Fashion Color is rocking Denver’s style scene.

Samantha Joseph and Alicia Myers They met at a show in Denver in 2018. Soon, the models began to notice micro-aggressions aimed at their hair. For example, the stylists at a show completely ignored Joseph and Mayer because they didn’t know how to handle their loss. “Usually a hairstylist will treat you or someone will assign you,” says Myers. “None of those things happened.” Myers endured frequent bouts of bleaching, which eventually caused her hair to fall out.

Joseph shaved her head so she wouldn’t have to deal with her feelings. “But after a while, me and the other black models were doing our own makeup in the bathroom,” she says. I realized that it was not good to be treated like that.” So, in March 2021, Joseph and Myers founded Color of Fashion (COF), a Denver-based nonprofit whose mission is to replicate high fashion.

Initially intended to serve as a link for companies looking for talent in the industry, the COF organized an independent fashion show in September 2021 that showcased 15 hair stylists, 20 makeup artists, 15 photographers, 75 models and 11 designers across the country. . People of many races participated, and the event was an immediate success. COF’s clients now include British shoe brand London Embassy, ​​Cherry Creek Clayton Members Club and Hotel and the uber-chic Highland cocktail bar Room for Milly. “We’re a one-stop shop for fashion diversity,” says Myers.

COF has received support from big names in fashion like Neiman Marcus, Aveda and Macy’s—allowing the charity to expand its mission to help designers sell their creations directly to consumers. Last April, Joseph and Myers held their first auction at Mirus Gallery and Art Bar, Denver. Seven designers were featured in the event, including five of the colorful brothers Vince and Saul Jimenez, who run the local avant-garde fashion house Menez To Society.

Jimenez will also be featured in COF’s second annual fashion show on September 23rd and 24th at the Historic Colorado Center. Just like last year, the hope is to continue to push for greater representation in fashion – although Joseph knows that the realization of that dream is still far away. “The industry and Denver are very slow to change,” Joseph says. But we are making sure that no one else has to face the same struggle that we did.

On the catwalk

Three Ateliers are set to star at the Color of Fashion 2022 show.

The art of Hannah Jane

Owner Hannah Jane breathes new life into old denim in Denver by combining several fabrics, including hand-dyed, one-of-a-kind pieces, like the Elephant Jacket ($750).

There is no gender

Italian for “no gender” or “no gender,” LA-based No Sesso weaves gender-bending pieces into urban wear, including a lace corset trucker jacket ($515) that can be worn as outerwear or a skirt.

Alexander Lord

Reminiscent of 1950s Christian Dior, Alejandro Geeta’s label is structured eveningwear, such as the local maker’s Piece No. 6 ($1,200) — an asymmetrical one-shoulder half-sleeve with a classically all-black 2022 twist.