Fashion on the Hill
Nicole Beckett knows flirty and funky
By Katherine Crowell

Nicole Beckett shows off some of the fashions she designs and sells.

Flowers and flares are flirty and funky at the newest clothing store on the Hill, Agogo Star, owned by a young SJMC grad.

"I brought Agogo to (Boulder) because Boulder is a great place, and I hope to design for women in the hip 20-something age group," said Nicole Beckett ('99), chief designer of Agogo Threads.

Beckett, originally from Golden, is very familiar with Boulder's atmosphere. She graduated from CU in 1999 with a degree in advertising.

Beckett worked in New York in fashion public relations for the Vidal Sasson Team after graduation. She said the experience opened up doors.

"I saw how high fashion was done and started my own custom design in the city," Beckett said.

She met Messiah Jacobs, her business partner, in the world of New York fashion.

"Messiah became my business guru; together we make a perfect combination of creativity, marketing and financial skills," Beckett said. Jacobs and Beckett turned her custom designs into ready-to-wear lines.

Beckett said she has gained recognition in several magazines such as Twist, Budget Living, 5280 Magazine and Teen People. The fashion world has begun to accept her style, she said, and she hopes that Boulder will, too. Beckett and Jacobs opened Agogo Star in May "to show our line from conception to end, to see customers enjoying our designs," she said.

Her line includes vintage-style skirts, pants and blouses. Beckett describes her line as resembling 1940s and 1950s fashion, with modern style for a tight and sexy look.

"I want people to afford a new outfit and look fabulous," Beckett said.

Gathered sleeves, swooping necklines, soft, flowing knee-length skirts and dresses are signature aspects of Agogo Threads. Agogo outfits can be dressed up or down, she said.

nmshaddeau@hotmail.com

(This story contains excerpts from a feature that appeared in the Oct. 16 edition of the Campus Press.)