So once again I was attending yet another finale showcase at KCFW. The last runway shows are always the saddest, because that means all the splendor and fun is about to come to an end. However Saturday night proved to live up to the mantra "We've saved the best for last."
Yesterday I told you that there were many KCFW designers that I enjoy seeing their looks walk down the runway. However there are two that I would have to say are my most favorite, and Architexture by John & Christina Moncke are one of them. Now some might say that I am being completely biased due to the fact that Christina was one of my former instructors at The Art Institutes International Kansas City, but that would be further from correct. Using a chic minimalistic approach to their aesthetic, both John and Christina are masters at conveying the influences of modern technology and the characteristics of today's modern woman into every piece that they make. In fact their design concept and ability to translate their influences into said concept is so fluent, it almost borders the line of contemporary art put to fabric. It is truly inspired.
Ok, so I am going to back track just a little bit on my statement on there being a top two favorite designer at KCFW. There are actually three, and Kate Walz comes second on my top three list. Being one of the youngest designer to present at KCFW, Kate brings about a whimsical imagination and raw talent when it comes to her clothing line. Her professionalism and strict attention to detail shows in her body of work that it is almost hard to imagine that she is not yet out of high school!
What I really loved about this latest collection from Tomboy by Laura McGrew is how she really used cold weather layering and fabrics to create pieces which are wearable worn in the office or a night out on the town.
Keeping with the reoccurring theme of modern vintage, Kansas City, MO based menswear designer Christian Michael took us back to the late 18th Century where greatcoats were all the norm for gentlemen during that era. Only here Christian Michael brought this popular menswear staple of the time into 2015 with a more updated and edgy approach.
"I'm sexy and I know it!" was the takeaway theme in the latest runway looks from House of Cochon. Never be afraid to embrace those curves ladies!!!
For me, when I think of evening wear the terms "sophisticated elegance" automatically comes to mind. This line by Whitney Rorah has all of that and more with the use of textured detailing applied to flowing silhouettes.
I almost feel as if a drum roll sound clip needs to be attached to this section, because now we are at my numero uno favorite designer at KCFW, and that is Project Runway alumna Laura Kathleen. She is also a designer who is very big on structured apparel, only with a softer fit. For her Fall/Winter 2015 collection, she presents us with transitional wear that helps allow for easy transition from warm weather to cold weather attire. For those of you who are unfamiliar with transitional wear, these would be outfits that can easily be layered to accommodate seasonal weather change.
Once again another Kansas City Fashion Week has gone down in the history books, and once again I left Union Station with three days of wonderful experiences to reflect upon. Aside from the outstanding talent presented on the runway, what really stood out for me was the major sense of community that I felt among my fellow fashion cohorts. A sense of support for art and freedom of expression in this town, and the shared hope that soon Kansas City will be among other major fashion cities in the country to take the industry by storm. As I mentioned before, KCFW is not just a series of fashion shows, and it's not just about clothes. It's about giving artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers a stage to shine. For now and the future. Until next time my lovelies, stay fabulous!!!
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