Shigley offers classes and workshops on branding, business licensing, marketing and more to help fellow creatives turn their art into full-time businesses. But as always, Shigley is a multi-tasker. And as part of Westword's inaugural Whiteout Fashion Show this Thursday, February 7, at the McNichols Building, the designer will be rolling out fresh looks on the runway, while displaying new additions to her recently revamped handbag series.
We asked Shigley to share her thoughts about the upcoming fashion show, as well as partake in our 100 Colorado Creatives survey.
See also: - The 2013 Whiteout Fashion Show - 100 Colorado Creatives: Michael Stanwood - Dreamer and doer Brandi Shigley shows you how to do what you love and love what you do
Westword: What are you most excited about presenting at this year's Whiteout fashion show?
Brandi Shigley: I am most excited about bringing together multiple passions! I came out of retirement from making handbags, so it will be fun to showcase three bags, then the models will be wearing tees that have the motto "Do what you love. Love what you do" screen-printed on them.
This is really the message I want to convey and what I'm really focusing on! Also, I've learned to knit, so one of the models will have a knitted creation on.
Are you working on any project/collaboration coming up that you're looking forward to sharing with the community?
Yes! I'm collaborating with Tony Pasquini and will be hosting mini-markets at his space on 17th, where J.R.'s used to be. There is lots more in store, but that's under wraps until details are confirmed.
If you could collaborate with anyone in history, who would it be, and why?
I would love to collaborate with Bix Beiderbecke, jazz cornetist from the 1920s. I'd want to make music with him.
Who in the world is interesting to you right now, and why?
J.R.R. Tolkein. I know I'm a little late, but I am obsessed with Lord of the Rings and am reading The Hobbit right now.
What's one art trend you want to see die this year?
I have no idea what the art trends are.
What's your day job?
Small business consulting, fashion event production, and business development for my companies Fashion Denver and B.23 Productions.
A mystery patron offers you unlimited funds for life. What will you do with it?
Pay off debt, buy the old school building on 11th and Acoma (the Evans School) that will house my passions along with others' passions. I'm seeing design studios, art studios, a recording studio, office space and theater!
What's the one thing Denver (or Colorado) could do to help the arts?
Provide spaces for artists and designers to come together and make it affordable.
Who is your favorite Colorado Creative?
Jonny DeStefano, the director of Deer Pile. He's bringing wonderful communities together in the form of film, music, art, comedy and more! See Brandi Shigley's designs at Whiteout on Thursday, February 7; find out about ticket deals here. Use the hashtag #Whiteout13 to mark all your Whiteout Fashion Show conversations online -- and for a chance to win tickets!
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