The Kitten Walk

You might say that local designer Tran Wills of the Fabric Lab learned the fashion-design business the hard way, by starting out not knowing exactly what she was doing and then slowly but surely finding her way. But it’s certain that Wills knows a lot about it now. “It’s hard to make a full collection when you’re first starting out, trying to find a venue and having to go through the hoopla of making a fashion show,” she says.

In the interest of passing on some of her knowledge, and to give up-and-coming and start-up designers a more intimate showcase, Wills came up with the idea of Prototype, a local designer trunk-show series — and then some — taking place weekly from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturdays at the Fabric Lab, 3105 East Colfax Avenue, through December 20, with impromptu modeling, designer talks, cupcakes and a chance to meet and greet. Basking in the limelight at tonight’s Prototype event will be TaRosa Jacobs, the Best of Denver-winning Thriftonista vintage clothing seller and sharp-eyed stylist whose “Secondhand Sartorialism” blog appears from time to time at westword.com. A professional expert on how to put yourself together without spending a lot of money, Jacobs promises she’ll show some stylish surprises whipped up out of practically nothing at all.

Prototype is free, but space is very limited; Wills asks that attendees RSVP in advance at 303-321-3604. For a complete schedule, log on to www.thefabriclab.com.
Sat., Nov. 15; Sat., Nov. 22; Sat., Nov. 29; Sat., Dec. 6; Sat., Dec. 20, 2008