ATC Anniversary

Happy Anniversary ATC!

Arizona Trading Company, a buy/sell/trade clothing company, has been featured in many issues of Faction Magazine. On May 1^st , ATC will celebrate the 13th anniversary of the opening of their store prominently located in Kansas City's Westport entertainment district. The Lawrence, KS location on Massachusetts Street will have a birthday this year in December. Each location has its own look and feel, inspiring visitors with great ideas on how to transform their wardrobe. We at Faction always find ourselves fascinated and inspired by ATC's visual displays!

We spoke with Venus Starr, General Manager/Head Buyer of their Westport store, to get the scoop. Despite the job requirement of having to deal with “boring paper work” as General Manager, Venus has a passion for moving inventory and creating a fun environment for her employees and customers. Her daily inspiration comes from national magazines such as “Nylon”, and taking note of other people's attire. Venus takes delight in seeing how different personalities evolve in people based on what they are wearing.

As a note for those who are spring cleaning, ATC is currently buying and taking trade-ins for Spring and Summer wear. Venus has observed current trends leaning toward a lot of lighter denim than ATC has seen in the past. "We are always looking for skinny jeans, bell bottoms, and denim shorts" says Venus, “and boot-cut denim for men is selling well for us right now.” Other hot trends moving well, are floral prints, mod patterns, clothing in the peach and cream color family, long thin t-shirts and men's vintage cowboy shirts.

We hope you continue to support our local shops as they continue to support Faction Magazine.
Happy Anniversary ATC!

Interview by Amanda Fenimore / Written by Faction Magazine

Congrats to Sarah Nelsen!

Faction Magazine featured Sarah Nelsen's designs in "Faction Magazine V5 Issue" where we also added her as a contributor. She is also responsible for the graphic elements in the recent spread "Alabaster Sirens" in "Faction Magazine V7 Anniversary Issue". This girl does it all and to top it off, she just got named winner of "Master Mind - Fashion & Design" by The Pitch for 2011.

We are very proud to be working with her and we can't wait to see what she does next!

Photo Info: Designer Sarah Nelsen (pose: "Portrait of a Noblewoman," Lavinia Fontana)

Inspiration from a Costume Designer

Some may wonder what it takes, and specifically how one gets successfully involved in the fashion industry? Faction Magazine recently had the pleasure of interviewing Erica Sword, the costume designer for Quixotic Fusion, who led us through her journey of experiences in fashion. Initially, Erica had the full intention of becoming a fiber artist after graduating from the Kansas City Art Institute with her BFA, but over time her work evolved into costume. Her next step was graduate school at UMKC in the theater department; after earning her masters she started teaching at the University of Central Missouri. While at UCM she met Daniel Parks, which led to her involvement with Quixotic Fusion. The pairing was a fantastic fit for both parties involved. Erica's interest in costuming for a circus complemented Quixotic's penchant for brilliant costume. Most individuals that work in costuming generally go the direction of television, opera, or theater. However, Erica always had the desire to "run away with the circus", which probably started when she had a summer experience with Feld Entertainment, the parent company to Ringling Brothers.

Erica's design inspiration comes mainly from nature, fashion history, and architecture. Continuing her career, Erica hopes to cement her affiliation as the resident costume designer for Quixotic into a full partnership. Expanding into the circus arts community is a huge opportunity to make fabulously beautiful costumes. Erica explains, "Many people might say I’m lucky to earn a living doing what I love to do and working in the arts, the truth is, in order to be truly successful you must be disciplined and work everyday to refine your chosen craft". She couldn't have said it any better!

Written by Amanda Fenimore

FACTION V7 now on the Web.

In this issue, Quixotic Fusion, graphic design by Sarah Nelsen, and a lookback at the year that has been.

Open publication - Free publishing - More carman stalker

Faction Magazine One Year Anniversary

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FACTION V6

Open publication - Free publishing - More weird stuff

V6 Party and Holiday Market

Faction Magazine Volume 6 Release Party
Holiday Shopping Market Featuring Local Artists & Harvesters Food Drive

Wednesday December 15th from 6pm-9pm

Terrace on Grand, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO 64108

Fashion Shows styled by Concrete Catwalk
6:30 ATC Clothing
7:30 We Are Tribe
8:30 Donna's Dress Shop

WearHaus Holiday Market Vendors:
APTRICKPHOTO
ATC Clothing
Bag & Baggage
Eclectic Niche
Fashion Group International
Inside Out
Last Tangle Salon
Laura Sterchi Design
Lusterbunny
Pilot Valve
Popgun Clothing
See{k} Design
SIKENOMICS Clothing
The Life Imagined
We Are Tribe
WM Couture

All Ages / Free Faction Magazine w/$5 Entry / Live Music/DJ

Donations & Raffles Benefiting Harvesters so Bring a Canned Food Item to Fight Hunger