A Peek into KC Fashion Week

For two weeks every year, the city’s most fashionable come together for Kansas City Fashion Week. Parties, fundraisers and runway shows are held throughout the week, putting KC on the map for being one of the most up-and-coming cities for emerging designers.

As a former designer myself, I understand the hard work that goes into putting out a collection. From idea to conception, the process can take months of hard work and imagination, not to mention the time it takes to source fabric, construct the garments, cast models and style the final looks for the runway. This hard work leads up to one shining moment at KCFW to show the city what they can do. Now, as a stylist and blogger, I look forward to attending the shows to see what is forecasted for the following season and to support the people who create the stunning wearable art shown on the runway.

Fashion weeks are always one season ahead, meaning we are able to preview spring fashions in the fall. Normally, spring collections are filled with lighter colors and featherweight fabrics that flow and drape with grace. This was true of many of the spring ‘17 collections, but with a twist. Trending throughout the collections were lightweight fabrics paired with structured textiles. Pastel hues were paired with blacks and shades of emerald green to create a rich contrast of colors. Many of the designers played with chiffon and other sheer fabrics to create mysterious silhouettes. It was a wonderland of prints and styles, unique to the designers’ inspirations and the stories they told. There were so many talented designers that showed their collections, but two really stood out to me because of their attention to style and their attention to detail from start to finish.

I am so proud that I was able to attend this event representing HERLIFE Magazine and I look forward to doing it in the future! Want to hear more about my time at KCFW? Head over to abbywoodwear.com for an inside look!

Michael Drummond
michaeldrummond.net
Rich colors printed on black chiffon pieces filled Drummond’s collection with mystery and excitement. His looks were styled to perfection from head to toe. Some of the designs even included sheer printed stocking socks paired with open and closed toe shoes, a trend that I noticed throughout. Drummond’s meticulous attention to detail in design and construction was made evident as the models floated down the runway. This was certainly a home run collection of RTW pieces.

Eltee by Laura Talken – Laura Higginbotham
ltalken.wixsite.com/portfolio
Since she’s a former colleague from Nordstrom, I was anxious to see what Laura had in store for us. Higginbotham created a cohesive collection of mixable pieces in a simple color palette of tan, lush meadow green and gold. Inspired by nature with a touch of ‘40s and ‘50s style, we saw high-waisted pedal pushers with paper bag waists, sophisticated midriff tops, color blocked dresses and chiffon overlays. From the runway straight to everyday wear, this collection was my favorite! ■

Abby Wood is a wardrobe stylist and style blogger in Kansas City, and her education in design plus retail experience make her an expert in fit, fabric, style and trends. Her professional experience in fashion began with an apprenticeship with a bridal designer, shifted to creating and showing her  own line, moving up to management and training at a retail level and now professional styling as an independent consultant. Abby loves to work with individuals and help them develop and evolve their own sense of style. Find her at abbywoodwear.com. For daily style finds and tips, you can find Abby instablogging as @abbywoodwear on Instagram and Facebook.