6 Denver Designers To Buy Now & Wear Now
What do we wear now? The popular question when this season comes around and with even more chaos in the world now, we need some relaxed luxury to keep us going through this time. We chose six designers all based in Denver with ready to wear collections that can be bought now online. Shopping local never looked so good! Model, actress, and Miss Colorado For America 2019 AIDA SOW was photographed in the outfits at The Deck at JW Marriot Denver Cherry Creek.
PHOTOGRAPHED & STYLED BY ESTHER LEE LEACH
MODEL: AIDA SOW // LOCATION: JW MARRIOT DENVER CHERRY CREEK
MAKEUP: AMY DICKERSON FOR LIVE LOVE LASH // HAIRSTYLING: MACKENZIE DAVIS FOR KENZE HAIR STUDIO
Silk Cape & Pants: C.R. Lee, Jewelry: Talisman Fine Jewelry.
THE DESIGNERS: C.R. LEE
In 2013, Crystal launched her own label C.R.LEE to fill a noticeable void in the industry. She personally experienced a lack of unique, high quality, conversation-starting pieces. There was nothing with an edge and it was difficult to find something in every size. Crystal decided to change that and enrolled in the Art Institute of Colorado. Once there, she excelled in Fashion Design and honed in on the craft.
Since graduating, Crystal accolades only started to grow. After making an appearance on the TV show STITCHED, the high praise of New York Fashion Week was next on the list. C.R.LEE was not only there in 2018 but made her presence known the following year in 2019 as well. Crystal draws inspiration from her not only childhood but her time spent living in Miami, Florida, and her TOMBOI aesthetic.
The C.R.LEE design aesthetic is combining the sophistication of city life and the ease of beachside living. Her belief in each individual piece, fluid movement, and edgy details. This is a way that can work for all women, pushing them to reveal the strong, ambitious, and luxurious side of themselves.
SHOP THE LOOK
Crop Top: C.R. LEE, Striped Pants: C.R. LEE, Jewelry: Talisman Fine Jewelry.
THE DESIGNERS: TALISMAN FINE JEWELRY
Talisman Fine Jewelry is a collection of sculptural, sustainably-made fine jewelry that evokes an abstract, modernist sensibility with a decidedly ancient feel. Designed by former Goldyn boutique owner Vanessa Barcus, the line is entirely handmade using old world lost-wax casting techniques in recycled 14k gold. Although designed as heirloom jewelry for everyday wear, the pieces each have a strikingly substantial look that stands out from the crowd. Barcus, whose shop was known for stocking sought-after designer labels with a minimalist bent, has carried forward her appetite for the minimal with Talisman. Driven by a less-is-more ethos, the collection is seasonless, genderless, and timeless.
The collection also includes an assortment of daintier, easily wearable 14k gold shape earrings, as well as pouch necklaces strung on 14k gold chain - made for holding onto a tiny sacred object or two. Hand-sewn from reclaimed leather, they’re a nod to Barcus’ new-age-hippie upbringing in Boulder, Colorado. Barcus is a mostly self-taught goldsmith, whose prowess and workmanship has evolved along with the collection. She painstakingly produces each piece in the line along with her longtime collaborator Andrea Li. Talisman Fine Jewelry can be found at finer retailers nationwide, including Sacred Thistle in Denver, and online at TalismanFineJewelry.co.
SHOP THE LOOK
Lux Cardigan: Mimi Shim Studio, Lux Joggers: Mimi Shim Studio, Jewelry: Talisman Fine Jewelry, Clutch: Viv & Edie.
THE DESIGNERS: MIMI SHIM STUDIO
After graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a BFA, with a focus in fashion and textile design, Mimi moved to Los Angeles and got her first job as an assistant designer for a small but growing clothing label, and then relocated to NYC. In NYC, Mimi designed for a handful of smaller fashion brands as a sweater designer.
Although she loved designing sweaters and working in the fashion industry, constantly pushing out new collections for 7+ seasons a year took its toll. Often the collections she developed would be stripped of all the original concept by its finalized production. She saw the waste the industry produced, and the complex supply chains it operates on. The longevity of the garment was minimal if the design was too trendy or made from low quality yarns or fabrics.
It has been a long brewing project of Mimi’s to be able to design clothing without losing the artistry and tactile elements. In a way, going back to the simplicity of dressmaking, with a modern day spin. After a 10 year design career in NYC, she moved to Denver, CO and started her own sewing studio creating heirloom quality handmade goods, and providing clothing alteration services. The designer focus on creating luxury every day garments and quilted art, using high quality fabrics, conscientious production, and mindful consumption.
SHOP THE LOOK
Shirt: MAM Couture, Clutch: Viv & Edie, Jewelry: Talisman Fine Jewelry.
THE DESIGNERS: MAM COUTURE
Designer Rashad Randolph started MAM Couture in 2000 because he loved urban style and the quality of designer clothing but couldn’t afford it. Printing t-shirts was his go-to until he taught himself to sew and make samples. He saved every penny until he was able to open his first boutique location on University and Evan’s. According to Rashad, “MAM Couture is a lifestyle brand created for those who will not let society dictate to them what fashion is and where it is going. MAM Couture defies social barriers and promotes growth and prosperity; it celebrates individualism and freedom in the world of high-end fashion.” He recently signed a manufacturing deal with Resonance NYC which is home to brands such as Pyer Moss, Rebecca Minkoff, and JCRT.
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Shop this look online
THE DESIGNERS: VIV & EDIE
Laura J. Shape founded Viv & Edie, a fashion accessories company specializing in handmade exquisite custom one of a kind minaudiere clutches. In her pre-Colorado life she worked as a graphic designer in Los Angeles, designing for several internet startups as well as for big companies like Apple, Paramount Pictures, and Wells Fargo Bank. A blend of her artist mother and engineer father, Laura loves working with her hands, creating and building things that are both functional and beautiful. Though she majored in graphic design in college, she’s since explored a wide range of media including leathercraft and goldsmithing.
Working for startup companies gave Laura the entrepreneurial bug. When she moved to Denver six years ago to be with her new husband, she retired from graphic design to focus on fine art. After trying her hand at several things, she found her home in handbags and decided to make that her business. Laura sees her unique clutches as sculpture and loves incorporating different artmaking techniques into their creation. Making these bags challenges her to draw on everything she’s learned so far - graphic design, jewelry making, sculpture and leathercraft - and indulges her love of luxe materials and keen eye for quality.
Crop Top: Shop Meçlâ', Skirt: Meçlâ', Jewelry: Talisman Fine Jewelry, Clutch: Viv & Edie
THE DESIGNERS: Shop Meçlâ'
Meçlâ designs a seasonless and minimal clothing line inspired by clean lines, travel, and her Turkish heritage. She named her company Meçlâ after her Turkish grandmother who is also her namesake. After studying fashion design in college, she worked several years in the fashion industry gaining the experience she needed to start her own clothing company. All of Meçlâ’s clothing is made-to-order and she is committed to ethically sourced materials, improving zero-waste efforts, and using natural fibers.
Although Meçlâ does not follow the traditional fashion calendar, you will notice that new fabrics, colors, and textures may change along with the seasons. She’s currently focusing on her Turkish Textures Collection which is made from handwoven, naturally dyed cotton from Turkey which only gets better with wash and wear. Her favorite fabric from this collection, Sile Cloth. has been washed with sea water and dried on the beach giving it an unusual crinkly texture.
Meçlâ's minimal and modern silhouettes provide elevated staples to your wardrobe that are made for comfort and versatility. They can be worn with ease at home to relax, out on the town to make a statement, and anywhere in between. Her clothing is designed to offer a beautiful, clean canvas to style with your favorite jewelry and accessories. Meçlâ hopes that the energy invested into each piece travels to it's new destination, adding comfort, peace, and joy to your life's journey.
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Location Info: JW Marriot Cherry Creek
Centrally located in the heart of Cherry Creek, JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek embodies the spirit of the neighborhood, offering inspired luxury just steps away from world-class culture and nature that is yours to discover. Settle into one of their 199 spacious guest rooms. Take in the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. With localized touches, considered community partnerships, and amazing new restaurant Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge, come find your place in the heart of it all. The JW deck space featured in these photos is available for meetings, events and weddings. To plan your next indoor or outdoor event at the JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek call (303)253.3040 // Marriot.com/denjw