Brace yourself this November for Denver Fashion Week’s (DFW) fall 2023 show. One of Denver’s biggest fashion events of the season is filled with fun, excitement, creativity, and more.
Get your Kids Show tickets here.
For a second time, Forbes Magazine has named DFW as “one of the fastest-growing American fashion platforms,” and was also featured in ELLE. They’re back again for another fashion-filled week ending with kid’s fashion on Nov. 19.
Brands Dragonwing, Dream Dance Design, Factory Fashion, and a Dragonwing x Katie Andelman collaboration are taking the runway. Cherry Creek Dance will also be performing again making for a perfect evening celebrating kid’s fashion.
Dragonwing
Owned by Allison Herman and her husband Steve Sluty, Dragonwing was inspired by Herman’s passion for creating the perfect athletic wear.
“We aim to empower girls by allowing them to focus on what’s in front of them rather than what they’re wearing,” Herman said. She emphasized that their products are not merely downsized versions of women’s designs — they are purpose-built for the counters of girl’s bodies, striking a balance between trendiness and functionality.
Before Dragonwing was established in 2013, Hermam thought that girls’ athletic clothes were made with cheap materials and didn’t focus on functionality.
READ: Denver Fashion Week Day Two: Kids Couture Show
“Our mission is to empower girls by allowing them to concentrate on their pursuits rather than their attire,” Herman said. It’s because of this, that she decided to join a brand that is both fashionable and provides comfort for kid athletes.
Dragonwing uses top-tier technical fabrics and inventive designs. Their fashionable, full-coverage designs make them the ideal choice for young girls involved in a wide range of activities, including sports, dance and everyday wear.
During her DFW collection, expect 1920s glamor. This show will be reminiscent of the Gatsby era. “We cannot wait to show you ALL of the glitz and glam,” Herman said.
Dream Dance Design
Dream Dance Design is a boutique label that creates custom-made designs for dancers. Designer, Jo-Anne Smith, designs all of her products herself in the comfort of her home. She creates custom, made-to-order, original dancewear.
“We produce high quality functional sets, from inception to sketches, pattern drafting, seamwork, and finished product, we do it all here, with fabric sources from within the U.S. wherever possible,” Smith said.
The collection that Smith will be showing during Denver Fashion Week is called “Neon Lights” and will feature colors that pop out, made with a variety of different fabrics, from Lycra to velvet.
The diverse collection spans different genres from Ballroom Latin to Hip Hop attire.
“There is nothing better than seeing a dancer shine bright with confidence, it’s my favorite part of what I do, producing high quality, made to order originals that make my clients stand out in style,” Smith said.
Smith has been a designer and seamstress for over 30 years with her main focus being dancewear pieces. This inspiration started when her own daughter fell in love with dance. It was then that Smith noticed that there weren’t a lot of choices for dancewear and anything that was special, pretty, or original tended to be poorly constructed or extremely expensive.
“Dream Dance Designs works from beginning to end to fit the dance in the most flattering and best fitting dancewear possible,” Smith said. “Whether it’s in the classroom, or convention room, at auditions, or proactive, we aim to help dancers stand out in style with the confidence to hit that dance floor feeling and looking their very best.”
Factory Fashion
Factory Fashion is a unique inclusive fashion design workshop and sewing school for any and all ages. Owned by designer Skye Barker Maa, Factory Fashion helps build design skills taught by some of Denver’s best
Per Factory Fashion’s website, their mission is to provide community enrichment through fashion and textile design instruction. They are intent on disrupting the status quo, lifting innovation, creativity and understanding to the forefront.
Dragonwing x Katie Andelman
Dragonwing and model agency owner, Katie Andelman are collaborating for their kids’ show collection where Andelman’s models will be walking in Dragonwing’s designs.
“We are thrilled to announce our participation in Denver Fashion Week for the third consecutive season,” Herman said. “The unwavering support of our ambassadors and backers in Colorado makes this event exceptionally meaningful to us, promoting us to participate twice this year. We relish the opportunity to unveil our latest collections and designs.”
Andelman is an esteemed figure in the modeling industry and will be working with Dragonwing for this special night. This showcase will feature Andelman’s younger models, and they will be embracing the vibrant “Barbie” theme, complete with all shades of pink.
Alongside being a modeling coach, Andelman also imparts invaluable lessons in confidence, poise, and navigating the intricacies of the modeling business. Andelman is a highly accomplished designer, the owner of Peach and Penny, and a skilled photographer.
“We’re eager to showcase what the future holds for Dragonwing in the coming year and look forward to exciting collaborations with Katie Andelman. Stay tuned for more,” Herman said.
With an amazing group of designs and adorable models, this night will be filled with excitement and amazing designs.
DFW will be located at York Street Yards, 3827 Steele Street Denver, CO 80205 from 3-6 p.m.
Buy your Kid’s runway tickets here
Editors note: updated on 10/12 to change Dragonwing Girl to Dragonwing, added Dragonwing quote and adjusted description of Dragonwing brand