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Denver’s army of food trucks may need to pull over and make way for the latest mobile trend: boutiques on wheels. Fashion trucks first started to hit the streets of Boston, Los Angeles, Portland, and Nashville in 2010. They’ve finally found their way to the Mile High City with three new locally owned businesses.
Matthew Faas and Tina Hall (previously a stylist for Tommy Hilfiger in New York City) paved the way in Denver, converting a FedEx truck into Tour de Fashion, CO, which opened in January (pictured, left). Here, you’ll find plenty of Adam Sikorski’s Coloradical tees, among other Denver-centric phrases to wear on your sleeve, thanks to an inventory of all local products and designers. My top find: Boulder-based Nineteen Forty‘s hand-sewn, made-to-order bow ties in paisley prints.
Earlier this week, the Denver Fashion Truck (pictured, above) made its debut, offering handmade fashion, small works of art, and gift tchotchkes—all made exclusively by local artisans. Run by husband-and-wife team Adrian and Desiree G.B., the plaid-wrapped truck’s funky mix of apparel will get an exciting addition later this year when Desiree launches her own line of hand-sewn, vintage-inspired dresses. Plus: The former postal truck is outfitted with a fitting room.
Longtime friends Tran Wills and Allison Shaw, who both have years of retail experience, are opening Brick & Mortar General Store (pictured, right) in a 1964 Aristocrat they found on Craigslist. Wills and Shaw scour the country (and Etsy) in search of home goods, jewelry, custom art, apothecary items, and specialty food items. Expect brands like Point No Point Studio (jewelry), Field Notes (stationary), and Hella Slingshots, as well as products from local notables such as The Woods Fine Jewelry, Mondo Guerra tee’s, Fig+Yarrow beauty products, Helliemae’s Handcrafted Caramels, and Stitch & Hammer leather goods. Brick & Mortar marks its grand opening with two appearances this weekend: Saturday, June 1 at Crema (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and Sunday, June 2 at Ace Eat Serve (noon to 6 p.m.).
Tip: Follow the mobile shops on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for intel on summer events and daily whereabouts.
—Brick & Mortar photo courtesy of Sara Ford Photography