A Style of Her Own

Denver knows designer (and Westword MasterMind) Mona Lucero for her Highland boutique, unique wearables and edgy fashion shows. But not everyone knows that her first love was fine art — though it shows in her singular design work and flair for smart dressing.

“I originally got my B.A. in fine art, but then I went into fashion because I knew it was a way for me to be creative and still make money. I still had that concern,” Lucero explains. “But I’ve had the feeling, as time goes on, that I want to go back to art. Art and fashion are similar in terms of what you do. They’re only different in what they’re used for: One is functional, but the other doesn’t have to be practical at all. I’ve always drawn or painted or embellished my fashion pieces; now I want to bring the two things back together.”

And that’s what she’s done for The Art of Fashion: A Black & White Story, an ambitious art installation and fashion performance opening tonight at Hinterland, 3254 Walnut Street. Inspired by the concept of the storyboard but exchanging straight fashion ideas for personal writings, drawings and found objects, the show allows Lucero to cross boundaries, interlacing her professional and artistic sides in the process.

There will be fashion shows at 8 and 10 p.m. during this evening’s reception, which begins at 6; Hinterland will also be open from 6 to 9 p.m. on May 7, or by appointment. Admission is free; for more information, go to www.sabinaell.com/hinterland or call 720-309-1764.

Fri., April 30, 6-10 p.m.; Fri., May 7, 6-9 p.m., 2010