The Kitten Walk

You might say that local designer Tran Wills of the Fabric Lab learned the fashion-design business the hard way, by starting out not knowing exactly what she was doing and then slowly but surely finding her way. But it’s certain that Wills knows a lot about it now. “It’s hard...

By Susan Froyd

November 20, 2008

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

You might say that local designer Tran Wills of the Fabric Lab learned the fashion-design business the hard way, by starting out not knowing exactly what she was doing and then slowly but surely finding her way. But it’s certain that Wills knows a lot about it now. “It’s hard to make a full collection when you’re first starting out, trying to find a venue and having to go through the hoopla of making a fashion show,” she says.

In the interest of passing on some of her knowledge, and to give up-and-coming and start-up designers a more intimate showcase, Wills came up with the idea of Prototype, a local designer trunk-show series — and then some — taking place weekly from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturdays at the Fabric Lab, 3105 East Colfax Avenue, through December 20, with impromptu modeling, designer talks, cupcakes and a chance to meet and greet. Basking in the limelight at tonight’s Prototype event will be TaRosa Jacobs, the Best of Denver-winning Thriftonista vintage clothing seller and sharp-eyed stylist whose “Secondhand Sartorialism” blog appears from time to time at westword.com. A professional expert on how to put yourself together without spending a lot of money, Jacobs promises she’ll show some stylish surprises whipped up out of practically nothing at all.

Prototype is free, but space is very limited; Wills asks that attendees RSVP in advance at 303-321-3604. For a complete schedule, log on to www.thefabriclab.com.
Sat., Nov. 15; Sat., Nov. 22; Sat., Nov. 29; Sat., Dec. 6; Sat., Dec. 20, 2008

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.

Susan Froyd started writing for Westword as the "Thrills" editor in 1992 and never quite left the fold. These days she still freelances for the paper in addition to walking her dogs, enjoying cheap ethnic food and reading voraciously. Sometimes she writes poetry.

Contact: Susan Froyd

Follow:

Facebook: sosfrojd

Twitter: @sosfrojd