Wichita designers show off their creations at New York Fashion Week

If there’s one thing fashion designer Alicia Ybarra believes in it’s to be ready. Show up prepared. And that’s what she was when she and sculptor Christopher Gulick went to New York to show their combined efforts at the hi-TechMODA Fashion Show, couture division. You might remember another Wichita designer, Hazel Stabler showed her Native American-inspired line last year.

On a snowy Monday morning last week I went to Alicia’s company, Vanya Designs on South Commerce to speak to her in person. She looked tired, but was happy to share the experience. We called Christopher because he was still driving home to Wichita from New York.

On a scale from one to 10, Christopher said he would give it a “solid 9.5. The .5 because I had some stress going on, but Alicia was her normal calm.”

“I was never nervous,” she said. “I was prepared, so I just checked in with everyone and got to stand there and have fun.”

But they both found the backstage chaos amazing. Both said they were amazed and happy to see that everyone was helping each other when needed. The people who had done shows assured them the chaos was completely normal.

The designing duo was determined that every model would have the look they were going for from head to toe. Trish Dool and Kennedi Sills of Eric Fisher Salon made sure the hair was as fashion forward as the clothes.

“Trish and Kennedi did such a great job and the makeup artists that were provided were really good. They were very happy when they were chosen to do our show,” Alicia said.

Alicia and Christopher also wanted to make sure the models were diverse. Sure enough the diversity made the lineup a lot more interesting than teenaged, bone-thin models clomping down the runway looking angry.

To see what we’re talking about here, go to Instagram: gulick_ybarra. Make sure you check out the final model in the show because it’s local TV host Sierra Scott.

“What was really cool, they had seven or eight designers, but they (Alicia and Chris) got the most applause,” Sierra said. “When I went out, the audience went crazy and it surprised me so much it kind of threw me,” she said. “They loved the look. It was so fun and beyond cool.”

Take a look and you’ll see fashions you won’t see anywhere else. And Christopher’s sculpture to wear is not only great looking, it too is one of a kind. In a little less than two years this pair has collaborated on designs, presented a local show and gone to New York with 15 pieces. Now they say it’s time to get back to some projects they had before teaming up.

Alicia showed me a glossy catalog of her bridal designs. On the back cover she pointed out the little American flag and “Made in America.” “I’m very proud of that,” she said.

“One thing both of us want to stress when we talk about this experience is how grateful we are to the community,” she said. “The community really stepped up to help us be able to go and not worry that we would end up in debt. We are so appreciative.”

This story was originally published February 16, 2020 at 7:30 AM.