Fashion Students Make Their Mark in Downtown Warrensburg

Written by Libby East, Reporter|October 25, 2021

Photo by Libby East

The Fashion Business Association poses for a picture after the Moonlight Market Fashion Show on Sept. 21. Everyone is wearing a look made from merchandise sourced from local businesses.

 Warrensburg residents were introduced to the University of Central Missouri fashion community at the Moonlight Market Fashion Show on Sept. 26 at 4:30 p.m. This show was made up of looks from local small businesses in Warrensburg, including Brown’s Shoe Fit Co., Crave Boutique, Awesome Blossoms, That’s So Darling, MKT Clothing and Salvation Army, in order to promote and shed

Junior fashion major Jay Shegog flashes the audience a smile while styling a look from the Salvation Army. (Photo by Libby East)

light on the products available in these stores. 

  Earlier this year, the UCM Fashion Business Association was approached by the Warrensburg Farmer’s Market in which their committee proposed the idea of the fashion show. From that point on, the club began making preparations for the big night.

  “Everyone wants to put on a fashion show,” junior fashion merchandising major and president of the FBA, Mallory Martin, said. “But when you really get into event management and figuring out all the logistics, you’re like, ‘Holy Cow, there’s so much.’”

  The first challenge the FBA faced was finding businesses willing to lend out their merchandise. One of the businesses in particular that participated in this event was MKT Clothing Co. The boutique is co-owned by Karen Vick and Rachel Mifflin. When Mifflin, who happens to be a UCM fashion program alumna, was approached by the FBA about this event, she was more than willing to help out. 

  “We’re always game to help the FBA with anything,” Mifflin said.

  Once merchandise was secured, the FBA students went to work finding models. This included recruiting students to participate during UCM’s Involvement Fair. 

  The event went off seamlessly and was a welcomed unity between UCM students and the Warrensburg community. Martin said she hoped the community increased awareness of the UCM fashion program and the variety of merchandise offered by local businesses. 

  “Sometimes the university has stuff going on and the community has stuff going on, and they just don’t mesh,” fashion merchandising associate professor Melissa Abner said. “I think it was great having a crossover event.” 

  On top of promoting local businesses, the show also gave the opportunity for FBA to advertise their own products. The FBA focuses mostly on the merchandising side of fashion, however they also have a line of products designed with student-made patterns, which can be found on their website.