Fashion West | Spring 2022 by Beauty Underground

fashion west style for the new frontier

volume 3

spring/summer 2022

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CHERRY CREEK MALL | LARIMER SQUARE

| PARK MEADOWS

FORT COLLINS | FLATIRONS | BOULDER 2

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TREASURE COLLECTION

JOHNATEN CIO.COM

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creators PUBLISHER Charlie Price | @charliepricehair EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Hailee Lucchesi | @hailee.lucchesi COPY EDITOR Tiaja Pierre | @tiajamainsondebeaute FASHION EDITOR/MODEL COORDINATOR Julie Gallahue | @juliegallahue FASHION EDITOR Tara Aubrey | @off.beat.chic GRAPHIC DESIGN & MEDIA Charity Mainville | @camainville

RUNWAY SHOW FOUNDERS Charlie Price Tiaja Pierre FASHION DIRECTORS Ron Lopez | @ronlopez2 James Mucker | @yjameswhy MODEL AGENCY SPONSOR Diana Gormley | @dianagormley Donna Baldwin Agency | @donnabaldwinagency MEDIA SPONSOR Trisha Ventker | @trishaventker Denver Colorado Luxury Magazine | @denvercoloradoluxarymagazine STUDIO SPONSOR Void Studios Denver | @voidstudiosusa

fashionwest.org @fashionwestmagazine For advertising and editorial inquires contact: info@fashionwest.org Fashion West and the entire contents of this magazine are copyright 2022. All rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or part without the written permission from the publisher.

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content EDITOR'S LETTER

FASHION STORIES Is That All There is?

Coming of Age

Blush

Transpicous

Punk Ballet

Headdress

Contemplation

Neutral Territory

Flowering

Ivorian

Maverick

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Gentleman's Choice

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Sliver

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Mover & Shaker

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ON THE COVER

INTERVIEWS Jill Lietz

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Tiaja Pierre

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James Mucker

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Victor Adeniran

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Alicia McQuilliams

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Quána Madison

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Angel Macauley

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CITIZENS OF THE WEST Brooks LTD

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Marie Margot Couture

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Mona Lucero

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PHOTOGRAPHY/ CREATIVE DIRECTION/ FASHION STYLING | Julie Gallahue HAIR | Charlie Price MAKEUP | Tiaja Pierre MODEL | Lily Rotach

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edicts from the editrix

Ephemera: something transitory or short-lived. As we publish the third issue of Fashion West magazine and transition from the algidity of winter into the revival of spring, it couldn’t be more fitting that our team termed our Spring Fashion Show: Ephemera on March 27 at ReelWorks in the Arts District. At the core of it, life is just a series of ephemera. Each instant is a million mini short-lived moments that make up this wonderful thing we are lucky enough to call life. May this notion that inspired our show, inspire you. Inspire you to relish the ephemera you want for yourself. Our spring show will be an evening founded in transition. A beautiful night flooded with fashion, shopping, bites, art, and music. You will experience glimmers of ephemera on the runway woven within the models, garments, photographers, hair and makeup artists. You will see it amongst the shoppable pop-ups from our incredible designers who will be showcasing their work on the runway. You will feel it throughout the performances, art and food. Our creative directors cleverly and consciously constructed a show that will create raw and rare opportunity to view each designer’s work. This approach creates a space to be entirely present and connected with these curators. Those walking the runway were selected by their own transitory journeys. Whether they are models, dancers, performers, stylists, or bloggers, it is ephemera that brought them together. What a profound wonderful idea that is. The pages of this issue along with videos and performances throughout the spring show, are composed with the same notion in mind. I’m unsure if I’m more impressed with the beautiful range of ages, shapes, and colors amongst the individuals or the content. Luckily for us, the result is strewn throughout these pages and will be on display during the show on March 27. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I do; it’s courageous and creative. Two ideas I plan to bring with me into Spring. I presume I’ll see you at the show because if we have learned nothing at all, everything is short-lived and life itself would have impossible without Ephemera. Ciao for now,

Hailee Lucchesi Hailee Lucchesi 6

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FASHION WEST FASHION STORIES

Most photographers go and photograph something that they see, that exists, and that somebody else has created – they document it. But

fashion

photographers

have to create

what they’re going to photograph. We have to go into the thought and build it up, get a girl, get a guy, get a situation, get the house, get the decor.

It’s the meaning of the word photography: “writing with light.”

- MARIO TESTINO

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is That AllThere is

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Coming of Age PHOTOGRAPHY

Anderson Gonzalez | @andersongonzalezphotographer CREATIVE DIRECTION/CONCEPT

Charlie Price | @charliepricehair HAIR

Jane’s Mucker | @yjameswhy

Charlie Price

MAKEUP

Tiaja Pierre | @tiajamaisondebeaute Bernadette McClair | @themrsjmcclair

Dawn Steffensmeier | @dawnsteff64 Oksana Starling | @oksanastarlingbeauty

MODELS

Void Studios | @voidstudiosusa

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Blush PHOTOGRAPHY/ CREATIVE DIRECTION/ FASHION STYLING Julie Gallahue HAIR Charlie Price MODELS Neveah Smith Lily Rotach

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MAKEUP Tiaja Pierre FASHION Harnesses by Pressed to Impress www.pressedtoimpress.net

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Transpicuous PHOTOGRAPHY/ CREATIVE DIRECTION/ FASHION STYLING Julie Gallahue HAIR Charlie Price MODELS Jordan Huffman and Alyssa Wyss

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PHOTOGRAPHY Fred Langer | @Fred.Langer.Photography

MODELS Daryan Eliese | @daryaniese

FASHION Charlie Price Archive

CREATIVE DIRECTION/FASHION STYLING/HAIR Charlie Price | @charliepricehair

Emerson Soleil | @emersinsoleil

Mona Lucero | @monaluceroofficial

Oksana Hassel | @oh_anya15

Marie Margot Couture | @mariemargotcouture

MAKEUP Tiaja Pierre | @tiajaisondebeaute

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Billy Upchurch | @billyupchurch

LOCATION Void Studios | @voidstudiosusa

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PHOTOGRAPHY & CREATIVE DIRECTION Anderson Gonzalez | @andersongonzalezphotographer MODEL Salvador Cruz | @salvadorcruzorihuela

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NEUTRAL

TERRITORY PHOTOGRAPHY JJ Constantine | @jjconstantinephoto CREATIVE DIRECTION/ FASHION STYLING/HAIR Charlie Price | @charliepricehair MAKEUP Tiaja Pierre | @tiajamaisondebeaute

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MODELS Trinity Thomas | @trin.anne.tonic Mickie Clyne | @m_i_c_k_i_e FASHION Charlie Price Archive LOCATION Void Studios | @voidstudiosusa

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MAVERICK PHOTOGRAPHER Julie Gallahue | @juliegallahue HAIR AND FASHION STYLIST Charlie Price | @charliepricehair MAKEUP Tiaja Pierre | @tiajamaisondebeaute MODELS Kobi Lyles and Mia Arnold LOCATION Special thanks to Buckhorn Exchange www.buckhorn.com

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Gentleman's Choice PHOTOGRAPHER Anderson Gonzalez | @andersongonzalezphotographer PORTRAITS OF CHARLIE PRICE | FOUNDER OF FASHION WEST

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SL IV ER

PHOTOGRAPHY Hardy Klahold | @hardysphotos CREATIVE DIRECTION/FASHION STYLING/HAIR Charlie Price | @charliepricehair GROOMING Tiaja Pierre | @tiajamaisondebeaute MODEL McCoy Busick | @mccoybusick

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FASHION WEST INTERVIEWS

Facts, opinions, and value statements push

people

apart,

stories bring people together.

- CHUCK MATTHEI

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cut AboVe WHAT BECOMES A LEGEND MOST JILL LIETZ | HAIR STYLIST

Interview & Photography by Charlie Price

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You have been doing hair since the 1960s. That is quite something! How were salons and the industry different then? Back in the 1960s I would see my clients once a week. Busy… you have no idea. I would work 7 days a week sometimes because even back then I wanted to always be open to new clients. I did shampoos, sets, backcombing, comb-outs, and hair spray all day! I would drive from Lansing, Michigan to Toronto, Canada once a month without fail to study with a great hairdresser at that time, Max Madison. I was so fortunate to be in his presence. What was it like to be trained by living legend Trevor Sorbie? You were a core member of his American team. That must have been a heady time, no? Trevor Sorbie… Wow! Even now I feel so grateful for just knowing him and that I can call this great mentor my friend. Trevor had a standard of excellence and accepted nothing less. I learned that if you want something bad enough, it was achieved by practice, practice, and practice. As painful as it was sometimes, I would not change a thing. The amazing community of fellow hairdressers whom I hold now as valued friends came from the Trevor Sorbie tribe. Ruth Roche is my BFF, whom I met on day one of my auditions with Trevor... it was love at first sight.

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What current hair trends do you love and which do you loathe? I love everything beautiful, with integrity to the work. I try to look at something always with non-judgment especially if it hits me with “shock”. I love to be shocked! It is different, almost scaring me at first, then I calm down and try to figure out how it was done. What I “hate” is bad taste or no soul in the work.

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If you were a haircut which one would you be? If I were a haircut… hmmm, very disconnected, crazy bits all over the place but within all that a strong structure, somewhere. You asked! What has been the top three moments of your career thus far? Only name three? Not possible! Being on the Trevor Sorbie Artistic Team. Winning NAHA 4 times. My Lifetime Achievement Award. Being a Master Stylist. Being part of the artistic team of the Beauty Underground as they are my Tribe, my family! fw

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TIAJA PIERRE | MAKEUP ARTIST & FOUNDER OF FASHION WEST Photography by JJ Constantine | @jjconstantine2 Interview by Charlie Price

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You have had numerous careers such as welding and being a private detective (to name only two) - now you do skincare, makeup, and are the sitting editor of this magazine as well as assisting with the Fashion West Runway Show. What drew you to fashion and beauty? When I was a young girl my mother would purchase magazines and books on fashion and makeup, which I would secretly look through. As well, she would dress in ways that reflected the different trends of that time…romantic, classic and a little bit retro. She always wore high heels. I would try on her clothes and shoes when she was not home…putting together various outfits while posing in front of the mirror. Fashion allows one to transform into something temporarily for the moment without needing to say a word. Whether it is the bold colors or patterns, one can change their mood at the drop of a hat. They say that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” which is true as it does not exist on its own. The thing I love most about fashion is the ability to express while remaining unique. Seeing my mother do her hair and makeup beautifully everyday inspired me to want to be the same as her. I used to sneak into her makeup and try to replicate her routine. When she finally figured out that I was playing in her makeup she said I could have my own makeup but only after taking professional lessons. So when I turned 18 years old, I took makeup lessons and the rest is history. Before the launching of Fashion West Magazine and Runway Show you were very involved in Denver Fashion Week, have painted faces for every major local runway show and worked extensively backstage at New York Fashion Week. What do you love most about being involved in catwalk shows? Catwalk shows are unlike anything else. It is not only about the transformation and presentation but the exhilaration that you help create for the audience, who is viewing the production. Working as team to create a catwalk show is rewarding in of itself. In the past you immersed yourself in competitive fitness, beauty pageants, such as Mrs. Colorado and now you enter many salon industry related competitions. What fascinates you about these contests and what career and personal rewards do you receive from them? I am a competitive person who loves to raise the bar for myself. These competitions allow me to showcase my strengths but also learn from others and get feedback about how to improve. Additionally, I am able to use these competitions for the platforms that are important to me. The various talents of other competitors also fascinate me. I like to participate in these various competitions to not only keep busy preparing but to keep me learning and on my toes. When entering these competitions I feel a kind of accomplishment as I try to push myself to be my best and it keeps my creative juices flowing.

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You have many causes that are close to your heart. Children’s literacy, immigration reform and gun control are among them. Why are these causes so important to you? Oh my, this is a wonderful question that is multi-faceted. My thought process is that children are our future and without literacy they will be left behind. We need their fresh thoughts and vibrant hope for the future of the world. We need to help them attain the literacy necessary to live and thrive in life as there are so many others struggle that they will face. The children are our future leaders and we need to do all we can to ensure they have the tools and abilities to make decisions that are taking into consideration all stakeholders. Regarding immigration reform, I volunteer to fill out immigration forms for those who need help and that English is not their first language. I feel that everyone who has a dream to be able to live here should be able to. We as a society should help those who want to live here, regardless of a person’s nationality, religion, sex or creed. I also attend violations of human rights protests for immigrants that are unfairly jailed or detained. By having more people who come from different countries living in our country, being different will be normalized and we can learn from each other. It is my hope that by having more diversity in the world we will all come together and celebrate our uniqueness while recognizing we are different but still the same. Gun control is at the forefront of my causes. I have testified many times at the Colorado State Capitol on this subject and will continue to do so. With this said, it is my hope that the world realizes that we are losing too many people to senseless shootings and killings. If there were better gun control laws these matters would hopefully be lessened, if not eliminated all together. As such a busy person, is there a grand escape or luxurious fantasy getaway that you dream about? I would love to have an extensive Orient Express experience. It not only sounds amazing but I love learning about other cultures and languages. It may only be a dream for now. The other grand escape, which sounds crazy and maybe is - to climb and summit Mount Everest.

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STYLE

I C O N

JAMES MUCKER HAIR STYLIST CO-FOUNDER OF FASHION WEST RUNWAY SHOW Interview & Photography by Charlie Price

You have been a hairdresser in the Cherry Creek North neighborhood for over 3 decades. That is a long time dealing with challenging clients. What is the secret to your success? The perfect combination of listening, being loving while learning to be patient is part of it. In addition, perseverance, being tolerant, kind, making people feel good and discussing hot topics makes for success. You have a very flamboyant personal look. Who are the style icons that inspire you? Gucci, as well as the icons of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s inspire me. As well as Michael Jackson, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Elton John, Alexander McQueen, GFF and Valentino.

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"Gucci, as well as the icons of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s inspire me." You are now a salon owner after many years of working in other people’s salons. What has changed about your workdays since making this shift? Absolutely nothing! I still work hard; teaching, mentoring and inspiring others to do better and be all they can be. I do travel more, though. You are extremely upbeat and known to break into dance at a moment’s notice. What is your favorite music to dance to? I like 80’s and 90’s EDM. The reason I can break into a dance is because I exercise, eat right and take my Geritol. Over the last few years you have travelled a lot for work, photos of your work have been seen worldwide and you won some major international salon industry awards. How has this affected your life behind the chair? It has not changed much as I still work hard…I still grind. I am very humble, grateful and kind. I will hustle until I cannot…as a matter of fact; I added an eighth day to my workweek. fw

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Vitruvian Man VICTOR ADENIRAN | MODEL AND PREFORMER | @VICTORINSANDIEGO Photography & Creative Direction by Anderson Gonzalez | andersongonzalezphotographer Interview by Charlie Price

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So much of your life is about fitness, what do you think the key to staying healthy is? Wow, I feel like health isn’t just an absence of illness, it’s having balance in most, if not all aspects of one’s life including physical, mental, social, psychological and financial health. But to me, the key is consistency. Doing what gets you healthy over and over until the goal is achieved and understanding that maintaining whatever you have achieved also requires consistency. When it comes to health and fitness most of us stick to certain things for 6 months, 1 year etc., when our bodies last our lifetime. We sometimes choose to do things so drastic and extreme with hopes of only doing it short term yet expecting long terms results. Why isn’t the goal sustainability and longevity? So to me the key is consistency, sustainability and thus longevity. You are an aerialist, acrobat and dancer, what does it feel like inside as you create these beautiful shapes with your body? There’s always an urge to create something that conveys my heart and thoughts to whomever is receptive and watching. The process always leaves me exhilarated. I hear some music and I visualize myself flying to it , dancing to it, etc. As a movement artist there’s so much that we say with our bodies. For me, I find it extremely rewarding to push my limits in movement. Whether that’s in dance , aerial, acro etc. - being able to convey a message to the world with no words at all but just movement is extremely fulfilling and beautiful. You have flawless (and hairless) skin, what is your secret ? Hilarious question. I hydrate (with water of course), cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and repeat. Drinking a decent amount of water daily is so important, finding moisturizers that lock in moisture without clogging your pores. Consuming the right amount of vitamin C so your body can produce the amount of collagen needed, since that is the primary purpose of vitamin C. And there you have it.

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“Art is and has been one of the greatest forms of protest, enlightenment and beauty.” 156 fashionwest.org

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You are always doing many creative projects. What do you have “cookin” at the moment ? Well, I don’t wanna give out too much but three main projects dear to my heart at the moment are: a tour through Europe and North America doing tons of aerial, happening very soon with a company most of us know, and I’ll announce shortly. A residency in Vegas with a company I just shot a promo video for, so that should announce soon as well, and lastly a children's book I’m currently illustrating and almost done with. You make unapologetically queer art. Can you tell us about your inspiration for these decidedly romantic paintings of yours ? The message behind my works is “love is love”, but I also know that’s easier said than done when it comes to depicting that through a queer lens. Most people find it to be “shoving my lifestyle in their faces” or “it’s not their kind of art” etc. But to me having an unwavering yet receptive voice as an artist is so important. Art is and has been one of the greatest forms of protest, enlightenment and beauty. I never saw art pieces that show romance and love amongst queer men. I saw tons of works that were homoerotic but sometimes they just end up being phallic. As much as that could be arousing, I do feel like a little bit more representation of queer men who want to enjoy romance and sensuality unapologetically, is my calling. In my opinion, it’s as though many gay men grow up with a sense of self loathing and thinking of their sensuality, sexuality, and love for another gay man is taboo. It makes it hard for some, not all, to express how they actually feel or to fully accept their own sensuality and understand that it is beautiful. My works are made to send the message that self-love and love for another man is not only beautiful but absolutely normal. It’s not a sin, not a taboo, not a lifestyle that needs justification, but just is… simply love.

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Head of

show

ALICIA MCQUILLIAMS | HAIR STYLIST & RUNWAY PRODUCER Interview & Photography by Charlie Price

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You are so good at running the backstage at a fashion show. Was that something you thought you might want to do or did you fall into it? Show production was never really on my radar. I had always been fascinated with runway but never really considered being a part of shows until about 10 years ago. I was still very fresh in the hair industry when I caught wind of a show in Denver being run by Charlie Price. I was determined to see if runway hair would be something I enjoyed doing. After contacting whoever was in charge of the shows by email, I was able to get in contact with Charlie. He brought me on as a hair assistant for that show and I completely fell in love. As the only assistant that showed up that day, I busted my ass to get my hands in every segment available. I really wanted to leave a lasting impression that I was eager to be involved and to learn. I was invited back the next season and that is when I was asked to try my hand at helping with production. The rest is history. By taking that step to get involved I found an unexpected love for producing runway shows. What is the most gratifying part about mounting a runway show and what is the most vexing part? For me, I think there are two particularly gratifying things when it comes to being a part of runway shows. First, is working side by side with designers, especially local ones, to showcase their amazing talent and hard work. Having their trust that I will produce a flawless show for them so they can focus on the creative aspects of their segment is paramount. Second of course is the end result. All of my focus during a show is on choreography, timing and all the small backstage details. I do not get a chance to sit back and enjoy the show the same way our guests do, so I love seeing the photos and videos of the segments. I think the most vexing part of a show is drunk people! I am all for having some drinks and enjoying myself but I have seen it all. From people getting sloppy, dumping drinks on the runway, trying to get backstage, running back and forth over the runway, to changing seats during a show, etc. That stuff is very disruptive when you are trying to focus and to keep the show running on time.

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“By taking that step to get involved I found an unexpected love for producing runway shows.” 164 fashionwest.org

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You are also a very busy hairdresser. Tell me about your clientele. My focus in the salon is color. My clientele at this point is about 60% blonding services (balayage, highlights, all over blonde and everything between) 40% custom color (vivids, custom color formulations, lived in color, etc.). I stick with what I am passionate about. I love doing color in every facet. How would you describe your personal style? For the past couple years I have been really trying to establish my style by embracing my body and dressing to show myself instead of hiding or conforming to a dress code. I have been working on becoming more comfortable with myself. My style has kind of evolved to be a mix of grunge, soft Goth, dark cottage core and something I like to call grandma core. Comfort is key! I know you are very opinionated. Do you think politics and strong opinions should be a part of hair and fashion? Whether people really care to acknowledge it or not, our industry does have a huge influence on the world. I think this industry is used to evoking all types of responses. After all, it is about individuality and self-expression. I am all for designers/stylists who want to use their platform to bring light to causes or opinions important to them as long as their representation is not racist, bigoted or harmful towards others.

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Growing Happiness

artlifting QUÁNA MADISON | ARTIST, MODEL, AND PHILANTHROPIST | @artlififting

Interview by Charlie Price Photography by Zachariah White | @z.c.white

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You are an author, artist, speaker and much more - how did you become so accomplished at such a young age? I have experienced many complex traumas and challenges throughout my life. An essential ingredient in my healing process is expressing my creativity in meaningful ways. Embracing my creativity as a healing tool over the years has fueled my courage to pursue my creative dreams as an author, artist, speaker and more. How would you describe your paintings and what would you like viewers to know about your work? My paintings are visual mudras (symbols) about well being topics that are created during my creative meditation sessions. I contemplate inner peace messages and mental/emotional wellness practices. I visualize my reflections as colors, shapes and lines. Then I channel my creativity into a spontaneous gestural dance between myself and the canvas. As I paint, I consciously pour my positive energy into my art-making process, in hopes of uplifting the spirits of communities and art collectors that experience my art. I believe art nourishes physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. I create art to promote inner peace, resilience, hope, healing and well-being in myself and others. It is a joy to nourish the well-being of others through my art. You are very organized as well as calm, cool and collected as part of the Fashion West runways production team. I can tell you love the process of mounting the show. What do you love most about this project? I love the exhilarating synergy that is cultivated between all the creatives involved in the Fashion West runway shows. I am passionate about supporting the team with creating the desired ambience and lasting impressions on the audience, when expressing the fashion stories that will be featured on the runway through garments, hairstyles and makeup.

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Relentless Spirit of Transformation

"My paintings are visual mudras (symbols) about well being topics that are created during my creative meditation sessions." Becoming Whole

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Discovering the Signals

Cultivating Joy

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Birthing New Beginnings

Art Nourishes Well-being

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You also model, what has your experience in that realm been like? I am a petite plus-size disabled model, who is relatively new to the modeling realm. I have experience as a commercial model and more recently as a fashion model. As a model with visible and invisible disabilities, I aspire to be a part of the movement to make the fashion modeling industry more inclusive. My disabilities include a fused ankle that impacts my mobility and invisible chronic illnesses that cause total body pain twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. In 2016, I nearly died from life-threatening surgical complications related to my previous treatments for cancer. Additionally, I experienced major complications from my double mastectomies and breast reconstruction that still impacts me everyday. Images of disabled persons in high fashion are almost nonexistent. There are many ableist barriers that can prevent opportunities. The fashion/modeling industry has a lot of space to grow with being more accessible and valuing models with disabilities. One of my dreams is to have more opportunities to model for high fashion clients, fashion designers and runway shows. You are an advocate for severely vulnerable groups of people in society - how did you become involved in community work? My great-grandmother told me, “Many of the opportunities that you have today, are because of the folks who came before you who walked the grass down—-so that there was a path for you (and future generations) to follow. It’s your responsibility to walk the grass down for those who will come behind you.” My great-grandmother’s message and personal experiences with folks advocating for me when I needed it have deeply influenced me. When I was a homeless teenager, a local church community strongly advocated for me. During this time of my life, I got involved with community service projects. I began helping on builds for Habitat for Humanity, working at soup kitchens, volunteering at shelters for survivors of domestic violence and helping in foster homes. As an adult, I have actively sought out ways to be involved in the community in formal and informal ways. I was an educator for over 15 years, who advocated for all my students. Currently, I serve as a board member for Envision: You, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, educating and empowering members of Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community who are living with a mental health and/or substance use disorder. I also facilitate Creative Meditations for Colorado Artists in Recovery, as well as the Catholic Charities shelter for women experiencing homelessness. fw

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FEMME FATALE ANGEL MACAULEY | BOUTIQUE OWNER | FFINTIMATES.COM Photography by Kristina Aleksandra | @noidoir_ Interview by Charlie Price

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I know your store has been very successful, and you are opening a second location. How did you get into the lingerie business? That is the plan. Hopefully it's the year to open a second location in either North or West Denver. I was raised around dancers and performers - I was a dancer myself. It reached a point where I knew I had a talent for styling and a love for sexy intimate apparel. Getting into the lingerie business seemed more exciting. Lingerie is a $9 billion industry; the classic threshold for lingerie is timeless. Never goes out of style, vintage or new, it will always look and feel powerful. You used to be a professional pole dancer, and you still are amazing at it. How did you hone your skills at this difficult discipline? I've dabbled on the pole for some time. I wouldn’t call myself a professional pole dancer. It's a very physical sport. Takes a lot of upper body strength. Practice is definitely the key. You are having a fashion show in April featuring your wares and various types of sexy and artistic performances. Can you tantalize us with what guests might feast their eyes on that night? Yes! Expect to be turned on! This show will be hot! I am making this show a fashion and burlesque experience. I'll be working with an amazing dance team - Hard Candy Dancers. It will feature several performances, arial, pole, male review and more.

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"What makes a person sexy is confidence." fashionwest.org

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Do you think you might ever start designing your own line of intimates? You have great style and taste. Oh thank you! I do love to style and gather pieces together to make one beautiful ensemble. I'd love to actually start my own swim line. I was planning on working on my line last year, but life got in the way. Hoping to do that soon. I am definitely open to exploring more creativity and a potential new business in design down the road. As a purveyor of the sensual, what in your expert opinion makes a person sexy? What makes a person sexy is confidence. Confidence that when you walk into the room, all eyes see your infectious energy. Whether you are a size 2 or size 24, embrace confidence and comfortability in your skin.

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FASHION WEST PRESENTS

citizens of the west Fearless creatives living and working in the American West.

FASHIONWEST.ORG/CITIZENS

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CITIZENS OF THE WEST

Brooks LTD DESIGNER | @brooksltd

PHOTOGRAPHER Hardy Klahold | @hardysphotos HAIR Charlie Price MAKEUP Tiaja Pierre

"I choose slow fashion where I can be the Creative Director and maker of how and why my brand remains sustainable."

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I say “Welcome to Colorado, embrace our sense of style, ease and comfort while living your best life”.

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CITIZENS OF THE WEST

Marie Margot Couture DESIGNER | @mariemargotcouture

PHOTOGRAPHER Hardy Klahold | @hardysphotos HAIR Charlie Price MAKEUP Tiaja Pierre

"The most important element is communicating the wearer’s sense of style and personality."

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"A custom gown is not for everyone, but my woman knows whom she is and how she wants to present herself to the world."

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CITIZENS OF THE WEST

Mona Lucero DESIGNER | @monaluceroofficial

PHOTOGRAPHER Hardy Klahold | @hardysphotos HAIR Charlie Price MAKEUP Tiaja Pierre

"I believe we should be open to new ideas, to be at the forefront of those ideas, and we should be creating positive change in the world." Scan to read full interview

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"As a creative, I believe it’s important for my work to reflect what is happening in the world." fashionwest.org

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1370 South Broadway Denver, CO 80210 303.777.1370 blacktulipantiques.com

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PERUVIAN RAINFOREST RICH HAIRCARE SOLD IN FINE SALONS & ONLINE @ www.wilsonhaircollective.com

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cashmere

hand tied + dyed w love

shopzenzee.com

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IT'S MORE THAN A LIFESTYLE shop.graylabl.com

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DavidRossaDesign.com

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Fashion West | Spring 2022

Articles inside

Tiaja Pierre

Quána Madison

Alicia McQuilliams

James Mucker

Victor Adeniran

Angel Macauley

Jill Lietz