Fashion Group International (FGI)  is a non-profit association of professional executives worldwide, promoting the advancement of careers in the fashion and related lifestyle industries. Denver’s own fashion stars will will be promoted on October 23, 2009, from 6:30 – 10 p.m., at Mercedes-Benz of Westminster, when FGI Denver  hosts  its biannual Rising Star event celebrating Denver’s newest designers. Ten innovative and creative designers will be recognized. The Rising Star Awards Celebration will include a reception and a silent auction, followed by an awards program and fashion show. Tickets start at $50 for general admission. Proceeds will be used for student scholarships and educational outreach programs. Reservations are being accepted at: blacktie-colorado.com/rsvp or call 720-341-9896. I am honored to be a part of the Rising Star committee and excited to see who will be chosen as the “2009 Rising Star.”

The Twelve to Watch

Designs from the following individuals and companies will be shown on the runway at      the Rising Star Awards, and one company will be chosen as the 2009 Rising Star:

Art wearable: Susan Kiely, SK Designs, Women With a Cause; womenwithacause.com

Jewelry: Andrea Li, andreali.com

Dresses: Stephanie Ohnmacht, Smooch; smoochstyle.com

Women’s sportswear: Lisa Welch and Julie Hill, BornFit; livebornfit.com

Custom design: Maureen de Haan, Denver Couture; denvercouture.com

Outdoor/activewear: Phoebe Stapleton, Sierra Designs; sierradesigns.com

Urban/streetwear: Rustin Coburn and Noah Price, DVLP Clothing;developclothing.com

Children’s wear: Hollli Gibson, LamanBlu; lamanblu.com

Accessories: Eulanda Sanders, Yo-San Studio; yosanstudio.com

Men’s Wear: Josh Holleb and Jesse Sapir, Totem Industries; totemindustries.com

Retail Winner: Mona Lucero, monalucero.com

Interior Design Winner: Jeanne Connolly, Vintage Renewal; vintagerenewal.com