Style Spotlight: Kirby Denny Prepares For First Runway Show
Kirby Denny caught up with The Curio Cabinet team to take a breath between running errands in preparation for their runway show with Kovid Kapoor for New York Fashion Week.
This year’s NYFW marked a very special event for Denny, their first runway show ever. With many years of modeling and photography behind them, Denny showed up to the Kapoor casting in jeans and cowboy boots without fully realizing the opportunities ahead.
“I’ve never walked before,” they explained “I was literally shaking.”
It’s no surprise that Kapoor saw Denny’s photogenic talent and authentic energy as perfect for the runway this year. This quick casting experience is common within runway work and Denny was ready to take on the challenge.
Denny originally moved to New York to study acting at Pace University, now immersed in the city life they work in the restaurant industry while they build their career.
“On paper, it’s a great job for someone who works creatively,” they elaborated. “I can go to castings and submit tapes in the morning before work, but sometimes the motivation isn’t there, or the energy.”
This reality is present among many creatives as the saturated job market feels both ripe and distant. Life in the restaurant industry is a taxing experience, using your time to care for others rather than yourself and spending late nights on your feet takes its toll.
“I get revenge insomnia where I stay up even later [when I get home from work] to have some time to myself, but then you wake up at 1 pm and have to go right back to work,” Denny emphasized.
Despite their tiring schedule, Denny continues to find success in their creative work, including their first movie. Directed by Mathew Fifer, Haze is a queer thriller to keep an eye out for this year. After making the runs through film festivals, Haze will hopefully be out to the public before Halloween to get us in the holiday spirit.
On any given day, you can find Denny in a plaid or tartan skirt with fun boots and a tank top or tee shirt littered with accessories. With inspiration from Vivian Westwood and NYC-based brands, Denny finds a way to bring a unique flair to their more preppy base layers. In line with their general aesthetic Denny came prepped for the shoot with a hand-decorated blazer, mismatch tights and chunky NYC-friendly boots.
“It’s sort of if School of Rock went to Liberal Arts School,” Denny joked.
Amongst all the talent and creative energy, it is clear that Denny is right at home.
“I never feel pressured to dress well, but I always want to when I can. I have the privilege to play dress up every day here. You’re never gonna be the weirdest person in New York City. You’re never gonna be the worst or the best dressed, so it just doesn’t really matter at the end of the day.”
Denny has creative drive and passion for their work that can be felt right away. Their commitment to their craft is present in their energy and wardrobe.
“Practicality is almost never part of the choice for me, because if it’s a day where I want to look good and I want to put on a full outfit, then I will do that no matter what. I will put on shoes that give me blisters if that’s what I feel like doing,” they emphasized.
There is much on the horizon for Denny and likely lots more runway work. Check out their portfolio website or follow along on socials to keep an eye on what life is like as an actor and model in NYC.
Photography by Ben Harrison and Victoria Glidden.
Victoria Glidden
Born and raised in New Hampshire, Victoria is on a mission to explore nature, art and music. After obtaining her degree in literature, philosophy and religious studies at Willamette University, Denver seemed like an obvious destination and has proven to be quite the home. Victoria is deeply connected to the music scene in the city and is always on the hunt for new music.