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Kansas City Fashion Week Wednesday Night Line Up:
J. Manning | @jmanning_fashion
Spacecamp Studios | @spacecampstudios
Justin Christine | @justinchristine.designs
HMJ Style | @hmj_style
GOEX Apparel | @goexapparel
Regal Status | @regal.status
From the Bottom | @ftbclothingco
Devil Doll by Audrey Lockwood | @devildollaudrey
“In this way, every one of our hearts is connected.”
~ Spacecamp Studios runway soundtrack, KCFW 2021
1. J. Manning
J Manning’s 2021 collection was a cohesive and tailored collection of business wear for men and women with some fun surprises – leather kimono necklines and bowling sleeves, quilted velvet, and subtle patterns.
2. Spacecamp Studios
Spacecamp Studio’s debut Kansas City Fahion Week collection makes punk accessible. It was a futuristic combination of textures, fringe, velour, and latex; not the most cohesive but certainly commercial. Designer Rebecca Hollar closed her segment by walking the runway in a formal gown of her own design.
3. Justin Christine
Justin Christine designer Lauren O’Bannon’s return to the KCFW runway prioritized comfort and proved that black on black on black can be far from boring. Men draped structured jackets over their shoulders; women belted their statement coats around their waists. Overall, a well-balanced collection of textures, gold accents, and utilitarian accessories.
4. HMJstyle
I had to warm up to the HMJstyle collection, which I originally wanted to describe as “granny chic.” Designer Hannah Jensen used old-fashioned fabrics in new ways with a heavy arts & crafts vibe and detailed construction. It’s easy to see that her relationship with her grandmother motivates and influces her as she creates some of the most eclectic and crafty garments I’ve seen on the KCFW runway to date.
5. GOEX Apparel
GOEX Apparel showed the most extensive collection tonight – 13 looks modeled by humans of all ages, sizes, and colors. Balanced and commercial, but it begged the question of designed or styled; does printing your logo and graphics on an article of clothing make you a designer? All clothing is ethically made and uses remnant materials, and yet still leans a little too political for this fan with the printed messages. The soundtrack perfectly blended the message of fair rade fashion and the garments with songs like Feeling Good by Michael Buble, Ain’t It Fun by Paramore, Bringin Da Noise by *NSYNC, and Feel Good by The Gorillaz.
6. Regal Status
My first glimpse of a Bridgerton influence on the runway! This womenswear line was created to empower women to walk as the Queens they are. Her sophisticated and tailored designs embody an urban elegance that would be expected in a corporate office and on your favorite girl boss.
7. From the Bottom
Were you asking for streetwear? Zawadi Bahiti’s From the Bottom brought it to the runway! Matching track sets and loungewear with an upscale urban vibe for all ages.
8. Devil Doll by Audrey Lockwood
Quirky, flirty, and feminine – Bridget Bardot and Dolly Parton would both be right at home in the latest collection to grace the KCFW catwalk. It’s easy to fall into country stereotypes, but Devil Doll stays far from the typical honky tonk attire and instead meshes two-stepping fantasy with sequins and bell bottoms in fun and modern ways. Nokota Style won’t be the only western-inspired designer this season and I’m all for it!
What I Wore to the Runway Show
Packing for a week of client visits and fashion shows proved more challenging than I expected (and it didn’t help that we had a ton of baby stuff to take, too)! My night one outfit was the most unexceptional; I kept it classy and neutral with a dark green off-the-shoulder dress that I knew would photograph well and wouldn’t distract from the actual runway show.
Curious what you should wear to a fashion show? I’ve written a post all about it!
Linking similar dresses and some that I think would be so fun to wear to a runway show below! Bella Lightner is wearing the weworewhat cut-out blazer in blue (sold out) and black and white chelsea boots (similar).
Shop the Look!
