Runway Reflections

Some runways are for soft landings at the end of a journey; others are for powering up for take-off.

The afterglow of our first runway show at Kansas City Fashion Week in March is still shedding its golden light as I return to my studio and think about what’s next. That runway show was the most impactful ten minutes of my life. Not only do others see J.Mullin Apparel in a new light, but so do I.

Seeing the twelve distinctive looks presented as a cohesive collection on the 100 foot long elevated runway at Kansas City’s Union Station was like getting a huge nod of approval from the Universe. The entire production — designing the line and creating the garments — working with a stylist on how to present each look — choosing the models — fitting the garments to the models — choreographing and rehearsing — hair and make-up concepts, photo shoots and so much more…It all was a culmination of months of work by a team of professionals. The closer we got to the night of the event the more I realized the significance of the journey itself. It galvanized the J.Mullin Apparel brand’s philosophy and message.

Getting to know the people on my team was my biggest joy. And working with my stylist, Amani Skalacki, on perfecting each look was so much fun. She pushed me beyond my comfort zone and the end results were so much more elevated and editorial than I would have done on my own. I quickly learned to let go of my preconceived ideas and embraced the talents and contributions of my team. The result was a fabulous runway show that not only wowed the audience but also helped me see and articulate more clearly who we are as a brand.

Those surreal ten minutes of being on that runway was our end goal. Truthfully, I had been focusing so hard on perfecting that show, it became the grand finale in my mind. But now that it’s over, I am realizing that it was only the beginning. J.Mullin Apparel is on a new trajectory. We are seen in a new light. New opportunities are opening up for us. It is clear that our runway show was not the grand finale of anything. Instead of a triumphant landing at the end of a journey, it has become our moment of take-off.

Whatever you are working towards; whatever life event or goal; pay attention to all of the blessings and lessons that will come your way along the journey. Know that things are going to evolve along the way. Be open to revising your plans and adjusting your course. You might just find that when you finally reach your destination it will be better than you could have imagined. And, most likely, it will just be the beginning of so much more.

Do all Designers Have This Much Fun?

Celebrating the Accomplishment of Completing a Runway Collection

Today is the day Team J.Mullin Apparel has been anticipating and preparing for since early December, when I was accepted to be featured in the upcoming Spring /Summer ’23 Kansas City Fashion Week. This afternoon I will be presenting my completed runway collection to the Kansas City Fashion Week Committee for their inspection and approval. Then, we will have a dress rehearsal of our runway show, seeing all of our models and the entire collection together, and seeing how the models move to our newly remixed soundtrack. After so many hours of putting this show together, it will be so gratifying to see it come together.

Our runway show, “A Weekend in Saint Tropez,” scheduled for Thursday, March 9, will feature 12 ensembles that evoke the luxury lifestyle of the French Riviera during the 1960s and 70s. Inspired by the iconic photography of Slim Aarons, our collection is all about the elegant ease of kimono-inspired dressing that easily adapts to the various sides of a leisurely stay at a luxurious resort. But even in day-to-day life, we can give ourselves permission to bring more elegance and grace into how we live. By putting more thought into how we show up every day and adding the extra touches that elevate our lives, we will bring some of that free and easy vacation state of mind to our daily lives.

As I worked long hours in my studio creating the runway collection, I imagined a drone camera zooming out high above the city to reveal all of the other designers throughout Kansas City and beyond who were also working late into the night in their studios. As solitary as this line of work can be, I have become very aware of the vibrant community of artisans and creators there are in Kansas City! The J.Mullin Apparel team itself is a dynamic and creative crew of several remarkable individuals who bring their talents and personalities into my world, inspiring me to expand my vision and get out of my comfort zone.

Today’s dress rehearsal will be rewarding enough, but the real moment of celebration will be the night of the runway show when I will see the audience’s reaction to the collection — not only their reaction to the designs themselves, but also to the energy and vibrancy of the models who are wearing them. The ultimate reward, however, is seeing the way someone comes to life when they try on one of my garments. It is a transformation that inspires them to give themselves permission to shine and be all they were meant to be.

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Seeing Elegant Ease in Action

Just Published!

J.Mullin Apparel Featured in Kansas City's Johnson County Lifestyle Magazine

I am so thrilled to be on the cover of this Kansas City area lifestyle magazine! Inside, there is a feature article and several more photos of J.Mullin Apparel's one-of-a-kind kimono-inspired apparel!

Heather Slusher is the model in all of the photos, and she looks amazing in each one. I was interviewed byRebecca Stoltman, and the photographer was Janie Jones. Amani Skalacki styled and organized the photoshoot, pulling together a team of professionals. It was a very fun day for me because the team was so creative and motivated.

The juxtapositions of elegance with weathered and worn natural finishes gloriously lit by the golden light of a late Autumn afternoon sun was magical. It was a bountiful feast for the eyes and the soul.

It was seeing Elevated Ease in action. The more I saw, the more I wanted. A natural elegance that just seemed so spontaneous and organic. It was all about a soft femininity mixed with rough finishes; the unexpected contrasts that create magic. Isn't that they way women want to feel? I know I do.

I just can't get enough of the mixed patterns and textures; the softness of velvet and silk mixed with well worn cowboy boots; the rich colors of vintage fabrics mixed with supple black leather. It is a sensual feast.

It is time to celebrate the raw beauty of being everything you want to be: your own unique combination of textures, colors and moods. You are not like anyone else. You don't copy an artificial, unimaginative catalog image. That's not who you are. You are an unexpected combination of contrasts; an original work of art.

It's time to celebrate what makes you who you are. Think about how you feel in your clothes. Is what you wear making you feel more alive? More like who you want to be? What do you love? I want to know YOU.