Spanish Steps
The West 18th Street Fashion Show has come a long way since its humble beginnings as Isabel’s Fashion Spectacle in the summer of 2001. The show this year features 18 designers, both local and national; 100 models; and a small army of stylists, crew members, musicians and volunteers. The theme? “A Summer in Spain.”
“We really wanted this year to pop on the runway — feminine, bold, sophisticated and sensual,”
Peregrine Honig says. “Our applicants delivered vivid fabrics, ruffles and images referencing the history and architecture of Spain.” The event’s producers hope to bring the flavors of Spain to the Crossroads: flamenco dancing and the saucy, steamy culture characterized by laissez-faire attitudes, sunny climate and edgy fashion.
Look for the stylings of these designers on the runway, which stretches from Baltimore to Wyandotte.
Cheryl Eve with Nicky Janzen: A native of Puerto Rico, Cheryl Eve is a Crossroads resident, an artist and an instructor, whose modern jewelry designs are inspired by the ocean and marine life. Collaborating with tailor Nicky Janzen, she creates a contemporary, feminine-styled body armor inspired by metal-plated suits worn by 16th-century Spanish conquistadors.
Christian Micheal: A newcomer to the 18th Street Fashion Show, KC native Christian Micheal Shuster is best-known for his men’s collections built around the classic necktie. His vision of “A Summer in Spain” is of a 21st-century American man, moving his way through the western European country during the sultry season.
Maegan Stracy: A second-year participant, Stracy is currently a student at the Kansas City Art Institute majoring in fibers and in art history. She hopes to capture the spirit of Spanish Carnival in her ready-to-wear collection of brightly colored and sculpted yet youthful pieces tailored for the bold female.
Yulie Urano: A 2011 graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute, Yulie Urano is a first-generation Japanese-American who specializes in the art of knit. Exploring pattern, form and structure, Urano takes her boldly colored knits to new levels with ruffles and floral features for her “Summer in Spain” collection.
This is a free event, but tickets must be purchased to secure a seat. Available at Birdies Panties and Swimwear Boutique (116 West 18th Street, 816-842-2473) or Donna’s Dress Shop (1410 West 39th Street, 816-931-0022), $35 guarantees a seat for the show. A VIP package for $100 includes a reusable swag bag with gifts, entrance to the pre-show patron party at the Arts Incubator’s Cocoon Gallery, and a front-row seat. In case of rain, the show will be moved to the Living Room (1818 McGee, 816-221-4260), which has room only for those with tickets.
Sat., June 11, 8 p.m., 2011
