29 OCT 2023 AURORA COLORADO
Yeehaw! Festival of Color Colorado rumbled on the runway in a multicultural celebration of immersive fashion and live entertainment. Produced by influencer of influencers, fashion godfather, JAnthony Garnica, the extravaganza dismantled cultural boundaries, uniting diverse backgrounds in a global celebration of life. Proudly benefiting the Dreamers and Creators foundation, the festival weaved a vibrant tapestry of community impact, empowering aspiring artists and dreamers.
In a fervor of excitement, local fashion enthusiasts flooded the country-Western nightclub, Stampede, eagerly escaping the brisk night air. Inside, revelers were transported to a futuristic realm of medieval creations and wondrous characters with stories to tell.
Strobe lights illuminated the smoky fog as it danced along the high ceilings of the vast space. The deep bass of live music reverberated through the wooden interior, rattling the animal skulls hanging on the walls. Multicolored feather bouquets decorated cocktail tables surrounding the space, framing the grand runway with delightful flourish.
On an adjoining stage overlooking the runway, enthusiastic announcers La Bori and El Picozo stoked the energy, while a lineup of talented musicians delivered a soundtrack of soul-belting performances. Guests danced away as DJ Dani Luna popped off, spinning funky electric beats elevating the ambiance with style.
Attendees found their seats along the grand ballroom runway as it extended across the great hall in a game board of creativity. As the music softened and the lights dimmed, a hush swept through the crowd, signaling the beginning of a magical experience.
The show began with a grounding rhythm that disrupted the silence, emanating from a group surrounding large drums, beating together in unison. Standing Warrior Designs took the stage, showcasing pieces that highlight indigenous symbols in a unique variety of styles.
Stomping and bouncing to the beat, dancers erupted on the center of the runway with powerful energy. Elaborate feather headpieces and vibrant red fringes adorned traditional outfits, flowing peacefully as they twirled and danced in harmony with the drums, bells on their feet adding a rhythmic accent to every step.
Modern punk met crafty crochet in the spectacular designs by Zephania Lewis, where playful combinations of denim intricately contrasted with vibrant crochet patterns. Elevating the ensembles, some outfits incorporated contrasting fabric materials with singular pockets, making drastic attention-grabbing statement pieces.
The runway transformed in a vibrant explosion of pink as Missy Champlain took center stage. The collection unveiled a gorgeous variety of silky, smooth, and ruffled dresses in black, white, and pink. Embracing well-known patterns like stripes, polka dots, and plaid, Champlain weaved seemingly simple patterns into styles that exuded a provocative and playful appeal. Accompanying this visual feast, vocalist Suzanne Simone added a melodic layer to the sensory experience.
A regal ambiance took the audience as Yulia Boozer swept the runway in a royal court of princesses. Sparkling long dresses, adorned with jewels and flowers, commanded the spotlight in a breathtaking reverie. Enchanting creations were crowned with magnificent golden pointed crowns, embellished with intricate patterns while delicate flowers nestled in their spikes. Each look glistened in the spotlight, resonating a sense of nobility, adding to the magical air.
Flying in from out of the darkness, other-worldly beasts crashed onto the runway in a grand spectacle created by Alexander Pringle. These creatures, formed from interconnecting string-like material, boasted massive wings and horns, adorned with flowing feathers, evoking the essence of flight.
As each beast commanded the stage, fierce guardian warriors followed suit, clad in protective plates from head to toe, brandishing massive shields, swords, and staffs, as if poised for battle in a dynamic game of thrones. Accompanying this ethereal display, vocalist Monizz provided a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack in perfect synchronicity.
In a hypnotic interlude, the show took a futuristic turn as towering disco robots burst onto the stage, dancing with power and precision like futuristic alien machines. Sparks erupted from their shoulders, and neon lights embedded in their mechanical suits mesmerized onlookers, leaving them transfixed in wonder at the sight of these mighty inhuman beings.
Bringing the feeling of romance and elegance to the spectacle, Anaabel Jacobs unveiled a collection of elaborate new styles that transcended typical wedding dress industry standards. From flowing angelic silhouettes to puffy and cupcake-esque, designs dazzled with intricate detailing, as rhinestones and gems cascaded down dresses like sparkling rivers.
Redefining bridal fashion, a deep, silky blue gown adorned with puffy sheer sleeves, complemented a dark blue fascinator hat in a vintage touch of color. Vik Moral added a melodic layer to the enchanting atmosphere.
Presenting a vibrant array of Latin dresses, Franchesca Flores draws inspiration from nature and traditional tales to breathe life into her creations. Like stepping into a whimsical wonderland of dancing flowers, a striking ensemble presented an enormous flower headpiece with long green sleeves swaying like leaves on a stem of roses. During the set, Johaly Lopez sets the mood with an enchanting voice.
Mauro Hernandez astounded the audience with a collection of luxurious dresses crafted from diverse textiles. Lace, maribou, and gold flower patterns, each offered radical contrast from one look to the next. Shocking the audience even further, Hernandez created a ballgown dress of repurposed ties , a nod to sustainable fashion, classically transforming vintage pieces into seductive couture fit for the finest occasions. Vocalist Victor Alexis added a dynamic dimension to the showcase with an upbeat jazz funk style.
Presenting a vibrant array of Latin dresses, Franchesca Flores draws inspiration from nature and traditional tales to breathe life into her creations. Like stepping into a whimsical wonderland of dancing flowers, a striking ensemble presented an enormous flower headpiece with long green sleeves swaying like leaves on a stem of roses. During the set, Johaly Lopez sets the mood with an enchanting voice.
Mauro Hernandez astounded the audience with a collection of luxurious dresses crafted from diverse textiles. Lace, maribou, and gold flower patterns, each offered radical contrast from one look to the next. Shocking the audience even further, Hernandez created a ballgown dress of repurposed ties , a nod to sustainable fashion, classically transforming vintage pieces into seductive couture fit for the finest occasions. Vocalist Victor Alexis added a dynamic dimension to the showcase with an upbeat jazz funk style.
Closing the night with an exploration of deeper meanings, Eddie Spanic unveiled alluring looks inspired by popular human stories and artworks. A tribute to Frida Kahlo graced the runway, a bright gold dress elegantly framing one of Kahlo's paintings, complemented by a bold arrangement of flowers adorning the head, echoing Kahlo's appreciation for nature.
Another homage piece offered a unique visual representation of the biblical garden of Eden, as a green snake winded around a nude body modestly covered by leaves. Vocalists Vik Moral and Victor Alexis came together in song, providing a fitting soundtrack to Spanic's evocative designs.
In a spectacular finale, hundreds of models flooded the stage, each carrying flags from various countries in an ultimate symbol of unity and harmony. The flood walk was a powerful visual representation of global solidarity, leaving guests in awe as they witnessed the collective strength of multiculturalism on full display.
The atmosphere was electrifying as music and fashion came together in a compelling storytelling of song and dance, weaving a tapestry of cultural richness. Guests time-traveled to an undiscovered planet, as designers delivered stunning, otherworldly creations. As the grand Festival of Color Colorado finale came to an end, attendees were left with the lasting memory of a magical night, celebrating the beauty of diversity and creativity.
STORY CHAIM BELLINSKY PHOTOGRAPHY MORDECHAI