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As a city still on the rise and an outdoor destination, Denver’s fashion scene is often overlooked. Even with a dedicated Denver Fashion Week and avid thrifting scene, Denver seems to be struggling to establish itself in the high-fashion world. While some may see this as a sign to pack their fashion portfolios and head to another city, ambitious Denver creatives like Alicia Myers and Samantha Joseph see it as an opportunity to make something of their own.
“Denver’s fashion scene is still evolving, which makes it an incredibly exciting place to create and innovate,” Joseph says.
And so Myers and Joseph started Color Of Fashion, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building the Denver fashion scene with a focus on equity and art community.
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“Early in our careers, both of us experienced many of the same barriers and discrimination within fashion; limited opportunities, lack of representation, and the challenge of being taken seriously as Black female creatives,” explains Joseph. “We confided in each other, and our conversations sparked a shared determination: To be the change we wanted to see in the industry.”
The cultural landscape of Denver is one with many different layers. Through times of difficulty and discrimination, art continues to be a tool for uplifting underrepresented groups and building connections between generations. Myers and Joseph are extraordinary examples of this.
“We started COF in 2021 with the vision of a platform that celebrates the full spectrum of fashion and beauty while uplifting creatives who have historically been underrepresented,” Myers explains.
COF is now well established online and in the Denver fashion community. The group is known for its high fashion showcases, elaborate behind-the-scenes coverage, and luxury aesthetics. Myers and Joseph are experts in networking and have sharp eyes for talent that needs help finding resources or being seen.
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“There’s a growing community of designers, stylists, photographers and models who are pushing boundaries and building something authentic to the city’s creative identity,” emphasizes Joseph.
Though a fashion show itself may only last an hour, the preparation and creative work behind each showcase is complex. The coordination of models, designers, makeup stylists, hair stylists, production teams, photographers, and venues is a full-time job. Myers and Joseph, who both have children and jobs of their own, dedicate an immense amount of energy to each event or partnership they orchestrate.
“Representation cannot exist only on the runway or in marketing campaigns; it needs to exist behind the scenes, in design studios, creative direction, executive leadership, casting, production and the decision-making spaces that ultimately shape the industry,” Meyers says.
This depth within the fashion world provides an exciting array of opportunities for artists to be involved and for collaborations to unfold. However, to make so many artists’ dreams into realities, someone has to make the space and find the resources. This is where COF steps in to help the art community in Denver.
“Our vision was not only to provide a platform for visibility, but to create systemic change by investing in the next generation,” says Joseph.
Beyond runway events, COF is committed to making a lasting impact through mentorship programs, community gatherings and professional development assistance for local creatives.
“One challenge has been shifting the perception of fashion,” explains Joseph. “Fashion is a legitimate art form and cultural medium, but that perspective isn’t always recognized in the same way as other art disciplines.”
An upcoming partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver will surely help Myers and Joseph with this recognition. Putting fashion into the “broader conversation of contemporary art,” as Myers says, will both expose more of the Denver fashion scene to art lovers and simultaneously invest in local youth.
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This spring, artists from ages fourteen to eighteen are invited to participate in three workshops hosted by MCA and run by designers or artists. Denim Reimagined with Hannah Jane on April 18, Beading & Embellishment with Menez to Society on May 2, and Buttoned Up with Rachel Marie Hurst on May 16 are opportunities to dive into the world of fashion with hands-on exercises and experienced mentors.
These workshops are just a few of the many events COF will host this year, and just the start of the work Joseph and Myers want to do for the young fashion community.
“Seeing designers present their work on a runway for the first time or watching young creatives gain confidence through mentorship is powerful,” Joseph says. “Those moments when someone realizes their potential and begins to see a pathway for themselves in the creative industry are incredibly meaningful.”
Myers and Joseph’s dedication to their dream is making a better future for the Denver fashion scene in real time and building Denver’s sense of art community as a whole.
“When fashion is embraced within a city’s art community, it opens the door for collaboration across disciplines, from photography and film to music and visual arts,” Myers adds. “It strengthens the creative ecosystem and helps shape a city’s cultural identity.”
Check out Color Of Fashion’s full events calendar to see how you can become a part of the Denver Fashion scene and help put Denver on the fashion map.
