In early June 2022 Kadir KojoCreative Director of the creative agency Video Studio Seven (VS7), launched the weekly Underground Creative Connects series. Every Thursday, local creatives came together to showcase their talents and network. To properly expose the underground fashion scene and support local creators, Kojo and designer i Bringing the world to you, Willy Tillzdecided to put on a runway show.
Kojo and Tillz take pride in helping Denver’s diverse and obscure talent find success in their creative pursuits.
“One of the biggest motivations behind the fashion show is to give everyone a place to show their creativity and uplift them,” Tillz said.
In the early planning stages, Kojo lost his mother and found himself struggling creatively and personally. The name Finding Freedom was inspired by these difficulties and overcoming them – finally finding freedom.
“Finding Freedom is a perfect name for the fashion show because it gives every artist, every designer and musician the freedom to perform their art and that’s exactly what the show is about.” Khalyna Gerdine, Kojo’s assistant said.
Set for September 1-4 hours Invalid studios, the Finding Freedom fashion show is truly a tribute to all new talent. As someone who has been a part of the Denver fashion scene since 2014, model director, Davry Ratcliffe describes the event as a kind of unconventional and diverse fashion show.
“There’s a greater sense of community because they’re all just trying to learn from each other versus showing up, walking around and then going home,” Ratcliffe said.
Ratcliffe during the Upcycling Challenge fashion show. Photo courtesy of Ratcliffe’s Instagram.
This is Ratcliffe’s second production with Kojo. He is most excited to see Kojo’s vision to allow an art gallery to come to life. Ratcliffe compared the idea to a museum where an environment is created and the guest must use their imagination to transport themselves back to that era.
The live art gallery before the show “allows you to put yourself in a certain scenario wearing the designer’s clothes, and it’s not just seen on a mannequin and a model,” Ratcliffe said.
ZeeTab clothing. Photo by MiMarie Creative.
A designer displaying her collection is Zoe Jacquezalso known as “St. Louis.Her brand ZeeTab is inspired by Kanye West, Versace and herself. At the age of 16, she would take her old clothes and incorporate items from her home such as paint, rope or leftover shoelaces and create her look. This inspired her brand today.
“At some point I really got into the wrong group of people and lost myself and stopped looking in the right direction, the only thing that saved my life was almost losing it,” Luvv said. “I started taking ZeeTab seriously and found that creating pieces of art was now my meditation.”
Now, Zeetab will hit the runway on the first day of Finding Freedom. Expect unique pieces and eye-catching garments that have never been made before.
“I’m a very passionate person when it comes to my work, I take pride and time in every piece I touch, which explains why I sell one piece at a time and work alone,” said Luvv. “I appreciate everyone who believed in me from the beginning.”
Menage clothing. Photo by Coco Richelle.
Similar to Luvv, the designer and creator of Threat, Brandon Navarrete, was fascinated with fashion during his high school years. As a big fan of Kanye West, he would emulate his style. Soon he decided to start creating his own pieces.
“The inspiration for my brand is pain,” said Navarrete. “I’ve had chaos around me all my life, different situations have taken me to new heights.”
Finding Freedom is his first fashion show where he will showcase streetwear and crossovers with other major brands.
“I can’t wait for people’s eyes to light up when they see the pieces,” said Navarrete. “I worked hard on this.”
Dream Fiends clothing. Photo courtesy of Dream Fiends.
Russian and Japanese designer Isaac Koons will also showcase a collection at the event. His brand Yesterday of dreams suggests that anyone can realize their dreams and achieve anything with enough focus and energy. Just two years ago, Koons decided to fully immerse himself in Dream Fiend.
Before that, Koons lived all over the world. From Haiti to Kenya to Sudan, he has seen different types of fashion and culture – something that is also integrated into his clothing.
“My clothes are for all ages and I want to show the new generations that we can do anything if we really want to,” said Koons.
In addition to creating custom clothing, Koons also produces furniture such as chairs and accessories such as boxing gloves and leatherwork—all refurbished or custom designed.
“I started making furniture because not many people do it and I want to be different,” Koons said.
Sliv Life Models. Photo courtesy of Sliv Life
As a cancer survivor, designer Cameron Connolly created his brand Sliv Life to remind the people of “Sliv” their life to the fullest. Also inspired by the music he grew up with and currently listens to, his brand is the product of hard work and dedication poured into his designs.
Connolly has previously shown two collections at Denver Fashion Week but this is the first show he has been part of organizing by a fellow designer.
“I come out with new clothes every week, so there will be a lot of new things I’ve done recently,” Connolly said. The public can expect to see looks derived from previous Sliv Life collections as well as fresh designs. “I’m going to do a few more new ones in the direction I’m going a little more,” Connolly added.
Along with the fashion show, expect a dance break Team Royale and live music from Hey Wes, Pronto Paxton, Kinniki, Talib Abdullah and more.
“The audience should expect me to rap, but even in this, I’m bringing different energy,” Abdullah said. “It’s going to be energetic, serious and maybe a little sad, but it’s definitely going to be fun.”
See Kojo and other local designers hit the runway and support local businesses by shopping the pop-up shops at the Finding Freedom Fashion Show.
Buy Finding Freedom Fashion Show tickets here. Shop Kojo’s Brand, KOJO Clothing, here.
