Fashion allows us to visually speak to our current mood while pushing the boundaries of expression. Some of our favorite Boulder boutiques and stylists share their perspective on fashion in 2020, including stylish comfort, sustainability, and social impact.
Michelle DeHaven, founder of Haven Fall Wardrobe Staples
1. Sofia Leather Jacket in Rose by Mauritius, $298
2. La Vie en Rose scarf + mask set, $230
3. Nina in Black Stone by Etica, $175
This year, working from home is the new norm while elegant outings seem to be a thing of the past. Michelle DeHaven, owner of Haven, Boulder’s boutique store for timeless apparel and artistic home goods, says that when it comes to quarantine fashion, getting “dressed up” for a day at-home can actually enhance your well-being and creativity. Two Sole Sisters, a women’s shoe and accessory shop has seen casual wear on the rise due to the current pandemic, meaning your tried-and-true sneakers never felt so comfy. They recommend stepping up your everyday attire with kicks that boast snakeskin embossed leather or a metallic sheen.
Emily Choi, a local wardrobe and prop stylist, shares her take on Boulder’s casual style: “Ever the place where Chacos and socks have graced the soles of off-duty cyclists, and where Patagonia puffies are a badge of honor for many climbers, clothing has always been selected for comfort.”
Yes, casual fashion is still reigning supreme she says, but with conscious consumers choosing sustainable and natural fibers in looser and breathable styles.
“In the vintage world we are seeing a heightened interest in sleepwear—think antique bed jackets and nightgowns paired with a modern sandal or boot,” says Hannah Thurston, owner of the vintage shop Ida+Moon.
The brand takes a gender-neutral approach to sourcing apparel and offers an eco-friendly plant-dyed update to clients’ existing clothing.
“Fast fashion is dying as we switch to a new mindset and way of living…one that is slower,” Thurston says.
Comfort Calls, But So Does Progress
“The pandemic has been a much-needed call-to-action for the fashion industry to simplify operations to better align with consumer needs,” says Max Martinez, owner of the luxury retailer MAX.
Maria Cornejo and Gabriela Hearst are two brands that MAX sells who are leaders when it comes to manufacturing locally, limiting output, and collaborating with female artisans around the world to elevate social impact.
Haven focuses on carrying smaller independent brands with sustainability as a core value, from an exclusive denim line that reduces material waste to vintage furniture.
Madison Moorhead, a personal stylist in town, says she is continuing to focus on “consignment and vintage shopping for my clients, because buying second-hand makes fashion much more accessible to everyone, regardless of economic standing.”
Addressing under-represented communities is also a big topic in the biz. Choi says that lately she has worked with many African American models on photoshoots for small boutique campaigns to national ones that are making a great attempt at shifting their colorblindness.
Laurel Tate, co-owner of Two Sole Sisters says, “we feel fortunate to be able to listen to our BIPOC colleagues, team members, and clients and then amplify their voices, so that the fashion industry progresses alongside other industries. We see this time as an opportunity for growth and inclusiveness.”
Boulder Businesses to Add to Your Shopping Cart:
+ MAX (MaxFashionColorado.com)
+ Two Sole Sisters (TwoSoleSisters.com)
+ Ida+Moon (IdaAndMoon.com)
+ Haven (HavenBoulder.com)
Fashion Stylists to Watch for:
+ Madison Moorhead (IG: @PlatinumPurp)
+ Emily Choi (IG: @TheAlpineStylist)