For over 35 years, FashioNation has been the beating heart of Denver’s punk and alternative fashion scene. The store’s grand re-opening on August 31st was a celebration of both its rich history and its vibrant future, drawing both longtime fans and newcomers to see what’s next for the iconic brand.
From its humble beginnings to its current iteration, FashioNation has thrived thanks to its dedication to community, rebellion and fashion that stands out.
A Storied Beginning
Founded in 1987 by local fashion aficionado and longtime punk music fans, Pam and Paul Italiano opened FashioNation as a place to “hang out with friends, listen to music, and play store.” What began as a fun, low-key project quickly grew into something much bigger, fueled by their love for punk culture and alternative fashion.
The Italianos had no idea that their venture would persist and thrive for more than three decades, but with the help of passionate customers and a growing community, FashioNation became a staple of Denver’s alternative scene.
READ: FashioNation: Home To Denver’s Alternative Fashion Scene
As the time passed, FashioNation became a safe space for people who wanted to stand out, not just with fashion but with a statement. True to their come-as-you-are mission, not everything in the store is all dark and punk: it’s about what you want to say and how you represent it!
Over the years, FashioNation quickly became more than just a retail store. It grew into a community hub where like-minded individuals could gather, connect and celebrate their shared love for all things non-conformist. “People that have spent their lives shopping at the store are now bringing in their kids and grandkids to come and show off their wild sides,“ they shared.
FashioNation’s New Era
As FashioNation entered its second decade, it became clear that the store needed a fresh energy to keep up with the ever-evolving alt-fashion scene. With Paul and Pam’s children Sydney and Mia at the helm, FashioNation keeps up with Denver’s changing alternative scene, stocking not only punk and goth staples but rave clothes for the city’s EDM enthusiasts.
This past August, FashioNation relocated its shop to 1745 S Broadway. The new shop boasts a revamped interior, expanded product offerings and a renewed commitment to providing a unique shopping experience. The new space is as much an art installation as it is a fashion boutique — with bold murals, neon accents and a carefully curated selection of clothing, shoes and accessories from both well-known and indie brands.
“We love our new location. As with any move, there are adjustments, but we are settling into our forever home well. Although it might seem like there is room to grow on the outside, we are happy where we are,” said the Italiano family. While the future is always unpredictable, they remain committed to making FashioNation the forever home for anyone who needs a safe place to experiment and find their style. “Every person that walks in gets to be given a special experience from our family and our adopted family.”
Special Events & Community Engagement
One of the cornerstones of FashioNation’s appeal has always been its commitment to community. The store regularly hosts events that go beyond the standard retail experience, turning the space into a gathering point for Denver’s alternative culture. From live music showcases to DIY fashion workshops, FashioNation keeps things fresh and exciting with regular events that encourage creative expression.
Some of their most popular events include:
- Punk Rock Flea Markets: A unique blend of fashion, music, and vintage finds, these flea markets feature local vendors, DIY creators, and underground bands.
- Live DJ Nights: Spinning everything from punk rock to darkwave, these events create the perfect atmosphere for shopping, mingling, and just soaking in the vibe.
- Pop-Up Art Shows: Local artists display their work in the store, showcasing everything from zines to dark, abstract pieces that align with the store’s punk ethos.
- Monthly Fashion Shows: Featuring both in-store designs and collaborations with local designers, FashioNation’s fashion shows are a staple of Denver’s alternative scene. The runway is always a high-energy affair, celebrating the creative spirit of the Denver punk and alt communities.
While they haven’t hosted any events at their new location yet, they plan to turn their new parking lot into a bustling event venue this summer.
“We do work with many local venues and promoters for giveaways and selling tickets in store. We haven’t had any fashion shows since the 90’s, but we think of our social media as a fun replacement,” the Italiano family stated, referencing Sydney and Mia’s knack for creating viral social content from inside “the goth store.”
Additionally, to help local artists and creators gain exposure, FashioNation has teamed up with Denver’s best and brightest to host a variety of collaborative events, from art installations to brand pop-ups that blend fashion, music and DIY culture.
The Future of FashioNation
With the grand re-opening behind them, the FashioNation team is excited for what lies ahead. Pam, Paul and their family team are focusing on expanding their in-store and online inventory, adding new designers and continuing to offer one-of-a-kind pieces that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.
“For the future, we are sticking to what we have been doing. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Staying small and involved in our community is what is important to us and what has kept us going for nearly 40 years,” they stated.
Stay Connected
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, the shop is your destination for everything punk, goth, grunge, and beyond.To keep up with the latest events, exclusive sales, and new product drops, the team uses the FashioNation Instagram as their main sharing platform.
As FashioNation continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains certain: this is more than just a store — it’s a movement, and it’s a big part of what makes Denver’s fashion scene as vibrant and diverse as it is today.
FashioNation is located at 1745 S Broadway, Denver, CO and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
