The Emerging Designer Challenge, part of Denver Fashion Week, highlights up-and-coming fashion designers and their innovative collections, promoting cultural representation and sustainability.
The Emerging Designer Challenge making a return this Saturday, March 22, at the Jacquard Hotel, is set to showcase a range of innovative fashion collections from a selection of up-and-coming designers. This competition, part of Denver Fashion Week, has been described by Forbes as “a trusted alternative to New York for emerging talent,” highlighting the event’s significance in providing budding artists a platform in the fashion industry.
During the challenge, each designer will present their unique collections, evaluated by a panel of judges based on various criteria, including concept, construction, and overall presentation. The judging panel for this year’s event includes prominent figures in the fashion industry such as Denver Fashion Week Runway Producer Nikki Strickler, Creative Director David Rossa, last season’s winner Mitchelle Santana, and model expert Katie Andelman. At the conclusion of the competition, two designers will be selected, through both judges’ scores and audience votes, to showcase their collections during the upcoming Spring 2025 season.
The designers participating this year are Ameliah Tene, Kay Trejo, Ethan Hernandez, Evaliza Arredondo, Sarah Fitzpatrick, and Jasmine Lee, each bringing their distinct vision and background to the runway.
Katherine Peko-Mavaega, the designer behind Timeless Trend by Ameliah Tene, founded her brand during the COVID-19 pandemic while stationed in Seattle. As a Pacific Islander designer and active-duty Army service member, she emphasizes the importance of representation in fashion. Speaking to 303 Magazine, Peko-Mavaega remarked, “I’m a Pacific Islander designer, and opportunities like this are rare for me. I’m not just representing myself, but my community, culture and heritage.” Her collection intends to integrate traditional Pacific Islander elements with contemporary design.
Kay Trejo is set to showcase her brand, Make You Sparkle, focusing on bespoke crochet pieces. Trejo stated, “I create pieces to make sure everyone can wear something they love and feel confident in.” Her collection aims to embrace themes of beach waves and vibrant spring colors, intended to inspire confidence in individuals.
CAKEBRAIN, designed by Ethan Hernandez, balances beauty with a message of social responsibility. Hernandez aimed to establish a brand that contributes positively to societal issues, stating, “Each piece in the collection serves as a powerful statement, challenging the status quo and advocating for a more just and equitable world.”
Evaliza Arredondo presents Growing Through It, emphasizing sustainable fashion’s capability to blend bold expression with eco-conscious practices. Having a quiet online presence, her collection is thoughtfully designed to demonstrate that statement-making style can coexist with sustainable practices.
Sarah Fitzpatrick, the mind behind Medicine Mender, is dedicated to sustainable, circular fashion. She encourages mindful consumption and creative recycling, with her collection showcasing earthy tones paired with colorful pieces, proving that eco-friendly fashion can also be expressive.
Finally, Jasmine Lee’s Nohealani collection celebrates her Hawaiian heritage and embodies the spirit of love and unity. Lee, who has recently transitioned from modeling to designing, incorporates elements of Hawaiian mythology into her work. “I have channeled the energy of gods and goddesses into floral pieces as I see flowers symbolic of hope, intricacy, and something new,” she shared.
As attendees prepare for the event, they can expect a vibrant display of creativity and cultural representation through these emerging designers as they vie for recognition within the industry. Denver Fashion Week for Spring 2025 is scheduled for May 10-18 at The Brighton, further emphasizing the city’s expanding role in the national fashion landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
