Intention Behind The Craft: MCA MAX Mix Welcomes Emerging Knitwear Designers

Photos by Nikki A. Rae Photography

On April 16, the MCA Holiday Theater hosted the most fashionable crowd Denver has seen. Fashion lovers and artists alike mingled over cocktails and light bites, buzzing with anticipation of what the night would hold. As a precursor to the fourth annual MCA MAX Mix Runway Show, this historic theater set the stage for an intentional conversation about collaboration, appreciation for craft and challenges in the fashion industry. 

If you aren’t familiar with this beloved high-fashion event and fundraiser, let us clue you in. Held in collaboration with MAX Clothing Stores and MCA Denver, this fashionable fundraiser supports MCA Denver’s Teen and Young Adult Programs. This program is reaching major milestones with $1,000,000 raised for young creatives. In addition to this cause, it was MAX Clothing Stores’ 40th anniversary.

For the sake of fashion, fueling the arts and minds of tomorrow, major celebrations were in order, and the cherry on top? High-profile panelists. Guiding the conversation between two emerging designers was Karla Martínez de Salas, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Mexico and Vogue Latin America. 

As the fashion industry continues to regain its footing when it comes to innovation, sustainability, and intentionality, a new obstacle looms around the corner: tariffs. The conversation of tariffs continues to unfold, touching every industry. While the current administration’s plans are still murky…the inevitable is coming. Designers Rachel Scott of Diotima and Henry Zankov of ZANKOV discussed the intersection of art and fashion, highlighting how craft, heritage and innovation influence and define their work.

Both Scott and Zankov launched their brands during the pandemic and quickly gained traction in the fashion industry in New York City and worldwide due to the uniqueness and versatility of their pieces. 

Diotima is a nod to Scott’s Jamaican heritage with intricate crochet details on ready-to-wear designs. She shared with the audience that growing up in Jamaica, crochet was learned and embraced in every household. Jamaican grandmothers were crocheting both doilies for the kitchen and crotchless underwear. This gathered a laugh from the crowd but proved that this technique serves as a lifeline in an area of the world where fashion is not typically represented. Signature Diotima looks include blazers with crochet hips, turtlenecks with crochet necklines and stunning beachwear that allows the everyday woman to embrace their inner elegance. 

“I wanted to give back to Jamaican style that’s not cliché but real and tangible to Caribbean style that’s modern and future forward,” said Scott. 

ZANKOV designs derive from Zankov’s Russian heritage. Including contemporary designs with an essence of the past, Russian fashion often embraces Soviet influences but is also on the pulse in terms of modern fashion trends. Zankov partners bold colors with expertly crafted silhouettes, reminiscing on the colder Russian climate with sweaters and pants that are baggy yet flattering, serving as staple wardrobe pieces for stylish people from all walks of life. 

Craft is at the forefront of both brands, which is clear in MAX’s decision to carry Diotima and ZANKOV in its four retail stores located in Denver, Boulder, Aspen and Vail. Scott and Zankov prioritize structure, functionality and intention in their craft. As a result, their brands are now embedded in the New York fashion scene and are on the pulse of contemporary style. 

Woven Together: Craft, Collaborate, Cultivate and Repeat

In an age where the media encourages trends and fast fashion continues to rise as a recession looms and prices of goods soar, younger generations may be turning to brands that sell cheap and low-quality pieces. MAX customers do not fall in that category, as they are often women striving to hone in on their personal style by collecting high-quality and timeless pieces. While fast fashion is eliminating craftsmanship, there are still consumers who desire expertly-constructed clothing, and it shows. 

A fashion connoisseur can spot a beautiful piece from brands like Diotima or ZANKOV from a mile away. In a culture breeding instant gratification and trend-obsessed individuals, these brands are forging their way by staying true to what fashion once was and always should be: one’s dedication to showcasing their identity and supporting the artfulness behind pieces created by skilled designers. 

Because Diotima and ZANKOV share the same mission in delivering high-quality pieces to their dedicated customers, Scott and Zankov formed a partnership that encouraged both brands’ growth. The two met as they shared the same PR representative, and realized that their brands could complement each other and offer an opportunity to lean on one another as two emerging designers. Over the last several years, the two have showcased collections on the same showroom floor. These two even caught the eye of legendary Anna Wintour, who said to them each, “What are you doing for fashion week?” which led them to further collaborate and share a space for their New York Fashion Week presentations in Fall of 2024. 

As an industry that is known for stunting growth and is often individualistic, this collaboration has allowed both Scott and Zankov to succeed in fashion. 

Scott and Zankov received awards from The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) this past year. Scott won American Designer of the Year, and Zankov received the award of Google Shopping American Emerging Designer of the Year. 

Will American Fashion Catch Up? 

These designers didn’t shy away from the hard truth that, as an emerging designer, it can be isolating and challenging in this industry. Finding ways to be creative with your time, money and how you collaborate can save your sanity and your brand. With new emerging brands popping up left and right, the industry is certainly in a “heads down hustle culture,” and competitiveness isn’t at the forefront. Designers are so focused on their brand and their craft and are too busy to get caught up in competition. Some would even argue brands are more so competing with consumers and finding ways to maintain their attention.

So, how will American fashion keep up? Historically, American fashion is no craft connoisseur, whereas Europe has paved the way for this laborious art. Fashion is so interconnected with worldwide partnerships that designers and brands can produce clothing with specialized materials and supplies that we don’t have here in America. For example, knitwear and denim are made on specialty machines that are no longer in the US.  

Quality production and craftsmanship from other countries are what fuel this industry. Countries like China have the expertise, knowledge and history for being able to produce high-quality products and materials. For these designers specifically, when they think of a new concept, they start with intention and ask themselves, “Who in the world has the knowledge of this?” while also keeping in mind how it is being operated and the people who are making these designs come to life. 

“What’s more luxurious than something that’s made by hand? Someone’s time and knowledge made that piece,” stated Scott. 

With all of this in mind, American fashion still has a long road ahead when it comes to craft. However, the shift towards practicality and sustainability moves towards center stage for American fashion, with careful direction by eco-conscious designers and vintage curators. As consumer behavior continues to shift due to the climate and the current state of the economy being the driving force, luxury purchases will likely shift more towards resold or vintage designer pieces. 

For American brands that want to make their mark amongst the noise, they must capture the attention of consumers who prioritize value and weave in quality into every piece. Impulse shopping will continue to dwindle, and brands need to creatively and effectively demonstrate to consumers why their products are worth the spend. 

Fashion continues to reflect the zeitgeist of the times, serving as both a symbol and a statement. Amid the industry’s ongoing shifts, designers like Scott and Zankov remain steadfast in their commitment to purposeful designs, using their work to spark dialogue and push the boundaries of creativity with intention.