303 Magazine • December 31, 2021

The Best of 2021 Denver Fashion

During a year of many ups and downs as we have learned to adjust the COVID-19 pandemic, Denver fashion exploded. While many fashion shows, brand launches and events were canceled or postponed in 2020, this year introduced a period for local fashion to take shape in person. Many designers and brands brought their A-game to the Denver fashion scene after taking the time during isolation to expand on their passions for fashion. Going into the new year, it is clear that Denver fashion is on the hor

303 Magazine • December 21, 2021

Local Designer Dalton Bidula Launches Unique Streetwear Brand

It is rare for a garment to transform to fit different circumstances and outfits. However, local designer Dalton Bidula strives to change that with the launch of his new streetwear brand, LAAW. The brand is built upon sleek black jackets featuring velcro patches that are interchangeable. From striking red and black patches to tan ones resembling Star Wars stormtroopers, this unique take on outerwear is meant to make a statement. The name itself comes from the idea that “most things are tempora

303 Magazine • December 16, 2021

Fierce in the City 5 Celebrated Fashion and Creativity 303 Magazine

The 5th annual Fierce in the City, an event showcasing local designers produced by Salwa Owens, brought high fashion to Glendale, Colorado. A variety of local boutiques and designers showcased their collection at the Infinity Park Events Center on Dec. 12, alongside several performers. Owens is known for creating a space for fashion to flourish. However, Fierce in the City is not just any fashion show. It is an entire production featuring musical guests, runway shows and an ambiance unlike any

303 Magazine • December 14, 2021

Luxury Bridal Designer Guillermo Pharis Brings a Showstopping Runway Collection to Denver

Elegant wedding dresses and divine couture graced the runway this weekend at a runway show featuring designer Guillermo Pharis. Hosted by Void Studios, the event on Dec. 11 bridged bridal with high fashion. Pharis’ love for fashion began at a young age. His experience in the bridal industry is vast as he has worked with a variety of designers including Monique Lhuillier, Dennis Basso, Carolina Herrera, Calvin Klein and numerous Broadway costume studios. Currently, Pharis’ brand is based in New

303 Magazine • November 26, 2021

Editor's Guide to the Best Local Gifts in Denver 2021

Last year, 20% of shoppers dedicated themselves to shopping local for the holidays — and 48% of what they spent went right back into the local community. This year, more shoppers than ever (70% of shoppers according to the same data we mentioned earlier) are looking to their local communities for gifts, and for good reason. Sure, it helps the local economy, but more importantly, shopping local helps you find unique gifts for your loved ones that they won’t find anywhere else. Everything on our

303 Magazine • November 24, 2021

Sustainable Fashion Illuminated the Denver Fashion Week Night Three Runway

The energy was high, the fashion was sustainable and the designers were ready to show their art. The final night of Denver Fashion Week, presented by The Green Solution and Medicine Man, showcased sustainable fashion from local vintage vendors and designers. Following an opening performance by N3ptune, the night started off with an excited crowd eager to celebrate both fashion and sustainability. Meraki & Nat took the runway first with a very insightful message about mental health awareness. “T

303 Magazine • November 22, 2021

What You Missed on Thursday at Denver Fashion Week

This past week’s Fall 2021 Denver Fashion Week (DFW) was arguably the best one yet featuring exquisite local fashion and bringing the community together in the process. Produced by 303 Magazine and sponsored by The Green Solution and Medicine Man, the three-night event was held at McNichols Civic Center. Thursday night’s runway shows celebrated ready to wear fashion, bringing a fierce energy putting Denver fashion on the map. Thursday night’s ready to wear runway shows kicked off the weekend-lo

303 Magazine • November 18, 2021

Annabel Bowlen Attends Denver Fashion Week Wearing Pieces from Local Designers

Annabel Bowlen, daughter of Pat Bowlen who was the majority owner of the Denver Broncos prior to his passing in 2019, will be attending Denver Fashion Week this season. Though she has attended the renowned event for years now, this week Bowlen will be wearing pieces from several designers showcasing their collections. Prior to the shows, Annabel attended fittings with Menez, Velvet Papillon and Yaneth Alatorre. The designers helped her find the perfect pieces to represent their brands at each o

303 Magazine • November 16, 2021

The Stanley Marketplace’s Winter Fashion Show Promoted Local Retailers

The annual Stanley Marketplace Holiday Fashion Show returned this year after last year’s runway show was postponed due to the pandemic. Locally-owned and independent retailers with storefronts in the Stanley Marketplace took the runway with collections perfect for the winter and holiday season. The Stanley Marketplace supports a variety of local brands including restaurants, shops and more. Therefore, it was the perfect setting for a runway show celebrating local fashion. Located in an area tha

303 Magazine • November 1, 2021

Bradley Allen Introduces Apparel Fit for Bodybuilders to Denver Fashion Week

Denver-based brand Bradley Allen will be attending Denver Fashion Week for the first time on Saturday, November 20. The brand’s niche customer base is bodybuilders, weight lifters, athletes and those with muscular body types that often struggle to find dress clothes that fit their silhouettes. Dr. Brad Poppie, the founder of Bradley Allen, developed the brand to fill a gap in the bodybuilder industry that he felt wasn’t being properly addressed. As a bodybuilder himself, Allen’s intentions were

303 Magazine • October 22, 2021

Parker’s MainStreet Fashion Show Celebrated Fashion While Supporting a Good Cause

This past weekend, The MainStreet Fashion Show brought together members of the Colorado fashion community in support of Hana’s Hope, a local nonprofit. The show featured nine boutiques and designers, over 60 models and an eccentric array of fashion from fur to victorian era dresses and more. Hana founded Hana’s Hope after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and faced extreme hair loss. She had previously dedicated her career to creating wigs, but after the amount of love and support that she r

303 Magazine • October 21, 2021

LA-Based Designer AldoElCreator Returns to Denver Fashion Week

AldoElCreator, designer of Dark Denim, started his career in Denver. Now based in LA, his brand has exploded. Currently, he is styling celebrities and forming partnerships with various influencers worldwide. For the upcoming Denver Fashion Week Night 1 Ready to Wear runway show on November 18, AldoElCreator will return to Denver to showcase his new collection that he has created just for the event. Eight years ago, AldoElCreator picked up a sewing machine and began his fashion journey. What sta

303 Magazine • October 12, 2021

Jay Davis Bags Releases Stunning New Capsule Collections

Looking for a unique handbag that exudes flair and high fashion at the same? Look no further—Jess Rose, owner of Jay Davis Bags, released several capsule collections featuring show-stopping bags that are truly one of a kind pieces. Rose has been making bags since high school. She has always loved to use her creativity towards wearable art, and when she moved to New York after college and began working for a couture designer, she discovered her eagerness to create pieces spontaneously. During h

303 Magazine • October 7, 2021

Denver Fashion Week Returns This November

Colorado’s largest fashion show, Denver Fashion Week (DFW) returns this winter to showcase a wide variety of designers and their collections. Named by Forbes as “a trusted alternative to New York [Fashion Week],” DFW brings together local designers, boutiques, hairstylists, makeup artists and models in a creative space to showcase Denver fashion. In addition to a fashion industry workshop, the three-night event will take place on Thursday, November 18, Saturday, November 20 and Sunday, November

303 Magazine • September 24, 2021

A Blast From the Past - 3 Fashion Trends Making a Comeback in Fall 2021

The trends taking shape this fall are all about bringing back pieces of the past and celebrating vintage fashion in the process. Celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Hailey Bieber are bringing back colored leather, funky sweaters, pantsuits and more. Even Vogue’s 2021 guide to fall fashion trends defines timeless pieces prone to never go out of style as all the rage. While vintage fashion continues to make a comeback, our fall wardrobes are adjusting to incorporate the garments and ac

303 Magazine • September 21, 2021

Color of Fashion 2021: Transcending Runway Fashion Through Diverse Representation

Denver fashion reached a new level this weekend at Color of Fashion, a pair of runway shows that brought together designers from across the country. This wasn’t just any fashion show. The message behind the event and the founders’ visions is what made Color of Fashion a truly unforgettable experience. According to the event program, Color of Fashion included “official shows highlighting all the colors of fashion and beauty by bridging the gap between diversity and high fashion.” Founders Saman

303 Magazine • September 16, 2021

Machete & Sons Created Custom, Vegan and Cruelty-Free Tuxedos for Jared Polis and Marlon Reis’ Wedding

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis tied the knot with his partner of more than 17 years Marlon Reis this week. The event was not only a celebration of love, but a time of historical significance as Polis is the first openly gay elected governor in the United States. Local designer AJ Machete of Machete & Sons designed the suits for the grooms as well as the outfits for their two children. This is the first time Machete & Sons has worked with Polis and Reis, so, according to Machete, “in many ways, it’s

303 Magazine • August 19, 2021

Stylist Celia Rose on Retro Fashion and What It Takes to Create Her Unique Looks

Recently, fashion trends from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s have reemerged. Vintage fashion is now embraced and celebrated by a variety of generations looking to express themselves through fashion. While the trend is growing in popularity, for native Coloradan, stylist, photographer and art student Celia Rose Caplitz, retro fashion has always been a wardrobe essential. Caplitz uses fashion as a form of expression which has evolved into a career. She helped make Archives Vintage – a retro thrift

303 Magazine • August 12, 2021

Drag Entertainer Dixie Krystals on How Drag Fosters Community

As Colorado continues its progress returning to a sense of normalcy, the entertainment industry works to rebuild. This includes drag entertainment. John White, also known as Dixie Krystals, is the Events Director at The Center on Colfax as well as a longtime drag entertainer and performer. Throughout her career and especially after this past year, she strives to make a difference in the Colorado drag community. Krystals’ career in drag began over 24 years ago when she was working as a performer

303 Magazine • August 11, 2021

Local Nonprofit Combines Furry Friends and Fashion in Upcoming Fashion Show

What could possibly be better than a fashion show? A runway show featuring dogs – specifically, corgis. The second annual Corgis and Friends Take Over Fashion 2021 event takes place on August 21 at The Village Workspace in Centennial, Colorado. The show is hosted by local nonprofit organization Paws All in The City, which strives to educate and support dog owners regarding their pet’s health conditions. Founder of Paws All in The City Cassidy Hara-Smith created a fashion show fundraiser to int