Party with a purpose: Rock Island Bridge fashion show supports local nonprofits

Designer Q Ambition // Photo courtesy Q Ambition

When attending a fashion exhibition, the expected purpose is to showcase a curated collection of clothes. But for designer Q Ambition, runway shows are about more than presenting his work: They’re for bringing the community together, spreading awareness, and inciting change.

Q Ambition is well-known in his field, with his brand’s luxury pieces spotted on a number of A-list celebrities such as Jamie Foxx, Nipsey Hussle, and Patrick Mahomes. 

He comes from humble beginnings, starting out working at a t-shirt stand until eventually branching into his own clothing line—now known for statement letterman jackets. 

Despite Q’s widespread reach, his brand GOLDBAR Limited is Kansas City-based, as he finds the vibrant atmosphere to be like nowhere else. 

“It’s like a West Coast vibe in Kansas City. I love it,” Q says. “It’s like the creativity is there, the support is there, everybody is really friendly.” 

This mood inspired Q to host the GOLDBAR exhibition in KC, an upcoming event mixing fashion, local celebrities, and advocacy in a one-night experience. Happening June 28 on the brand-new Rock Island Bridge, the main attraction of this event will be a runway show of Q’s clothing line. 

Patrick Mahomes wearing custom GOLDBAR letterman jacket // Photo courtesy Q Ambition

The show will feature bold new pieces with practical elements, such as his new all-season jersey, “City of Champions”, but self-promotion is not the event’s main goal.  

Founded on the phrase “Party with a purpose,” a portion of the exhibit’s proceeds will be donated to local organizations Prospect KC and Systems of Care Initiative. 

“Any nonprofits we are able to work with, we’re willing to. It’s one of those things that’s a passion of mine,” Q says. “I always love uplifting people; fashion is one of those things where I can help boost people’s confidence and bring awareness to mental illness.”

Uplifting the community is one of Q’s reasons for sharing his brand and arranging events. 

“We all need to be poured into,” Q says. “At the end of the day, our brand is a lifestyle brand, but it’s based around the gold standard; it’s based around pouring into people.” 

The timing for his event is purposeful—Q hopes to provide a unique entertainment experience amidst the World Cup festivities. 

“The exhibition will be a good platform, two feet off the international soccer event,” Q says. “All the out-of-town guests will be there, the only thing bigger than what we’re putting together is the FIFA Fan Fest, but I wanted to do something independently, not ride off the bigger events, but elevate it.” 

Q says multiple celebrities will be in attendance at the GOLDBAR exhibition, including rapper Yung Joc. GOLDBAR exhibition will feature live music as well, with Q striving for an all-encompassing experience. 

“The exhibition will be one of those things where people are literally going to be sitting next to a platinum recording artist,” Q says. “It’s going to be a good energy, that good feel. After the show, we’re going to do a special performance.”