Classic Lines

I fell in love with vintage fashion at a young age. Growing up in the '80s (full of neon) and '90s (flannel), it was easy to see the beauty of a bias-cut '30s gown or a voluptuous '50s dress. Sadly, many vintage finds start to show their age — in style, construction and size — after fifty-plus years of wear.

That's why local fashion designer Tricia Hayworth's new line, Hay-Lo Reconstructed Vintage, is so great. By scouring flea markets and estate sales around the country, Hayworth has amassed a huge collection of vintage clothing that she uses to create high-quality vintage couture.

"A lot of people will take an old T-shirt and add some lace, but she's taking vintage reconstruction to the next level in a really fun, elegant way," says Brandi Shigley, founder of Fashion Denver and organizer of a fashion show highlighting Hayworth's designs tonight at DC 10, 940 Lincoln Street. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9. Admission is $5 and benefits Dress for Success Denver.

Hayworth says she’s working hard to break the stigma of wearing dated vintage clothing by cutting down the classic silhouettes of the clothing into "something more modern that someone would really wear to a party.

"A lot of people just have their mother's or grandmother's dress hanging in a closet," she says, "and I want to show them that you can add new fabric or change the neckline and make it something that you can actually wear."

In addition to a line of cute, one-of-a-kind spring dresses, Hayworth will premiere her new line of reconstructed wedding dresses at the show. Hay-Lo Reconstructed Vintage designs can be found in several boutiques around town and at www.Hay-Lo.com.
Thu., March 13, 9 p.m., 2008