KCFW Designer Review: Saturday, October 5

Saturday's show focused on details.  Amazing details.  I think the designer's with the greatest skill in craftsmanship (flawless seams and fit!!) were saved for the last evening of shows.  While the entire looks were amazing, it was the details that really won me over that night.  Be sure to check out the full collection photos on the Pretty, Polished, Perfect Facebook page (especially Hilary Brown's!!)

Lauren Bander:  Designer Lauren Bander used an earthy color palette and float-y textiles to lift us into a sense of soft femininity with a touch of the ethereal.  She had me convinced I could walk about normal every-day activities toting an overly large flower.

BMDESIGNS:  Back again for another season (after her move to New York,) designer Brittany Davidson's collection was........I just don't know.  Though I was not as inspired by this collection (did you see last years?!) her obvious skills and artistic vision continue to grow.  Also, her soundtrack was phenomenal.  My favorite part of the collection was (surprise, surprise) the small details and trims, as well as her use of subtle color-blocking.  I can't wait to see what Brittany will come up with next!

ARCHITEXTURE:  Let's face it.  Capes can look......super-hero-ish, costume-y, cheap.  It takes the skilled work and artistic vision of design duo John and Christina Moncke to take that horrid cliche and turn it into something every woman will now want to own (myself included.)  Not unlike the Brand name, this collection was full of simple yet stunning architectural lines.  When a designer can combine architectural lines with the soft curves of a feminine body, art happens.  Kudos to this design duo, I cannot wait to see more!

RARE TRENDS:  Designers Paola Moore and Marina Silver kept our attention with a throwback to 70s (think bellbottoms, leather jackets and more.)  My absolute favorite was the long fringe dress in black leather.  It was amazing to see come down the runway (if not a little bit painful to watch - where's a slit when you need one?)  While I would definitely forgo the velveteen pants, the rest of the collection was fun, feminine and has some great edgy pieces.

christianMICHEAL:  Designer Christian Shuster holds a special place in my menswear-loving heart.  Season after season, he pushes out menswear looks that push always manage to convey a sense of utter gentleman-liness (also, 'milkman' - I will let you decide how that makes you feel.)  This season's collection was ah-mazing.  He has such a talent for clean, well-executed lines, and the fit of those pants was nothing but perfection.  Of course, my love for all things preppy may have swayed my opinion, just a smidge, lol!  Finally, a pair of cropped pants men can (and should!) wear!  

Hilary Brown:   All personal feelings aside (I genuinely like this sweet designer!) I loved this collection.  I was ready to book a ticket to any resort and wear every single piece of this collection.  Beautiful, soft muted colors, and sweet femininity were all found this decidedly dancer's-background collection.  The pieces were flawlessly executed, from hems to fit.  Another amazing mention has to be given for her use of 3D-printed elements she incorporated into the designs and styling (look for an etsy shop coming soon, you will not be disappointed!)

Kate Walz:  Kate's youth tends to wow people, but it's her talent and determination to learn and do bigger and better things that amazes me (impressive at any age.)  This collection was feminine as always, but with a hint of vintage that reminded me of Cary Grant and Grace Kelly.  I loved the soft, almost neutral colors (last year's was vivid pinks and reds that I loved!) and the way the skirts of the gowns swirled flawlessly as they walked down the runway.  It's fun to see Kate's vision and I can't wait to see more from her, especially as her execution and attention to detail continues to progress.

Don't forget to see all of the designer's look on the Pretty, Polished, Perfect facebook page!

KCFW Designer Reviews: Friday October 4

It's day 2 of KCFW at the beautiful Union Station, and the fun is just beginning.  Photos of each collection in their entirety can be found on the Pretty, Polished, Perfect Facebook page.  Just a gentle reminder: all photos are copyrighted and permission to use must be granted.

Bridget Julia Couture:  How do I word this correctly?  The collection was like a crafter's dream come true (and that's a compliment, by the way.)  It reminded me of sparkles, glitters, confetti, sequins, leftover fabric scraps; all made into fabulously fun dresses.  With a just a hint of pageantry, designer Bridget Mahoney brought life to the party.

Katie Lee:  I loved every single one of designer Kate Nickols' dresses.  Flowy, soft, feminine, simple.  Well-made, well-tailored, I can't wait to see more!

House of Cochon:  Great performances with a side of sass are always a given when designers Courtney Perry and Amanda Burkhart put on a show and they certainly didn't disappoint.  When this piece first turned the corner and headed down the runway, I instantly fell in love with this piece:

Saks Off 5th Boutique:  I have to give them honorable mention here.  We couldn't understand a word the MCs were saying, so we all took pictures and ooh-ed and ahh-ed over these amazingly crafted pieces.  The joke was on us - this wasn't Jillian Fellers, this was designer-crafted clothing, lol!

Jillian Fellers: All I know is, The Mr needs to re-propose so we can have a second wedding/renewal of our vows.  Satin is not always flattering (think off-the-rack, stark-white monstrosities that glaringly cling to your every imperfection) but Jillian Fellers uses it to perfection.  Stunningly simple, exquisitely tailored, romantically fluid.  I could come up with excuses to wear these gowns on an every-day basis.

Cass & Britt:  Playful.  Feminine.  Time-transporting.  Romantic throwback to a very different era.  I loved the general feeling of joy emanating from the models (it may have been contagious!)  Their designs has me feeling pride over feminine curves, wanting to flaunt rather than hide them.  Can we all just pause for a second for this look?  From head to toe, I loved every detail of this styling.  Makes me think "Foxy Brown" twenty years earlier (with a completely different set of problems, lol!)

KC Pet Project:  A portion of all ticket sales went to this amazing charity.  This one wins best color-coordination:

Kansas City Fashion Week Reviews: Thursday

This past Thursday kicked off a long weekend of amazing local designers.  Kansas City Fashion Week chose a beautiful venue (the historically and recently renovated Union Station,) and selected several new designers as well as several comeback kids.  All images from the show can be found on the Pretty, Polished, Perfect Facebook page.

Andrea Marie Long Designs:  I saw a little preview of her collection at the First Friday party downtown.  My first impression was......the movie Barbarella, with Jane Fonda (don't watch it - absolutely terrible movie.)  *post-edit: The acting and the plotline are terribly ridiculous, but the costumes are beyond fabulous - so google images, but don't watch the movie, lol!  I'm glad I was able to catch it on the runway - add an atmosphere and music, and it really changes it.  My favorite from her collection:

Haus of Donna Faye:  I saw last season's collection, and by comparison, Tiffany has come a long way.  If this were Project Runway (what? I have faithfully watched every episode, lol!) there might be some constructive criticism on craftmanship, and in her favor, there has been some significant refinement.  The theatrics were dark, but well suited to her style:

Erin Paige Designs:  Her pieces are always amazing (and she's one of the sweetest women I've met yet.)  I think I preferred the styling of last season's show better, but to her credit, I'm now determined to find one of these white gowns to lounge in next summer:

Chelsea Riane Designs:  I loved what she was trying to do here.  I got it.  She can only go up from here, and I hope we will see more from her.  There was a dress or two that made me wonder if she switched models at the last minute.  A few of her pieces came off flawlessly, including this favorite:

Recrudescence: Artistic pieces, that simply put, reminded me of a 3D version of a Jackson Pollock painting.  A few of the collars (?) necklaces also reminded me of George Gower's painting of Elizabeth I.

Kaity Rathman Designs: Earthy tones, sophisticated tie-dye (she proves it does exist) and I loved, loved, loved being pleasantly surprised by the back of this dress!

Little Michelle Designs:  I have seen Michelle grow and this is by far her best craftsmanship yet, and her inspiration and subsequent translation to the collection are to be applauded.  I loved some of these simple, yet stunning details from collection:

Whitney Manney:  Another designer I have had the opportunity to see develop her talent and if I thought last season was amazing, Whitney has managed to outdo herself yet again.  She is a genius when it comes to printmaking (she could teach those Project Runway kids a thing or two in that challenge!) and her energy and artistic desires permeated the room when she walked out after the final walk.  

AC78:  Let me start with a disclaimer: I think (most) soccer players have amazing style.  I also think American men could take cues from European styles.  Lastly, I had already purchased something from this collection before seeing it on the runway.  It's that good.  That being said, Aurelien Collin and Tom Paolini produced an amazing show.  Starting with the brilliant performance by several ballerinas of the Kansas City Ballet, pleasing us (women) with well-dressed men (with a hint of modern, male European influence) and ending with what appeared to be a very humble and happy duo of designers.  It was the perfect end to the evening.

*All images are copyrighted and the property of prettypolishedperfect.com.

Social KC: KCFW Spring 2013, Red Carpet

With a packed house, the atmosphere was full of excitement and anticipation.  After pictures on a Red Carpet concrete floor, mingling with fellow bloggers and media friends (new and old) the show started with the sassy models of Courtney Perry's House of Cochon:

Followed by another jewelry designer, Tracy McClain of Trajet Jewelry, whose stunning styling was every girl's this girl's dream come true:

Next up was Emma Lammers, whose weekend bags/over sized handbags gave new meaning to my mantra, "Speak softly and carry a big purse" - in a good way - they were amazing and I want one of each of them.  A huge shout out to her styling abilities as well:

Not to be out-done, Anna Friss of Blue Bird Apparel sent (somewhat distracting, yet very fun) mass amounts of helium filled balloons down the runway.  Don't worry, they also wore clothes:

 

Amanda Clark of I Design With Love sent edgy feminism down the runway:

Then Katie McKenna of Pink Sheep Heiress wowed us with chiffon and spikes:

You need to see this dress in person.  It was amazing.

With a soundtrack (courtesy of GENT) that had us dancing in our seats (or tapping our feet.....and some of us singing - I mean, it was Frank Sinatra), Caroline Smith of Janie G. Couture brightened up the evening with:

DU Beauty Arts and Ashley Nelson nailed the Hair & Makeup for this show!

 

And, (add a dramatic pause here,) the show ended with the fabulous menswear designer Christian Micheal Shuster of christianMicheal.  (Add another dramatic pause) Ladies, gentleman.  I let the pictures speak for themselves:

Looks like one of those Mormon Missionaries ;)

Christian Micheal's show was the cherry on the sundae, the icing on the cake.  Whether you loved or hated the evening, his show made it all worth it.

Photos of all the designers' looks and more, can be found on the facebook page Pretty, Polished, Perfect.