Denver Fashion Week is more than just a showcase of style. The event, which runs May 11-19, also celebrates diversity, empowerment and sustainability. Three visionaries stand out among the lineup of designers set to grace the runway: Everybody Accessible Apparel, Garms 1 of 1, and Flash and Rose. These brands, each with a unique ethos, share a common commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, making them prominent figures in the fashion landscape.
Everybody Apparel—affiliated with Guided by Humanity, a non-profit health and wellness organization—serves as a social enterprise supporting pay-what-you-can programs. The brand focuses on garments for and by people with disabilities, employing models and design consultants who use mobility aids like wheelchairs and canes. Founded by Mary Medine Sims, Everybody launched at last year’s Denver Fashion Week and was the first to feature adaptive clothing.
“Everybody isn’t just a fashion label, it’s a testament to the power of community and the vision of its founder,” Sims said.
The brand’s designs, crafted by six in-house designers, prioritize functionality alongside style.
“Each piece is meticulously designed to cater to diverse abilities,” Sims said, which reflects Everybody’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that fashion truly is “for everybody.”
At the heart of Everybody’s designs lies a profound narrative inspired by the Gang of 19, a group of disability advocates whose protests in 1978 catalyzed nationwide movements for accessibility, culminating in the Americans with Disabilities Act. “Each piece is meticulously designed to cater to diverse abilities, from wheelchair users to those with cerebral palsy.”, says Sims. “The garments not only accommodate specific needs—like higher backs on pants for wheelchair users or magnetic buttons on jackets—but they also embody a universal appeal, ensuring that anyone can wear them with comfort and confidence.”
Preparing for the runway has been challenging, particularly as a non-profit navigating the financial hurdles of the fashion industry. However, Sims remains steadfast in her commitment to inclusivity.
“I’m hoping that attendees will recognize the importance of representation for people with disabilities in the fashion world,” Sims said. “We aim to continue pushing boundaries, and raising awareness across Denver and the country.”
But Everybody isn’t the only fashion brand hoping to address social issues with their lines. Garms 1 of 1— spearheaded by visionary Arianne Burback, who is deeply passionate about sustainability, brings a fresh perspective amidst the rise of fast fashion. With a name that hints at its ethos of one-of-a-kind upcycled pieces, the designer highlights the importance of individuality in her creative process. The brand’s approach to sustainability extends beyond materials; it’s a philosophy ingrained in every aspect of the brand, from sourcing exclusively secondhand materials to using recycled cotton for garment tags.
“Every piece in my collection tells a story,” Burback said, shedding light on her journey from upcycling secondhand clothes to crafting unique garments.
Unlike traditional designers, her journey begins not with sketches but in thrift stores, where she finds inspiration in discarded pieces. Through her “mad scientist state” in the studio, she breathes new life into these garments, cherishing the process as much as the final product. Denver’s burgeoning fashion scene serves as a wellspring of inspiration for the designer, who celebrates the city’s unique vibe and the community of creatives it fosters.
Despite the inevitable challenges of creative endeavors, the designer underscores the importance of dedication and falling in love with the process. Influenced by diverse sources ranging from literature to personal connections, her designs epitomize a fusion of creativity and sustainability.
“My ultimate hope for the fashion show attendees is to evoke emotions while also igniting discussions about individuality and sustainable fashion,” she said.
Looking ahead, the designer anticipates expanding her brand’s reach through more shows, including a potential venture into New York. Collaborative opportunities and a continued focus on sustainability drive her vision, aiming to amplify the dialogue on ethical fashion practices.
Also hitting the catwalk for the event’s sustainable theme on day one is “slow” brand Flash and Rose. Inspired by American traditional tattoo designs, founder Elizabeth Strunk initially got her start with ink illustrations on paper. She stumbled into painting her designs on clothing while experimenting with a pair of white overalls.
“I ended up just kind of painting and drawing on those with tattoo subject matter,” she said. “When I wore them to a market, I had a ton of people asking me about them.”
The positive reception ignited Strunk’s passion for creating wearable art, leading to the birth of Flash and Rose. Strunk’s creative process involves sourcing thrifted and vintage clothing, each piece telling a unique story. Strunk carefully plans each piece, drawing inspiration from traditional tattoo designs, much like a tattooist crafting a flash sheet. Her designs are crafted to be worn by anyone, as she’s a “big fan” of taking gender out of clothing.
“I have a different design on a sheet that I work from,” she said. “I’m kind of looking at the structure of the item that I’m painting and then figuring out where to place the subject matter.”
As she prepared for Denver Fashion Week, Strunk reflected on the thriving fashion scene in Denver and its emphasis on sustainability.
“We just have such an amazing community of vintage and thrift stores and upcyclers,” she said.
Beyond Fashion Week, she plans to release themed collections, each piece hand-painted and crafted with care. Additionally, she’s exploring sustainable screen printing options to make her designs more accessible without compromising on eco-conscious practices.
As Denver Fashion Week approaches, the spotlight shines not just on the clothing itself, but on the visionaries driving change within the industry. Everybody Accessible Apparel, Garms 1 of 1 and Flash and Rose exemplify the transformative power of fashion, proving that inclusivity and sustainability aren’t just trends—they’re the future of fashion. With each collection, they redefine what it means to be stylish, diverse and socially responsible in the fashion world.
Will you be going to Denver Fashion Week in May? Tell us what designers you’re excited about in the comments!