For the Love of Fashion: KC Shops, Designers and Makers

By KATIE VAN LUCHENE

AT ONE TIME, KANSAS CITY’S NELLY DON COMPANY WAS THE LARGEST DRESSMAKER OF THE 20TH CENTURY, SELLING MORE THAN 50 MILLION DRESSES FROM 1916 TO 1978.

Fast-forward to today and you’ll see that KC isstill a fashion-forward town thanks to designers, makers and a robust retail environment.

Fashionistas flock to annual runway shows, including artist Peregrine Honig’s 18th Street Fashion Show that spans a block in the Crossroads Arts District. Kansas City Fashion Week, held in spring and fall, showcases established and emerging regional and national designers.

Photos by Alex Todd & Eli Stack

For an instant wardrobe refresh, retailers offer everything from distressed jeans to tailored suits, vintage finds to wedding gowns. Look for national brand names on The Country Club Plaza as well as suburban shopping centers like Town Center Plaza, Oak Park Mall, The Legends and Zona Rosa.

Shopping and entertainment districts — like those in Lee’s Summit, Prairie Village, Brookside, Fairway and Crestwood — focus on home-owned shops. Crown Center houses Halls, a revered department store with goods for him, her and kids.

For bespoke fashions, celebrities and sports figures turn to Paolini Garment Company for suits and tuxedos that reflect their individual style. Meanwhile, Amina Hood’s hand-sewn hats are adored by the trendiest women.

And no Kansas Citian — or visitor, for that matter — can be without a t-shirt heralding a local sports team or logo, including Charlie Hustle’s KC-in-a-heart graphic. And Three KC’s “JoeArthur Gatestack” tee, a mash-up of four barbecue joints, got a boost when the owner’s childhood friend Jason Sudeikis wore one on his TV hit “Ted Lasso.”

From a dressmaking empire to today, KC caters to every fashion need — from children’s boutiques, pet accessories and casual-to-dressy shops for men and women. Ready? Let’s go shopping!