Photo by: Talia Sandavol
Attend a show at Red Rocks, and you may see a slew of college-age students modeling the latest fashions. What you may not realize is that this clothing is actually designed right here in Denver.
DU students from all over the country have been introduced and integrated into Colorado’s culture of creativity, which has exploded within the past few years due to the multitude of popular music venues and art galleries within the Denver-Metro area.
Red Rocks Amphitheater, in particular, has been a legendary attraction since its completion in 1941 and has become a summertime hotspot for members of this tightly woven and interconnected community.
Twenty-four year old Talia Sandoval, founder of the rapidly emerging MEANt Clothing company, planted her roots at Red Rocks, where she displayed her original artistry in the parking lot before shows.
“This all started with graffiti,” she said. “Its origins were modifying clothes from thrift stores, tagging shirts with stencils.”
“The name MEANt just popped into my head one day,” said Sandoval. “Failure is not an option—this is meant to be. We’ve had so many experiences that have really made that clear, that this is all meant to happen.”
When Sandoval was introduced to Lauren Kettle, 23 – who would become Vice President and Chief Finance Officer of MEANt – at a Pretty Lights show in October 2009, their instant connection reiterated this meant-to-be mindset.
The pair soon moved in together and transformed their basement into a studio, where Sandoval taught herself how to sew. Her newly developed skills and her hatred of overheating at concerts gave birth to the extremely unique and novel “Whomper”: a backless, hooded dress which allows the wearer to “throw the hood up at a show but not get ridiculously hot.”
Vending products at shows really carved a place for MEANt within the Denver music scene and helped spark strong connections between the women and their buyers.
Pivotal moments of MEANt Clothing’s progression include its first-ever fashion show, which exhibited many of the one-of-a-kind garments created during 2011, as well as a partnership with Grassroots California – a “progressive clothing line that makes quality merchandise at affordable prices and donates a percentage of its proceeds on every purchase.”
When digital artist Kurt Redeker approached the girls in March 2011 about sharing studio space at the Knew Conscious art gallery (2700 Walnut St.), Kettle and Sandoval experienced yet another meant-to-be moment.
“I came across his art on an Octopus Nebula concert flier and was blown away by it,” said Sandoval. “We ended up vending next to each other at a show and built a relationship then…we were meant to meet and collaborate with business.”
The start of the new year has already inspired much ambition and growth for MEANt. “People may find it far-fetched,” said Sandoval, “but I would love to have Willow Smith as a client.” Sandoval is also beginning to “hit street and high fashion now – fashion beyond the music setting.”
Check out the MEANt Facebook page and keep an eye out for them at upcoming shows and festivals.
To see a video of the Dec. 10, 2011 fashion show, shot by DU graduate Tommy Joyce, visit meantclothing.com/color-climax-video-recap.
