Maximalism, the bold fusion of “dopamine dressing” and the mantra “there’s no such thing as too much,” captivated audiences on the fifth day of Denver Fashion Week Fall 2024. The runway came alive with collections that embraced fashion in its most extravagant and carefree form.
But this carefree approach didn’t equate to carelessness. Each of the six designers—Cardiovascuwhore, BALBY, Glam It, Bailey Heyman, MOSS D, and MadVan Design—offered meticulously crafted collections that reinterpreted the maximalist theme in unique ways.
Local drag legend Felony Misdemeanor kicked off the show, energizing the crowd and announcing the launch of the inaugural Aspen Fashion Week, set for August 2025.
Grace Devine Brings Sparkle to the Stage
Before the fashion hit the runway, performer Grace Devine electrified the audience. Devine, who won the Denver Fashion Week Entertainer Challenge, was thrilled to take the stage. “So many entertainers I admire have performed at Denver Fashion Week, and when I saw they were doing a maximalism show, I knew I had to be a part of it,” she said. Devine delivered an energetic performance of original songs, including “It Girl,” “Florida Woman,” and “Call Me Crazy,” adding a bubbly and spirited vibe to the night.
Cardiovascuwhore: A Nod to Emo Nostalgia
Cardiovascuwhore designer Meena Pittman infused her collection with nostalgia for early-2000s emo culture, drawing inspiration from Panic! At The Disco’s A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out album. The collection paid tribute to iconic P!ATD music videos, featuring dramatic fish tanks, circus-inspired looks, and models on stilts. The striking combination of avant-garde leotards, top hats, and theatrical makeup captured the essence of the era, with a soundtrack that evoked the energetic spirit of 2000s emo.
BALBY: Embracing Fashion Chaos
BALBY designer Mark Shroyer took maximalism to heart, merging clashing patterns, textures, and silhouettes in a bold fashion statement. His collection featured fringed bell bottoms, puffer leg warmers, and leopard print, proving that fashion doesn’t always need to make sense. “The collection represents a chosen family,” Shroyer said, highlighting how the diversity in his designs symbolized a bond among individuals who embrace uniqueness.
Glam It: Couture Meets Maximalism
Glam It! presented a stunning collection blending high fashion with maximalist flair. Designer Jonard Braga showcased intricate details, such as feathered boots, chunky jewelry, and mosaic-patterned dresses, all while keeping things playful with more casual, dress-down looks. Braga was excited to work with younger models, hoping to inspire the next generation of fashion enthusiasts. “We need something new here, and I’m so grateful the younger generation has been so excited to participate,” he said.
Bailey Heyman: A Fun and Nostalgic Tribute
Bailey Heyman, a Texas-based electrical engineer by day, brought a fun and colorful collection filled with nostalgic references. Drawing on ’90s icons like Furby and Beanie Babies, Heyman’s collection combined playful energy with engineering precision, even incorporating light-up cowboy boots. “Everything I design is for fun, not for sale,” she explained, noting that she started designing runway collections as a way to share her work with her family, who had never seen her designs.
MOSS D: A Floral Fantasy
MOSS D designer Marcia Kay Davis returned to Denver Fashion Week with a collection that perfectly encapsulated maximalism. The show was filled with loose silhouettes, natural materials like cowhide, and Davis’s signature florals. The models danced down the runway, exuding joy and comfort. “This collection is an ode to my father,” Davis said, sharing that she had grown up surrounded by flowers and was inspired by the beauty of nature.
MadVan Design: A Quirky Homage to Youth
MadVan Design’s Madison Van Der Lingen presented her fourth collection at Denver Fashion Week, blending bold designs with playful nods to her past. Inspired by her first sewing project—sock monkeys—Van Der Lingen’s collection featured pastel tones, whimsical patterns, and quirky details like unicorns and bananas. The collection, infused with youthful energy, brought a joyful, Harajuku-inspired vibe to the runway.
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