When I first began to conceptualize this cover and fashion story, I visualized a blend of editorial images that inspired me from the likes of Annie Lebowitz and David LaChapelle, two of my favorite fashion photographers. Denver Magazine photographer Todd Nakashima totally understood the vision, as did everyone else associated with the story. There was electricity in the air on the afternoon of the shoot - which lasted well into the early morning hours - as Denver Magazine took over the rooftop terrace and swimming pool at the Watermark Luxury Residences.

Pierre Lacroix is an enigma in Colorado’s sports circle. The longtime former Colorado Avalanche general manager eschews the limelight. When he became GM of the Quebec Nordiques in 1994, a year before the team moved to Denver, he turned a franchise that had been losing for more than a decade into the Eastern Conference’s top team record-wise in his first season - and then into two-time Stanley Cup champions - after the franchise moved to Denver.

There’s nothing like the sound of 50, 213 fans at Coors Field during Game 4 when the Colorado Rockies swept the Arizona Diamondbacks last year. Powered by a three-run homer from Matt Holliday, that was the night the Rockies won the National League Championship Series and made it to the World Series for the first time in the franchise’s 15-year history. Baseball aside, it’s all about family - both on and off the field - for the Rockies’ $23 million man.

Emmy Award-winning Comedian Dana Carvey always had Saturday Night Live viewers in stitches. From 1986 to 1992, Carvey became famous for characters he created including Church Lady; Hans, of the Hans and Franz bodybuilding duo; Garth, the “most excellent co-host" of Wayne's World; and with his master impressions of political and cultural icons. Recently, he made a big impression on The Kempe Foundation in Denver, where his act raised funds to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect.

There’s nothing like the sound of 50, 213 fans at Coors Field during Game 4 when the Colorado Rockies swept the Arizona Diamondbacks last year. Powered by a three-run homer from Matt Holliday, that was the night the Rockies won the National League Championship Series and made it to the World Series for the first time in the franchise’s 15-year history. Baseball aside, it’s all about family - both on and off the field - for the Rockies’ $23 million man.

When freelance writer Ilan Baril walked into Denver Magazine’s Spring editorial meeting, I took one look at him and declared, “Listen Sasquatch, it’s time for a shave!” Being the brave man he is, Ilan agreed – albeit reluctantly at first – to model for a man makeover. Don’t get me wrong. I can appreciate a beard; a mustache or a sexy goatee, but the Grizzly Adams, slept-in-a-cave-all-winter look has got to go. See Ilan’s transformation from “hairy-scary” to super-sexy after a day of primping and pampering at Gentleman’s Quarters and The Oxford Spa.

It’s been less than a week since the Breaking the Ice premiere party for Denver Magazine®, and already it’s stirred up so much buzz, newspapers and television stations are raving about both the party, and the most coveted glossy in town. Event planner John Tobey of Eventeur, and Denver Magazine® Promotions and Special Events director Wendy Ledwitz, wife of Publisher and CEO Mike Ledwitz, planned the stellar spectacle complete with sexy models showing off winter white icy fashions

Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Denver Magazine's Premiere Issue. The video was seen on the big screen during our Breaking the Ice Launch Party, which was held Feb. 1, at The Cable Center at the University of Denver. Both the party - and the video - were big hits with the 1,000-plus party people who made their way to the soiree. The video features clips from a few of the many photo shoots that went into the Winter Issue of Denver Magazine. Everything from preparation, to styling, to hair and make-up and the final photographs, are captured for posterity.

It was a winter wonderland as models Laura, Valerie and Gretchen became ice princesses for a day during Denver Magazine's ® Winter White fashion shoot for the premiere issue. The hue - or lack thereof - associated with blushing brides and fashion faux pas is perfect for winter wear - and the shoot was a white out from start to finish. Click on the video and see how a successful fashion spread comes to fruition.

Planning the cover for the inaugural issue of Denver Magazine ®, we wanted to convey the Mile High City in a sexy and sophisticated way. We couldn't think of a better way to break the ice and launch the magazine than with local Donna Baldwin beauty, model Laura Mehalko. She is cool as ice on the Winter Issue as Denver Magazine's ® premiere cover girl. Check out what happened behind the scenes to prepare Mehalko for her cover close-up and see what - and how long - it takes to get that perfect shot.