Trendy color is diversifying Denver’s style scene

Samantha Joseph and Alicia Myers met at an audition in Denver in 2018. Soon after, the models began to notice microaggressions aimed at their hair. The stylists at one show, for example, didn’t know how to handle their yarns, so they completely ignored Joseph and Myers. “Normally, a designer will just grab you or someone will be assigned to you,” says Myers. “None of those things happened.” Myers endured repeated bleaching, which eventually caused her hair to fall out.

Joseph shaved his head so she wouldn’t have to deal with the emotional consequences. “But after a while,” she says, “me and other black models were doing our makeup in the bathroom. I realized it’s just not okay to be treated that way.” So, in March 2021, Joseph and Myers founded Color of Fashion (COF), a non-profit organization based in Denver whose mission is to diversify high fashion.

Originally intended to serve as a connector for companies seeking talent across the industry, COF produced an independent fashion show in September 2021 that showcased the work of 15 hair stylists, 20 makeup artists, 15 photographers, 75 models and 11 designers from all over the country. . People of many races attended and the event proved to be an instant success. COF clients now include British shoe brand Embassy London, Cherry Creek’s Clayton Members Club & Hotel and stylish cocktail bar Highland Room for Milly. “We’re a one-stop shop for fashion diversity,” Myers says.

COF has also received support from some of fashion’s biggest names, such as Neiman Marcus, Aveda and Macy’s—financial support that allowed the nonprofit to expand its mission to include helping designers sell their creations directly to consumers. Last April, Joseph and Myers held their first auction at Mirus Gallery and Art Bar Denver. The event featured seven designers, five of whom were people of color, including brothers Vince and Saul Jimenez, who run local avant-garde fashion house Menez to Society.

The Jimenezes will also be featured in the second annual COF Fashion Show, which will be held Sept. 23 and 24 at the History Colorado Center. Just like last year, the hope is to continue pushing for greater representation in fashion – even if Joseph knows that the realization of that dream is still a long way off. “The industry and Denver have been very slow to change,” Joseph says. “But we’re making sure no one has to face the same kind of struggles we did.”

On the catwalk

Three ateliers will play in the Color of Fashion 2022 show.

Art by Hannah Jane

Owner Hannah Jane breathes new life into vintage denim in Denver by combining multiple fabrics to produce one-of-a-kind hand-painted pieces, like her Elephant Jacket ($750).

No gender

Italian for “sexless” or “genderless,” LA-based No Sesso blends gendered elements into urban wear, including a corseted trucker jacket ($515) that can be worn as a top or dress.

Alexander Gaeta

Reminiscent of Christian Dior of the 1950s, Alejandro Gaeta’s hallmark is structured eveningwear, such as part no. Homemaker’s 6 ($1,200) – a black dress with a classic silhouette that takes a 2022 twist via its asymmetrical one-shoulder half.