Wichita Designer Expands Horizon
Wichita-based shoe and clothing designer Aida Stenholm is making waves. In the past week, her designs appeared on runways at Kansas City Fashion Week and another fashion event, marking a rare dual showing for a regional designer. Alongside the momentum from these showcases, she is preparing a fresh retail concept to bring back home.
From Local Roots to Dual Showcases
Stenholm, known locally for her handcrafted footwear and limited-batch clothing, stepped beyond her hometown stage. At Kansas City Fashion Week, her collection drew attention for its aesthetic cohesion and craftsmanship. At the second event, she navigated the pressures of fashion-week expectations, blending wearable pieces with striking statement items. These shows signaled her arrival on a broader stage.
A New Concept on the Horizon
Back in Wichita, Stenholm is working on a new store concept that will fuse her footwear and clothing lines with immersive retail experience. She envisions a space where customers can move fluidly between shoe displays, garment collections, and creative installations — making the shopping journey a narrative. The ambition is to translate runway momentum into a homegrown destination brand.
Challenges, Community, and Forward Vision
Stenholm acknowledges the obstacles ahead. Operating in a non-fashion capital invites cost constraints, supply-chain hurdles, and the need to educate local customers on premium fashion. Yet, she leans into Wichita’s community strength. She hopes the new concept will not only showcase her artistry but also inspire local makers, dancers, stylists, and fashion fans. For her, appearing on dual fashion weeks and then bringing that energy back to her city is about closing the loop — pushing boundaries outward and drawing creative energy inward.
