Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to live in New York, Paris or Milan to become a noticed fashion designer. The West 18th Street Fashion Show is an annual event here in Kansas City that gives local designers a chance to showcase their work. Named after the street that has become one of the largest fashion and art hubs in Kansas City, the West 18th Street Fashion Show has grown greatly in popularity since its beginnings in 2001.
“Every year the stage gets longer, every year there's better designers and the crowds get bigger,” says Davin Watne of Dig It Panties, “Each year the bar is set higher than the year before.” With only 18 designers from the Kansas City metro area chosen to participate from a sea of applicants, it is a complete showcase of Kansas City's finest designers.
“The show has grown so much over the past 10 years, I'm glad to be a part of it,” says Liz Peters, a local designer. “The show has become really exciting.” With turnouts increasing each year, there is no doubt that the West 18th Street Fashion Show will continue to be a success.
“I think the show is great for the community because it brings a lot of unknown designers to the public of Kansas City,” says Meagan Stracy, a local designer and participant in 2010's show. Along with the designers, local jewelry designers, make up artists, and models also get to shine at the event.
The community also shows its support for the event. Businesses within the Kansas City community fund the entire event while the merchants of West 18th Street host it. During the event, West 18th Street between Wyandotte and Baltimore avenues is shut down. Notably, Birdies Panties and Swim Boutique, located on West 18th Street, have taken the lead on hosting the event.
Although the event is held in June, the producers of the West 18th Street Fashion Show are hard at work planning the event for this year. The team of producers consists of experienced professionals in event planning as well as local designers and business owners who have been around since the West 18th Street Fashion Show's infancy.
It was announced Feb. 10 that the theme for this year's fashion show will be “Summer in Spain.” Each designer must use this theme as a reference for the lines they produce. Past themes have included “Summer in Space,” “Summer at Sea” and “A Summer in Wonderland.”
The 2011 show is to be held on June 11 at 8 p.m. There is an open call for all designers interested in being part of this year's show. All submissions must be in by 7 p.m. March 7. For more information about how to register or how to buy tickets for the event visit the West 18th Street Fashion Show's blog at: http://westeighteenthstreet.com/blog/.
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