KCFW MAGAZINE SPRING / SUMMER 2021

MEET THE 2021 SPRING / SUMMER DESIGNERS CFDA CONNECTS WITH KCFW 8 EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

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What a year this has been. A tough year for everyone in many different ways.

Kansas City Fashion Week had many firsts while navigating our way through hosting an event during a worldwide pandemic: having to cancel a complete inperson season, to hosting our first completely virtual fashion week in the fall of 2020, to bringing guests back for an all-new behind-thescenes filming experience this season (Spring/Summer 2021), to now announcing that we've been selected to participate in the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) new CFDA Connects program. At Kansas City Fashion Week, we have made every effort to ensure that everyone participating in our shows and attending is kept as safe as possible. At last, we're able to get back to what we all love: FASHION.

TEISHA BARBER PRESIDENT

After a successful completely virtual season in the fall of 2020, we planned to do the same for Spring/Summer 2021. However, with the ever-changing environment, we were delighted to be able to bring back a limited audience for the filming of this season's virtual shows. Guests were able to attend a 4-hour filming session where they were able to see the rehearsal and filming. They were pampered with delicious drinks and delectable bites. They were able to experience KCFW in a way that no one else ever has.

Kansas City Fashion Week will continue to bring you professional, high-quality runway shows that will now be elevated even further with our participation in CFDA Connects and having our own access to their digital platform '"Runway 360." This will change our industry in a way that will bring heightened awareness to Kansas City and the amazing talent that we have here locally.

We at Kansas City Fashion Week are enthusiastic about where we are headed. Thank you for your enduring support. We look forward to showing you everything we've worked so hard to continue and look forward to seeing everyone back at our runway in September 2021!

Teisha Barber, President Kansas City Fashion Week 04

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Annette Sunshine Designs Gracie Key Jeanne Nuage Jennifer Robbins

makeup/hair Kathryn Craig Beki Kerarly Ashley Hazelwood Suzy Wade

Little Jo Designs Oak Park Mall: Dillard's

models

photographers

Hunter Brown

Lori Locke

Kara Bryant

Alex Todd

JaMeisha Harris

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designers/wardrobe

PROMO PROMO PROMO PROMO PROMO PROMO PROMO PROMO

Eli Stack

Tyler Hill Zachary Kinman Ar Lor

event space White Iron Ridge

Kyle Phonesouphan Morgan Reece Samantha Vogel

PROMO SHOOT PROMO SHOOT PROMO SHOOT PROMO SHOOT PROMO SHOOT PROMO SHOOT PROMO SHOOT PROMO SHOOT PROMO SHOOT PROMO SHOOT PROMO SHOOT PROMO SHOOT PROMO SHOOT PROMO editorial contributors SHOOT

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KC FW 26

THE DESIGNERS Meet the creators behind all of the beautiful garments on the runway

37 KCFW SHOW SCHEDULE Find out when you will see your favorite designers

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ELLIOT CARLYLE LETTER Elliot reflects on his visit to Kansas City

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SPONSORS The amazing companies who help us put on such a great show for you

contents

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8 EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Water Bottle I always have to have my water bottle; hydration is the most important thing!

Hydroflask $54.95

Snacks I always try to bring a Clif bar with me if I need to eat in a pinch.

CLIF BAR $16.20 (12)

Hair Curler I love this wand for a couple reasons. It works on every hair type as well as those whose hair doesn’t hold cur.

Equally important, it is easier on my wrist ergonomically.

Salon Beauty $62.99

Makeup Case Organization when doing a high paced event is extremely important to retain cleanliness and efficiency.

NYX $250.00

Hair Comb This comb is great for multiple things; teasing, smoothing, edges, parting.

Ulta Beauty $4.58

Hair Powder Boost powder is great for helping to create volume without adding too much shine.

Ulta Beauty $18.95

Hair Spray I love a good, soft finish spray because they are buildable so, again, it’s doing multiple things for me!

Ulta Beauty $28.00

Hair Oil Finally, I like to finish most of my styles with a lightweight oil.

This helps give the right amount of light reflection while also adding a polish and finish to every style!

Ulta Beauty $30.00

Beki Keraly's "8 Everyday Essentials" for a day as a hair stylist.

Beki is honored, as always, to be a part of KCFW. Every season, photoshoot, and adventure gives her another opportunity to get closer to those involved and grow as an artist. You will find her spending most of her time behind the styling chair in Wichita, KS as a hair stylist working corporate and commercial gigs for places such as the YMCA, Textron, and Bombardier Learjet. Beki also enjoys singing, has been involved with theatre for 20 years, and also studies Opera. Another one of her great pleasures is creating music with her fiancé and partner of almost 10 years, James Hays. She is looking forward to the next season of KCFW where you can catch her sporting a new name, Mrs. Hays!

Christina Moncke, KCFW The Magazine Fashion Editor

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FASHION AF BY ANABELLE FRESE

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POTAPENKO & YANCHENKO

ANY OLD IRON

black and white ...

OLIVE MARTINI DESIGNS

OAK PARK MALL: WHITE HOUSE BLACK MARKET

RACHEL POLLAK

LAURA CITRON

DUANE TOPPING

An ultra chic and timeless duo, a black and white combo provides a bold color palette for showcasing pops of color and an avenue to add a personal twist to an ensemble. From formal dresses to track suits, there are many options to wearing these sophisticated colors together.

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ANNETTE SUNSHINE DESIGNS

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RISSA’S ARTISTIC DESIGN

JAXSON WYATT

shades of red...

JAXSON WYATT

OAK PARK MALL: ALTAR’D STATE

ANNETTE SUNSHINE DESIGNS

JUST BEE

BY BEX

RACHEL POLLAK

Beautiful shades of red symbolize confidence, creativity, and strength.

Find an amazing style in red that fits your personality then wear it assuredly and with pride. Keeping hair and make-up minimal and pared downed will really make the energy of the color show.

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DARIA’S DRESS

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HANNAH KRISTINA DESIGNS

metallic...

ANNETTE SUNSHINE DESIGNS

LAURA CITRON

ANNETTE SUNSHINE DESIGNS

LAUREN BANDER

ANY OLD IRON

JAXSON WYATT

Glamourous and edgy, metallic fabrics can transform an outfit into a chic fashion statement. And metallic isn’t just for the runway or evening wear; select a design and pair it a solid neutral to display an extra chic statement in everyday-wear.

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SARAH SOLNET

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GRACIE KEY

DUANE TOPPING

HANNAH KRISTINA DESIGNS

texture and volume...

JUST BEE BY BEX

ANY OLD IRON

LAUREN BANDER

RISSA’S ARTISTIC DESIGN

Space age curves, diaphanous layers of tulle, billowing puffy sleeves, layers of fringe, feather, flowers, and beading; there are so many options of how to add texture and volume to fashion this season selecting your favorites will be a difficult but fun decision.

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designers

S/S’ 2021 KCFW

Anai. V's young designing career was sparked by designing her own high school prom dress. She then become an evening wear designer. She is participating in KCFW to network with the fashion community as well as to showcase and introduce her brand.

The purpose of her establishing her brand is to create affordable, sustainable evening wear for everyone, especially those of who has had an experience similar to hers. She has previously shown her work at Omaha Fashion Week where she completed in the finals as an emerging designer. Overall she is willing to expand and enhance her skills in the industry with her passion for fashion.

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 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.

Cydni Stanford has kept her childhood dream of being a fashion designer from the age of 6. Over the years Cydni has received experience in the fashion industry through modeling, sewing classes, and becoming a fashion student at the University of Central Missouri. Cydni was drawn to KCFW because of the opportunities it presents to upcoming designers and models. She loves to model but she loves designing even more; and KCFW provided a great avenue. Cydni’s brand is centered around closing the gap between sustainability and fashion. Oftentimes sustainability is seen as a chore or a limit to creativity; but Cydni knows there’s a way to create freely and also help the environment while doing so! She takes inspiration from her African American culture as well as her favorite decades such as the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s.

La’Tricia Reynolds, is the founder and designer of De'LaTail Custom Creations, founded in 2010, based in Kansas City, MO. La’Tricia is a Graduate of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago and holds a BA in fine arts & design. La’Tricia has years of experience in the industry and possesses skills in model coaching, alterations as well as seamstress, pattern maker, illustrator, sketching, draping and being a cutter.

De’LaTail Custom Creations sets you apart from the rest, because it’s different, detailed, sophisticated and classy all wrapped in one garment. De'LaTail's mission is “To be the leading producer of lifestyle and occasion-appropriate garments that defines and embodies ones personal style.

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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.

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. 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.

Elizabeth Diamant's mission is to empower women to embrace their femininity and individuality, through fashion. The label is designed for the modern woman who is bold, sexy, and timeless. Taking inspiration from the self-taught designer’s career as an Army officer, these pieces focus on flattering and accentuating curves. Elizabeth Diamant has most recently been seen in British Vanity Fair, British Vogue, Abode2, and Class Tatler. In 2019 the brand participated in Phoenix Fashion Week and NYFW in 2018.

Jazmin Ayala is an emerging Colombian-American designer born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. Her interests in the arts began at home as the daughter of a carpenter and sister to a poet, dancer, painter, and photographer. Ayala was previously named the winner of the Kansas City Designer Challenge at Oak Park Mall in 2019. She is currently attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City to pursue a degree in Fashion Design. Jazmin Ayala created her own brand, Fashion by Ayala, to influence others by bringing art to life through fashion.

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 strives to empower 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.

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Colby C. Butler is an American fashion designer, best known for his formal women’s wear and haute couture clothing for all genders.

Colby C. Butler was born and raised in Stuttgart, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, Butler began his design career designing his first line of evening gowns called the Huntsman Collection. Since 2013 the HouseOfColby brand has become synonymous for innovative design, sumptuous fabrics, and luxurious feel. Butler’s design aesthetic is artistic, exquisite, and elegant.

Foreign born, American raised, Jaqui is an 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 designed her own shoe line that would have a classic, yet modern touch that distinguish unapologetic professionals apart from the crowd.

Each of the Jaqui Co. shoe are made with style, and are named after a person who has influenced Jaqui throughout her life. 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 Metzler is a junior at Kansas State University majoring in Apparel and Textiles with a specialization in Design Production.

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.

Originally from Sacramento, CA, Jennifer Tierney is intrigued most by lines, movement and creating shapes through space. Her designs revolve heavily around curves of the body and exploring silhouettes and texturing while delicately recreating the architectural body lines with fabric.

Ms. Tierney’s ballet career took her all over the United States. She has lived and worked in cities from the east coast to the west coast and several in between. She finally found her landing place right in the center, Kansas City. She has worked as Head Costuming Director/Designer for the American Youth Ballet, is the Owner of American Dance Center Ballet Academy, and is the Creative Director/Founder of Jeanne Nuage -formerly J.Tierney Designs. She has presented in Kansas City Fashion Week S/S ’19, F/W ’19 & S/S ’20, West 18th Street Fashion Show Summer 2018 & 2019, as well as Omaha Fashion Week F/W ’19 and JCCC Fashion Show Spring 2019. 2020 has been the official launch year of the womenswear brand - Jeanne Nuage.

Jenn Robbins is an emerging designer from Kansas City. She has been a part of Kansas City Fashion Week for years starting as a volunteer, photographer, model, and now as part of the advisory board. This is her first collection and the first appearance of her resort wear line.

Jenn Robbins is a creative entrepreneurial brand focused on collaboration and inclusivity. Her fashion brand, while catered mainly towards plus size women as there is a desperate need for more plus-size designers in Kansas City, she understands the importance to remain all-inclusive. This season's resort wear collection features bright, bold patterns with flowy and stretch fabrics.

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Joshua studied fashion design at FIDM in Los Angeles, CA and after graduation was selected as a contestant for the TV show Project Runway. After the show Joshua became a menswear designer at Guess Inc. Eventually he decided to grow his own line of clothing under his name. These collections, season after season, have been featured at fashion weeks around the world. As part of a journey to discover what design can do, Joshua Christensen designs clothing for both men and women, including concept designs, evening-wear, swimwear, athletic apparel, etc.

Kara received her Bachelors Degree of Apparel Design and Production at Oklahoma State University. She has won several awards for her designs including Gerber Technology's 2017 Ideation top student designer, Project Cuffway's judges favorite, best senior collection, and best use of a non-textile in the 2017 Euphoria fashion show. She has shown collections in two of the Runway Tulsa fashion shows along with many local shows in Stillwater, Ok. Kara is inspired by art, poems, and human emotions. Many of her collections tell stories and are often reflections of personal experiences. She is interested in participating in KCFW because it is an amazing opportunity to develop connections, show work to a bigger audience, and grow as a professional designer.

Kyndra Jade designs Alluring Gowns for Extraordinary Women. The brand produces whimsical looks, and creates high quality gowns that push the creative boundaries using layers of ruffles, tulle, and organza. Creating unique silhouettes, an ethereal energy that provides a magical aesthetic. Couture wings for women, boudoir photographers, models, runway and custom Store displays. Kyndra Jade was established in 2019 when 36 year old owner and designer, Kyndra Jade, decided to chase her wildest dreams in fashion on the runway. After being a serial entrepreneur for 18 years Kyndra Jade is set to focus her talents on her art and the fashion industry.

To find out more, visit www.kyndrajade.com

From an early age, Jo realized that creating was her calling. Jo puts her heart and soul into each new project, and this intense passion for all things design is reflected by her exceptional and highly varied portfolio.

Jo has two clothing lines, her children's line and her adult gown line.

In 2019 she won the Emerging Designer Award at Omaha Fashion Week and invited back the following season as a Headline Designer. Jo does all her designing and sewing at her studio where she enjoys the process of design from concept to execution.

Rejecting trends and fads in favor of lasting signature looks is Jo's Hallmark of glamour with a modern sensibility- a must in today's market.

Jose Ortiz, founder of Mozze, is a creative yet dark and sophisticated women's clothing line. Born from a working-class family in Arizona and studied in Denver, Colorado. He has been a designer for over 11 years, creating his own designs from his inspirations that consist of nature and its living and non-living organisms that are mystifying and powerful. Textures, avant-garde, and asymmetrical are various forms used in his designs. He feels that fashion is a form of art that is expressed through the body figure calling it "walking art". Let your beauty bloom.

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“WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT IS WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL”

Justin Houpe is the founder of Naava Swim. As a proud United States Army Veteran who served a tour in Iraq during "Operation Iraqi Freedom", he developed a desire to spread love through fashion which helped cope with the exertions of war. This is where inspiration for Naava which means "beautiful" in Hebrew would be discovered.

Established in 2017, Naava Swim was created to inspire all women, the goal is to increase confidence when wearing a swimsuit. “What makes you different is what makes you beautiful” is our motto that defines the Naava Swim brand. Justin wants to inspired women of all shapes and sizes to be comfortable in their own skin and know that every woman is beautiful

Tonya gained her formal experience starting at Johnson County Community College.

After graduating with her associates of applied science of Arts in fashion design, she further her education by going to Stephen's College in Columbia, MO. She graduated with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and Product Development. She has now been designing under her brand Nokota.Style for 3 years.

Her brand Nokota, is portrayed in her logo which is a digitized format of her original hand painted horse. Nokota is a bold and free to roam. The circle that encompasses her is representative of a clock. She is running free of time and physical restraint.

Fey Chavez is the creator of Nyx Boutique, a design apparel business that focuses on giving back to the community. She studied fashion design at Stephens College where she received the opportunity to participate in KCFW with her senior collection. After graduating, Fey moved to New York City to work for PVH. She is now living in St. Louis and receiving her Masters in Fashion Business and Entrepreneurship at Lindenwood University. She began Nyx Boutique as a way to be able to create products where profits can be used to donate to animal shelters. Nyx Boutique came to be as an idea for Fey to combine her love for fashion design along with her love for rescuing animals.

Romee is a collection of event wear, bridal dresses and accessories. This clothing line by Amy Leuenhagen strives to inspire women to feel beautiful, by elevating their look and romanticizing their life. Amy’s glamorous and dreamy design aesthetic offers a fresh take on contemporary trends, while indulging in classic design details. She is passionate about designing custom event looks, as well as her styling and tailoring services. Amy received her BFA in Apparel and Textile Design at Michigan State University in 2019.

Amy is based in Southern California.

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THE BICYCLE THIEF off on an adventure and hiding in plain site this thief is stealing the latest looks for spring catch her if you can

CHRISTINA MONCKE, art direction, stylist SIMON MONCKE, stylist

JASON ATHERTON, photographer TARYN BACKLUND, model

KINDRED, designs ARCHITEXTURE, designs

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Virtual Runway Show 7:00PM - 9:00PM CST

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THURSDAY APRIL 2021

Kindred Fashion by Ayala De'Calage Anai V. Jaqui Co. by Teal House Kara Rainey Mozze Elizabeth Diamant 37

Virtual Runway Show 7:30PM - 9:30PM CST

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FRIDAY APRIL 2021

Romee The Brand Gracie Key De'LaTail Custom Creations Jennifer Robbins House of Colby Nokota.Style NYX Boutique Jo Hartley 38

Virtual Runway Show 7:30PM - 9:30PM CST

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SATURDAY MAY 2021

Joshua Christensen Jeanne Nuage Kyndra Jade Jaxson Wyatt Annette Sunshine Designs Naava Swim Topping Designs 39

#KCFWMODEL

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Jennifer Abate

Lauren Bruning

Emily Devault

Trinity Hadel

Nicole Abbott

Kara Bryant

Ashtyn Dickens

Colton Hamilton

Emma Aldridge

Jaiden Buckert

Carmen Dieker

Laklynn Hanlon

Lisa Alpert

Taylor Buehrle

Kalinda Dixon

JaMeisha Harris

Randi Armstrong

Samantha Cain

Elle Dummermuth

Senia Harris

Ashley Arnold

Elise Campagna

Morgan Duncan

Dylanne Hatfield

Lexee Ashcraft

Jordan Carter

Breanna Durbin

Ashley Haverman

Diana Auckly

Christina Carter

Hannah Dutcher

Jaran Hedstrom

Taryn Backlund

Christine Carty-Polfliet

Olivia Jane Earwood

Madison Heizer

Meghan Baker

Alexis Chicalas

Carinna Edwards

Marion Heye

Michelle Barber

Sarah Chirita

Amelia Ellsworth

Tyler Hill

Anasazi Barnes

Jennifer Claar

Erica Else

Kaley Hinrichs

Eden Barnes

Darci Clark

Monica Ewigman

Marissa Hitt

Selma Basic

Cilicia Clarkson

Misty Farr

Katherine Hoatson

Blythe Bedlion

Corra Clawson

Charlie Fastenau

Alexandra Holmes

Chloe Bender

Macy Cline

April Flowers

Ellie Huser

Annika Bergsten

Jayleen Cole

Amy Fouchia

Alexis James

Maureen Borberg

Catera Combs

Nancy Garcia

Miyah Jaye

Lillian Bowen

Emilie Connors

Anthony Garrett

Terra Johnson

Ryane Boyd

Elise Connors

Kiani Gates

Jamil Jones

Ariell Braem

Chey Cooper

Delaney Ginther

Ankita Kapoor

Hannah Branson

Tami Coultis

Yasche Glass

Hannah Kathleen

Grace Breshears

Claire Cowan

Haley Gosserand

Kloe Katubig

Alicia Briggs

Cierra Cummins

Adrianna Gould

Julia Kemp

Daniel Brinkmeyer

Dominic Davie

Taylor Grade

Sarah Kerns

Hunter Brown

Judy Deggendorf

Haley Griebat

Gracie Key

Samantha Brown

Aspen DePeralta

Alayna Haddock

Zachary Kinman

#MODELLIFE Kynya Kirch

Michelle Morris

Camryn Sanchez

Camille Verhoeven

Abigail Koech

Aspen Mossberger

McCartney Segalo

Emma Vielhauer

Avie Kristyne

Angela Murphy

Leah Shipley

Bethany Virgl

Sidney Kuhn

Bella Musselman

Gia Shipman

Lydia Vogel

Jaden Lane

Elizabeth Henderson

Ashley Sims

Samantha Vogel

Sailee Lavekar

Pamela Newton

Keziah Slinkard

Eugenia Wallace

Cayla Lawrence

Jocelyn Odom

Karli Smith

Nevia Wallingford

Katherine Lindboe

Chidera Okafor

Sharon Sparkman

Morgan Warren Embry

Ailynn Lindo

Maddie Olmstead

Henley Spaulding

Waverly Watt

Alexis Lindsey

Maggie Ou

Scarlett Spaulding

Cydney Weber

Kristina Lobb

Phylicia Phillips

Andrea Springer

Haley Wellman

Elena Lobb

Kyle Phonesouphan

Kellie Stern

Ava Whitehouse

Asaria Lopez

Theresa Pittman

Sarai Stinson

Max Whitehouse

Daniela Lopez Romero

Josie Rawlings

Jauwan Stinson

Jackson Williams

Ar Lor

Mikayla Rayburn

Theresa Strake

Paige Wills

Monica Lucena

Morgan Reece

Vincent Sung

Jordan Wilson

Haley Lujan

Emma Reese

Sasha Sung

Laine Wise

Gillian Lynch

Patrick Rembecki

Thomas Swartz

Jayden Worth

Samantha Macharia

Tajiana Reynolds

Awntwanay Swepson

Alexandria Yurko

Antonia Martin

Jenn Robbins

Ava Swihart

Liz Zorn

Cassie McCauley

Payton Robertson

Taylor Swofford

Chloe McCoy

Jennifer Robinson

Charisse Taylor

Miranda McElroy

Stephanie Rohr

Kelsey Theilen

Remmie Monahan

Samantha Rosales

Karla Torres

Asha Moore

Courtney Rowe

Armin Trepic

Sarah Moratz

Sophie Sadrakula

Charley Tyre

Kalea Morgan

Madison Sahudin

Megan VandeVelde

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#HMUA Z Hair Academy Mitsu Sato Hair Academy Paul Mitchell The School Overland Park Bellus Academy Aubrie Clarke Kathryn Craig Courtney Forster Erica Kan Beki Keraly Lorena Yukari Oottagaki Natalie Peterson Katalina Taula 42

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A Letter From

Elliot Carlyle Elliot Carlyle is a New York City-based branding & creative consultant, empowerment speaker, executive & life coach, author, marketplace ministry leader, and philanthropist.

Hello Kansas City Fashion Week family and community!

I am often asked what is one of my greatest sources of inspiration as it pertains to my career. The answer has always been and continues to be…people.

While this is an industry built on the making, buying, and selling of merchandise, there are people behind these ideas and creations. This is what drives me. Seeing visionaries take a concept, idea, or even a dream and build it into a reality that others can experience and engage in is beautiful to me. This is what I love about regional fashion weeks as a whole, and this is what I celebrate in regard to Kansas City Fashion Week.

"There is fashion in Kansas City… and people need to know it!"

I am elated to say that my first-time experience in Kansas City was unforgettable to say the least. The food, the accommodations, the staff, the designers, the models, the shows…it was all a treat to witness. It was fun, which is what I say how fashion week should be! I celebrate you because you successfully navigated one of the most traumatic times of our lives as a nation and a world. To have to pivot and shift in a pandemic is no easy feat.

However, you pulled together in the spirit of

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unity, love, passion, and perseverance, and the results are evident in the fact that you’re still standing and moving forward to a better future.

I am honored that Kansas City Fashion Week is a founding member of the Connects program with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), which we respect as the headquarters of the American fashion industry. My vision for this program came in 2018 after having worked with several regional fashion weeks for over a decade in my career. I know what it is to build without resources and access. I know what it is to exist but feel disconnected.

As an industry consultant, I wanted to provide a solution that would amplify, increase, and expand the infrastructure that leaders like Teisha and Phil are building across America.

There is fashion in Kansas City…there is fashion in Missouri…and people need to know it! I am in great anticipation and expectation for what we will build together through CFDA Connects. More than just a program, I see this leadership committee as a community. What I know for sure is that we are stronger together.

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Thank you for welcoming me to your lovely city. Though it was my first time, it will not be my last! I am already excited about returning. Kansas City was my first destination after having not traveled since 2019 due to the pandemic.

What a time! Although, we still have a ways to go before we’re completely through this shift, I’d say Kansas City Fashion Week has found a power groove.

"I am honored that Kansas City Fashion Week is a founding member of the Connects program with the Council of Fashion Designers of America" I am sending love, light, and good energy to each of you. May you experience increase in health and wealth this year.

Cheers to Kansas City and cheers to fashion!

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"CERULEAN DESERT" ALEX TODD, photographer DEPRISE LONS, model KATHRYN MOCK, model

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INTERVIEW WITH COVER MODEL

kara bryant...

KCFW MAG: How did you get into modeling?

KB: I've always been interested in modeling but had never really thought about putting myself out there and actually stepping out of my comfort zone.

That was until a really good friend of mine from college, Hannah, who is a full time photographer, reached out asking for models. I said you know what, why not?

What is there to lose? I was surprised at how much I loved modeling and how natural it felt. From there I started networking. Before I knew it I had multiple photographers interested in working with me. I've been lucky to continue to have opportunities to meet some amazing people!

KCFW MAG: What has your experience been as a model?

KB: In the short time that I've been modeling I've been very lucky to have some amazing opportunities! I was hired on as a model and brand ambassador for a local 34

clothing boutique. I've been the sole model for a few photography workshops which gave me the chance to hone my skills. I've had the chance to meet and work with so many amazing Kansas City photographers to do every genre of shoot from editorial and fine art to fashion. Some of those shoots have landed me features and covers of a few magazines, which is all around an incredible feeling.

I also have been selected to model for a photography conference, runway show, and the KCFW Adventures cruise.

KCFW MAG: What has been one of your favorite experiences in modeling?

KB: What I love about modeling is getting to meet people! I was involved in a photoshoot with a local henna artist to showcase her work. It was a bachelorette party style shoot so the venue had a pool. We had champagne and snacks which was amazing, of course. My

favorite shoots always include leaving with new friends!

KCFW MAG: What are your personal interests?

KB: Music is a huge passion of mine. That makes it sound like I sing or play an instrument, but I don't really have a musical bone in my body. But you can bet my Spotify is always on and I'm singing loudly (albeit probably off key). Going to concerts is one of my favorite ways to spend my time and money. I'm stoked for concerts to return and I'll go to every one I can!

KCFW MAG: What are you involved with outside of modeling?

KB: I am a travel ER nurse, which is crazy as you can imagine given the circumstances of the last year. Modeling has been an incredible way for me to be creative in a way that nursing does not allow. I'm hoping that as a travel ER nurse for my job will also allow me to take my modeling further. I'm excited for what my future holds and new adventures!!

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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.

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PRESIDENT

PROGRAM PROGRAM MANAGER

KC FW

CEO

COMMITTEE Jermaine Reed PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

PROMOTIONS & EVENTS MANAGER

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

STYLE TEAM COORDINATOR

MODEL COORDINATOR

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SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR

HOSPITALITY MANAGER

PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: KCFW MAG

MODEL DIRECTOR

MODEL COORDINATOR

SOCIAL DESIGNER MEDIA COORDINATOR LIAISON

DESIGNER LIAISON

S/S’ 2021 KCFW COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST

ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN

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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.

Jennifer Abate 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.

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Jason Atherton | Editor-in-Chief

Christina Moncke Fashion Editor Christina has spent the past 25+ years working in the apparel and consumer product industries. From apparel design and product development, to college instrucor in Fashion Design and Marketing and currently managing a large product Merchandising and Trend department for a major retail corporation, she has done it all. Her involvement in KCFW has included participating in 5+ seasons as a designer with her line Architexture. She loves spending quality time with her husband and 2 teenage boys.

McCartney Segalo 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. Her most recent modeling job took her to Mexico, reinforcing her status as an internationally published model.

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THANK YOU!!!

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