Rightfully Sewn’s inaugural Fashion Biennale event, titled the GOLDEN GALA, was a celebration of the culmination of the first Fashion Designer Residency Program and a fundraiser to bring in the necessary dollars for the next Seamstress Training Program.

Rightfully Sewn 2017 Fashion Biennale: GOLDEN GALA 
Evening of Saturday, December 2, 2017
The Grand Hall at Power & Light
1330 Baltimore, Kansas City, Missouri
 
HONORARY CO-CHAIRS
Barbara & Robert Bloch, Mary Jo & Robert Brown, Mary & Thomas Bloch, and Elizabeth & Paul Uhlmann
 
EVENT CHAIRS
Kimberlee Ried and Chadwick Alexander

The Ad Campaign

Each resident designer created a new look to be photographed for promotional materials. Two of my gold gowns were included in the campaign. Many thanks to the amazing team producing the advertising, website, invitations and social media posts. Executive producer: April Dion, Photographer: Samantha Levi, Stylist: Amy Appleton Dreyer, Accessories: Janesko Jewelry, Hair and Makeup: Cherice Richmond, Jenn B Styles, Xiphium Aveda Salon, Modeling Agency Partners: Voices& Models and Hoffman International, Models: Winny Duku and Gabrielle Lumma, Shoot Venue: Corbin Bronze, Graphic Design: James Smith 

The Event

The evening featured a Gold Carpet Experience, live music by fashionable, Kansas City-based Crystal Rose, followed by tracks laid by DJ Sheppa. A sumptuous culinary experience was provided by Kansas City's premier caterer, Lon Lane's Inspired Occasions, and a coffee and dessert bar was provided by The Roasterie, Pierpont's at Union Station Kansas City, Unbakery and Juicery, The Westside Local, and Cosentino's Market. 

Emcees Joni Johnson and Steven Nickell of BALDWIN and Standard Style, and Trey Hyde, a young fashion designer, orchestrated a brief Awards and Recognition Program that recognized the contributions of Kansas City natives to the fashion industry. Honorees included international runway star, Isabella Emmack, who received our first-ever Internationally-Acclaimed Fashion Professional Award, and Stephens College Assistant Professor of Fashion Design, Stephanie Carlo, who received our first-ever Exceptional Educator Award, and Rightfully Sewn's Resident Designers, Ami Beck of Dolyn Bags, Heidi Herrman, Whitney Manney, Sarah Nelsen, and Kate Nickols of Kathryn Lee Bridal. 

Jennifer Lapka's Custom Gala Gown

I had the honor of creating Jennifer Lapka's look for Golden Gal I put in many, many women hours to design and craft her 2-piece look: a golden gown and sequined cape. Jennifer knew she wanted a fitted sheath with long sleeves but we worked together to come up with the idea of overlaying the sequined mesh on top of the metallic organza to make a magical, ethereal cape. I love the idea of being able to wear pieces again and again, especially in different ways to make the most of what you have, so designing two pieces just made sense. I will forever remember how stunning Jennifer was the evening of the Golden Gala as we celebrated the many milestones – and a perfect way to end my two year residency with Rightfully Sewn.

Above: Jennifer and myself on the gold carpet.

Above: Jennifer and her husband Eric. Don't they look like royalty?!

Above: Jennifer and international model Isabella Emmack who walked her first ever runway show for me!

Designer Displays

Above: Designer Heidi Herrman

Above: Designer Kate Nickols, Kathryn Lee Bridal

Above: Designer Ami Beck, Dolyn Bags

Above: Designer Whitney Manney

Above: Designer Sarah Nelsen

Retail Sponsor Window Displays

Retail sponsors of the GOLDEN GALA decorated the gorgeous venue’s street-level windows and incorporated products from each Resident Designer. Here are some lovely shots of FINEFOLK'S window display. I was so honored to have my gold dress from the ad campaign alongside Virginia Zetmeir’s beautiful illustrations and FINEFOLK'S chic merchandise! What a dream.