House of Rena

Designs by Lephant LLC, The Kritiq 2021

Why mental health took the runway before a single model walked The Kritiq’s largest fashion show yet

If speaking openly about mental health isn’t already part of the culture, you have to put it in the spotlight, said Mark Launiu, detailing why his recent fashion show offered the best runway to address a silent epidemic within underserved communities.  “You can’t reach a destination if you’re not mentally ready for the journey. I’m…

Photos: Culture pops as Kritiq puts KC’s fashion family on the runway

The evolution of the Kritiq fashion show — from a one-night event to a full weekend showcasing up-and-coming artists and fashion designers in streetwear and high fashion — was an intentional effort to reflect Kansas City’s booming creative landscape, said Mark Launiu. “The culture [of Kansas City] is changing and we have to be a…

Kritiq spring show

‘Starting to bloom’: Kritiq spring show debuts Sunday highlighting KC fashion scene by design

Jo Hartley might be different from the typical designer featured this weekend at The Kritiq Fashion Show. She’s also the type of creator who organizers of the Kansas City runway experience want to brag about — the type they credit with helping grow the fashion show that’s been organized each fall the past four years….

Kritiq to KC fashion designers: Don’t wear a label — create your own (Photos)

As the Kritiq fashion show came to its booming, music-filled conclusion Sunday, the crowd, designers and models meshed into a sea of energy on the runway — fueled by the MADE MOBB and an interactive experience like no other in Kansas City, said Mark Launiu. “Street wear and hip hop — they just blend together….

2017 Kritiq fashion show

VIDEO: Kritiq designs more emotional KC runway show with Goodwill crossover

When the Kritiq fashion show returns to the runway later this month, it will be an event styled with creativity and an intimate feel, said Mark Launiu, noting a new partnership with Goodwill stores across Kansas and Missouri. “For me, I grew up shopping at Goodwill, my family still shops at Goodwill, so it kind…