PARK CITY — Last year at Sundance, Utah designer Danny Nappi was selling his clothes at a trunk show, trying to get some notice.

This year, he presented locals and out-of-town Sundance guests with a fashion show at the Sidecar on Main Street.

In just a few months, he's earned significant attention from the fashion world with models and a few celebrities now wearing his brand. His goal is to start selling nationally.

Right now, he's online and in a few local shops, including Whimsy, Model Citizen and Black Chandelier.

Nappi's clothes are edgy — perhaps a little too edgy for Utah's clean-cut culture.

On Thursday night, he introduced a line with bold colors and simple designs. The hems were short and a few necklines plunged low. But the styles, while flashy, were still feminine.

His runway was unconventional. In the packed club, people were crunched shoulder-to-shoulder as models walked on a white cardboard catwalk in the middle of the Sidecar's dance floor. A live band provided music.

For an up-and-coming designer, Nappi has unique credentials. First, the obvious: His clothing line is based out of Salt Lake City, not a fashion hotbed such as Los Angeles or New York.

Second, the Utah-reared man has received no formal training. He doesn't even follow a pattern while sewing.

But that's what makes him unique, said Nappi prior to his Thursday show. It keeps him creative and helps him to focus on style and fit instead of following plans and rules.

"My biggest flaw is actually my greatest attribute," Nappi, 31, said. "The fact I don't know how to sew means I end up doing everything a little different."

He began designing soon after returning from a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His mother had made him a bed cover from old denim jeans and when Nappi moved out, he wanted to take it with him.

His mother wouldn't let him. So, Nappi bought a $10 sewing machine and made his own. From there, he began altering his own clothes. And then friends asked him to modify their clothes.

After a two-year gig designing products for Utah-based LoveSac, Nappi ventured out on his own and started working full-time on Nappi Clothing.

Slowly, people have caught on to the brand.

"It's just one thing that has worked after another," said Nappi, who has a degree from the University of Utah in political science.

He's not alone in helping Utah make its mark in the fashion world. Just last year, Utah native Keith Bryce was on the show "Project Runway" with his clothes. And Jared Gold, who owns the shop Black Chandelier where Nappi is now selling, has appeared on "America's Next Top Model."

Nappi is just hopeful he can launch a long-lasting, successful career.

"I want to be something that has longevity," he said.

For more information, log on to www.nappiclothing.com.

E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com