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M. Renee's Closet © 2014
it is now Sunday morning, and while doing my hair in the mirror, it dawns on me this is the last show of the season. Although I am well aware that there will be more shows in the near future; a part of me always feel a tad bit emotional that KCFW is wrapping up. On the other hand, I do feel a small bit of relief knowing that for the first time after the shows end I can finally get some sleep. Despite the exhaustion, system full of caffeine, and a weeks worth mound of clothes piled up in my living room (lol!!!), I can honestly say it was well worth it. Thus far I have shown you styles that really exhibited a high level of "Wow" factor. Ladies and gentlemen prepare for the "Aww" factor when you see these ridiculously cute, and colorful children's wear from Marlee Ju! Bold chevrons, sheers and hand painted detailing made for one impressive line of cocktail and evening wear in the Spring 2015 Collection by Quite-A-Riot. When I first saw these designs by Jessica Lynn, I immediately thought, "These would look so cute for a child's picture day!" Sexy comes in all shapes and sizes. That was the primary message designer Hannah Caroline of Hannah Caroline Couture successfully conveyed through her latest runway creations. This is either the second or third time I have seen tribal influences within a design aesthetic this season. However, I must say my top choice for most creative aesthetic would have to be Magnetic Threads. The first thing that came to mind when I first saw these designs by Meredith Lockhart Collections was the Old West meets modern day cosmopolitan city girl. And you know what? I LOVE it!!! Most professional athletes prefer to utilize whatever downtime they have before a big game to rest or go over play strategies. While the rest of his teammates were doing just that, Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver Dwayne Bowe showed off his designing chops with his line of children's wear entitled LBOWE. As I said my thank yous and goodbyes to the KCFW staff and left the main hall of the Union Station for the final time this season, I couldn't help but to begin a moment of reflection. I reflected on how wonderful this season's collections were, how friendly everyone was and how truly blessed I am to have the opportunity to be a part of this field. And with that, I am definitely looking forward to a brand new season in March. I hope you are too. Until next time lovelies, stay fabulous!!! Photos taken by Mekaile Renee' Turner
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With this being my first time attending a day show, I was really amazed by the overwhelming exuberance of the spectators after viewing the second round of looks for the week. After a brief conversation with a few designers and show directors, I returned home to prepare myself for the big evening event. This show in particular was a special one, because it featured six designers from the hit Lifetime show Project Runway. Soft lines along with soft fabrics best describes the looks from Laura Kathleen. Perfect for an easy transition from desk to dinner table. The weather may be cooler now, but you wouldn't know that with the hot swimwear by Casanova. Fun and frisky would best describe Joshua McKinley's Spring 2015 Collection. With little shortage of stripes, prints and bright bold colors, it would be hard not to have fun wearing these looks! Ocean blues and tropical patterns is the perfect definition for a poolside dream created by Althea Harper. The shimmer and sparkle from some of these pieces by Michael Drummond really had me at the edge of my seat. A little bit tribal. A little bit modern. A little bit Mad Max Beyond the Thunderdome. However way you see it, Anthony Ryan's latest collection is ahead of it's time. There is absolutely no doubt that Saturday night's fashion show was the place to be. The looks were simply inspired, and it was very clear to see why these designer are truly Project Runway Stars! Photos taken by Mekaile Renee' Turner
Permissions by - Kansas City Fashion Week, LLC © 2014 M. Renee's Closet © 2014 A refreshing morning shower, fresh set of clothes and a hot cup of coffee was all I needed to continue my first full week at KCFW. Not to mention an uncontrollable eagerness to see the next set of spring designs at both the Saturday afternoon and evening shows. WM Couture by Wendy McMillan in Collaboration with Amy Collier really grabbed my attention at the Designer Trunk Show for one word, vintage. Anyone familiar with me is aware of my penchant for anything vintage, and the designer's fusion of 1940's pinup with 2014 modern girl definitely ceases to disappoint. What I love about Lauren Bander's designs are her use of neutrals and mixture of paisleys/sparkles in her looks. Not to mention there is a look for just about every silhouette. These designs by Ola Style truly has something for everyone. I'm really nor for sure if she had Tokyo, Japan in mind when creating the concept for this collection. However, it is easy to spot the influences from the famous Harajuku Station subcultures within the whimsical looks of Rachel Anne Gottleib. Blacks, pinks, purples & fuchsias. My favorite colors combined in the looks of Alfielda. The only way I can describe this season's looks from L.O.D is a feminine spin on the deconstructed men's suit. Mysterious with loads of sex appeal. Photos taken by Mekaile Renee' Turner
Permissions by - Kansas City Fashion Week, LLC © 2014 M. Renee's Closet © 2014 So now for the big moment, the first of four incredible fashion shows! As usual the main hall at Union Station in Kansas City looked like a scene from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. Photographers, beauty vendors, cocktails and even a red carpet. Not to mention a D.J spinning the types of beats that would make anyone feel oh so en vogue. Design by Architexture Now on with he shows! Friday night's runway show opened with my favorite instructor from The Art Institutes. Christina Moncke and her husband John presented their line called Architexture which mixes classic elegance with a more modern twist. Design by Architexture Design by Architexture Design by Architexture The following designs are by Nataliya Meyer for Lucia's Sarto. I had the pleasure of meeting Nataliya at my very first KCFW Trunk Show visit back in 2013, and not only is she and her husband very talented designers, they are extremely down-to-earth people. Design by Nataliya Meyer for Lucia's Sarto Design by Nataliya Meyer for Lucia's Sarto Design by Nataliya Meyer for Lucia's Sarto Design by Nataliya Meyer for Lucia's Sarto These lovely garments are by a line called Tomboy Design Studio, although they are every bit of feminine and fun! Designs by Tomboy Design Studio Designs by Tomboy Design Studio Designs by Tomboy Design Studio Designs by Tomboy Design Studio I always look forward to seeing the designs by this wonderful young woman. Her name is Kate Waltz and she is from Bennington, Nebraska. At an amazing 17 years old, she is already creating looks of a seasoned pro. Designs by Kate Waltz Designs by Kate Waltz Designs by Kate Waltz Designs by Kate Waltz As the rest of the evening continued, so did the fashion! Designs by Alicia Janesko Caftans & Resort Wear Designs by Alicia Janesko Caftans & Resort Wear Designs by Alicia Janesko Caftans & Resort Wear The first official fashion show for KCFW was without a doubt a spectacular presentation, and this was just the beginning. I couldn't wait to see what Saturday's shows had in store!!! Photos taken by Mekaile Renee' Turner
Permissions by - Kansas City Fashion Week, LLC © 2014 M. Renee's Closet © 2014 Hey there lovelies!!! It's M. Renee' with what's coming up on M. Renee's Closet. This week I will continue my Kansas City Fashion Week series, as well as a very special interview! I hope everyone has a great start to the work week as well as a fashionable one. Stay fabulous!
Red Bull D.J. spins some fresh beats for trunk show guests. The glitz and glamour associated with KCFW is only a minuscule fraction of what the event is all about. After all, it's not called Kansas City Fashion Week for nothing. The KCFW Designer Trunk Show held on September 25th at the Union Station's Bank of America Grand Gallery, served as a pre-showcase of this season's designer's creations. Guests were had the opportunity to meet the designers one-on-one while viewing, even purchasing merchandise. Now when I say the Designer Trunk Show has a little something for everyone, that includes even the smallest fashionista. These designs by Marlee Ju Children's Boutique is sure to amp up the "adorbs" factor to your little darling's wardrobe! Models are also what makes the presentations more enjoyable by giving the viewers a first hand look at style, construction as well as overall movement of the garments. Also they are super friendly and eager to answer any questions. Models are wearing designs by WM Couture Designs. www.wm-couture.com Model is wearing a design by PRESENT by Rachel Anne Gottlieb. www.rachelannegottlieb.com Another design by PRESENT by Rachel Anne Gottlieb. www.rachelannegottlieb.com Models are wearing designs by Magnetic Threads by Meggen Connolley. www.etsy.com/shop/magneticthreads What's an outfit without the perfect accessory, especially for your hair! A little tidbit about myself, I am not the type to just "observe". I love trying things out for myself. I guess it's just the inner shopaholic in me. LOL!!! Above: I'm wearing a headband designed by Rachel Anne Gottlieb for PRESENT. Below: An absolutely gorgeous swim cover-up by Alicia Janesko for Alicia Janesko Caftans and Resort Wear. www.aliciajanesko.com Of course for me there is always a highlight to every event. This one in particular came in the form of one of my favorite designers, Hannah Caroline of Hannah Caroline Couture of Omaha, Nebraska (Pictured Right). I first saw her collection being presented at OFW (Omaha Fashion Week) via online video stream, and I have to tell you it was sensational. Being plus size in an industry with its own unwritten rules for beauty standards can be a challenge at best. However. Hannah Caroline is bringing a new concept to the meaning of beauty by acknowledging ALL women of different shapes and sizes to tap into their inner sexy diva. Design by Hannah Caroline Couture by Hannah Caroline. www.hannahcarolinecouture.com She speaks the truth, and I love it!!! Designed by Hannah Caroline Couture by Hannah Caroline. As the trunk show drew to a close, and my sister and I made our way back to my car, a new determination began to form withing me. I began to think about my wonderful conversation with Hannah Caroline, and how having a can-do mindset helped her to achieve her goal of becoming a fashion designer. I was quickly reminded of the reason I chose this business, and no matter how many times I was told "You can't do it", I never gave up in pursuing my goals. As I have said before, for me KCFW isn't just about clothes. It's about art, and the freedom of expressing yourself. As well as a place where dreamers come to turn their dreams into reality. Photos taken by Mekaile Renee' Turner
Permissions by - Kansas City Fashion Week, LLC © 2014 M. Renee's Closet © 2014 As much fun as the preview fashion show was the previous day, it was nothing compared to what I consider the ultimate networking event, the Cocktail Kick-Off Party. This year's party was a real treat because it was held at Paolini Garment Company located in the ever so prestigious Country Club Plaza. The Paolini Family's history of creating custom-made menswear dates all the way back to the 1930's. Today current owner Tom Paolini and his staff continues this legacy by creating such custom-made menswear using only the finest fabrics and precision tailoring. Mr. Paolini's second clothing venture, The Style League founded in 2009, is responsible for co-designing uniforms for Sporting Kansas City Soccer League. Retrieved from http://www.paolinigarment.com Considered to be one of the most important networking events during KCFW, this year's cocktail party did not disappoint. As usual all guest who attended looked absolutely stunning. Here are two of the designers for KCFW John and Christina Moncke of Architexture along with one of their models. Not only is Christina Moncke one of my favorite designers, she is also one of my favorite teachers from The Art Institutes. I'm proud to say she taught me everything I know!!! And of course what glamorous party would be complete without glamorous bites? After all schmoozing does work up a little appetite, LOL!!! These delicious drinks were provided by one of KCFW's biggest sponsors Kansas Clean Distilled Whiskey. One of the other great highlights of the evening was the complementary makeover service station provided by the fine makeup artists from Dior located at Independence Shopping Center. A patron gets beautified by one of Dior's professional makeup artists. Of course my sister Lauren and I couldn't help but partake in a little makeover ourselves. The ladies did a fantastic job with our looks! To my right, the Director of Dior at Independence Shopping Center along with one of her lovely makeup artist. To say that this season's Kick-Off Party was just as good as last would be a terrible fib. It was even better! Meeting new people in the local industry really give me hope that Kansas City will soon be a front runner in the fashion industry so look out New York and L.A. The Midwest is coming for ya!!! Aditional photos taken by Mekaile Renee' Turner
Permissions by - Kansas City Fashion Week, LLC © 2014 M. Renee's Closet © 2014 Hey lovelies!!! Due to some unforeseen technical issues, Part 2 of the KCFW Spring 2015 series will not post until 10/2/2014. I thank you for reading M. Renee's Closet, and would love for you to stick around for Part 2 and the rest of my series!!!
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