Arts & Venues Cultural Runway: FashionAbility

Denver Arts & Venues continues the Cultural Runway Series with FashionAbility, a fashion show highlighting clothing designed with ability and disability in mind, and showcasing three very diverse designers: Lexie Bader, Rachael Levine and Rob Hill.

On the Runway:
 Lexie Bader is professional model, snowboarder, mountain biker and double amputee who has designed a line of clothes that is both adaptive and active. Bottoms can zip or snap with ease whether the wearer is seated (in a mobility device or even on an accessible snowboard) or standing, and can be modified for those with prostheses or blades. Tops can be designed individually by using an al a carte method; sleeves can be selected and purchased to cover any length of arm.

Rachael Levine is a Japanese-American designer who works with soft silks, ideal for anyone with sensitive skin. Leading up to the fashion show, Levine will work with a group of students from Special Olympics of Colorado in a Shibori silk-dyeing workshop. During the workshop, participants will help Rachael select the color and silhouette of a new garment that will be showcased during the runway show.

Finally, United States Coast Guard veteran Rob Hill, a local painter and street wear designer, has become known for his military-inspired one-of-a-kind fashions, using geometric patterns inspired by everything from ancient Egyptian design to mid-century abstraction.   

Denver Arts & Venues Cultural Runway: FashionAbility is inspired by the McNichols Civic Center Building second floor exhibition “Vibrant Accessibility” featuring artwork by three legally blind artists, Melanie Walker, Chloé Duplessis and John Bramblitt.

Prior to the runway show, people can enjoy a cocktail, peruse a Vendor Market featuring offerings from artists and designers with disabilities and view the artwork in “Vibrant Accessibility.”

Tickets

Please note that tickets purchased in advance are the best value. Prices will increase on the day of the event.

VIP: includes front row seating, entry to the Vendor Market at 7 p.m., early seating at 8:30 p.m., one free beverage and swag bag which will include a silk scarf designed by Rachael Levine, health and wellness items, and unique locally sourced works.

GA Seated: includes second or third row seating, entry to the Vendor Market at 7 p.m., seating at 8:45 p.m. and one free beverage.

Standing Room Only: includes entry to the Vendor Market at 7 p.m., runway entry at 9 p.m., one free beverage and standing room tickets at cocktail tables near the runway.