I was recently interviewed by Fashion Group International about the collaboration with DelBrenna Jewelry for our Fall 2025 Collection presented at Runway + Rhythm.

About the Collection & Creative Direction

What was the initial inspiration or story you were exploring when conceptualizing this collection?

For this collection, I presented Fall 2025 Ready-to-wear as well as custom designed holiday looks as part of “Runway and Rhythm,” a Lawrence Arts Center fundraiser. This collection was a celebration of my return to the runway — I wanted to bring some light and levity to the world through artistic expression as well as support the arts community where I spent my college years. 

How did your artistic background influence the color, textile, and silhouette choices? Were there any particular artists, eras, or cultural references that guided your mood board?

Overall I am inspired by classic shapes that can be modernized for today — you can see that my aesthetic is influenced by 1920’s era shapes like the kimono sleeves seen in the floor length gowns as well as the sensual simplicity of halter tops and slip dresses of the 1970s and 90s. The collection also included some of my classic pieces like the Cape Jacket, in black boiled wool with leather trim detailing. I focused on a palette of black, metallics and deep blue — moody yet sultry and exuding a solemn confidence.  I even rounded out the looks with mini bucket bags a few of the models carried. Texture plays a big role throughout — with slinky fabrics, pleats, subtle woven patterns and brocade.

What message or emotional experience did you hope the audience would walk away with after seeing the looks together on the runway?

An elevated ease — the collection is grounded by several pieces made in foiled ponte knit bringing together comfort and elegance. The Cropped Jacket, Bustier Top, Wide Leg Pant, Christine Dress and Danielle Skirt make up this capsule collection creating a mix and match wardrobe that can be accented by garments in other fabrics including your own pieces. Style needs to be functional and able to work in many different ways in order to be sustainable.

Collaboration with DelBrenna Jewelry

What drew you to DelBrenna Jewelry specifically as a design collaborator for this show? 

Last year I attended the FGI Communique event where Sebastian and Megan DelBrenna gave a lovely presentation about their family’s brand and business. I was drawn to their timeless pieces all made in Italy, representing a dedication to craft and luxury. As part of the FGI board, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Sienna Hansen and Christina Bereolos, both FGI members who work at the Kansas City DelBrenna boutique. It was my connection to these two amazing women that I was able to bring up the idea of a collaboration for this fashion show. Everyone was on board and the collaboration was a seamless and joyful experience.

How did you approach integrating their jewelry into the looks — did the garments inform the accessories, or did certain pieces inspire the garments?

Most of my pieces were already complete when the idea to collaborate with DelBrenna came, so I first shared images of what I had ready with the DelBrenna team so that they could start to visualize what might pair well together. Danielle Huppe, stylist and FGI Membership Chair was instrumental in helping bring both my pieces and DelBrenna’s pieces together cohesively. Prior to our styling session, I had each of my 8 models visit my studio for fittings so we knew who would be wearing each look. Each model is a dear friend whom I’ve met through the fashion or art community so it was extra special to have these talented women representing our collection.

Can you share any behind-the-scenes moments from styling sessions with the DelBrenna team?

We had a great styling session at the DelBrenna Crestwood shop a week before the runway show — I brought the entire collection and we had such a fun play day. It really is essential to know all the elements you are working with in order to create a complete look — from model, to garments to accessories. We used several of the DelBrenna collections, their signature Links in black, silver and gold finishes, the Signorelli Toggle necklace, the Vivaldi Summer collection, the Piazza collection and many more. We approached the styling by mixing jewelry collections to highlight different elements of the clothing or model’s features.

What do you feel their craftsmanship and aesthetic added to the collection’s storytelling?

I believe each element in the collection was crafted at such a superb level that it was a perfect pairing of clothing and jewelry. Both of our brand’s aesthetics focus on timeless beauty and elegance. It was a wonderful collaboration and experience on all levels.