Every season, Denver Fashion Week invites its audience to vote for their favorite designer and collection — and Spring 2025 was no exception. Over eight fashion-packed nights, more than 40 designers unveiled their distinctive visions, reimagining high fashion across a variety of themes. From sustainable innovation to maximalist statements, here are the collections that won the hearts and votes of the audience this season.
Sustainable: GARMS 1 of 1
GARMS 1 of 1, helmed by designer Arianne Burback, electrified the runway with a bold, boundary-pushing collection. After an international year featuring shows in Milan, New York, Paris, and Wyoming, Burback returned to Denver with gritty flair and inventive detail — including a top crafted from a Doc Martens sole and a cheeky shirt reading “FEED ME MICRO PLASTICS.”
What truly captivated the audience was Burback’s fearless approach. Her use of unexpected silhouettes, clashing patterns, and rich textures created a visual feast, earning her the top spot in the sustainable category right at the week’s opening.
Swim & Resort Wear: Beach Haus
In the inaugural Swim & Resort Wear segment at Denver Fashion Week, Beach Haus made a memorable splash. Designer Priscilla Varner redefined the genre with an expansive array of styles — from sheer dresses and linen pants to shawls and boleros. The collection played with texture and layering, including striking accessories like gloves, arm bands, and even studded leather jackets.
Despite the variety, it was the confidence and boldness of the models that unified the show. The Beach Haus Spring 2025 collection resonated because it catered to many aesthetics while maintaining a consistent, empowered energy throughout.
Streetwear: CAKEBRAIN
Emerging Designer Challenge winner CAKEBRAIN stunned the crowd with a haunting and inventive take on streetwear. Designer Ethan Hernandez’s eerie collection featured models in upcycled military gear, dark makeup, and a dramatic reveal involving a purge mask — only for Hernandez to unveil himself as the masked figure.
The chilling, theatrical presentation captivated the audience and solidified CAKEBRAIN’s place as the standout in the streetwear category.
Maximalism: SKYE|AIRE
Skye Barker Maa, known for her creative brilliance, delivered once again with her SKYE|AIRE collection for Maximalism. Her Spring 2025 designs unfolded like a narrative of transformation, incorporating butterfly motifs and shifting from neutral, tense tones to vivid hues and flowing forms.
One show-stopping moment included Barker Maa’s daughter dancing en pointe down the runway, signaling a shift in the collection’s energy. The finale, featuring a model with wind-blown tulle wings, perfectly encapsulated the theme of growth and metamorphosis.
Society: Timeless Trend By Ameliah Tene
Winner of the judges’ vote at the Emerging Designer Challenge, Katherine Peko-Mavaega brought deep personal and cultural expression to the Society show through her label, Timeless Trend By Ameliah Tene.
Her Spring 2025 runway was a vibrant tribute to her Pacific Islander roots, filled with textured fabrics, bold accessories, and powerful traditional headwear. The emotional highlight came when she brought her children and mother — the collection’s seamstress — onstage, underscoring the familial pride embedded in each piece.
Bridal: BŌDA
BŌDA Bridal, created by Destrie Dee and Paula Strasburg, captivated audiences with a fairytale-inspired collection that reimagined modern wedding elegance. From sleek mermaid silhouettes to voluminous, airy gowns, each look exuded romance and detail.
The artistry didn’t stop at gowns. Flowing veils, sheer gloves, dramatic hats, and sweeping trains added layers of sophistication. Intricate embroidery gave depth to each design, resulting in a refined and cohesive bridal presentation that redefined contemporary romance.
Youth + Mommy & Me: Champlain Couture
Closing out Denver Fashion Week with color and joy, Champlain Couture delivered a couture collection full of life and fun. Designer Missy Champlain broke traditional norms by infusing youth fashion with high-end detail — showcasing over 30 vibrant, handcrafted looks for both kids and moms.
Bright satins, full skirts, and whimsical accessories made the runway a celebration of color, playfulness, and inclusivity. Despite the scale of the collection, every outfit felt personal, and every model — young and old — radiated joy.
Denver Fashion Week Spring 2025 proved once again that the city is a thriving hub for fashion innovation. The audience choices reflected not just trendsetting designs, but also emotional storytelling, cultural pride, and theatrical flair. From upcycled military wear to glittering bridal gowns, this season’s standout collections pushed creative boundaries while engaging viewers on a deep, personal level.
The future of Denver fashion is bold, inclusive, and brilliantly unpredictable — and these winning designers are leading the way.
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