Wondering what to wear to one of Denver’s trend-infused nightclubs, theme nights at bars, poetry slams or after-hours dance parties?
Look no further than the people who organize the events, schedule the entertainment or play the music.
Their style reflects the venues where they play, be it retro, ethnic-inspired or avant-garde. We checked in with a few Denver tastemakers to see what they’re wearing, drinking and listening to this summer.
Before you make a run on the satin and sequins, be assured that you can still go just about anywhere in denim – designer denim, anyway. As event promoter Kevin Larson notes, “We’ve always been more of a blue jeans community than one that dresses up.”
Paulina Szafranski
Quote: “Denver’s overall nightlife has improved due to the evolving art, fashion and cultural scene. With the expansion of the art museum and other venues, we’re attracting residents from more cosmopolitan cities, and it’s raising the bar.”
Works: As marketing vice president for Lotus Entertainment, which owns 5 , Mynt, Monarck, and coming this fall, 24K.
Wears: Sky tops and halters from Loft.22 with Rock & Republic jeans or tunics and minidresses such as a silver sequined style from Caché, right; metallic accessories; wedges.
Tired of: Skinny jeans
Listening to: Girl pop, like Rihanna’s “Umbrella.”
Summer sip: Sangria at 5 .
Says to check out: Fashion shows on the patio at 5 ; theme parties at Monarck; Riverfront Park Fashion Series;
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Tao Rhea
Quote: “Club style doesn’t have to be expensive. We see everything from jeans to Dolce & Gabbana, but you can shop at Ross and still find good clothes.”
Works: As VIP manager and marketing director, Rise nightclub.
Wears: Miniskirts and T-shirts. (Rise has a “dress to impress” policy and bans caps, chains and athletic gear). Above, she wears a dress from Skye Boutique; hair by Moxie.
Has banished: Anything ’80s, including pouf skirts, neon colors, wide belts.
Listens to: Amy Winehouse, Gym Class Heroes.
Summer sip: Shots featuring equal parts Midori, Malibu rum and pineapple juice.
Says to check out: The 2008 Firefighter Calendar release party Aug. 23 at Rise, a benefit for Fired Up for Kids; info at . and rise-nightclub.com.
Ashara Ekundayo
Quote: “We know each other through our cultural connections and exposure to the arts.”
Works: As arts activist, educator, writer and producer of such events as Cafe Nuba and AfroBlu; founded Pan African Arts Society.
Wears: Armloads of silver bracelets, shoulder-skimming earrings, rings on her fingers, tongue and nose; headwraps, platform heels; soft, flowing tunics. At left, she wears a top made from cloth she bought in Mauritania; a bag from Mali; Sewra beaded necklace; and silver and amber earrings.
Has banished: Hair products (she has shaved her head for 12 years).
Listening to: Osunlade’s remix.
Summer sip: Mojito.
Says to check out: Cafe Nuba the last Friday of the month; AfroBlu’s monthly after-hours dance party; .; .
DJ Rockstar Aaron, a.k.a. Aaron Daniels
Quote: “I’m a big fan of the ’80s. The music written then was more compelling, and there were so many things to define the decade: the hair, the fashion.”
Works: Started in radio, now is a DJ and party host, spinning 1980s music at Rock Bar on Thursday nights. Entertains at various gigs playing a mix of “retro-electro with a touch of Brit pop rock.”
Wears: Self-described as “Leigh Bowery meets washed-up club kids;” pink Mohawk, MAC makeup, T-shirts by Rude, Boy George’s line; Johnny Max jeans he finds at Soul Haus. Above, he wears a a Salvage shirt from Vaudeville & Trash in New York; makeup by Manic Panic, MAC and Ben Nye; hair color is Special Effects Atomic Pink mixed with Cupcake Pink, held by Rave #4 hairspray.
Has banished: glitter shirts.
Listening to: New stuff from Scissor Sisters and Peaches; always, Cyndy Lauper, Blondie.
Summer sip: Skyy melon vodka with club soda and lime.
You’ll also find him: DJ-ing at Hamburger Mary’s on Wednesdays; at the Boca Room on Saturdays; Rocky Mountain Rollergirls after-parties; private parties.
Says to check out:
