Distrikt F is now Summit County's only photography studio. Photo: Distrikt F.

PARK CITY, Utah — In the evolving Ironhorse neighborhood, a new creative hub is transforming how the mountain town approaches fashion, photography and events. Distrikt F for Fashion, Fotos, Fêtes, Finance & Feminism represents the visions of Vanessa Di Palma Wright, founder of fashion consulting company Farasha, and Jacki Zehner, founder of SheMoney, a company dedicated to advancing women’s financial agency and wealth through content, community, and consulting.

Four years ago, Wright had her eye on the same Ironhorse space for a client’s pop-up, but the deal fell through. When Wright began searching for a permanent location last year, she was offered the very same space.

“I believe in full circle moments,” said Wright, reflecting on the coincidence that brought her to the space that now serves as Summit County’s first photography studio.

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Wright’s journey to Distrikt F spans 15 years of fashion consulting through Farasha, a company that made its mark creating pop-up retail experiences during the Sundance Film Festival. What began as temporary storefronts for emerging designers after the financial crisis turned into a full-service fashion consulting operation.

The current Denim and Diamonds collaboration with Zenzee.

“We’ve always worked out of our boutiques, but our boutiques are pop-up, so we always close them,” Wright said. “For years, everybody on our team would say we should open a photography studio, a space where we could do more.”

The catalyst came through a partnership with Zehner, whose lease was up, approached Wright about collaborating on something new.

What sets Distrikt F apart is its adaptability. The studio operates on hourly, half-day, and full-day rates, but Wright emphasizes that clients aren’t simply renting empty space — they’re accessing a full-service experience.

“It’s not just you taking photos,” Wright said. “We’re going to work with you to make sure you have the right color backdrop, the right lighting. It’s a process, but it’s also an experience for your clients.”

Chief Fun Officer and stylist Madeline Melgaard coordinates with clients and photographers to ensure everything is available from lunch to wardrobe and hair and make up.

The space has already hosted diverse events, from a beach resort-themed pop-up in August to their grand opening “denim and diamonds” activation with Sharon Backurz and Zenzee. A recent dinner party for 16 guests showcased the studio’s event capabilities, complete with branded garden space and coordinated yellow-themed décor.

Wright’s commitment to Utah’s creative community runs deep. A University of Utah graduate who initially planned to return to New York after college, she stayed and discovered the wealth of local talent often overlooked by larger markets.

“I’ve walked into L.A. projects where people are like, ‘Who is this stylist from Utah?'” she said. “We’re not looked at as a hub for that type of creativity. But there’s so much talent here.”

Many of her team members and interns have come from local institutions like the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College, with several going on to careers in New York and Paris. The studio collaborates with local photographers like Kristen Pierce, who uses the space to transition from outdoor shoots to studio work.

Distrikt F benefits from strategic partnerships within the Ironhorse district. The team works with Re, the luxury consignment store across the street, for wardrobe pulls during photo shoots. They’re also partnering with local boutiques, encouraging them to use the space for content creation for websites.

“A lot of boutiques need a white backdrop,” Wright said. “We’re trying to partner with local business owners to create this synergy in Ironhorse that’s coming into its own.”

The location, while off Main Street, offers advantages for Wright’s vision. With ample parking and accessibility via the Rail Trail, the space provides a more intimate setting for events and photo shoots without the constraints and costs of Main Street real estate.

Wright envisions Distrikt F as more than a rental space — it’s designed to be a comprehensive solution for brands visiting Park City. Rather than quick trunk shows, she wants to offer multi-day experiences where companies can create content, host influencer events and build meaningful connections with the community.

“I want them to see it more than just a pop-up or place to shoot photos, but a space where they come to Park City and invest the time,” she said. “We can offer services from A to Z.”

Current programming includes “Fashion Fridays” with DJ sets and styling touch-ups, “Taylor Tuesdays” serving as a drop-off point for alterations, and upcoming patch-customization workshops. The space also features an outdoor deck for events and a dedicated styling area for hair and makeup.

The playful branding extends to Distrikt F’s marketing, with Wright asking visitors to share their own “F word” — responses have ranged from “friend” and “fabulous” to “fortunate” and “freak.”

As Park City continues its creative renaissance, Distrikt F represents a new model for collaborative workspace — one that combines the flexibility of pop-up retail with the permanence needed to build lasting community connections. For Wright, it’s the culmination of years of supporting emerging talent while creating something uniquely suited to Utah’s growing creative economy.

“It’s about thinking big,” Wright said. “We want to be a space where everyone can support each other and succeed in our creative circles.”