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Denver’s Gino Velardi measures up fall fashion

Denver’s Gino Velardi measures up fall fashion

Cooler weather is right around the corner, and that means tons of new fall fashion trends that we can’t wait to try. Taking our cues from Fall 2011 Fashion Week, we’ve found that this season is all about retro-inspired looks – for both men and women – with modern prints, luxurious materials, sophisticated silhouettes and autumn-colored hues that really stood out on the runway.

A compilation of Gino Velardi's designs for fall. Photos by Thomas Cooper. Jewelry by Andrea Li. Hair by Salvadore Valles and Tracy Trujillo. Makeup by Diana Senova. Photographed at the Four Seasons Hotel Denver. Models provided by Natalie Lynn Models.

Going into the Fall season, guys should be on the lookout for double-breasted suits (a total throwback to the ’40s and ’50s), fine gauge turtlenecks and form-fitting V-neck sweaters made from merino wool, silk or cashmere (for a subtle, elegant look) and light tweeds with hip silhouettes. Also popular for this season are camel-colored coats in sexy cuts, rose-colored dress shirts and modern leather varsity jackets.

The gals should also look for updated varsity jackets, as well as fur hats, polka dots of all sizes (they can be worn head-to-toe or as a fun accessory) and maxi skirts (some with sexy slits up the front). Other fun trends include feminine touches like lace, feathers and sheer fabrics, as well as abstract prints and wild animal prints. However, the monochromatic look is also haute this season with red being the preferred color followed closely by rose, rust and mustard.

“The fashion staples that I felt stood out are a lot of faux furs, using the jacket as the new coat, defined waists and longer hemlines,” said Denver fashion designer Gino Velardi. “What I think should be added to a woman’s wardrobe this fall season are jewel-toned colors, a little lace for a feminine touch and a fabulous swing coat (which I love to design) with a large print, some texture and a fun color. The best thing about fashion is that every designer has their own voice, and what I see every season is every kind of inspiration.”

Velardi finds that his own inspiration comes from music. He admits that he’s obsessed with fashion shows, and, whenever he hears a great song, he automatically envisions a fashion show to that music. As he imagines the look of the models and the clothes they would be wearing down the runway, his visions inspire new pieces.

A self-taught fashion designer, Velardi started designing apparel more than 10 years ago while working as a stylist for local celebrities and doing costuming for plays and independent films. It was then that he first realized his passion for designing clothing that is stylish yet wearable – a trait that has become one of Velardi’s trademarks.

While Fashion Week sets the tone for the season’s trends, Velardi prefers to stay true to his own sense of style. “I like my clothes to convey a sexy confidence, and I enjoy creating elegant clothing that can be worn for years,” he said. “I love tailoring beautiful dresses and suits to make the woman’s body look flawless.”

When Velardi first started designing, he focused mostly on super sexy mini dresses, party clothes and slinky gowns. While he still keeps that formula in mind, his work has evolved over the years into designs that can be described as sensual, confident and unapologetically sexy.

“I enjoy using sensual fabrics that feel great against the skin, always body conscious and respectful of a woman’s body and her specific needs,” Velardi said. “I like to design for a woman who’s sure of herself and is not afraid to go a little further in her look.” Velardi’s elegant and sophisticated signature looks even garnered him the title of Denver’s best fashion designer at the Denver Style Expo earlier this year.

Gino Velardi

While Velardi has designed menswear in the past (he had a full men’s collection in the beginning of his career), the majority of his designs are now for women. “There are so many restrictions in menswear, and, with women, it’s the opposite,” he said. “Women have more fun with colors and fabrics, which is why I prefer designing womenswear. I enjoy making a woman feel great about herself and her look, and that’s what makes it worth it!”

Currently, Velardi is focusing on evening gowns, cocktail dresses, suits, coats and one-of-a-kind wedding gowns. However, he finds it really important to be able to design any type of garment. “There’s nothing I haven’t designed, and I feel it gives me more knowledge of a woman’s body and how to design around it,” he added. “I make clothes for the everyday woman. I like to bring out her inner beauty and sensuality.”

Velardi, who is staying busy with orders from his fashion show last year, is planning another show in Denver for the end of this year. But he’ll be in California showcasing his threads at a fundraiser fashion show Sept. 16. He is still working out the details for both projects, so we’re all encouraged to keep an eye out for his upcoming events.

“As of right now, I’m happy where I am in the Denver fashion scene, and I continue to show my collections and promote myself,” Velardi said. “I flatter myself saying that I’m one of the pioneers of Denver fashion. When I started, no one was doing fashion shows. Now, Denver has a great fashion scene.”

As for the future, Velardi hopes to show in markets such as New York and Los Angeles. While Denver will always be his home, he feels he needs to show on both coasts to advance his career.

“I would love to have a store here in Denver someday, but my goal is to go national and hopefully global with handbags, shoes, accessories, and, dare I say it, fragrances,” Velardi said. “I plan to do it all!”

Gino Velardi online at http://ginovelardi.com.

Gino’s must-haves for a trendy fall
Cardigan: One muted, one statement color.
Colorful pull-over V-neck sweater: You can wear over a printed shirt or under a suit.
Windowpane printed suit: A suit comes alive with texture like checkers or stripes.
Pocket squares: Give a simple blazer a pop of character.
Ankle boots: Step on the wild side and go army green or gray.
Blazer: Chocolate velvet or dark corduroy adds to any outfit for a richer look.
White button-up: The fashion staple, so long as it’s crisp.

Gino’s guide to accessorizing
Skinny scarf: An understated accessory that adds flair to the neck.
Cuff watches: Stylish with any look.
Statement belt: Nothing too clunky, but something that has a buckle or colored leather.
Page-boy cap: Another way to wear something fun.

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