The Rise of Denver’s Gino Velardi

by Aly Peters, Fashion Correspondent

I had the pleasure of speaking recently with Denver’s own Gino Velardi, and after just a few minutes I felt the easy comforts of an old friend.

One of the most touching insights of Gino’s story was how his late mother had such a huge impact on his future as a designer, “I witnessed my mother getting ready for an event,” he remembered, “ and I thought she was very glamorous. She would say, ‘Always look your best; you never know who you might run into’! Once I discovered a fashion magazine, that was it. That’s when I knew I wanted to become a fashion designer: to create beautiful clothing for the confident, strong, and sexy women!”

Denver's Gino Velardi

After his mother passed away, Gino was left with the responsibility of raising his younger brother and sister, and took on the added challenge of teaching himself sewing, tailoring, and design.

Aly: I love that your grandmother, mom, and sister are your inspirations. Looks for all ages is a great concept. How do you tackle such a wide variety of women?

My grandmother, mother, and sister inspire me a lot. I have many clients that are of every size and shape (from size 2 to 22) that’s why I like custom clothing: it’s made to fit perfectly! I enjoy making something for the everyday woman. I don’t limit myself to one demographic and it’s a great challenge for me to broaden my design skills and establish a devoted clientele.

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Aly: What fabrics, cuts, and colors inspire you?

Fabrics inspire me a lot. I go to every fabric store in town and when I go there for something specific, I end up purchasing fabrics that I love. The fabric really speaks to me as far as the design. The cut of a garment really depends on the fabric; although, I like combining different fabrics to create a third element of difference. I also like to use fabrics that have geometric and floral prints.

Aly: What messages do you hope to send through your designs?

At this moment, after my show, I felt it expressed a maturity within my designs and myself. My tailoring skills and fabric selections have all evolved over the past few years. I’ve always wanted to show a very elegant and sophisticated collection that expressed my overall view of what I think a woman should be wearing in her everyday life, from day to evening. I merely suggest to that women, of any shape and size, what I think would look best on them. It’s collaboration between me and the client, and to have that one-on-one relationship with my clients to create the perfect garment for their specific needs.

Aly: Where can someone purchase your garments?

As it’s been from the beginning, I do all custom work. I enjoy working with a woman, and making her look and feel her best. I create an experience with all my clients that completely focus on their needs and also express my designs. Next, I’m considering looking into opening a store in the Cherry Creek area, (nothing is confirmed yet) but keep a look-out!

Aly: What can we expect to see from you in the near future?

I’m already working on another collection. I would like to show in late spring or mid-summer; something more sexy and fun: bathing suits and sexy gowns and flirty dresses. Going back to my early days of draping, and maybe re-introduce some menswear. I had one all male fashion show in 2003, but found that men don’t purchase custom made clothing. However, I plan to have another all male fashion show in the near future.

My main goal is to introduce a new line of handbags. I always try to push myself to do something new and creative for every show. I’ve always thought about designing handbags and now I’ll have the opportunity to showcase them.

Aly: What is the best part about being a designer?

The best part is being creative! I love having fashion shows and showing the public an exciting show that also promotes my business. I love the beauty in creating clothes that work with a woman’s body, while presenting something new and exciting every season.

Aly: And finally…What draws you to fashion?

Beauty! I love seeing beauty in everyday life and in every person. I honestly think that fashion is therapeutic. If you dress nice and care about yourself a little more each day it always makes a person feel better about themselves and gives a positive presentation to others. You feel empowered and confident. Fashion is probably the best way to express yourself and your individual style. I make clothes for myself and when I’m dressed nice I feel that much better about myself.

Gino’s success has skyrocketed while his designs are more in demand than ever before; and, after hearing his story and seeing his work, there is no denying he deserves everything that comes his way. For more information about Gino Velardi and his collections visit www.ginovelardi.com.

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