Maximalism exists at the intersection of “dopamine Band-Aid” and “there’s no such thing as too much.”

Where Couture has long been the main character of the show, maximalism was in the spotlight last night, on the fifth day of the show. Denver Fashion Week Fall 2024. Each look represented fashion at its most indulgent and carefree.

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But carefree does not mean carefree: each of the evening’s six designers presented a carefully selected collection, uniquely interpreting the evening’s theme. The exhibition included collections of Cardiovascuwhore, BABY, Glam it, Bailey Heyman, FOAM D And MadVan Design.

Before the models parade, local move icon Criminal offense opened the show and energized the crowds. She also announced the inaugural Aspen Fashion Weekwhich will take place in August 2025.

Felony Misdemeanor introduced the evening’s host, Grace Devine. Guess won The Denver Fashion Week Entertainer Challenge, a goal she has long aspired to.

“So many artists I admire have performed at Denver Fashion Week, and I’ve always wanted to.” Devine shared. “When I saw that they were doing a show of maximalism, I said to myself: ‘That’s it. This is the one.’

Devine brought a sparkling, free-spirited energy on the podium, performing three original songs including “It Girl,” “Florida Woman” and “Call Me Crazy.”

Cardiovascuwhore

When Cardiovascuwhore the designer Meena Pitman As she prepared her collection for Denver Fashion Week, she had one major wish: “I hope Ryan Ross sees this.”

Hopefully the former guitarist and lyricist of Panic! At The Disco pay attention: the Cardiovascuwhore collection has been inspired by the group’s first album A fever that you can’t sweat out. As such, most of the looks referenced P!ATD music videos from that era: from the iconic aquariums of the “Lying Is The Most Fun…” music video, to the classic dark circus looks of “I Write Sins Not Tragedies”, to models on stilts.

Complete with disturbing circus makeupartfully crafted leotards, top hats, ties and a breathtaking backing track, Cardiovascuwhore’s collection was pure joy for emo kids of the 2000s — and would definitely make Ryan Ross proud.

BABY

In theory, fringed bell bottoms, puffy leggings, and leopard print shouldn’t make sense together. However, BABY designer Mark Shroyerthe collection demonstrated that fashion does not always have to have meaning. The Shroyer Collection brought true maximalism to life: contrasts of patterns, fabrics, textures and silhouettes. While the silhouettes of the looks were reminiscent of haute coutureShroyer’s choice of color and fabric took these looks to a whole new realm: one where correspondence doesn’t matter and anything is possible.

READ: Mark Shroyer’s BALBY Brings Maximalist Magic to Denver Fashion Week

The unique nature of each look was intentional. As Shroyer explainsit is representative of a particular type of relationship.

“The collection represents a chosen family. All the looks are incredibly different and while there are commonalities, the collection celebrates diversity,” he shared. “Everyone plays first string and it works.”

Glam it

Glam it! presented a stunning collection that brought designer fashion into the world of maximalism. Starting with a monochrome, white-fringed look, the entire collection celebrated intricate details: including feather-adorned boots, chunky jewelry, contrasting plaids, and mosaic dresses. But even if part of the collection is oriented towards haute couture, Designer Jonard Braga also included fashionable casual looks, including patterned jumpsuits and a hot pink fuzzy tracksuit.

While his gPerhaps the goal was to bring lightweight Couture to ColoradoBraga also hopes to inspire younger generations with his collection. As such, he was excited to work with younger models.

“We need something new here, and I’m very grateful that the younger generation has been so enthusiastic about being a part of this show.” Braga shared.

Bailey Heyman

Bailey Heyman is an electrical engineer from Texas. When she’s not working on electrical systems at work, she’s figuring out how to light cowboy boots. And based on her collection last night, she succeeded.

Heyman presented a fun, colorful and nostalgic collection at the DFW show. THE the collection included references to 90s kid favorites: featuring authentic Furby fur, a Beanie Babies-themed jacket, and a full Lisa Frank-inspired ensemble (done in the iconic rainbow leopard print, of course). This playful collection reflects Heyman’s attitude toward design: nothing for sale, everything for joy.

“Engineers have a reputation for being rather shy” Heyman shared. “So when my parents asked me what I was working on, I never got any photos. SO, I started doing fashion shows to have photos to send them.

FOAM D

Marcia Kay Davis, creator of MOSS D was born for a theme of maximalism. For her return to the Denver Fashion Week runway, her latest collection did not disappoint. From the cowhide to the Davis-branded florals, the entire collection had a natural, flowing feel.highlighted by the loose silhouette of the looks. Overall, the MOSS D collection brought comfort and joy to the podiumwith models dancing on the catwalk and genuine smiles on their faces.

But even though something never changes — since Davis won’t be letting go of the flowers anytime soon — last night’s collection had a special touch, because it was dedicated to Davis’ father.

“I grew up in a flowery Eden, so it’s an ode to my father — who is still alive, by the way, “ Davis shared. “I’m crazy about my models and crazy to be back at Denver Fashion Week. It’s just a really good atmosphere here.

MadVan Design

MadVan Designby Madison Van Der Lingen returned last night with her fourth Denver Fashion Week collection. While the designer always relies, in her words, on “crazy and bold shit” this time, Van Der Lingen’s collection holds a very special place in his heart.

“Sock monkeys were the first ones I learned to sew,” Van Der Lingen shared. “So this collection is an ode to 13-year-old me and what I would have liked at that age.”

As such, the MadVan Design collection was both valuable and playful. Models carried sock monkeys down the runway. Each look happily combined pastels and soft tones with vibrant makeup and hair. The collection brought a quirky and lively charisma to the stage, partly inspired by Harajuku girls. And of course, in classic MadVan style, a few looks centered around unique motifs, including unicorns and bananas (another nod to the beloved sock monkey).

All photographs by Weston Mosburg.

Denver Fashion Week continues November 14-19 at Brighton.