Fashion West Event

I have been out of the habit of blogging. September is the month to regain my momentum and reignite my passion for posting on a regular basis. I decided that writing about my participation in the Fashion West Fashion Show was a good place to start.

Fashion West – the runway show and magazine– are presented by a distinguished list of Denver based fashion, media, modeling and beauty industry professionals. Their individual backgrounds and careers span decades and have their roots in fashion and professional beauty capitols worldwide. The founders have also worked for many years behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week. They lovingly feature fashion created by designers based in the American West – the work of designers from The West and by designers who’s fashion moves the Western spirit.

On August 16th, night two of the fashion show, I was honored to model for the talented Denver designer Steve Sells. In the photo above I’m wearing his “Pleated Foliage Joule Tunic” which is hand painted on Japanese cotton. Featuring pieces that are beautiful, handmade, and sustainable couldn’t be more thrilling for me.

The second piece that I modeled for Steve Sells is the “Foliage Layered Bias Skirt” which is hand painted silk chiffon over silk charmeuse. Accompanying the skirt are the long sleeve matte jersey top and dyed eyelash fringe corset belt. I love the combination of colors and the movement of the fabric.

Originally a painter, Steve transitioned to working with textile and garment design more than 20 years ago. Using various Japanese Shibori processes, along with hand painting, acid etching and ombre dyeing, he individually creates the fabric for each garment. The resulting combination of shape, texture, and pattern creates unique pieces of wearable art.

On the first night of Fashion West, the hair show on August 15th, I modeled for Charlie Price, hair stylist extraordinaire. Charlie Price is one of the most recognizable faces in the North American salon industry. His performances as a popular platform artist and educator are filled with smart soundbites, useful information and quick easy techniques for the salon, all delivered in his fun irreverent style. Charlie has had his photo work published world wide and has collaborated with a multitude of haircare manufacturers.

In the photo above my hair is slicked back and I’m wearing no makeup makeup. I’m also wearing a jacket by Vivienne Westwood from Charlie’s extensive collection of styling pieces. I’m also fortunate that Charlie has been cutting my hair for six years and has become a mentor and friend.

A high point of the Fashion West event was receiving the Honoree Award 2021 for contributing to Fashion in the West. I was thrilled and humbled to receive this unexpected commendation. I was one of five honorees, and to be amidst such inspiring and accomplished people was an experience that I will always remember.

The nominees clockwise from upper left: Esther Lee Leach, Trisha Ventker, Norberto Mojardin, Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, and myself. Thank you Fashion West, for the wonderful and glorious two-night event!