HIGH Trend met the honest ardour on Sunday’s monitor with the return of the Kritiq trendy parade: a celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship and group spirit that not even a world pandemic (or household pressures) may undress.
Mark Launiu, co -founder of the Kritiq trend parade, opens the 2025 parade on the Abbott crossroads in Kansas Metropolis; Picture by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland Information
“That is our tenth 12 months,” stated Mark Launiu, co -founder of The Kritiqin addition to the Kansas Metropolis Streetwear model made Mobb. “I by no means thought I’d go to this point. 5 years, I attempted to cease doing it and focus on being a household man … however yearly, this system hits me, and we discover a technique to transfer on.”
The occasion was organized by Lenora Leathers, co -owner of Sensible Corridor Kcand Jacob Louisius, guiding the group via an evening that honored creativity, tradition and individuals who have helped keep The Kritiq trend parade I reside over the last decade.
Ten excellent designers appeared on this 12 months’s monitor: See the world, UJL clothes (City Jungle Life), Crush mannequin studio, 79roze gown room, Naruse Distantle Ladies Trend, Sydney-Lenox, Iron togs, ARTELVIA CLARISEand Bug made.
Lenora Leathers and Jacob Louisius are hosts of the Kritiq trend parade; Picture by Taylor Wilmore, Startland Information
Fed by love and assist
Within the coronary heart of the longevity of Kritiq there’s a circle of followers who proceed to imagine in what this system represents, the artistic pulse of Kansas Metropolis and the individuals behind him.
The sponsors of this 12 months included First-class actual propertySavvy Kc room, District bisquits, Sensei manufacturers, and United Manner, which additionally acquired part of this system’s revenue.
“We’re donating earnings to United Manner,” Launiu stated. “They’ve supported us with volunteers and sources. Their mission of mobilizing individuals and bettering group well being coincides with our values.”
Launiu additionally shared how Mobb nearly closed its doorways throughout the pandemic, till an sudden alternative of the Kansas Metropolis bosses arrived.
“We had no cash, however the Chiefs nonetheless gave us the chance to collaborate in 2022,” he stated. “They believed in sleep. That affiliation helped us survive.”
Suzanne Wanja, founding father of Tivona World, on the fitting, joins fashions on the monitor throughout the Kritiq; Picture by Taylor Wilmore, Startland Information
Daring statements with every sew
The monitor got here to life with collections that spoke rather a lot, from cultural narration to Alto Glamor trend.
Suzanne Wanja, founding father of Tivona World, was primarily based on her Kenya roots to create a vibrant and fashionable clothes line.
Stanae Monae’s monitor items, the designer behind Artelvia Clarise, took the middle of the stage on the Kritiq; Picture by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland Information
“Tivona started for the aim of inspiring extra fashionable, elegant and culturally able to put on garments,” Wanja stated. “Our materials are daring. So we at all times take a look at that one that needs to get out of his shell … in Tivona, we at all times say:” Desert their audacity. “
Steana Monae, the designer behind Artelvia Clarise, took glama attire adorned with imitation diamonds, dazzling the group.
“Wait full glamorous attire, stuff you see on the Met gala,” stated Monae. “Someday I made a random outfit. Folks cherished it, so I moved on. The truth that I’m a part of these 10 years is right. I really feel honored.”
Monae inspired promising designers to observe their instincts. “Go for it. Don’t give it some thought too. If you’ll be able to create a group, get your group. However in the end, begin.”
Mark Launiu, co -founder of the Kritiq trend parade, discusses the consciousness of the psychological well being of the monitor; Picture by Taylor Wilmore, Startland Information
L’Chelle Inexperienced, occasion coordinator for the Kritiq trend parade, takes the monitor; Picture by Taylor Wilmore, Startland Information
Highlighted in psychological well being
Whereas trend stole the main focus of consideration, the deepest conversations anchored the evening. Launiu opened the viewers about private loss, little one trauma and the continual therapeutic course of.
“My mom died when she was 5 years outdated. My dad died when she was eight years outdated, and I assumed she was nice,” he stated. “However as I grew up, I had youngsters, and all of the trauma of my childhood started to return. I simply imply that in case you are going via issues proper now. It is going to be nice. You can be nice, no matter.”
A member of the United Manner Psychological Welfare group fashions throughout the Kritiq trend parade at Abbott; Picture by Taylor Wilmore, Startland Information
For the primary time, Kritiq related to United Manner Psychological Welfare group, who launched his personal clothes line throughout the present. His items have been modeled by licensed therapists, strolling alongside the monitor as defenders and power symbols.
“For every story, there’s a objective,” added Launiu. “You could possibly be in the identical room with somebody who’s going via one thing and you’d by no means know.”
Kritiq 2025 was a mirrored image of what’s potential when trend turns into a platform for connection, therapeutic and cultural expression.
“Name somebody you’re keen on. Recognize your individuals,” Launiu informed the group. “Everybody goes via one thing, whether or not they say it or not. So I do know sort and preserve showing.”
