ROCK THE RUNWAY 2026
Fashion. Culture. Creativity. Competition.
Friday, September 25, 2026
Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District
Kansas City, Missouri
COMPETE FOR $1,000
✳︎
COMPETE FOR $1,000 ✳︎
APPLICATION FEE
$30 Entry Fee
APPLY NOW
$50 Application Fee
Think your designs belong on the runway?
Apply today to compete in Rock the Runway 2026, the signature fashion competition of the 18th & Vine Arts Festival.
Held on Friday, September 25, 2026, in Kansas City's Historic 18th & Vine District, Rock the Runway brings together fashion designers, models, stylists, hair artists, makeup artists, and creative professionals for an unforgettable showcase of style, culture, and innovation.
Only eight (8) designers will be selected to compete live on stage.
THEME
NEO SOUL FUSION
Neo Soul Fusion blends classic soul, jazz, blues, and hip-hop with modern Black expression—honoring tradition while designing the future.
Each selected designer must incorporate at least one Neo Soul Fusion-inspired look into their collection.
WHAT YOU'RE APPLYING FOR
Selected designers will:
• Present 6–8 runway looks
• Showcase their collection before a live audience
• Compete before an official judging panel
• Receive promotional exposure through festival marketing
• Connect with fashion industry professionals
• Gain visibility within Kansas City's fashion community
• Compete for the Rock the Runway Championship
GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE
🥇 $1,000 Cash Prize
🏆 Official Rock the Runway Champion Trophy
📸 Festival & Media Recognition
📱 Featured Promotion Across Festival Marketing Platforms
🎤 Recognition During the 2026 18th & Vine Arts Festival
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit:
• Completed Designer Application
• Five (5) Photos of Previous Work - Email to info@18thandvineartsfest.org
• $50 Application Fee
Applications will be reviewed by the official Rock the Runway judging panel.
Only eight (8) designers will be selected to compete live during Rock the Runway 2026.
EVENT DETAILS
📅 Friday, September 25, 2026
📍 Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District
Kansas City, Missouri
🎟 Featured Event of the 2026 18th & Vine Arts Festival
COMPETITION JUDGING
Designers will be scored on:
• Design Quality
• Theme Integration
• Showmanship
• Hair & Makeup
• Creativity & Originality
• Overall Impact
Tie Breaker:
Theme Integration Score
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The $50 application fee is non-refundable and covers application review and consideration for participation in Rock the Runway 2026.
Submission of an application does not guarantee selection.
Selected designers will receive additional information regarding rehearsals, production schedules, model requirements, and event logistics.
READY TO TAKE THE RUNWAY?
Only 8 Designers Will Be Selected.
Apply today and compete for $1,000 while showcasing your creativity at one of Kansas City's premier arts and culture festivals.
September 25, 2026
Historic 18th & Vine District
Kansas City, Missouri
2026
18th & Vine Arts Festival
Think your designs belong on the runway?
The 18th & Vine Arts Festival is searching for emerging and established fashion designers to compete in Rock the Runway 2026, one of Kansas City's most exciting fashion showcases.
Designers from across the region will bring their creativity, vision, and style to the stage as they compete for the title of Rock the Runway Champion and a $1,000 Grand Prize.
Only eight designers will be selected.
NEO SOUL FUSION
Neo Soul Fusion blends classic soul, jazz, blues, and hip-hop with modern Black expression—honoring tradition while designing the future.
Every selected designer must incorporate at least one Neo Soul Fusion-inspired look into their runway presentation.
This theme celebrates:
• Soul
• Jazz
• Blues
• Hip-Hop
• Black Fashion Excellence
• Cultural Heritage
• Future-Focused Design
This is your opportunity to tell a story through fashion.
2026
18th & Vine Arts Festival
ABOUT ROCK THE RUNWAY
Rock the Runway is a live runway competition held during opening night of the 2026 18th & Vine Arts Festival.
The event combines:
• Fashion
• Hair Artistry
• Makeup Artistry
• Music
• Performance
• Cultural Expression
Designers will showcase their collections before a live audience and an accomplished panel of judges.
COMPETITION FORMAT
Applications Accepted
Designers submit:
• Application Form
• Five (5) Photos of Their Work
• Application Fee
DESIGNER REQUIREMENTS
Selected Designers Must:
• Present 6–8 runway looks
• Include one Neo Soul Fusion look
• Provide their own models
• Provide their own stylists
• Provide their own hair artists
• Provide their own makeup artists
• Participate in promotional content
• Attend event rehearsals
Designers may use up to ten models.
2026
18th & Vine Arts Festival
GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE
$1,000 CASH PRIZE
The winning designer will receive:
🥇 $1,000 Cash Prize
🏆 Official Rock the Runway Championship Trophy
📸 Festival Recognition
🎤 On-Stage Recognition
📱 Featured Promotion Across Festival Marketing
📰 Media & Press Exposure
🎨 Recognition as the 2026 Rock the Runway Champion
JUDGING PANEL
Confirmed Judges
Pink Lipps
Makeup Artist
Toni Talley
Model & Fashion Professional
Lawrence Crawford
Fashion Industry Professional
Ms. Champoo
Hair Artist & Entrepreneur
Vanne McMillan
Fashion & Creative Industry Professional
SCORING CRITERIA
Each category is scored on a scale of 1–10.
Design Quality
Construction, craftsmanship, and execution.
Theme Integration
How effectively the collection reflects Neo Soul Fusion.
Showmanship
Runway presentation and audience engagement.
Hair & Makeup
Styling and visual cohesion.
Creativity & Originality
Innovation and artistic vision.
Overall Impact
The complete runway experience.
Tie Breaker
Theme Integration Score
READY TO TAKE THE RUNWAY?
Only Eight Designers Will Be Selected.
Applications are reviewed by the official Rock the Runway judging panel.
If you believe your designs belong on the runway, now is your opportunity.
APPLY TODAY
Application Fee: $30
Questions? info@18thandvineartsfest.org
$50 Application Fee
Think your designs belong on the runway?
Apply today to compete in Rock the Runway 2026, the signature fashion competition of the 18th & Vine Arts Festival.
Held on Friday, September 25, 2026, in Kansas City's Historic 18th & Vine District, Rock the Runway brings together fashion designers, models, stylists, hair artists, makeup artists, and creative professionals for an unforgettable showcase of style, culture, and innovation.
Only eight (8) designers will be selected to compete live on stage.
THEME
NEO SOUL FUSION
Neo Soul Fusion blends classic soul, jazz, blues, and hip-hop with modern Black expression—honoring tradition while designing the future.
Each selected designer must incorporate at least one Neo Soul Fusion-inspired look into their collection.
WHAT YOU'RE APPLYING FOR
Selected designers will:
• Present 6–8 runway looks
• Showcase their collection before a live audience
• Compete before an official judging panel
• Receive promotional exposure through festival marketing
• Connect with fashion industry professionals
• Gain visibility within Kansas City's fashion community
• Compete for the Rock the Runway Championship
GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE
🥇 $1,000 Cash Prize
🏆 Official Rock the Runway Champion Trophy
📸 Festival & Media Recognition
📱 Featured Promotion Across Festival Marketing Platforms
🎤 Recognition During the 2026 18th & Vine Arts Festival
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit:
• Completed Designer Application
• Five (5) Photos of Previous Work - Email to info@18thandvineartsfest.org
• $50 Application Fee
Applications will be reviewed by the official Rock the Runway judging panel.
Only eight (8) designers will be selected to compete live during Rock the Runway 2026.
EVENT DETAILS
📅 Friday, September 25, 2026
📍 Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District
Kansas City, Missouri
🎟 Featured Event of the 2026 18th & Vine Arts Festival
COMPETITION JUDGING
Designers will be scored on:
• Design Quality
• Theme Integration
• Showmanship
• Hair & Makeup
• Creativity & Originality
• Overall Impact
Tie Breaker:
Theme Integration Score
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The $50 application fee is non-refundable and covers application review and consideration for participation in Rock the Runway 2026.
Submission of an application does not guarantee selection.
Selected designers will receive additional information regarding rehearsals, production schedules, model requirements, and event logistics.
READY TO TAKE THE RUNWAY?
Only 8 Designers Will Be Selected.
Apply today and compete for $1,000 while showcasing your creativity at one of Kansas City's premier arts and culture festivals.