KCFW: Blogger Preview

This past Saturday, my fellow bloggers and I were invited to the ultra-glam Hotel Phillips for a sneak peak into a few of the Kansas City Fashion Week's designers' sketchbooks.  It seemed a rare treat indeed; I had thought that a designers' sketchbook was a bit more like a closely-guarded diary, and I felt honored to take a peek inside.

Michelle Kleineweber of Little Shell Designs, was humble enough to share her sketchbook, blushing and embarrassed when I asked her about some notations and doodlings in amongst the clothing designs.  While last fall brought us ready-to-wear, Michelle has a line-up full of gowns (inspired by semi-precious gemstones from around the world) in polka dots and chiffon (yeah, I'm excited to see what she does with the polka dots!)

Little Shell Designs, her inspiration, a peek into her sketchbook and a sampling of what we can expect to see at KCFW

New this season is Janay A., whose point of view includes edited and clean, yet tussled and with a vintage-throwback, wedding dresses.  Think outdoor weddings, burlaps and daisies (or boho-chic.)  She will be wowing audiences with her eco-friendly (she uses tea-dying and silk hemp,) beautiful dresses this season (based on her portfolio and sketches, she is an up and coming designer to keep an eye on!)  While satin and lace is nice, she uses varying textures and slight pops of colors to break up the traditional gown.

Janay's real-life pinterest board and a sketch from her portfolio

From Omaha Nebraska, Tiffany Headley of Haus of Donna Faye brings us Betsey Johnson with a touch of Chanel......in leather.  That's how she described her aesthetic.  While her professors may have discouraged her from this chosen profession, her sketchbook and choice of fabrics speaks ill of their opinions.  I can't wait to see the ready-to-wear line she's bringing to Kansas City!

Visit kcfashionweek.com for more information, schedules and tickets.

Social KC: KCFW + First Friday

KCFW held it’s first-First Friday promotional event.  Their purpose was to invite the community in to see the behind-the-scenes working of a photo shoot, a glimpse of what backstage will look like this fall.  There was.......

Clothing (it was nice to meet many of the designers in a casual atmosphere without the crazy rush, excitement and anxiety of a pending runway show):

Christian Micheal from 2012, Brittany of BMDesigns with Michelle of Little Shell Designs and Kris Hanke - photographer, Justin Callaghan - hair stylist

Hair: 

Makeup: 

Palettes and instruments of Jennifer Sullivan Cassidy

Model (from start to finish): 

Model Angela Faith in BMDesigns, Hair Stylist Evyn Fulkerson, Layne - photographer

And of course, Photographers:

Ike, photographer

I was lucky enough to snag the President of KCFW, Phil Willoughby for an interview  If you want a well-written PR statement, you can read his bio here.  Reading a bio is never the same as meeting someone in person:

As he is listing off his many *accomplishments, including local political positions, I can’t help but wonder if he’s ever stopped, or if he ever sleeps.  It appears that he has a love of knowledge and life that drive him to keep going, to keep making things better – whether it’s a client’s way-of-life or a city’s commerce. 

He’s intelligent and likable, and I can’t help but wonder if he has ever not succeeded in winning a person over.  He was, after all, the captain of the baseball team.

I begin to understand why Teisha (pronounced Tee-sha) was the first person he thought of to lead KCFW.  Teisha is personable and down-to-earth.  At one of the model castings months ago, I asked her to give us an example of how a model should walk.  She didn’t hesitate, and she did it without haughtiness or arrogance.  She also never hesitates to answer my numerous questions (which I appreciate.)  Kris is the same way – oh, he will fool you with his little swagger walk and the way he carries himself – but he’s also smart, funny and down-to-earth (and has the cutest curly-haired daughter!) 

After spending time with Phil, Teisha, Kris, Layne and the rest of the team, I am positive that KCFW will continue to be more and more successful as it grows.  Good luck and congratulations!

*“But can he sing?”  The one question I failed to ask......

For more information or to buy tickets for KCFW, please visit KCFashionWeek.com.

These photographs and more can be found here.