Arts & Venues Cultural Fashion Runway Series: Ȟópa

On Saturday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m., Denver Arts & Venues’ Cultural Runway Series continues with ȞOPA. The runway show is curated and produced by Kelly Holmes of Native Max Magazine and features Native designers from tribes with historic ties to Colorado and nearby states. Native fashion designers featured on the runway will include: Sky Eagle Collection, Sage Mountain Flower, Red Berry Woman and Choke Cherry Creek. This immersive evening will include a special performance by Supaman and a skateboarding interlude. Prior to the runway show, attendees are invited to peruse the Ȟópa marketplace which will feature regional Native artists and vendors with a variety of artworks and merchandise. VIP ticket holders will receive an Indigenously curated “swag bag” including Native American designed and produced items from local and nationally recognized artists and brands.

Please note that tickets purchased in advance are the best value. Prices will increase on the day of the event.

$50 VIP: includes front row seating, entry to the Ȟópa Market at 7 p.m., early seating at 8:30 p.m., one free beverage and swag bag.

$30 GA seated: includes second or third row seating, entry to the Ȟópa Market at 7 p.m., seating at 8:45 p.m. and one free beverage.

$10 Standing Room Only: includes entry to the Ȟópa Market at 7 p.m., runway entry at 9 p.m., one free beverage and standing room tickets at cocktail tables near the runway.

“Ȟópa” is the Lakota word meaning she/he/it is beautiful, and this runway event is connected thematically to the exhibitions on the McNichols Building second and third floors. On the third floor, “The Red Road Project” is a collaboration between photographer Carlotta Cardana and writer Danielle SeeWalker. The exhibit explores Native American identities, stories and experiences through a first-person narrative, while also depicting an accurate representation of American Indian people living in 21^st century, post-colonial American. The second floor exhibition, “Nizhóní Way: New Works by Melanie Yazzie,” is a solo show of Melanie’s print work, through which she draws on upon her rich Diné (Navajo) cultural heritage. 

Can’t attend the runway show, but still want to check out the Ȟópa Market? Anyone can come shop from noon-5 p.m. on Oct. 15 (no ticket needed to visit the market during those hours).

For Spanish Translation and Interpretation Services: Brooke.Dilling@denvergov.org

For American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter or Cart Services: signlanguageservices@denvergov.org

For Other Disability Accommodations: disabilityaccess@denvergov.org