KC Fashion Week pulls designers from coast to coast
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Designers from across the country are showing in Kansas City this week as Fashion Week celebrates its 15th year.
Why it matters: KC is no longer just a stop on the fashion map. Designers are choosing it to reach new customers and build their brands in the middle of the country.
State of play: KC Fashion Week 2026 started last week and built momentum before the runway even opened.
- Events included a kickoff party, a volunteer day at nonprofit Scraps KC, and model photo shoots ahead of show week.
- By Wednesday night, crowds were already lining up outside Union Station for the opening runway shows.
What they're saying: "KC is a huge staple for fashion," co-founder Teisha Barber tells Axios.
- About half of the designers are local or regional, with others coming from places like New York, California and Texas.
- "We are actually making moves in the fashion world. People should be paying attention to the Midwest," she said.
Zoom in: More than 30 designers are showing their work on the runway, including from brands including MADE MOBB and designers including Peach Carr and April Spring Powell.
- Student designers are also making their runway debut, showing full collections as part of the spring/summer lineup.
The intrigue: KC's location is part of the draw. Barber said designers come here to reach audiences they do not hit on the coasts.
What's next: Runway shows continue until tomorrow, with limited tickets still available.