Elitch Gardens Turned Into a Fashionable Playground Overnight

Color of Fashion night one lived up to its theme of “Carnaval.”

Season three of Color of Fashion kicked off its first night on Friday, September 22 by bringing out everyone’s inner child. With the backdrop as Denver’s own Elitch Gardens Theme & Amusement Park, guests were in for a night filled with fun and new fashion. Color of Fashion is a black female-owned non-profit founded with the purpose of promoting inclusivity and diversity in fashion. This year, Matthew Morris, owner of Matthew Morris Salon and Skincare, joined forces with Co-founders Alicia Myers and Samantha Joseph to redefine luxury in beauty for night one’s theme: Carnaval.

Matthew Morris Salon & Skincare is a local salon that gives back to the community and supports diversity and inclusivity through the Matthew Morris Scholarship Fund, which provides opportunities for members of the Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) community to further their careers in the beauty industry. Night one of the show collaborated with Morris’ salon as a fundraiser for the scholarship fund.

Upon entrance to the park, guests were greeted by Vanessa Samuel, a Denver-based fashion and lifestyle content creator, cheerfully taking interviews and encouraging guests to strike a pose on the red carpet before heading inside.

This year’s theme Carnaval, tied to the show’s destination, was generously complimented with a cotton candy bar, cotton candy-topped cocktails, mini churros, and an array of carnival-inspired light bites. The cherry on top? A classic carnival carousel minus the usual lines and swarms of children, perfectly active for The Curio Cabinet team to take a spin. With that, Elitch Gardens had officially transformed into a fashionable playground.

Elitch’s iconic and large Ferris wheel was well-lit and served as a guiding light for the crowd to take their seats. The Color of Fashion show officially began under rows of twinkling lights along with a make-shift dual runway in Elitch’s “town square” making this Denver’s longest runway.

Up first was designer Oscar Utierre of the ethereal fashion brand Utierre, who recently showcased in Fall NYFW 2023. Any doubts about the recent alien sighting? Here’s proof.

This otherworldly collection brought Denver right to Space Mountain with its metallic textiles, sexy silhouettes, and galaxy-like makeup. Oh and did you hear? Assless chaps are officially back which had us all screaming “Hey there space cowgirl!”

The versatility of the collection was apparent with looks that could truly be worn for any occasion. Being one of the most cohesive and edgy collections of the night, models sported outfits perfect for a beach day in space. Models came out in twos walking alongside each other on the double runway wearing bold bralettes and matching bottoms with variations of chrome, bronze and metallic fabrics. This jaw-dropping collection also featured a metallic asymmetrical cutout midi dress, bold wide-leg pants, sexy constructed skirts of all lengths, as well as long and flowy coverups.

A few of our featured favorites lie in the details. Accessories like long sheer mesh gloves were sprinkled throughout the collection, alongside a few standout pieces that utilized sheer sequined fabric. Utierre also fashionably incorporated their “U” logo throughout the garments as seen on the back of a chain-linked thong, a midriff belt, and our ultimate favorite showing up in the center front bodice acting as a bridge for strapless bralettes.

This collection was undoubtedly skillfully constructed and thought out while showing just the right amount of skin. It also served as the perfect way to kick off not only the show but the entire Color of Fashion season.

Up next was Denver’s favorite fashionable siblings, Menez. This iconic fashion design house has such a notable and distinct look – if you know, you know. With a magnificent return this season, they brought back their classic silhouette but took it to the next level.

With a setting that screams carnival and a collection that means business, it was a privilege to observe this refreshing juxtaposition. Menez is exceptionally skilled in creating asymmetrical silhouettes shown throughout their dresses, outwear and carefully constructed garments.

Under the moody string lights, models once again walked down in twos. This collection was giving us all the dark academia feels, the only thing that was missing was an espresso martini in my hand. Models beautifully graced the runway in constructed outerwear, with wide and pointed jacket lapels in gray and camel-colored hues. Alongside their traditional incorporation of leather, Menez introduced a few new textiles this year like knit, tulle, latex and two bold sequined dresses in black and white.

As always, Menez never disappoints and has effortlessly achieved what most designers yearn for: to be recognizable. Their consistency and touches of new and inspirational garments gave us the fall nightlife fashion inspiration we need for the season ahead.

Following a brief intermission, Designer Jose Gonzalez of Soid Studios brought New York City right to Denver. Models stomped down the runway in platform cowboy boots dressed head to toe in black and leather. This punk-rock cowboy look had us all on the edge of our seats in anticipation of what look was going to make its way down the runway next. Models sported spiked hair and afros paying homage to the street style one may see in NYC. One jaw-dropping look in particular featured a leather vest with exaggerated shoulder pads and leather arm warmers both trimmed with white fur. Some looks transported us to the 70s when punk reigned supreme in fashion, whereas some looks brought us to what could be the streetwear of NYC in 3023. Each look was so detailed and was truly a style that defied time and any aesthetic.

The shoe choice for this collection took each look to the next level. Models wore shoes from Vacr, by Victor Ali Cueto Rivera. Each custom platform, boot or heel was incredibly detailed with white stitching, beading or punk silver spikes in contrast to the black leather. 

A vibrant collaboration between three designers produced the final looks for the night. This talented trio included garments and accessories from Frisk Me Good, Sprayground and Art of Hannah Jane.

Models brought the energy as they danced and strutted down the runway in trendy streetwear looks. Sustainable Artwear Designer, Art of Hannah Jane, supplied denim bottoms for each fit. These unique and custom pieces brought the nostalgia of the 90s-early 2000s with the baggy fit, destructed details and patchwork technique. Paired with the denim were corsets and bodysuits, unlike anything the Denver fashion community had ever seen before. Celebrity designer, Cierra Boyd of Frisk Me Good, has a knack for deconstructing everyday accessories and making them wearable statement pieces. Boyd previously has dressed celebrities like Cardi B, Ciara, Doja Cat, Avril Lavigne and more. Her chosen material of the night? Sneakers. These one-of-a-kind corsets sat perfectly on each model with the detailed (shoe) laces tied down the middle and on the sides of the garments. The cherry on top of each look came in the form of backpacks and handbags provided by Sprayground. Known for its quality, function, and design, Sprayground doesn’t shy away from pushing the envelope. These bags feature abstract designs, bold colors and pop-culture references. The most memorable bag of the night came in the form of a green teddy bear backpack wearing a gold chain.

Not only was this collaboration incredibly fun, but each design fit perfectly together. It was evident that the designers put so much care, quality and time into making each look the streetwear outfit of our dreams.

This unity was apparent as all three designers made their victory lap down the runway arm in arm together. This display is EXACTLY what Color of Fashion is about. As previously mentioned, Color of Fashion is cultivating a community, and that community could not come to fruition without the help of the staff, models, designers, creators and many more who spend hours making this show what it is. One last victory lap and a much-deserved standing ovation took place to celebrate this blossoming community’s team members.

As the night ended, the Ferris wheel once again acted as our guide and lured us over for a night of celebration as we took photos and exchanged excited sentiments under its bright lights. The perfect ending to the start of Color of Fashion Season 3.

Article by Jordan McClendon. Photography by Roxanna Carrasco.