Denver Fashion Week: Workshops, Shows, Presentations

DENVER, CO — Denver Fashion Week is set to begin Tuesday at the McNichols Civic Center Building.

Attendees can learn from their state's industry leaders, who will offer workshops and shows Nov. 16-18 and 20-21.

The event was launched in 2012 as a way to support Colorado's fashion industry.

The week will kick off Tuesday with a Runway Model Workshop — Southwest Model and Talent Agency directors Nikki Strickler and Kiana Johnson will assist new and established models who want to hone their craft.

"Both have worked as models internationally and are able to share crucial insight into the ins and outs of the industry," organizers said in a news release. "In this two-hour workshop, models will receive guidance on how to walk, pose and prepare for castings. The workshop will wrap up with a Q&A period."

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The next day, attendees can take in a presentation on how to identify their intellectual property and ways to develop a strategy to establish, monitor and protect their IP rights — something organizers called an "asset" to those in the fashion industry.

Molly Kocialski, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Rocky Mountain Regional Director, and Taryn Elliot, who manages IP portfolios at law firm Polsinelli, will present.

"Whether it's trademarking a label or seeking design patents for unique ornamental features of an upcoming line, understanding and establishing IP can help create and distinguish a brand from competitors, provide an opportunity for growth, provide protection from counterfeiters and add value to a brand and company," officials said.

After two days of industry workshops, fashionistas can attend three shows — one focused on "ready to wear" clothing on Nov. 18, one showcasing local designers on Nov. 20 and one displaying sustainable fashion on Nov. 21.

Emerging and established designers and boutiques from Denver and across the country will showcase their collections' key seasonal styles, with the help of hairstylists, makeup artists and models, officials said.

Though Denver Fashion Week launched in 2012, in 2018 the event partnered with Denver Arts & Venues and Visit Denver to become the city's first official fashion week.

"Denver Fashion Week strives to produce a world-class fashion experience that promotes local artisans while raising awareness for participants and sponsors and increasing economic development for the region's fashion and design communities," said AB Aharonian, founder and producer of Denver Fashion Week.

"When Denver Fashion Week launched, we wanted to make a platform that celebrates the incredible talent we have in this city. The event has become a hub for creatives to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals."

>> Tickets for Denver Fashion Week can be purchased here.

Gabby DeBenedictis contributed to this report