Last night, Denver Fashion Week kicked off at Sustainable Night. Sustainability holds major importance within the fashion community, as the industry remains one of the largest global polluters. The opening show of the season proved that it’s possible to reverse that narrative — by crafting stunning, thoughtful pieces using materials that are already available.
Doors opened at 7 p.m. where guests could enjoy local vendors, food and beverage while mingling. They were even greeted by a red carpet with a free photo opportunity.
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As guests started finding their way to their seats and the lights started to dim, the night welcomed host Smitty of Channel 93.3 Colorado Alternative radio. Smitty, dressed by Common Threads, prepared us for the night ahead. Six sustainable designers, Hyacinth, Sydney Lennox, Common Threads, Brandi McMichael, Abstraction and Garms 1 of 1 showed powerful collections, marking the official beginning of the Spring 2025 season.
The show kicked off with Ana Luna absolutely rocking the stage, with two songs she performed on the violin. As one winner of this Entertainment Challenge, she definitely lived up to the expectation.
Hyacinth
“My idea was to create more of an ethereal line that really focuses on elements of nature and fairies. Fairies are the protectors of nature, so with this year and everything going on in the country I wanted to focus on giving back to nature.” – Rachel Hazelwood, Hyacinth
The first brand to strut down the runway was Hyacinth, designed by Rachel Hazelwood. The runway shimmered with enchantment as models floated down like woodland spirits, each carrying delicate props: glowing lanterns, sprigs of baby’s breath or ethereal wings. The air was filled with a low, magical hum of music that set a dreamlike tone, perfectly complementing the sheer fabrics and glistening tulle that draped their bodies. Sparkles caught the light with every movement as the entire show felt dreamlike.
Common Threads
“This is our first time at DFW, and we really wanted to represent Common Threads and how you can be super chic in a sustainable way.” – McKenzie Cook, Common Threads
And they did just that. The music turned upbeat and the lights shifted as Common Thread’s first model stepped onto the runway. Each stunning look was carefully curated, leaving the audience wondering — is that for sale? It was consignment store marketing at its finest, as every outfit, perfectly paired with accessories, confidently made its way down the runway.
Kingdom Work – Brandi McMichael
“I’m usually on the other side of DFW, so for me, the excitement of actually creating a collection inspired me. My inspiration also definitely comes straight out of scripture.” – Brandi McMichael, Kingdom Work
Brandi McMichel brought a powerful and thought-provoking presence to the runway with a collection titled “Kingdom’s Work.” Each meticulously constructed look carried a distinct biblical theme, with garments boldly featuring messages like the verse Genesis 50:20 and the declaration, “March on, my soul; be strong.” The show made a striking impact as a pair of twins split the runway in perfectly matched ensembles, reinforcing the brand’s message of unity and strength. The final model stepped out in a stark white jumpsuit with “Abomination of Desolation” on the front, and “The abomination stands in the holy place” on the back, leaving the audience with a powerful visual statement that lingered long after the lights dimmed.
Sydney Lennox
“My collection is inspired by the limit that I can go with natural color.” – Sydney Lennox
Sydney Lennox’s collection was a flawless embodiment of the show’s theme, showcasing her expertise as a sustainable designer. Each piece was dyed using all-natural materials, bringing an organic richness to the vibrant palette. Her designs featured structured corset tops paired with flowy skirts, blending strength and softness in a way that felt both modern and timeless. The grand finale for Lennox’s featured a breathtaking piece dyed in every color of the rainbow — a stunning display of natural artistry that left the audience thoroughly impressed and inspired.
Abstraction Design
What if the resistance isn’t loud — but luminous?” “Not armor — but pearls.” “Tonight, we invite you to reflect on transformation—not the kind that conforms, but the kind that dares to become.” – Anete Fremaine, Abstraction Design
Abstraction Design opened with a striking video that set the tone for the show, displaying messages that established her collection as one of resistance, strength and transformation. As each look graced the runway, pearls appeared as a recurring motif, captivating the audience with their subtle strength. The color story flowed seamlessly, with tones of white, maroon, silver-grey, and blue presented in perfect harmony. Another set of twins, models Destiny and Desirae Sanchez, made an appearance, dressed in impeccably coordinated outfits that highlighted the thoughtful craftsmanship behind the collection. Every garment was executed with elegance, intention, and a quiet sense of power.
Garms 1 of 1
“My collection is so inspired by music, its all I do when I’m creating, so all of the models are walking to Technologic by Daft Punk tonight which is a banger, IYKYK,” – Ari Burback, Garms 1 of 1
Garms 1 of 1 closed the show with an electrifying digital display on the screen and Daft Punk’s “Technologic,” blaring through the speakers. Having made waves in Milan, Paris, New York Wyoming, and previous Denver Fashion Week seasons, Ari Burback brought once again delivered an unforgettable experience. Bold, cutting-edge pieces stormed the runway, featuring striking uses of leather, reworked vintage, and even unexpected elements such as a model en pointe and the sole of a shoe repurposed into a daring top. Yes, the final look was a showstopper: a top crafted entirely from the sole of a Dr. Martens boot, with a belt holding the back. This collection proved one thing: Garms 1 of 1 continues to redefine fashion with fearless creativity and undeniable impact.
All in all, DFW never disappoints. From the stunning production to the one-of-a-kind designers, Denver proves once again that it knows how to put on a show. With seven more nights still to come, this is just the beginning — and tickets are still available.
All photos by Weston Mosburg. Denver Fashion Week Spring 2025 takes place May 10-18, 2025 at The Brighton at 3403 Brighton Boulevard Denver, CO 80216. Tickets can be purchased here.
