAThleen's Design Facebook page.
Mirroring the patterns of nature and worlds unseen - Nine Two Two Presents: Mirror Theory. A mini-collection that acts as a reflection of your own creative light.
Santiago is a vintage-inspired fashion designer from Bolivia. Since he was 11 years old, his fascination with fashion and sewing has been unwavering. It all began when he discovered 1960s Barbies and started crafting '60s dresses for his mom's old Barbies. At 15, he moved to Denver to live with his aunt, seeking a place where he could freely express himself. It was during this time that he realized he could sew '60s dresses for himself. Despite his initial concerns about how these dresses would complement his male physique, his fears dissolved when he completed my first dress and tried it on. Instantly, he felt an incredible transformation—confidence and grace like never before. It wasn't about appearing as a woman; it was simply about the clothes themselves, fabric gracefully draping the body, independent of any gender expectations.
Lilian Lara leans on the dramatic to create outrageous displays of pageantry out of the everyday. In true Rasquachismo fashion, she transforms recycled and discarded items into beautiful displays of wearable art. These designs showcase an amalgam of innovation, defiance, and tradition while exuding a modern Mexican aesthetic with a flair for the dramatic. For her, these displays of outrageous pageantry become a way to celebrate the resilience and resourcefulness found in our communities.
Michelle Delahoussaye, originally from Los Angeles, has been sewing and designing since the age of 13. She believes her purpose in life is to promote diversity and help individuals find their beauty and strength through the art of fashion. Her designs represent the rebellious feminine spirit as her garments exude; power, passion, and luxury. She specializes in bespoke evening wear and one of a kind pieces.
Rachel Marie Hurst is the Founder and Creative Director of Rachel Marie Hurst LLC, a size-inclusive fashion brand that believes in the emotional power of clothing. Rachel’s story is one of personal transformation. After years of feeling invisible and powerless, she realized that the key to feeling better about herself was to invest in herself. She started the company because she knew how empowering it was to wear her favorite clothing and wanted others to experience this for themselves. Rachel’s mission is to help women feel confident and beautiful, and to show them that fashion is an investment in themselves, for she believes that confident women can change the world! Each piece of RMH clothing is designed to help women feel their best, whether they’re heading to a meeting, out on a date, or at a red-carpet event, Rachel hopes to provide them with high-quality, fashion-forward clothing so they can pursue their dreams and happiness in their lives.
Tyne Hall is the eponymously named womenswear brand, focused on custom pieces, inspired by romantic and gothic motifs, infused into clean, classic silhouettes. Everything is designed and produced to be a unique and custom piece. This collection is called Coven. It is meant to celebrate and honor the sisterhood Tyne Hall has created within the Denver fashion industry. The silhouettes are soft, romantic, and feminine with an edge. The collection includes beadwork and hand detailing. The goal was to create a collection that elicited a reverence for the spooky sisterhood Hall has found within this community.
Andrea Fischer (she/her) is a bipolar recycled textile artist. She asks her viewers to indulge in an altered whimsical reality valued by recycled materials and coziness. Each detail is invested towards experiencing these ensembles through more tactile senses beyond the surface. Her work prioritizes both fun and function. The true desire of her work is to welcome all to the silly party!
La Adorna is a wearable art brand known for its innovative use of materials, fearless incorporation of unconventional elements, and vibrant color palette. By blending low-brow materials with high-brow art, La Adorna challenges traditional notions, creating a unique and captivating artistic fusion that is both playful and refined.
Musa Mahoney is a multi-talented artist with Brazilian, French, and Irish-American heritage. With a passion for storytelling and an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, Musa has made her mark as an actress, model, and sustainable fashion designer. As an alumna of LaGuardia Arts High School, Musa draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of influences, including music, yoga, travel, and the broader realm of the arts. Originally hailing from the heart of New York City, she holds a deep aspiration to leverage her artistic talents as a force for positive change, with a mission to make the world a safer and better place for all. Musa Mahoney is not just an artist; she's a visionary with a purpose.
Nini Coco (she/they/he), Denver's reigning Drag Olympian, makes their runway debut with a celebration of queerness, camp, and sparkle! As a local drag performer and costume designer herself, Nini loves to blend traditional drag elements of sequin and shimmer with modern fashion twists and silhouettes that are sure to make a statement on stage. But they are more than just sparkly outfits. To Nini, drag is art, healing, self-expression, queer history, and queer future! Drag is an antidote to hate, and it welcomes us all to uncover new parts of ourselves and celebrate the identities that make our communities unique and diverse. Also… it’s just fun… Put on a wig and let’s brunch!
