New CEO for KC Fashion Week; transition keeps an industry champion on the runway
June 8, 2023 | Startland News Staff
A shift in leadership at Kansas City Fashion Week is expected to emphasize the brand’s commitment to showcasing and promoting local and national talent within the industry, its outgoing executive said.
Teisha Barber, Kansas City Fashion Week
“The future of the fashion industry in Kansas City is in the best possible hands,” said co-founder and CEO Philip Willoughby, announcing the sale of Kansas City Fashion Week to the organization’s president, Teisha Barber. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Teisha is becoming a national leader in the fashion industry and is bringing national focus to our local industry stakeholders,” Willoughby continued.
During the past 13 years, co-founders Willoughby and Barber have built KCFW into a prominent platform for designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts, they said.
“I firmly believe in the incredible potential of our local fashion community and the transformative power of this event,” said Barber, who now serves as owner and CEO. “My goal is to further cultivate the creative talents in our region, nurture meaningful industry connections, and create an unforgettable experience for fashion enthusiasts worldwide.”
Barber intends to introduce innovative initiatives, forge strategic partnerships, and enhance the overall experience for attendees, designers, sponsors, and media partners, she added.
View this post on Instagram
Kansas City Fashion Week 2022; photo by Mustapha Darboe
In February, the KCFW leaders announced that Jennifer Lapka, founder of Rightfully Sewn, would help lead its non-profit arm, the Fashion Arts Fund — which provides catalyzing support to Kansas City fashion designers through scholarships, workshops, and mentorships. Willoughby is expected to continue his work with the Fashion Arts Fund.
KCFW also was recently selected by the Council of Fashion Designers of America as one of 12 participants in the inaugural CFDA Connects program.
The annual two-week event features local, national, and international designers, who partner with models, photographers, stylists, and make-up artists to showcase their collections on the runway.
Following each event, individual buyers can purchase apparel and accessories worn by models on the runway.
This year’s CFDA event is scheduled for Sept. 16-23 at Union Station, with Kansas City Fashion Weekend planned for July 21-23.
Kansas City Fashion Week 2022; photo by Alex Todd
Featured Business
2023 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Capital connector’s message to women: Your investor pool isn’t just sharks; dive in and learn to swim
When it comes to navigating the waters of capital and equity, Women’s Capital Connection angel investment network and the Women’s Business Center serve as a guide to both entrepreneurs and investors, Kelly Sievers shared. “All the education that we do and all the connections that we make, I would say that’s really the key,” explained…
Entrepreneur behind Soul of Santa aims to create Rockefeller Plaza holiday experience on KC’s east side
Tucker Lott hopes an outdoor ice skating rink at 2000 Vine — the home of Vine Street Brewing — will help solidify a new holiday tradition in the 18th and Vine entertainment district, the veteran entrepreneur said. “We wanted to create a holiday atmosphere where families could gather and have fun,” said Lott. “The entire…
Proptech startup Particle Space acquired by LA real estate marketing software firm
The acquisition of a Kansas City proptech startup by one of its first — and biggest — customers offers founder David Biga the opportunity to pivot back to his entrepreneurial roadmap, he said, reflecting on next steps once Particle Space’s technology is fully integrated into its new home. “Build, give back, build, give back,” Biga…
Speak easy and SprinkleSumSalt: Podcaster passes the mic to KC’s underground arts scene
Untold stories of creative talent and entrepreneurial spirit are raging beneath the surface of Kansas City’s mainstream, said Bump Jonas, who finds vibrant inspiration in musicians, chefs, and small business owners angling to reach a broader audience. “I wanted to bring something unique to Kansas City, a space where artists and entrepreneurs can connect and…