See also: - The world according Charlie Boots: An art-scene newbie on what it takes to get noticed - 100 Colorado Creatives: Francis Roces - Powerhaus Studio announces its PAIR artist-in-residence program
Hello, my name is Francis Roces and my clothing line is KimonoDragons. I became a fashion designer because people tell me that is what I am, that is what I do. Nothing makes me happier than creating something from scratch. I always see myself as an artist, but not in the traditional way. I don't use brushes or paint; instead I use fabrics and my sewing machine.When I see a fashion designer on TV or in the magazines, I don't feel a connection. I feel more connection to my fellow local designers than anything else -- my friends, and my equals -- as we work toward building a respected fashion industry here in Denver. I feel pride when customers ask if I sew my own garments and I say, "Yes!" I do dream of having my own work/ retail space, someday.
I am one lucky person. I was chosen by Mondo Guerra to be an artist-in-residence at PowerHaus Studios. I was given free studio space there for three months and I'm excited to work alongside the great Mona Lucero, one of the PowerHaus artists and a well-known designer in Denver. I also share the residency with artist Charlie Boots, who is a very talented painter and a great person to converse with. Besides Mona, there are two other artists at PowerHaus, Jimmy Sellars and Lauri Lynnxe Murphy, who are both amazing in their own right. To be surrounded by such talent is the greatest feeling, and I'm inspired to find my own studio space after my residency is complete. I get to work here until summer's end, and I'm using my time to the best of my ability! Continue reading for more from Francis Roces. As a designer, my fashion show calendar is marked by three events: the Apocalyptic Ball in July, Red Ball in November and the Paper Fashion Event is in March. These events are my season indicators, and I plan other events around these three main events. These are all charity fashion shows -- I show in a lot of fundraisers, and I love to do them for a good cause. I recently showed my designs in a fashion show called Paint the Runway. I showcased a new men's line, and it received great reviews. I found that to be very encouraging since I plan to branch out and create a new men's clothing label this fall. I don't sketch out my ideas ahead of time. I work with a creative flow and I think of a saying, "Honor in Defiance," which means: Learn the rules so you know how to break them and ask why. I don't like my creativity be limited by a sketch, so I keep my design vision in my head until it is complete. After my creation is completely sewn, I draw it. Continue reading for more from Francis Roces. When I do fashion shows, I consider the theme of the event and current colors and trends -- not so that I will follow them, but so I know what not to do. When I share the runway with other designers, I believe they are probably going to be showing what is current. I always want to be the one that stands out, the designer that people remember. I always make sure that the overall look is consistent and cohesive. I have learned from the past that it is more important to have a finished look than to dress a model with whatever is on hand. I always remember who is sewing the garments when I am picking models for an event -- mainly me! Since I do all of the sewing, I don't want to deal with having a lot of models to dress and not enough time to sew the garments. I don't want to design just for the sake of dressing a model. The biggest thing I love about fashion shows is what's happening behind the scenes. I get to experience all the elements! You've got models, hair/makeup stylists, designers, assistants, DJs and production crew all flowing in hopes of creating the ultimate fashion event. Sometimes that ultimate moment is achieved and sometimes you're left holding the bag. No matter what happens, I look forward to the next event, and move on. This summer I am slated to do three fashion shows: Runway for Relief on June 23 in Colorado Springs, Designers Rock on July 6 and Apocalyptic Ball 4 on July 12.-- Francis Roces
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