Streetwear-infused runway show hits 10 year-mark, building fashion family along the way

High fashion met heartfelt passion on the runway Sunday with the return of the The Kritiq Fashion Show — a celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship and community spirit that not even a global pandemic (or family pressures) could undress.

Mark Launiu, co-founder of The Kritiq Fashion Show, opens the 2025 runway show at The Abbott in Kansas City’s Crossroads; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

“This is our 10th year,” said Mark Launiu, co-founder of The Kritiq, as well as the Kansas City streetwear brand MADE MOBB. “I never thought I’d make it this far. Five years ago, I tried to stop doing it and focus on being a family man… but every year, the show hits me up, and we find a way to keep going.”

The event was hosted by Lenora Leathers, co-owner of Savvy Salon KC, and Jacob Louisius, guiding the crowd through an evening that honored creativity, culture, and the people who’ve helped keep The Kritiq Fashion Show alive over the past decade.

Ten standout designers were featured on this year’s runway: Tivona World, UJL Clothing (Urban Jungle Life), Crush Model Studio, 79Roze Dress Shop, Naruse Distinctive Girls Fashion, Sydney-Lenox, Iron Togs, Artelvia Clarise, and MADE MOBB.

Lenora Leathers and Jacob Louisius play host to The Kritiq Fashion Show; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Fueled by love and support

At the heart of Kritiq’s longevity is a circle of supporters who continue to believe in what the show represents, Kansas City’s creative pulse and the people behind it.

This year’s sponsors included 1st Class Real Estate, Savvy Salon KC, District Biskuits, Sensei Brands, and United Way, which also received a portion of the show’s proceeds.

“We’re donating proceeds to United Way,” Launiu said. “They’ve supported us with volunteers and resources. Their mission to mobilize people and improve community health matches our values.”

Launiu also shared how MADE MOBB nearly shut its doors during the pandemic, until an unexpected opportunity arrived from the Kansas City Chiefs.

“We had no money, but the Chiefs still gave us the opportunity to collaborate in 2022,” he said. “They believed in the dream. That partnership helped us survive.”

Suzanne Wanja, founder of Tivona World, right, joins models on the runway during The Kritiq; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Bold statements with every stitch

The runway came alive with collections that spoke volumes, from cultural storytelling to high-glamour fashion.

Suzanne Wanja, founder of Tivona World, drew on her Kenyan roots to create a vibrant and modern streetwear line.

Runway pieces by Steana Monae, the designer behind Artelvia Clarise, take center stage at The Kritiq; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

“Tivona started out of the purpose of inspiring more modern, elegant, and culturally ready-to-wear clothes,” Wanja said. “Our fabrics are bold. So we always look at that person who wants to come out of their shell… In Tivona, we always say, ‘Unleash your boldness.’”

Steana Monae, the designer behind Artelvia Clarise, brought out full-glam gowns adorned with rhinestones, dazzling the crowd.

“Expect full glam gowns, things you see at the Met Gala,” Monae said. “One day I made an outfit randomly. People loved it, so I just kept going. The fact that I’m a part of this 10 years is ideal. I’m just honored.”

Monae encouraged up-and-coming designers to follow their instincts. “Go for it. Do not overthink it. If you are able to create a team, get your team. But ultimately, just start.”

Spotlight on mental health

While fashion stole the spotlight, deeper conversations anchored the evening. Launiu opened up to the audience about personal loss, childhood trauma, and the ongoing process of healing.

“My mom died when I was 5. My dad died when I was 8, and I thought I was OK,” he said. “But as I grew older, I had kids, and all my childhood trauma started to come back. I just want to say, if you’re going through things right now. It’s going to be okay. You’re going to be fine, regardless.”

A member of the United Way’s mental wellness team models during The Kritiq Fashion Show at The Abbott; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

For the first time, Kritiq partnered with United Way’s mental wellness team, who launched their own clothing line during the show. Their pieces were modeled by licensed therapists, walking the runway as advocates and symbols of strength.

“To every story, there’s a purpose,” Launiu added. “You could be in the same room with someone who’s going through something and you would never know.”

Kritiq 2025 was a reflection of what’s possible when fashion becomes a platform for connection, healing, and cultural expression.

“Call someone you love. Cherish your people,” Launiu told the crowd. “Everybody’s going through something, whether they say it or not. So be kind, and keep showing up.”

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