FRESH RUNWAY LOOKS KCFW DESIGNER PROFILES 8 EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
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Philip O. Willoughby CEO
Kansas City Fashion Week was formed in 2010 during the peak of what was called “The Great Recession.” With closings and layoffs, the economy was in such poor shape that fashion designers were finding it difficult to manufacture and market their new work.
During that “Great Recession” KCFW created a marketing event that brought together the most outstanding local and national fashion designers, style teams, models and photographers to create a unique fashion industry marketing opportunity. While COVID-19 impacts fashion designers' ability to display and market their new work in a climate that prohibits in-person gatherings and fashion shows, Kansas City Fashion Week’s mission and commitment to the fashion industry remains the same. Designers at all levels will find new opportunities to use KCFW in the development and marketing of their new work. We have incorporated a digital element in that will provide designers additional professional digital resources to publish for marketing and sales purposes. Brands will also be able to leverage KCFW’s online presence in new and creative ways to gain more exposure for their brand and convert that exposure into sales. We can’t wait to see how the fashion industry of Kansas City excels over the next few years, and are thrilled to be an integral part of our wonderful fashion community. We are grateful for the relationships we have built along the way, and we look forward to many seasons to come! Philip O. Willoughby, Founder and CEO Kansas City Fashion Week 4
TRADITIONAL FALL Thick textured fabrics, dark tones that mimic the changing colors of leaves, and essential layers are all quintessential fashion staples for the changing weather.
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KC FW
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8 EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS What every model should have backstage
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DESIGNER PROFILES Meet the creators behind all of the beautiful garments on the runway
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KCFW SHOW SCHEDULE Find out when you will see your favorite designers
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TR BROWN INTERVIEW Get the inside scoop on TR Brown
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PARTNERS The amazing companies who help us put on such a great show for you
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MADAMEÂ L STYLE
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MADAME L STYLE
MADAME L STYLE
LAURA CITRON
bold, saturated, colors...
GK DESINGS GRACIE KEY
GABRIELLA INTL
ANY OLD IRON ANDREW CLANCEY
S.BIAS SYDNEY BIAS
These colors are uplifting, vibrant, and create an exciting energy. When used in luxurious fabrics and style details they illustrate a positive and optimistic story that is cheerful and upbeat. Be bold and confident.
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MAANG BY YASI FAYAL
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FASHION BY AYLA JAZMIN AYALA
Q LIU QUN LIU
PERICHETTE PERI CONNER
patterns, prints, florals...
RACHEL POLLAK DESIGNS
SHELBY HARVEY DESIGNS
TRULY ALVARENGA
J. TIERNEY DESIGNS
Sassy and fresh patterns create the perfect amount of playfulness for spring attire. The moderness of bold geometric patterns and the excitement of crisp floral prints bring great delights to the season. 15
JOSHUAJCHRIS
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TRBROWN
LUCIA'S SARTO
SHELBY HARVEY DESIGNS
blush-muted tones...
PERICHETTE PERI CONNER
Q LIU QUN LIU
MY BLONDE AMBITIONS
HOUSE OF PAMELA RENEE
Welcoming with a touch of warmth, these blushed and muted tones add a glowing, nurturing calm to the designs. Sheer fabrics, matte satins, and iridescent materials are all perfect for this trend. 17
SARAH WILSON KNITWEAR
RACHEL POLLAK DESIGNS
MAANG BY YASI FAYAL
2020 pantone color of the year 18
classic blue...
ANNETTE SUNSHINE DESIGNS
PERICHETTE PERI CONNER
ANY OLD IRON ANDREW CLANCEY
S.BIAS SYDNEY BIAS
TRBROWN
“A timeless and enduring blue hue, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is elegant in its simplicity. Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking color.” Pantone. 19
KCFW 2020 F/W DESIGNERS ANNETTE SUNSHINE DESIGNS Annette Sunshine Designs has been in business since 2007. She has created custom garments for men, women, and children, including wedding gowns, prom dresses and pieces for many different types of women. Annette has a remarkable skill for designing for all body types and has a passion for fabrics. Annette likes to design clothing for the everyday woman; whether it is for a special event or if a client is looking to add a special piece to their wardrobe. She did not attend design school and is entirely self taught.
ANY OLD IRON - ANDREW CLANCEY Any Old Iron is the brainchild of designer/stylist Andrew Clancey and arts-entrepreneur Christopher Melton. The label's name is rooted in the olden cry of a scrap man collecting metal with his horse and cart, and also hearkens to Clancey’s family scrap metal business which was founded in 1872. “Any Old Iron” is also an Old English music hall song which references a young man’s sartorial dandyism - a quality that is distinctly English,, and ever-present in the brand's aesthetic. In October of 2015 Any Old Iron moved its store to Nashville, Tennessee from NYC, looking to dress the city's musicians and fashion-forward locals. AOI is excited be part of Nashville's growth.
DARIA’S DRESS Daria always liked to sew, but she never thought seriously about a career as a designer. Daria graduated from the University in Russia as a teacher. In parallel with her work at school, Daria enrolled in the College of Design. She completed several sewing courses with various teachers. While there, she learned tambour embroidery. In 2014 Daria took a course on creating corsets, wedding and evening dresses in Moscow. In 2018, Daria moved to the United States. After a short break, Daria once again began to create dresses. Daria's style is femininity, beauty, lightness, prints, flowers, embroidery. Daria's dresses are bright and unique for special occasions and celebrations. They are for ladies who know what they want and are not afraid to be themselves. 20
DUANE TOPPING Duane retired from the US Army in 2012, and found himself struggling with PTSD. In 2016, with the support of his wife, Jamie, he found a path out of the darkness. Designing clothes represented the flames of the Phoenix, and a new life was reborn. Through each piece created by Topping Designs, Duane and Jamie seek to give YOU the platform and voice to break down the walls and relabel yourself and find your switch to turn on the light! Duane’s approach to clothing combines smart styling with a touch of an adventurous attitude. His designs are focused on the diversity of a woman’s body with the allure of feminine grace. Duane has since evolved his unique style to help you rediscover your power and create a new beginning out of the ashes. Since Duane started on this journey his designs have been featured on the runway in NYFW, Denver Fashion Week, Baltimore Fashion Week, and in San Diego. He has been published in Vogue, Shuba, and Pump Magazines. Duane was asked to give a talk with TEDx Milehigh and was a feature story on NPR, Local Denver news, and The Daily Blast Live. Topping Designs was started as a women’s fashion label for those not wanting to be labeled. Their passion burns like the "Flames of the Phoenix."
FASHION AF BY ANNABELLE FRESE Driven by playful, vintage-inspired, and colorful styles, Annabelle Frese strives to design garments that express a muted uniqueness and high-end individuality. As a priority, she wants all people to fearlessly be themselves without concern of judgment. As a designer, Annabelle is inspired by history and cultures. She loves studying the chronological landscape of fashion and art; why clothes were worn and what influenced visual expression over decades. Annabelle aims to take classic and historic silhouettes and add her modern twist to generate new styles. Annabelle graduated with a degree in Apparel Design & Production from Kansas State University. She designed her own swimsuit line for Bawdee Swimwear, focusing on trendy suits for beach babes. Currently, Annabelle is an independent designer for her own brand Fashion AF, which creates custom garments for a variety of events.
GRACIE KEY Gracie Key is a student designer studying at Kansas State University. She is majoring in Apparel and Textile Design and Production, with a minor in Art. She has showcased her brand, GK Designs, in the S/S 20’ Kansas City Fashion Week runway show. GK Designs empowers women through affordable and sustainable designer fashion. The brand’s mission is to provide confidence for women to express their individuality while encouraging sustainable practices along the way. The ready-to-wear collections have a unique and classic style that is timeless and versatile. In addition, GK Designs creates custom evening wear. 21
HANNAH KRISTINA DESIGNS Hannah Swanson is a Des Moines, Iowa based designer specializing in evening wear. She graduated from Iowa State University in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in apparel design. She created her label, Hannah Kristina Designs, in the fall of 2016, because she fell in love with the idea of wanting to help women look and feel both confident and beautiful. Her design style can be described as simple yet sophisticated; she wants any woman to feel comfortable in one of her gowns.
JAQUI CO. Foreign born, American raised, ambitious Latina entrepreneur who works hard and travels harder while empowering people along the way, Jaqui is the founder and CEO of Jaqui Co, the #TealBottom stilettos for boss babes. Jaqui didn't want "just a shoe company", she wanted to create a brand that creates a movement. A movement that would empower individuals to be unapologetically themselves. A brad that has a distinguishable design that flaunted more than wealth and aligns with the values of the customers it serves. A brand that delivers status defined by who they are and what they have achieved. Having fallen in love with the vibrant color of her tech company, Jaqui used the logo color for the color of the stiletto soles. The Teal Bottoms™ now a staple of empowerment worn by those who ambitiously live life on their own terms. An animal lover and vegetarian since age 11, it is important to Jaqui that the brand does its part to reduce the harm caused by the fashion industry.
JAXSON WYATT Jaxson Metzler is a junior at Kansas State University majoring in Apparel and Textiles with a specialization in Design Production. Jaxson showed his previous collection at the Kansas City Fashion Week F/W 19 with his brand XYZ. Since then, the brand has gone through rebranding and is now Jaxson Wyatt. Jaxson Wyatt focuses on creating more environmentally friendly fashion that empowers ALL women. If you can feel confident in what you are wearing, you can rock whatever you do, whether it be at your job, a night out on the town, or a daunting first impression. We create more environmentally fashion by buying deadstock and thrifted fabrics and using mostly natural fibers. We occasionally use manmade fibers, but they were either bought secondhand, or are made from recycled materials. 22
JUST BEE BY BEX Bex is a graduating senior from Iowa State University with a BS in creative apparel design. Her brand, Just Bee by Bex, houses all of her creations and collections from her collegiate career including her capstone collection, “On the Inside.” Her fashion interests fuse women’s ready-to-wear/business wear and digital printing together creating one of a kind, exaggerated and dramatic pieces. Bex plans to feature her capstone collection inspired by her personal mental health journey. “On the Inside” evokes a deeper conversation in regard to mental within the fashion industry. With each ensemble inspired by a mental illness one can expect extreme movement, restricting fabrications, unpredictable colors, and individuality within each garment.
LAURA CITRON Laura Citron is a fashion label celebrating maximalist glamour, and based in Nashville, TN since 2016. Laura combines her degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology (NYC) in Apparel Merchandising with years of working with New York’s top luxury vintage apparel retailers. In 2014, she moved to Nashville and opened her own edited vintage clothing boutique, OPIUMvintage. Connecting the past and the present, Laura has now created a label that evokes the fun and eclectic whimsy of decades past with a reimagined vision for a modern world!
LAUREN BANDER Always knowing that she wanted to be involved in the art industry somehow, it began with Lauren wanting to draw and paint; other than the cross stitching that her grandma had taught her, sewing and fashion didn't cross her mind until later. She studied Fashion Design/Merchandising at Dominican University and got the amazing opportunity to study in Paris at the Paris American Academy (PAA) under some of the industry's top professionals. She began her own line and now designs women's clothing, specializing in dresses for every occasion (casual to couture), while beginning to introduce ready-to-wear separates. The designs are feminine and flirty, whimsical and ethereal. Each piece using lots of fabric and exaggeration to give extra movement and drape to the look. She wants to bring a couture feel to the everyday wear of women. While she gathers inspiration from everyday life and experiences, the greatest inspiration for her line comes from her love of Paris. While she was studying there, she not only took away the knowledge of what she was taught, but she brought back to St. Louis with her the essence of the city. Vividly remembering the architecture, language, culture, and the overall feeling of the city, she uses that as inspiration for all of her designs; hoping to bring a little bit of Paris to the Midwest.
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OLD-WORLD GLAMOUR Rich materials, ornamental patterns, and deep tones are paired with sophisticated and charming styling details, reminiscent of old-world Hollywood.
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8 EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS SPONSORED BY
Classic Black Leggings Can be worn for a casual look with sneakers or paired with a button down with heels for a more polished look. Forever 21 $5.99
Charging Power Bank A necessity for any bag, this charger can provide extra power for any smartphone when on the go.
All Day Hydrator
Button Down Shirt
From Sephora Collection. A weightless moisturizer that hydrates and promotes a natural glow. Sephora. 1.01 oz $10.00.
White blouse in woven fabric. Works well backstage at runway shows and photoshoots. Forever 21 $5.99
Protein Snacks
DKNY Allure Duffel
ON Protein Almonds and MusclePharm Protein Candies. Perfect snacks for a pick me up. GNC. $2.50 each
Sleek look for the gym or the jet Multiple pockets to stay organized. Macy’s. $275
Leather Sandals
Eylure Eyelashes.
The perfect go-to runway shoe in nude, works with most outfits. Dillard’s $79.99
Lightweight and reusable, these lashes are a perfect compliment to any runway style. Claire’s. $9.99
Amelia Ellsworth's "8 Everyday Essentials" for a day of modeling Kansas City Fashion Week.
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She feels incredibly blessed to still be working as a professional dancer. In addition to dance, she found the second love of her life in nursing and has been working in critical care/ICU as a registered nurse for almost four years. The science of Intensive Care and treating patients is a huge passion of hers. Between nursing, performing, modeling, she keeps incredibly busy, but wouldn't have it any other way. She loves her cat, music, sci-fi, and anything outdoors. You can almost always find her with her nose in a book (especially backstage). She is a voracious learner and an absolute nerd. You can find the items she list here at Oak Park Mall. Christina Moncke, KCFW The Magazine Fashion Editor
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#KCFW Jennifer Abate Kyndal Adams Tanner Agpoon Bianca Alonzo Lexee Ashcraft Dylan Askvig Aziza Aslanova Katie Ault Taryn Backlund Meghan Baker Heather Barlow Anasazi Barnes Deanna Beall Kayleigh Bellamy Camryn Benanti Annika Bergston Makenna Bluitt Kristen Boeschen Whitney Bolton Genevieve Botha Amber Botros Vienne Boucard Emily Bouvier Abby Boyd Sydney Bradford Kendall Brewer Celeste Brinkley Taylor Bronson Laci Brown Kara Bryant Jake Buchheit Jaiden Buckert Taylor Buehrle Kiki Bugg Anna Burmeister Aniya Byrd Christina Carter Annabelle Cash
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Kate Castillo Khadija Ceesay Zephrirah Chin Angelica Chuon Jennifer Claar Lawrence Clark Cilicia Clarkson Corra Clawson Maddison Clements Lizzy Cline Trendan Closson Catera Combs Craig Cook Tami Coultis Nicolette Covitz Claire Cowan Judy Deggendorf Aspen Deperalta Emily Devault Kalinda Dixon Kyndra Duncan Jenny Duong Amanda Edwards Carinna Edwards Amanda Edwards Hunter Elkinton Sean Ellis Amelia Ellsworth RJ Elosh II Erica Else Manuella Enama Felica Ensign Brandy Estell Elizabeth Estrada Monica Ewigman Micah Foard Claire Franklin Brooklyn Franklin
Natalie Gallaher Dasia Garner Victoria Gevorkov Mason Gilihan Isabelle Ginavan Allyson Gladman Lydia Graves Mallory Gray Simone Gully Teia Gurley Alayna Haddock Trinity Hadel Izzy Hadel Jenna Hainke Rachel Hammons Brooke Hand Heather Handwork Laklynn Hanlon Tian Hao Senia Harris Sophia Haupt Si He Madison Heizer Katie Higgins Marissa Hitt Colten Hoggatt Rebecca Hollar Alex Holmes Diane Hunter Liam Huntsucker Levi Jamison Olivia Jane Earwood Amanda Johansen Terra Johnson Crystal Johnson Alexus Jones Sharis Jones Ankita Kapoor
Julia Kemp Abigail Koech Jaden Lane Rachel Lary Sophie Lavoie Debonie Lewis Briana Lewis Katherine Lindboe Ailynn Lindo Katie Liu-Sung Kristina Lobb Elena Lobb Anna Long Daniela Lopez Romero Morgan Lowery Monica Lucena Gillian Lynch Katie Lynn Samantha Macharia Haidyn Mackey Darryl Mallett Noelle Manica Miumiu Manopiyaanan Mallory Martin Holly McDowell Faith Moise Remmie Monahan Lyra Morgan Michelle Morris Cecilia Morrison Jenna Mulkey Angela Murphy Beth Mwangi Isabella Nannie Pamela Newton Aubreana Norells Christy Nwankwo Jocelyn Odom
#MODELLIFE Johana Olivetto Maddie Olmstead Elecio Olvera Jr. Paige Opliger Amanda Parra Justine Paton Kiara Peck Grettel Perez Pupo Riley Perrine Theresa Pittman Anyah Polk-Darby Ellen Pollock DaiJah Prater Tanzy Pugh Josie Rawlings Mikayla Rayburn Emma Reese Patrick Rembecki Novelle Renne Jennifer Robbins Payton Robertson Jennifer Robinson Liza Rogers Abryana Rogers Courtney Rowe Sophie Sadrakula Ashley Salisbury Camryn Sanchez Edison Santos Maria Savoy Alyssa Scharnhorst Lakeisha Schulte Jenna Scott Priyanka Sharma Gia Shipman Lola Sidie Kristin Simone Ashley Sims
Alla Skaskevych Karli Smith Sharon Sparkman Lynette Sparkman-Barnes Scarlett Spaulding Cydni Standford Abigail Stone Sasha Sung Awntwanay Swepson Toni Talley Charisse Taylor Ra'Ckel Taylor Jesifer Tejada Kelsey Theilen Nanda Thornala Richard Torrence Lexus Tucker Marajan Tutu Aalaa Ubeidat Beka VandeVelde Megan VandeVelde Cody Vaughn Camille Verhoeven Emma Vielhauer Courtney Vinson Breahan Vokolek Sydney Warwick Hallie Watkins Shannel Watkins Waverly Watt Cydney Weber Livi Weddle Max Whitehouse Ava Whitehouse Breely Wilkey Jackson Williams Meryn Wills Jordan Wilson
Roxanne Wilson Jayden Worth Amber Wyatt Brinklee Wynn
Paxton Yager Marichka Zelenchuk Liz Zorn
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THURSDAY SEP
24 JAQUI CO. @JAQUI_FASHIONS HANNAH KRISTINA DESIGNS @HANNAHKRISTINADESIGNS OAK PARK MALL: ALTAR'D STATE @OAKPARKMALL @ALTARDSTATE ANNETE SUNSHINE DESIGNS @SUNSHINEANNETTE JUST BEE BY BEX @JUSTBEEBYBEX OLIVE MARTINI DESIGNS @OLIVEMARTINIDESIGNS RACHEL POLLAK @RACHELPOLLAKDESIGNS
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SHOW BEGINS PROMPTLY AT 7:00PM
FRIDAY SEP
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ZURI PERLE @ZURIPERLE VIVI DESIGN SUTDIO @VIVIDESIGNSTUDIO SHANNON LEHMAN @INSTAGRAM DARIA'S DRESS @DARIAS_DRESS
OAK PARK MALL: KINDRED @OAKPARKMALL @THEKINDREDSHOPS SARAH SOLNET @SARAH.LIX.DESIGNS GRACIE KEY DESIGNS @GRACIEKEY.DESIGNS LAURENBANDER @LAURENBANDEROFFICIAL LAURA CITRON @BYLAURACITRON
SHOW BEGINS PROMPTLY AT 7:00PM
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SATURDAY SEP
QUIXOTIC @QUIXOTICFUSION
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DUANE TOPPING @DUANETOPPING JAXSON WYATT @_JAXSONWYATT_ FASHION AF @ANNABELLEFRESEDESINS OAK PARK MALL: WHITE HOUSE BLACK MARKET @OAKPARKMALL @WHBM RISSA'S ARTISTIC DESIGN @RISSA_ARTISTIC_DESIGN POTAPENKO & YANCHENKO @POTAPENKOYANCHENKO ANY OLD IRON @ANYOLDIRON
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SHOW BEGINS PROMPTLY AT 7:00PM
HAIR/MAKEUP ASHLEY HAZELWOOD KATHRYN CRAIG SUZY WADE KELLY JEAN WENDY STANFORD BEKI KEARLY ANAIS GUMBLEY ERICA KAN CAIRA DAVIS JULIA ESSMAN BRITTANY COLGAN PATY CRABTREE TARA RECTOR PAUL MITCHELL THE SCHOOL OVERLAND PARK Z HAIR ACADEMY BELLUS ACADEMY 35
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MODERN BRIDES A wedding dress should be as unique as the bride wearing it. Nontraditional fabrics, colors, and silhouettes provide refreshing options to meet the individuality of each wearer.
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INTERVIEW WITH COVER MODEL
michael mora...
MM: Overall, the most gratifying experience has been using my knowledge about the industry to help other aspiring models hone their craft. I like that others look to me for advice and guidance to improve their own craft because they admire my work; it motivates me to keep encouraging others to pursue their goals in the modeling industry. KCFW MAG: What are your personal interests?
KCFW MAG: How did you get into modeling? MM: I never really saw myself pursuing modeling, but my friends and family always encouraged me to try it out. I took their advice, and realized that I really enjoyed modeling because of the way it captured my personality. I became more invested in modeling after I
began to receive positive feedback about my work. Overall though, modeling has given me an opportunity to meet amazing artists doing the same type of work as me, which has motivated me to pursue modeling even further. KCFW MAG: What has your experience been as a model? MM: I’ve had some awesome and unexpected experiences since I started modeling. I’ve participated in runway shows, and even had appearances in music videos. These experiences have been very eye opening in terms of what the future holds for me, but more than anything, I’ve learned the value of taking advantage of different kinds of opportunities in order to experience new things. KCFW MAG: What has been one of your favorite experiences in modeling?
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MM: When I’m not modeling, I like working out o stay healthy, and taking care of my friends and family. I also enjoy going to the movies and trying new restaurants. I like finding new ways to improve myself and I’m always keeping myself occupied with new projects.
KCFW MAG: What are you involved in aside from modeling? MM: Outside of modeling, I drive for Uber, and I’m also in a motorcycle club. I also participate in a workshop called “MODA SHOOT” where I’m able to coach other models and scout around for modeling coaches. I also help people with moving, and I do work landscaping and painting houses.
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TRBROWN in NYFW "Be prepared and always stay organized." Tiffany Brown
KCFW MAG: What influenced you to become a fashion designer? TB: Creativity was always in my life growing up but I never thought I would make a career out of it. I initially went to school to be in the legal field because I was concerned that I couldn’t make a living from being a fashion designer.
I jumped completely in with both feet and started doing what I was REALLY passionate about and I wouldn’t ever look back!
KCFW MAG: Do you have formal fashion training or how did you obtain your talents and skills to become a fashion designer?
KCFW MAG: What is your favorite thing about being a fashion designer?
TB: I never received a degree in fashion design (I actually wanted to be an attorney). I took a class on how to use a sewing machine because I didn’t have a clue and the rest I taught myself. I am a quick learner when it comes to things. With more and more practice I just got better and better with each collection.
TB: My favorite thing about being a fashion designer is that I get to be as creative as I want. There are NO rules and I love not having any rules involved in something that I am passionate about because all that does is restrict the design process. KCFW MAG: Who have been your fashion mentors and how have they helped you in your career?
After 10 years working in corporate, I was influenced by my happiness to go into the fashion industry. 34 46
TB: I haven’t actually had a specific individual who has been a mentor to me. But, the KCFW organization took a chance on me 4 1/2 years ago and provided a platform for me to showcase my designs for all these years. This has helped my career by giving me exposure which created opportunity to show at other Fashion Weeks around the US.
KCFW MAG: What is the best business advice you have received?
I eventually would love to have my own brick and mortar store in the future.
TB: What you put in is what you get out.
KCFW MAG; What role do you think social media plays in fashion today? How do you use social media?
KCFW MAG: Do you have specific rituals you follow when designing? Any favorite music, tv, or movies you listen to? TB: I always listen to music through sound canceling headphones because I feel like I am being separated from what’s going on and I am in my own world. I listen to all kinds of music but I would say my favorite is Billie Ellish or Post Malone.
TB: Social media is a huge platform when it comes to anything. I use social media (specifically Instagram) because I know that I will be able to hit globally and people from all over will get to see my collections. Instagram is a huge outlet because so many people can see your stuff through a hashtag, location tag, name tag, repost, etc. KCFW MAG: Where can we find you when you are not designing? TB: You can find me at your local Joanns or Mood Fabrics hoarding fabric! KCFW MAG: In February, 2020 you showed your Chelsea Girls collection at New York Fashion Week. How has your experience with NYFW been different than KCFW?
KCFW MAG: How would you describe your fashion aesthetic? TB: Accessible! Creating art is great but my whole purpose is to create art that people can wear because it is practical. KCFW MAG: What are your aspirations for your fashion career? TB: My aspiration for my career at this moment is to have a buyer place me in a department store.
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TB: NYFW is an overall different atmosphere than KCFW. Very fast paced and it isn’t as personal as what my experience has been with KCFW. KCFW has a more tailored show for each designer where they get to choose hair, makeup, music and models. Whereas, NYFW has everything set up to be cohesive for the overall show. You don’t get to choose any elements. The show I did in was an invite only show and at KCFW, tickets are sold and anyone is able to attend. Both of these shows are very different and unique in their own way.
KCFW MAG: Do you have any advice for designers that would want to become involved in NYFW or KCFW? TB: Be prepared and always stay organized! There are many aspects involved outside of just designing clothes; make sure to do your research on the shows so you can prepare yourself as much as you possibly can.
To find out more about TRBROWN; www.trbrownfashion.com Instagram: @trbrownfashions Email: trbrownfashion@gmail.com 47
EDITORIAL TITLE: On the Farm DESIGNER: Jo Hartley, Little Jo Designs ACCESSORIES: Rissa’s Artistic Designs PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Mason Photography MODELS: Courtney Rowe, Kameron Bagsby, Marissa Hitt, Daniella Wikle
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KYNDRA JADE Kyndra Jade, 35, established My Blonde Ambitions in 2007 after experiencing success online and in the local Kansas City market at boutiques Nuance and Trendz. In 2017, Kyndra, a serial entrepreneur and professional photographer, moved her portrait studio and boutique into a joint space located in Stilwell, KS. Her boutique collection features everyday clothing for little ones with Mommy & Me and custom clothing options in her signature line, all designed to help capture the perfect portrait.
OLIVE MARTINI DESIGNS From a northern Chicago suburb, Olivia uses the world around her and various timelines for design inspiration. She has been designing women’s ensembles since childhood and creating garments since her middle teen-age years. Olivia studied Fashion Design, Merchandising and Styling as well as marketing, journalism, and event planning at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Fabric choices reflect the inspiration- be it from an inanimate object, an experience, current events, or views. They may be expressed via texture, color, or silhouette form alongside femininity throughout the Olive Martini Designs brand. Olivia hopes to take her knowledge and her unusual design inspirations into the fashion industry and ultimately wow passionate fashion enthusiasts with new ideas of style. Motivated to move her career forward, she hopes to gain exposure and open the door to new ideas and opportunities in the field.
POTAPENKO & YANCHENKO Olha Potapenko and Tatiana Yanchenko have been partners in the fashion industry since 2005. Together they built the brand Potapenko & Yanchenko. Both designers graduated from vocational schools in Ukraine where they were first introduced to the world of fashion. Since they joined forces in 2005 their work quickly became recognized on a national level for its exceptional quality and captivated the Ukrainian clientele. Soon after, their gowns were demanded in the Arabian Peninsula and various European countries. In September of 2016 the designers took second place at the New Fashion Zone competition for young designers.
RACHEL POLLAK Rachel Pollak is the founder and Creative Director of Kansas City based women's wear brand Rachel Pollak Designs. Inspired by elegant, feminine, and powerful female style, Rachel creates designs that are polished, expressive, and exentuate the female figure. Rachel Pollak Designs releases collections that prove that runway fashion and everyday style can be combined to create wearable statements that updress casual.
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RISSA'S ARTISTIC DESIGN - CLARISSA KNIGHTEN Clarissa Knighten left Corporate America in August 2017 to pursue her business, Rissa’s Artistic Design (R.A.D) this self – taught artist creates a haven for those who seek to collect and wear bold beautiful art. She strives to handcraft masterpieces of jewelry that range from Earthy to Edgy to Elegant. Each design has the ability to transform any outfit, while at the same time lifting the emotional expression of the wearer. This creates higher self - image, confidence and savvy attitude needed to navigate the complex and dynamic world we live in today. After participating in Kansas City Fashion Week, the fashion bug bit her. She has spoken openly about battling Depression and Bulima and actively encourages the dialogue in the community. Throughout her work you will connect with the twist, glimmers of a twinkle, coils, spirals, bold then subtle details that might otherwise be viewed as invisible. She serves on the Friends of the Arts Council at the Nelson Atkins Museum, also is a active member of InterUrban ArtHouse and African American Artist Collective.
SARAH SOLNET Sarah is currently a senior studying apparel design at Iowa State University. Through her time at Iowa State she has found her passion for the artistry and form of expression that fashion gives each individual. When designing she gets her inspiration from her travels. Her designs are influenced by different cultures, art, and architecture of the new cities she visits and explores. Femininity and structural pieces are focal points in many of my garments.
SHANNON LEHMAN Shannon is a small town Kansas girl who learned to sew from her grandmother at a young age. She has always had a fascination with clothing and historical costumes and quickly desired to become a fashion designer. So, naturally, she became a chef. Shannon spent a decade in the hospitality industry, all the while, hurrying home after her shifts to hone her knitting and sewing skills. Soon her stitching hobbies began to outgrow their positions in her life and she knew she needed to make a change. She left her cooking career and enrolled at Johnson County Community College. Shannon is currently working on her A.A.S. in Apparel Design and Technology. She’s been honored to intern with KCFW Alum Designer, Maria Behnen, and Peruvian Connection. Thanks to her years in the kitchen, she has become a highly technical person with great time management skills and an eye for procedure. She’s eager to combine new skills with old to see where her journey in the fashion world takes her!
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VIVI DESIGN STUDIO Vivi Design Studio was created as an homage to designer Claire Thomas-Morgan's grandmother, Vivian, who taught her all about living life not only fashionably, but fully. Inspiration for our clothing comes from strong ingenious literary, art, and film characters. The joy and imagination of childhood is showcased through creatively classic silhouettes in amazing textiles.
ZURI PERLE Zuri Perle LLC offers discerning customers, Quality, Timeless, hand crafted jewelry. Our unique jewelry is made using quality semi-precious gemstones and precious/non precious metals. All our pieces are handcrafted in our studio in West Plains, Missouri. Zuri Perle LLC was established by Nigerian born designer Atinuke Adeleke. Atinuke Adeleke is a Jewelry Designer with an undergraduate and masters degree in Law. She took her first jewelry making class from local artisans in Nigeria 9 years ago and fell in love with the process of handcrafting wearable artisan pieces. She continues to build on that foundation and is currently enrolled at Kansas University taking metalsmithing and CAD classes. She is also an alumni of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Wife and Mother to two amazing boys. After moving to the United States to be with her husband, she was unable to find jewelry pieces to compliment the Nigerian traditional outfits she loved to wear. Major retail stores did not carry the bold, colorful pieces similar to what she grew up wearing in her home country. She created the brand Zuri Perle to cater to African brides looking for traditional African Jewelry to wear for their traditional wedding here in the United States. She has since expanded the brand to incorporate a balance of her Nigerian traditional aesthetic and western experience. At Zuri Perle our aim is to create jewelry pieces that are a far cry from the stereotypical cowry, bones, horn, jewelry pieces that are associated with the African continent and showcase another side of the continent that is enamored with color, gemstones, and precious metals. The materials used in producing our pieces are sourced locally and our jewelry is also lovingly crafted here in the United States. Our mission is to continue providing our clients with Bold, Quality, Timeless Jewelry pieces that they will proudly wear for years to come. We strive to exceed our client expectations in quality and customer service and we look forward to serving you. 55
Kansas City Fashion Week is a nexus of fashion professionals. Featuring local, national and international designers, each year KCFW produces two full weeks of premier runway shows, enabling designers to collaborate with seasoned stylists, make-up artists, models and photographers to present their collections in the most professional atmosphere imaginable. Buyers and individual consumers are provided an opportunity to order apparel and accessories shown on the runway and KCFW provides industry professionals an avenue to showcase their abilities to a national audience. With an unapologetic focus on the business side of the fashion industry, each KCFW event highlights the many facets of fashion commerce. Buyers from retail establishments, media personalities, online apparel entrepreneurs and celebrities help to comprise an audience for each show, making KCFW a must-attend event for established and emerging fashion professionals. Kansas City has a rich history of fashion success. In the late 1940’s Kansas City's Garment District employed over 4,000 people and boasted that 1 out of every 7 women in the United States purchased garments made in Kansas City. In the successful production of over fifteen fashion week seasons, KCFW has helped refocus the region's attention to the commercial possibilities of a revitalized apparel design and manufacturing industry. Led by an experienced team of fashion industry professionals and event planning specialists, KCFW planners set the standard for fashion event production. Through partnerships with the Midwest's leading companies, KCFW continues to serve as a collaboration for the industry that propels emerging designers to success, as well as providing a rich source of consumer interaction for the established designer. 56
KCFW THE MAGAZINE STAFF
Jason is a Kansas City native. He graduated from The University of Kansas in 2001 with a degree in Business Administration. Today he works in finance, accounting, and photography. Photography focus includes fashion, events, and concerts/music. His main passion, however is being a husband and father of four boys, Atherton was an official photographer with KCFW at the first show in the 2012 Fall/Winter season. In 2016 he joined the Kansas City Fashion Week team as the Photography Director. Jason is the founding editor of KCFW The Magazine, and has become an integral part of the leadership team.
Jason Atherton | Editor-in-Chief
Jennifer Abate | Editor
Christina Moncke | Fashion Editor
Originally from a small country town in Southeast Missouri, Jennifer gained her Bachelor Major in Graphic Design & Minor in Theater from the University of Missouri Kansas City in 2016. In the same year, Jennifer auditioned for Kansas City Fashion Week and was selected to walk for Ola Styles. Since then, she has been involved with KCFW, whether walking, volunteering, or magazine making. In her free time Jennifer enjoys working on her house and participating in local community theater.
Christina has spent the past 25+ years working in the apparel and consumer product industries. After obtaining a BS in Apparel Design she has held various positions in design, product development, product import and sourcing, college instruction in Fashion Design and Marketing to a current position managing a large product Merchandising and Trend department for a major retail corporation. Her involvement in KCFW has included participating in 5+ seasons as a designer with her line Architexture. She loves quality time with her husband, 2 teenage boys, and 2 miniature dachshunds.
McCartney Quinn | Editor McCartney's role as editor demonstrates her multitalented abilities. She has served in various roles with KCFW, from being one of the most experienced models on the runway to helping plan and promote events. A model and entrepreneur by trade, she has found time to dedicate to helping KCFW grow since its founding in 2010. In addition to serving as editor for KCFW Magazine, McCartney has also modeled for KCFW promotional shoots and contributed to the KCFW social media platforms.
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PHO PHO TO/ TO/ VID VID EO EO
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CR ED
DESIGNERS / WARDROBE Loft
MAKEUP/HAIR Tara Rector
Dillard's
Kathryn Craig
Kindred
Aya Andals
Any Old Iron by Andrew Clancey
Dylan Dunn
Jaxson Wyatt Fashion AF by Annabelle Frese Little Jo Designs
Ashley Hazelwood Suzy Wade Alyssa Neselroad
Daria's Dress Potapenko + Yanchenko Atinuke Adeleke Architexture Liverpool Los Angeles Knitted Belle
MODELS Jed Aldrich Sanay Alexander
PHOTOGRAPHERS Eli Stack Ryan Swartzlander
Taylor Bronson
Alex Todd
Morgan DeBow
Jason Atherton
Claire Franklin Jamie Hughes Katie Lynn Samantha Macharia Miumiu Manopiyaanan
STYLISTS Teisha Barber Chelsea Marshall
Michael Mora
Tyson Murphy
Kiera Nordike
Andria Ross
Rushine Raymond
Sarah Russell
Jackson Williams Reed Wilson
EVENT SPACE Fire House - Event Hall
credits
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KC FW Phil Willoughby
Teisha Barber
CEO
PRESIDENT
Jermaine Reed
Sarah Russell
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Layne Whitehouse
COMMITTEE
PROGRAM MANAGER
Jason Atherton PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Chelsey Derks Modde
Andria Ross
Clarissa Knighten
Noelle Manica
Amanda Parra
PROMOTIONS & EVENTS MANAGER
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATO
MODEL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
Ashley Hazelwood
Juston Hairston
Julie Tracy
Craig Cook
Jennifer Robbins
Gracie Key
STYLE TEAM COORDINATOR
MODEL COORDINATOR
HOSPITALITY MANAGER
SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR
COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST
ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN
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SOCIAL DESIGNER MEDIA COORDINATOR LIAISON
Eli Stack PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR
THANK YOU!
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