New York. Paris. Milan. All are known for their vibrant, trendsetting fashion scenes. But Denver? Historically, not so much. Over the years, Samantha Joseph and Alicia Myers worked in the fashion business as creative directors, stylists and models for Wolves Management. The two forged a bond over a shared experience of discrimination in the industry, which ignited a desire to help other creatives of color—especially young people—boost their own knowledge, experience and careers.
In 2021, the duo cofounded Color of Fashion (coloroffashionco.com), a nonprofit aimed at supporting the Mile High City’s creative community and elevating its fashion presence worldwide. They hope to inspire underrepresented creative communities via mentorship, workshops, fashion shows, community gatherings and professional development assistance.
At the Color of Fashion Season IV event, models walked the runway in looks from the designer Monday Blues, Studio.
PHOTO BY HALLE NICHOLAS
As successful Black entrepreneurs, Joseph and Myers both have full-time professional careers outside of fashion—and young kids at home. For them, CoF is a labor of love. By shining a spotlight on talent from diverse backgrounds, the nonprofit challenges conventional norms and helps reshape perceptions of beauty and style. “Our mission is to advance inclusivity and diversity,” Joseph says. “Our programs elevate and promote designers, artists, models, hair and makeup designers, creative directors, wardrobe stylists, set designers, photographers and others connected to the fashion and beauty industry.” Investing in the next generation is key. CoF’s recent partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver offers teens the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops guided by established artists and designers.
This August, Joseph and Myers will stage a showcase featuring clothing designs by a student from the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. The segment kicks off a rockstar-themed gathering at the Denver’s Hyatt Centric, where a fashion show will feature high-end designs by the House of Aama, a culturally inspired lifestyle brand rooted in African aesthetics.
What’s ahead? This fall, Color of Fashion will collaborate with the Denver Art Museum on DIVA, a global fashion and iconography exhibition of costumes and objects worn by legendary performers, including Prince, Cher, Tina Turner, Lady Gaga and Rihanna.
With each runway show, creative workshop and museum collaboration, Joseph and Myers are shaping Denver’s fashion future.
