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
This startup designed roads that pay for themselves (and charge your electric vehicle while driving)
Longtime Kansas City startup Integrated Roadways is earning recognition for the company’s plans to transform roads into “smart roads” by embedding digitally connected technology directly into the pavement — coming soon to Lenexa City Center. Called the smart pavement system, Integrated Roadways’ patented precast concrete pavement slabs provide Internet connection and sensing technology to vehicles driving…
For one night only, KCI’s new terminal became the city’s premier event venue; Here’s how they pulled it off
Transforming an airport terminal into a high-profile, elegant celebration and then back to an airport terminal within 48 hours is no easy feat, Whitney Butler said, but the women-led PlatinumXP team was up for the challenge. “We were creating within a venue that will never be able to be used as an event venue again.…
WeCode KC founder earns women’s achievement honor; adds national STEM figure to her org’s leadership
Only a few days into March, 2023 is already proving to be a big year for WeCode KC, noted co-founder and CEO Tammy Buckner. The organization — which operates with a mission is to give youth, especially those in the urban core, the opportunity to learn technology concepts and leadership skills and create a pipeline…
‘Shark Tank’ sets stage for Bryght Labs’ new smart play product rollout amid MO funding uptick
Fresh off a successful appearance on “Shark Tank,” Olathe-based connected gaming startup Bryght Labs hopes to capitalize on that exposure to build momentum, said founder and CEO Jeff Wigh. Wigh and co-founder Adam Roush were featured on an episode that aired in December, pitching their product ChessUp, a patented chess board that uses AI technology…