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
Mahomes-era Chiefs prove a game-changer for small biz, community alike, says Tom’s Town owner
Editor’s note: The following is part of a multi-story feature profiling Kansas City small businesses reaping wins thanks to the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2023 Super Bowl bid. Click here to read more from this limited series. Time and time again, the Chiefs organization and team show how they are truly ingrained in the local community,…
Travis Kelce’s Super Bowl catchphrases score big for KC merch makers, driving business into the end zone
Editor’s note: The following is part of a multi-story feature profiling Kansas City small businesses reaping wins thanks to the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2023 Super Bowl bid. Click here to read more from this limited series. When the Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce opens his mouth, fans roar, social media lights up, and makers across…
Strength in numbers: Chamber’s Superstars bench surges to 2,500 KC small businesses
Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. A new round of nominations and submissions have brought the KC Chamber’s roster of Small Business Superstars to more than double its initial size — further amplifying…
KC-based Tico Sports is headed back to the Super Bowl too; this time play-by-playing both sides
A Kansas City production is returning to the Super Bowl Sunday as the official Spanish language broadcaster for both the Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s Tico Sports’ third trip to the big game — but the first where the Latino-owned company will broadcast for both competing teams. “We are incredibly thankful for our relationships…