This issue we're featuring the work of fashion designer Gino Velardi, native resident of Denver, Colorado... Galina wears two of his smashingly elegant and sexy gowns.

Gino discovered fashion magazines when he was 5, and portentiously declared "I have to be a part of this world." After years of making it a hobby, fashion design was thrust upon him when a gallery-owner friend put Gino's name on the invites for an upcoming show and told him he had six weeks to design six outfits for the exhibit. The show was outstandingly received, and Gino's reputation was solidified as a maker of classically inspired designs with a modern, sensual and creative twist.

What kind of woman wears Gino Velardi? "The woman who is not afraid to project confidence," he says, defining what he believes is the most important thing that makes a woman sexy: "Confidence makes the woman that makes the dress." Gino believes (as sugartwist does) that any woman (no matter her age) can be sexy, and designs "skimpy, sassy little dresses for a 21-year old, to classic items your grandmother would wear."

Those of you who live in Colorado, the don't-miss fashion event of the end of summer is the unveiling of Gino's fall line, Friday, August 26th at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science... more info.

Inspired by old Hollywood glamour, the red carpet, and paparazzi, evening gowns are Gino's favorite thing to create.... and this shoot is vintage Velardi all the way: a black number that couldn't be cut any lower, and a gown that covers everything from neck to floor in a sparkly revealing transparency. Galina of the perfect figure wears both, need we say more?

Hair & makeup by Ty and Andre for Blanc the Salon