Another Reason to Love Denver:

Yves Saint Laurent Exhibit at DAM

Few names top the list of fashion icons like Yves Saint Laurent. The French-born designer is often described as one of the most influential designers in the last fifty years and upon his death in 2008 at age 71, the New York Times described him as “the designer who arguably did more to advance fashion than any other of his generation pointed the way to the future by consistently reviving the past. His enduring fascination with more gracious or, perhaps, more vital times, informed his refined, theatrical aesthetic and made him the most influential designer of his day. His celebrated fashions of the '60s and the '70s continue to inspire younger generations.”

To celebrate his life, a sweeping retrospective of the designer’s 40 years of creativity, Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective features a stunning selection of 200 haute couture garments along with numerous photographs, drawings, and films that illustrate the development of Saint Laurent's style and the historical foundations of his work. And the Denver Art Museum (DAM) happens to be the only venue in the U.S. that will be hosting the exhibit.

Organized thematically, the presentation melds design and art to explore the full arc of Saint Laurent’s career, from his first days at Dior in 1958 through the splendor of his evening dresses from 2002. The exhibit runs through July 8 at DAM, so plan your trip there soon to catch a glimpse of this once-in-a-lifetime presentation.

If you’re planning a night out to see the exhibit, you might also consider making reservations at Palettes, the on-site restaurant at the museum. In honor of Yves Saint Laurent, the restaurant is featuring a three-course prix-fixe Retro-French Tasting menu for $26.

Planning Your Produce Shopping at Denver-Area Farmers Markets

For those looking to do their spring/summer produce shopping at Denver-area farmers markets, there are three main ones to consider visiting:

1.) CHERRY CREEK FRESH MARKET
Saturdays, May 5 – Oct 27, 8 am – 1 pm
& Wednesdays, Jun 20 – Sep 26, 9 am – 1 pm
1st Ave. & University Blvd.
2.) CITY PARK ESPLANADE FRESH MARKET
Sundays, May 13 – Oct 28, 9 am – 1 pm
E. Colfax Ave. & Columbine St.
3.) STAPLETON FARMERS MARKET
Sundays, Jun 17 – Oct 14, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
E. 29th Ave. & Roslyn St.
These three markets are overseen by an organization called Colorado Fresh Markets, and have been referred to as the "Cadillac of farmers markets among nearly 50 markets throughout Colorado" according to Colorado Biz Magazine.

With a dedication to supporting local Colorado farmers, shoppers will find great selections of fresh produce and other amazing food. And to help you plan your shopping, Colorado Fresh Markets also offers a crop calendar that lists out when certain produce is in season.

Cherry Creek North Development Project Put on Hold

A recent Denver Post article said that a proposed redevelopment along Columbine Street in Cherry Creek North is on hold while Denver finalizes the area plan for the neighborhood. According to the article, the proposed project by Western Development set forth plans for “an eight-story, 70,000-square-foot office building on the northeast corner of Columbine and East Second Avenue. The $100 million development would step down gradually as it approaches Third Avenue, where a three-story building would include about 80 condos. The development also includes 38,000 square feet of retail space.”

Western Development is facing opposition from the Cherry Creek North Neighborhood Association, in terms of building scale, traffic and parking associated with the project. The Association will be hosting a General Resident Meeting on Tuesday, May 22th at 7pm at the Daniels Fund Building. The Meeting will provide residents with highlights of the Cherry Creek Area Plan and present specific information from two of its important working groups 1) Urban Form and its work on BID zoning modifications and 2) Transit with its views on future Cherry Creek transportation issues and improvement recommendations.