As I was editing my photos last night, a thought ran across my mind. "Do you ever fear that readers will get tired of your KCFW posts?" I quickly dismissed that thought as an invalid one. The main goal of KCFW remains the same, which is giving local fashion designers and businesses a platform to make themselves known in the community and beyond. However it also offers something new and exciting to each season from special events, charity sponsorships as well as special guests. Not to mention a beautiful showcase of the most imaginative styles one will ever see. This now being my third season covering KCFW, I was thrilled to learn that the proceeds from ticket sales would go towards benefiting Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri (More about Children's Mercy in an upcoming post).
Thursdays event was also in honor of Kansas City Mayor Sly James. This would have been the second time I got a chance to meet a Kansas City Mayor. Mayor James, elected in office in 2011, has made great strides in helping the local community. This includes advocating processes at City Hall for small business applications, advocacy of local childhood literacy programs, as well as promotion efforts to make Kansas City the first region in the nation to receive Google Fiber. Retrieved from http://www.kcmayor.org/about-sly-james-2#
The first show was all about neutrals, however they were anything but boring. The first line to walk the runway came from Paolini Garment Company in the Country Club Plaza. Known for their finely tailored menswear, Paolini's Fall/Winter collection focused on transitional 9-5 sportswear for men. Perfect for both the office as well as a casual night out on the town.
Dolyn Bags is one of the newest editions to the KCFW lineup this season. Created by designer Ami Beck, a recent Apparel Studies grad from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, Dolyn Bags is a mixture of simplistic design detail with high luxury quality in mind.
I had the pleasure of viewing the incredibly adorable collection last season. This season did not disappoint as Marlee Ju continues to incite "Awws" with whimsical designs for children.
Up until now Omaha, Nebraska boasted Kate Waltz as one of the youngest presenters at KCFW. This season saw a newcomer in the form of fifteen year old Molly Elizabeth of Molly Elizabeth Designs. In her first showing at KCFW, you will see sixties inspiration in a modern twist.
Another newcomer to KCFW in children's wear comes from designer Jessica Lynn who also embraces neutrals and tribal influences in her latest collection.
It seems as though that local designers aren't the only ones wanting a piece of the KCFW action. Professional athletes have also come center stage to show off their designing chops. Last season Dwayne Bowe of the Kansas City Chiefs wowed the crowed with his adorable casual dress line for little boys. This season another player from the team, Sanders Commings and his partner presented their line called Young Hearted Socks, a line of socks inspired by cartoons and video games from the 1990's. Something I can totally relate to!
This evening was surely an exciting one, but then again it is always exciting to attend KCFW. I was really impressed with the turnout to view the latest looks on the runway, but also for the outpouring of support for all that Children's Mercy Hospital does to give children with all types of illnesses a chance at living full and healthy lives. Thursday night was only the beginning of all the fun so stay tuned for more!!!
Photos taken by Mekaile Renee' Turner
Permissions by - Kansas City Fashion Week, LLC © 2015
M. Renee's Closet © 2015
Permissions by - Kansas City Fashion Week, LLC © 2015
M. Renee's Closet © 2015