Kansas City Fashion Week Spring | Summer 2018 Wednesday Show

Wednesday of Kansas City Fashion Week is our first night but the second night of shows for the week. We personally love going to Wednesday night shows because you get the opportunity to see new up and coming designers. As soon as you stepped into Kansas City Fashion Week, you had some vendors set up. The first vendor was Enve Designs from the one and only Ngan Vuong who, if you follow us, you have seen in past Kansas City Fashion Weeks with her handmade jewelry with natural stones and mixed metals on display to buy. Dior cosmetics was there showing off the new line and letting people pre-order for their party at Oak Park Mall. Kansas City Fashion Council had their silent auction booth, so everyone can see what they can bid on. We headed to the red carpet to get our picture taken by Ryan Swartzlander, and then got a drink from KC Bier Co. before sitting down to watch the fashion show.

NGUYET NGUYEN - GJNI

GJNI was formal summer vibes at its finest. This is the first year of her showing at Kansas City Fashion Week. Currently, she is a student at Johnson County Community College. She is inspired by 3D lace which you can see in some of her pieces. The way that the white gowns flow down the runway was so beautiful.

NATALIA ALVAREZ - NATALVA DESIGNS

Natalia collection made you feel that it was wearable fashion for South Hampton's or even a summer weekend brunch. She has been sewing since she was 14 years old and took her passion even further by being a student at Johnson County Community College. I could see myself wearing some of these pieces and one of my favorite garments was the white jumper dress with side cutouts. Hope to see Natalia in more Kansas City Fashion Weeks to come.

TONYA PESCH - NOKOTA

Tonya inspiration for western lifestyle really shows in this collection, not only in the literal sense with the beautiful hand painted horse dresses but also in the leather vest and fringe detailing. She believes that the best designs come by a life well lived. Her free spirit and the love to travel really reflect in these clothes. The whimsical movement of the dresses with the horses on the beach has to be watched in slow motion for a full affect. The long fringe black belt I would personally like to pair with long skinny jeans and a plane white v-neck t-shirt.

RACHEL POLLAK

Rachel Pollak is another Johnson County Community College student who inspires to dress the every day business women in a chic classic design with a new age twist. Stepping a little out of her comfort zone and testing the waters with this collection, in particular, was inspired by her healthy side Veggie Collection. Yes, that's right, vegetables help bring these beautiful garments to life, making a more bold color statement than other pieces in the past.

PAMELA RENEE DESIGNS

Pamela Renee is a clothing construction teacher, an experienced fashion designer and tailor. She has a

degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and was a former Technical Designer for the one and only Lee Jeans. Pamela designs bridal gowns and special occasion attire for men and women. This years collection really shows off all of her skills from formal gowns to tailored pieces for women and men, and traditional and authentic African bridal. House of Pamela Renee really made a show stopper of the night with of my favorite menswear suit with the vest and bold pattern jacket. The African bridal dress has to be hands down one of the best garments of fashion week and definitely one of the most talked about beautiful dresses.

YOLANDA NEWSON - YORO

Yolanda is the owner of YORO Design custom jewelry. She has been designing jewelry for over 10 years and is inspired by the world around her and works with items that she loves. The impact of her big unique statement pieces and any one of these necklaces could pull an outfit together. Love the laid back glam that every woman can wear.

BETHANY WICKER - CRYSTAL ARCADE

Anime brought to life with this collection from Bethany Wicker, designer of Crystal Arcade. Started off by making her own costumes for cosplay, she was inspired by her passion for sci-fi and video games. I love how different Bethany's garments are from most you have seen at Kansas City Fashion Week; it's such fun wearable fashion. This self-taught artist can sew a garment so well and really makes outfits for every body type, which we all need more of in fashion. Some of my very favorite pieces were the pink velvet dress, the Tim Burton inspired stripped swimsuit and the feminine candy dress. I cannot wait to see more from Crystal Arcade and watch her brand grow.

Red Carpet at Kansas City Fashion Week Photo taken by Volunteer at KCFW

The Button in the Historic Garment District

One of the funnest things about getting to go to Fashion Week is getting to dress up and really show off your own fashion by trying new trends. We went to the original historic garment district off 8th street in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. There is a sewing needle and button and we felt that it was the perfect place to take outfit pictures for fashion week. A New Day from Target has been one of our new favorite brands this fall. Rosie had one of their trendy bell sleeve white tops, and she paired this with a thrifted velvet black skirt. I think her outfit was simple but classic with a purple flower necklace to bring it all together. I also thrifted some of my pieces, such as the plaid blazer and a H&M garage sale found blouse. Lee Jeans isn't just great at denim; they also have so many other clothing items like my Relax Fit all Day Pants. I really like that they are a little high waisted. My Target touch was with Gucci like backless mule loafers by Merona. Everything is linked below and for items that were thrifted we gave shop-able options. Follow not only for more fashion week posts but also for more content like this, so be sure to watch the video and stay tuned.