Fallene Wells

Fallene Wells, a prominent local fashion designer and hairstylist at Voila Salon Spa and Parfumerie, is taking her experience from “Project Runway” Season 9 to the next level. She is planning to launch her Modern Nouveau Collection – a vintage-modern inspired fashion line – with the help of a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.com. This online platform allows individuals like you and me who believe in sustaining creative local economies to contribute to the cause. Wells joined Kickstarter on Jan. 9, and she hopes to raise $20,000 for the project by Feb. 22. In return, donors can choose to receive a variety of rewards as a thank you for their contribution.

“I thought I could raise $5,000 no problem, but this may only be enough to make one or two outfits in different sizes not including fabric,” Wells says. “Instead, $20,000 will be a great starting point to create 12 of my favorite designs from my 1920s-inspired collection. I will be able to pay cosewn.com for patterning, sampling, creating different sizes, and sewing five pieces in each size and each design. By producing locally it’s a little more money but I can guarantee quality, make sure I’m not supporting sweatshops and it will help the local fashion community grow. I will also be able to purchase fabric, create a catalog and line sheets, pay for my Kickstarter video and become a sponsor for the I Heart Denver Store.”

The Modern Nouveau Collection takes a modern approach to the 1920s era, with updated fabrics, textures and styles that are current for today. “I took the idea of the mixed prints, textures and multiple layers from that era, and some of the silhouettes and details, but made it more for today’s woman,” Wells says. “Instead of a flapper dress, I took the essence of a dropped waist and tailored layered skirt but paired it with a more masculine fabric. I also wanted to capture the newsboy

Photo by Valerie Williams

with multiple layers. I think layering is such a Denver fashion trend, so I’m very confident this collection will go great here. I’ll be sourcing cashmeres, plaid wools, herringbones, tweeds, bamboo denim, Italian silks, velvet and corduroy.”

The inspiration for the line came from a competition that Wells was in two years ago called Frock Out. While the idea for that show was a sideshow/circus theme, her new line resembles what might be high fashion at a circus during the depression era. “I had no idea the 1920s would be so big this year,” Wells says. “This collection is right on trend.”

Her favorite pieces from the line include the knickers, a white and black pinstriped draped skirt with side buttons, and a silk floral blouse. “I can’t wait to have the brown and cream polka dot dress produced, because I really want one,” Wells says. “I sold the only one I made, and I loved how I could wear it for spring, fall and layer it for winter. That’s what is so wonderful about these pieces. They are all very versatile and wearable, and you can layer and accessorize them however you wish.”

Wells is thinking positive thoughts, and, once she produces her line, she will sell the garments at the I Heart Denver store in the Denver Pavilions, the Denver Art Museum (which has asked Wells to sell her clothing on March 30 – the night of her annual Forever Darling fashion show) and online. “It’s crucial that I get this Kickstarter program funded so I can participate in that amazing opportunity at the DAM,” Wells says. She also plans to approach multiple buyers once she creates her catalog and line sheet.

Join Fallene Wells this Thursday night as she co-hosts “Mondo’s All Star Thursdays” at the Beauty Bar from 6 to 10 pm. Guests can enter to win prizes when they donate $5 or more to the Kickstarter campaign, plus see three of the Modern Nouveau designs modeled that evening.

 

Photo by Valerie Williams

Photo by Valerie Williams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Misty Milioto is affectionately known as Denver’s Fashion Gal. She covers haute trends and local designers in the Mile High City, all while keeping a close and critical eye on national trends that are currently rocking the runways and the major glossy magazines. Stay tuned for all the best in fashion that Denver has to offer.