Last week, we introduced Powerhaüs Artist-in-Residence (PAIR) Program fine-art resident Charlie Boots; now meet his fashion-designing counterpart, Francis Roces, a familiar face to those in Denver's fashion scene. He's been plying the needle and thread for nearly thirty years, and is best-known around here for his clothing line, KimonoDragons, which imaginatively blends quirky fabrics and an Asian sensibility into one-of-a-kind pieces for men and women.
See also: - 100 Colorado Creatives: Charlie Boots - 100 Colorado Creatives: Couture staple and designer Mona Lucero - 100 Colorado Creatives: Dreamer, doer and designer Brandi Shigley
Selected for the three-month PAIR residency by local fashion celebrity Mondo Guerra, Roces is working with Powerhaüs Studio mentor Mona Lucero on improving the business side of his fashion house; his fun fashion will be on public display next at the June 8 Paint the Runway benefit for the Denver Art Society and Camp ArtReach.We asked Roces to answer our 100CC questionnaire; read on for his replies.
Westword: If you could collaborate with anyone in history, who would it be, and why?
Francis Roces: I would do a collaboration with Alexander McQueen. I always admired his work, and his creations are always thought-provoking and highly creative.
Who in the world is interesting to you right now, and why?
Mondo Guerra. I feel he is the most interesting person around. He is grounded as a person and as a designer. He is also a trendsetter and very fashion-forward.
What's one art trend you want to see die this year?
The art trend I would like to see die would be the fear to take the first step.
What's your day job?I worked in the food-service industry for over twenty years, in Denver.
A mystery patron offers you unlimited funds for life. What will you do with it?
With unlimited funds, I would create a super store that has a retail space, work space and supply center. The retail space would sell local and national designers in fashion, jewelry and accessories. Also, the retail space would have a section that would support local design students. Work-space area would be rented to interested designers/students who need a place to work on projects and would also offer sewing classes. The supply center would be open to the public and to members/designers, and have almost everything needed to complete a project.
What's the one thing Denver (or Colorado) could do to help the arts?
Denver needs to create a united art front and bring all artists from music, art and fashion to help make the city a center of national creativity -- a place where people would move to be discovered.
Who is your favorite Colorado Creative?
I don't have just one favorite. There are four Colorado creatives that have helped shape KimonoDragons to what it is today: Tran Wills, Mona Lucero, Brandi Shigley and Janet Kaschnigg.
What's on your agenda for the rest of 2013 and beyond?
My agenda for the rest of the year and beyond would be always taking KimonoDragons to the next level. Maybe my own shop/work space? Maybe have an Internet site? Maybe be a global powerhouse? Never fear the first step!
Throughout the year, we'll be shining the spotlight on 100 superstars from Denver's rich creative community. Stay tuned to Show and Tell for more, or visit the 100 Colorado Creatives archive to catch up.
Do you have a suggestion for a future profile? Feel free to leave your picks in the comments.
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