What do you get when you combine the dazzling creations of 11 independent designers, a fascinating parade of performers, a library-turned-runway, a local fashion hero, a healthy dose of competition and a sold-out crowd of almost 1,000 eager spectators? You get Frock Out: 2010, the stunning and spectacular circus-sideshow-themed event presented by the Denver Public Library’s Fresh City Life program. Last night, along with Project Runway‘s Mondo Guerra, local designer Mona Lucero, 5280 magazine’s Georgia Alexia Benjou and Sandy Wilson of Allyn’s Fabric, I had the privilege of being on the judging panel for Denver’s own Project-Runway-style designer showdown.
Each designer was challenged to create a mini-collection of six looks, including one for each season, one that represented his or her personal vision, and one final “Sideshow” couture-inspired finale piece. I was totally amazed and delighted by the creativity and on display. I loved seeing the diversity of the designers’ points of view, not to mention their impressive sewing savvy! Here’s a sampling from each contestant’s collection (Thanks to my friend, Katie Carney, for snapping pictures so that I could concentrate on the oufits!):
Stephanie Ohnmacht:
Enuma Duhu:
Jose Duran:
Francis Roces:
James Silvrants:
Melissa May:
Kotomi Yoshida
Tina Berger-Everroad:
Interspersed among the models were an intriguing array of “Sideshow” characters who definitely added to the fun and fantasy of the evening:
The Bearded Lady:
The Strong Man:
Choosing a winner was incredibly difficult, but in the end Francis’ scores earned him the top prize of $2,000. Congratulations, Francis! Here he is, taking a victory lap down the runway:
To see more photos of the designers’ collections, check out Westword and Metromix. I’d love to hear what you think! Be sure to weigh in on whose designs you would have chosen to reign supreme. And be sure to let us know about any fun fashion or sewing events that are coming up in your neck of the woods!
What a fun theme for a fashion show. Some of the dresses were a bit tame, but it looks like a really cool event to go to. Thanks for the pics.
Frock-out showed off the great fashion talent we have right her in Denver. Though I was surprised to see that the judging was a bit confusing. First Mondo mistakenly called Katie Wells offstage, and then he announced the winner, Francis, without calling out any runners-up. Why did anyone go off-stage if there was only the winner to be announced. It makes me (and others who were there) wonder if the final winner was truly the winner. With all respect to Francis, there seemed to be much more innovative designs on the runway!
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