Friday Night KCFW Designers
- Gracie Key
- Lauren Bander
- Wiki Wang
- Annette Sunshine
- Little Jo Designs
- ULAH / LUNA
- Naava Curve
- Honey Magnolia
- Duane Topping
Gracie Key
Designer Gracie Key showcased her latest fall runway collection at Kansas City Fashion Week and we are absolutely loving it! The jewel tones, body suits, flattering silhouettes, and tailoring were all impeccable. This collection was timeless and chic.
Lauren Bander
Lauren Bander has long been an advocate for animal rescue, so it was only fitting that she showcase some adoptable puppies from Unleashed Pet Rescue with her designs on the runway. The muted pink and maroon color palette was a refreshing change from the usual darker hues of fall. Lauren’s signature quilted and crushed velvet fabrics were prominently featured in the collection, and the smock-style dresses were a particular standout. Overall, Lauren’s latest offering was both playful and stylish, making it clear that she remains a designer to watch.
Wiki Wang
Wiki Wang was back on the KC Fashion Week runway for the first time since 2017. This season she showcased her first knitwear collection featuring cardigans, sweaters, vests, belts, and bags in a modest and colorful array of feminine outfits.
Annette Sunshine
Annette Sunshine’s runway show was all about rocker chic. Big hair and headbands were the order of the day, and the models looked sexy as they sauntered down the runway. The silver-black-and-blue color scheme added to the edgy vibe. As always, the clothes were well-crafted and the models looked amazing.
Little Jo Designs / Jo Marie
Little Jo Designs always knows how to put on a show. From the moment the models step out onto the runway, you can expect to be wowed by the intricate designs and elegant ball gowns. This season was no different, with three models taking to the runway at a time in a stunning display of Jo Hartley’s latest creations. While some designers focus on simplicity, Jo Hartley goes all out with her adult line, Jo Marie, creating elaborate gowns that are sure to turn heads.
Her limited color palette this season brought a sobriety and maturity to her garments that in past seasons have felt young, girly, and very fairy tale-esque. Maybe this was a collection for the dark queens in Hartley’s enchanted world?
Her finale look was a show-stopping maternity ball gown on a beautiful mama to be who came down the runway holding hands with a mini me in her own Little Jo Designs children’s dress.
ULAH / LUNA
Abercrombie wishes they were this cool. ULAH and LUNA have you covered for all the latest trends this winter to warm your soul and yourself on snowy days. ULAH is a nationally recognized boutique that offers a thoughtfully curated collection of ready-to-wear men’s clothing, accessories, gifts and essentials. LUNA is the newer women’s counterpart in the ULAH family. Both are located in Woodside Village.
Buck Wimberly, Joey Mendez, and Elise Alexander have come together to curate a collection that is perfect for any ski trip, mountain getaway, or family fall excursion. The collection features holographic puffers, neutral color, strong patterns, and serious student-in-the-mountains vibes.
So whether you’re headed to the slopes or just want to look like you are, ULAH and LUNA have everything you need.
Naava Curve
Naava Swim’s Curve runway show was a major moment during Kansas City Fashion Week. The collection featured pastels, hot pink, clever cuts, and fun body jewelry and accessories. The show was a celebration of diversity and body positivity, and it’s clear that Naava is leading the charge when it comes to inclusive swimwear. Skin is in no matter your body shape or size!
Honey Magnolia
Where life is sweet and style blooms is the most accurative tagline for this emerging designer. Her collection featured flowy neutrals and embroidered details with a calming color palette of gold, tan, and turquoise. Statement sleeves and bows added drama to an otherwise one note of sweetness collection.
Duane Topping
Duane Topping’s designs always make a statement and his newest collection is no exception. The golden yellow and maroon color choices were eye-catching and vibrant, and the overall look is grunge with a touch of vampy glamour. The music was hard and fast, the models more expressive, and Duane was his usual whirlwind of positive energy when he took to the runway to close out Kansas City Fashion Week’s Friday night show. I personally can’t wait to see what he comes up with next! Every collection he grows more into his craft and delivers on his promise to design clothing that is “more than a label.”
I’ve walked for Duane Topping in a previous KCFW season. See my look here!
Photographers: Morgan Pashen
Sponsors: Oak Park Mall, CFDA Connects, Ulta Beauty
If you are a model or designer that participated in Kansas City Fashion Week Friday Night show, please reach out to me via email or on Instagram and I’ll send you photos and videos if I have them!
Shop the Look
For night 3 I stayed true to my love of vintage elegance and wore a pink silk number I thrifted last fall. And I wore my white western booties from Night 1 because I packed everything for Fashion Week into a carry-on so there was bound to be some repeat and outfit overlap 
Linking (affiliate) similar dresses and western booties below!
