Riverfront Park Gets Fashionable

Click here for a slide show of the event. Photo by Jim J. Narcy

The ominous rain clouds and wind couldn’t deter the crowd at last night’s Riverfront Fashion show. The theme of the event, Yellow Sun, was evident in the clothes worn by the guests. There was so much, in fact, it could have been pouring and no one would have noticed with all the yellow swirling and stomping by.

With almost two hours of free-flowing booze before the models hit the catwalk, it’s a wonder anyone could even watch, let alone concentrate, on the show. But as soon as the first thin leg hit the runway, it was a flurry of movement as women grouped together to comment on everything being presented.

How could you not comment on the leopard trenchcoat by Dolce and Gabbana, or swear to re-finance your house for the chocolate, art deco gown by Badgley Mischka? The one piece that I secretly swore would be mine was a cream soufflé dress by ABS. It looked like an upside-down cupcake, which on second thought is maybe not the look I want to rock at all the upcoming holiday parties.

The general feel of the clothes was the fusion of elegance and flirtation, something you could wear to a meeting and then, with the right accessories and some black eyeliner, go dancing all night. Other favorites were a navy satin bow dress by Chanel, a black Joan Crawford shirt with black pencil skirt by Roberto Cavalli and a red '50s style dress by Zac Posen. The last piece to appear was an almost-Grecian style goddess dress, all white with silver beading, strapless, flowing, gorgeous, made me want to lose twenty pounds … you get the picture.

The only problem looks I saw were worn by the crowd. An open-back dress with a bra? A denim dress with a denim scrunchie? An orange tan with Dolly Parton hair? And these people were in the VIP tents. I think I can count on one hand the number of guys NOT wearing acid-washed $300 jeans, a button-up with the sleeves rolled and sunglasses even after the sun went down. Oh Denver, you never disappoint.

All in all, the event made me proud of the caliber of style we recognize here, and the ability of the people in charge to provide a truly exciting, fashionable and memorable experience.

The final installment of the Riverfront Fashion Series will be August 14 with the theme Red Roses. Saks Fifth Avenue will provide the style, and Sullivan’s Steakhouse the food and social lubrication. Whether you have seats, a VIP tent or table, or just stand behind the fence like other passersby, you will be blown away. Especially if the lady in the denim scrunchie is there. -- Rossy Kay