Press
Whitney Manney is a fashion-forward eclectic designer
who translates the aesthetics of street art into ready-to-wear wearable art and textile design
In essence, she brings new life to old materials. All her fabulous designs are infused with and inspired by her love for urban landscapes, cultural movements, and much more!
From teaching students how to design, and giving back to the community Whitney Manney's designs have been featured in the press and her keen eye for design makes her one of the top fashion-forward designers in the industry.
Her signature pieces are art in motion. Not only does she love color, pattern, texture, Whitney believes that people should be able to make a statement through fashion.
as seen in
Blog Features
Meet Whitney Manney | canvasrebel.com: May 2024
Royals draft KC fashion designer: ‘You’ve got one chance; let’s knock it out of the park’ | startlandnews.com: March 2024
Fashion Finds Designed with Show-Me State Style | visitmo.com: February 2024
Our Man IN KC: Meeting Nick Cave, Going to the Circus, and More | inkansascitymagazine.com: January 2024
Kansas City Fashion Designer’s Creation Featured on Season Opener of RuPaul’s Drag Race | inkansascity.com: May 2023
Rhinestone’d to RuPaul reality: Fan-turned-KC fashion icon shines with ‘Drag Race’ design | startlandnews.com: May 2023
KC designer Whitney Manney debuts an entrance look on RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars | thepitchkc.com: April 2023
Wandering Bud partners with designer Whitney Manney on artistic line of smoking accessories | thepitchkc.com: April 2023
It’s the ultimate stash: How an exclusive cannabis collaboration is bringing smokeware out of hiding | startlandnews.com: March 2023
Shop Small: 5 gifts supporting creators of Color in KC (KC Gift Guide) | startlandnews.org: November 2022
Shout Out to Whitney Manney | Bel-Air’s Famous Fashion Designer | modernstitchesmag.com: July 2022
Julius Karash on Business and the Arts: ‘Bel Air’ TV Show Created by Native Kansas Citian Opens New Vistas for Kansas City Artists | kcstudio.org: June 2022
“So Fresh,” Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center | kcstudio.org: June 2022
‘HERstory’ roundtable distills women entrepreneur’s restless spirits into June 4 celebration | startlandnews.com: June 2022
Guest Designer Interview: Whitney Manney | olfa.com :May 2022
Four Inane Questions: Designer Whitney Manney | thepitchkc.com: May 2022
Whitney Manney is making moves with her fresh prints | March 2022
Local designer Whitney Manney’s work will be featured on Bel-Air | February 2022
5 Black Artists Bringing Excellence to the KC Art Scene | info.umkc.com: February 2022
Whitney Manney’s fresh prints: How one KC designer’s life got flipped-turned upside down by a call from ‘Bel Air’ | startlandnews.com: February 2022
The Pitch's 2021 holiday gift guide | thepitchkc.com: December 2021
Shop small: Five holiday hacks for supporting KC makers without leaving home | startlandnews.com: November 2021
Honors: Whitney Manney | kctudio.org: July 2021
Be What You Want To Be…DIY Empowerment During Women’s History Month | thriveglobal.com: March 2021
How a pair of chicken footstools hatched into a yarn barnyard of sold-out flock-pleasers | startlandnews.com: March 2021
Artist Profile + Playlist: Whitney Manney | thenelle.com: March 2021
Get to Know Me- Whitney Manney | whiterhinobags.com: February 2021
Sequins and Sales Funnels: How to Build a Business in Fashion | convertkit.com: February 2021
A Real Nice Lady social campaign is lifting up the women of KC | thepitchkc.com: December 2020
Gifts For the Stylish: The Best Local Gifts For the Fashionista In Your Life | citylifestyle.com/kansas-city-mo: December 2020
Featured Artist Program: Meet our Missouri featured artists for December | missouriartscouncil.org: December 2020
Launching our First Brand Campaign | convertkit.com: December 2020
Latest campaign from ConvertKit by Mekanism | shots.net: December 2020
ConvertKit and Mekanism Want You to “Find Your Audience Faster” | thesfegotist.com: December 2020
The Who/What/When/Where of Designer Whitney Manney | inkansascity.com: November 2020
Shop Small: Five Clicks to KC-Made Creations You’ll Likely Only Find Online | startlandnews.com: November 2020
Designer Whitney Manney using JOANN grant to reshape the fabric of KC’s fashion scene | startlandnews.com: November 2020
Interview: Whitney Manney - Fashion & Textile Designer | arealnicelady.com: October 2020
Maker reality show filmed at Union Station set for debut with top KC textile talent in focus| startlandnews.com: September 2020
How to help the BLM movement | sophisticaited.com: July 2020
Living Local: Support Black-Owned Business | reecenichols.com: June 2020
Guide: KC Black-Owned Businesses | mikcexplore.com: June 2020
Five Things You Didn’t Know About Me: Fashion Designer Whitney Manney | inkansascity.com: February 2020
“Now/Here,” H&R Block Artspace at the Kansas City Art Institute | kcstudio.org: July 2019
Black History Month: 60 Instagram Accounts to Follow | designsponge.com: February 2019
Meet Sewentist Whitney Manney | fashionformula.com: October 2018
Superwomen like Kate Spade smile to hide the pain. Time to hang up the cape and live | Jeneé Osterheldt of Kansas City Star, kansascity.com: June 2018
Good Company Magazine Tour: Kansas City | designsponge.com: April 2018
Fashion Formula presents its new Sewentists 'Whitney' to sewers and quilters | aninogunjobi.com: April 2018
Kansas City Women Entrepreneurs Speak Out | kcsourcelink.com: March 2018
A Golden Gala | sarahnelson.com: March 2018
I'm a feminist. Don't police me or Sports Illustrated's nude photos for #MeToo | Jeneé Osterheldt of Kansas City Star, kansascity.com: February 2018
Pop-Up! | medowtreestyle.com: February 2018
Kansas City Women Entrepreneurs Speak Out | kcsourcelink.com: March 2018
AltCap Your Biz Winners Ready to Scale Up | ithinkbigger.com: November 2017
GEW KC | wigotrips.com: November 2017
Stay Gold | aristocratmotors.com: October 2017
The Essential Black T-Shirt | medowtreestyle.com: October 2017
Dress Up Day with KC Designer Whitney Manney | mrskansasmommy.wordpress.com: April 2017
Fashion incubator wants to create more than style | bizjournals.com: December 2016
Uber holds a rolling pitch competition with KC startups | bizjournals.com: October 2016
Papercut Cotton Tee by WHITNEYMANNEY | medowtreestyle.com: September 2016
Why Weird Works: Transparent Marketing | Go Local Interactive: August 2016
One Wild Summer | mreneescloset.weebly.com: June 2016
Around Town KC: West 18th Street's Wild Summer Fashion | houseofgratiaetcaritas.com: June 2016
Local Businesses supporting creators | artskc.org: April 2015
Local Designer Hits Halls Shelves | kccrossroads.com: April 2015
MommyStyle: Fundraiser Season | mrskansasmommy.wordpress.com: April 2015
Fashion For A Cause: What to Wear & What to Watch | sophisticaited.com: April 2015
Is E-Retailer Colabination The New Etsy? Shop Indie Fashion Brands And Join The Collaboration Economy | bustle.com: February 2015
Whitney Manney | shewearzthepants.weebly.com: November 2014
Girl Power: PrimaRebelle | shewearzthepants.weebly.com: November 2014
#NoMoreExcuses- Introducing Young Fashion Designer Whitney Manney | keepcalmenjoylife.com: October 2014
"Independent Swag" Fashion Show 2014 Highlights!| thehalolearning.blogspot.com: August 2014
From Sew to Show, HALO Fashion Design Workshop Prepares Youth for Fashion| haloworldwide.org: August 2014
#YOEF- Whitney Manney | greeneggsnham.blogspot.com: January 2014
Next Big Thing: Whitney Manney | trendtakeover.com: December 2013
Designer: Whitney Manney | theefashionstories.com: November 2013
Kansas City Fashion Week | The Bazaar Pastiche: October 2013
Kansas City Fashion Week | lestylorouge.com: October 2013
Kansas City Fashion Week Reviews: Thursday | prettypolishedperfect.com: October 2013
Favorite Styles from Kansas City Fashion Week | kimberlyloc.com: October 2013
Fashion Friday: Kansas City designs grace runway | bizjournals.com: October 2013
Kansas City Fashion Week| Night One at Union Station | style.b8sics.com: October 2013
Haus of Donna Faye, Whitney Manney & AC78 shine on Night One of KCFW | jakes-take.com: October 2013
Style In The Loop | docetrata.com: October 2013
Style In The Loop | therubyzipper.com: October 2013
Saint Louis Fashion Week: Style in the Loop | economyofstyle.net: September 2013
Recap: The Best of Sunday’s Runway Looks at Style In the Loop | alivemag.com/blogSeptember 2013
Whitney Manney Collaboration | fashiondreamcloud.blogspot.com: July 2013
Whitney Manney Collaboration | Trampling Ice Cream: June 2013
Saint Louis Fashion Week: Brown Shoe Presents Project:Design! | alivemag.com October 2012
Live Coverage St. Louis Fashion Week | St. Louis Post-Dispatch: October 2012
Hidden In Plain Sight: African-American Artists in Kansas City | temporaryartreview.com: September 2012
Project Design: Motor City Adventure Part 2 | alivemag.com: September 2012
Project Design: Motor City Adventure Part 1 | alivemag.com: September 2012
Recap:Kansas City Fashion Week Runway Showcase | mimiandchichi.com: September 2012
Fashion Night Out 2012 | kimberlyloc.com: September 2012
Kansas City Fashion Week:Saturday Designer Showcase | prettypolishedperfect.com: September 2012
Whitney Manney Summer 2012 | kimberlyloc.com: May 2012
Whitney Manney Runway Show | mimiandchichi.com: May 2012
Photographer Andres Serrano to speak at KCAI commencement | info.kcai.edu: April 2012
TV Radio/Podcast
Hustle & Shyne ITM 05.17.24 (Feat. Murphy Lee & Whitney Manney) | Hot 103 Jamz: May 2024
WOMEN MEAN BUSINESS: Baseball Fashion That Scores | FOX4 News: April 2024
Up To Date broadcasts from Kauffman Stadium on Opening Day as stadium vote looms | KCUR.org: March 2024
Royals team up with KC-based designer to celebrate Opening Day in style | KSHB41 News: March 2024
Royals Opening Day: Fashion | KCTV5 News: March 2024
WOMEN Mean Business: Whitney Manney | Great Day KC Fox4 News: February 2023
MU VADS Jury 2023 Interviews | mulibraries.missouri.edu: January 2023
Episode #216: Whitney Manney | craftindustryalliance.org: May 2022
Whitney Manney on Seizing Opportunities, Separating Yourself From Your Brand, and Honouring Your Inner Art Kid | makerandmoxie.com: May 2022
'Fresh Prince' reboot gets its fashion look from Kansas City designer | KCUR.org: March 2022
KC native fashion designer among local artists in 'Bel-Air' | KSHB41 News: February 2022
Thusday’s Child: 14-year-old artist ready to find new parents after 10 years in foster care | FOX4 News: June 2021
I Am A Creator: Whitney Manney | ConvertKit: February 2021
Black is Wonderful: Meet Whitney | Intel: February 2021
Find your audience faster - Whitney Manney for ConvertKit | ConvertKit: December 2020
Inside the Artist’s Studio: Whitney Manney | American Craft Council: November 10, 2020
Behind the Scenes with Whitney Manney | Kansas City Artists Coalition: February 11, 2020
Whitney Manney: Make48 Season 4 Tool Tech | Make48: August 27, 2020
Interview with ARTSPEAK Radio| KKFI 90.1 FM: October 2, 2019
Artist Interviews from Art Westport | Everyday Artist’s Podcast with Brent Wilkerson: September 10, 2018
Rain or shine, Hutchfest brings Midwest artists to Omaha | KETV7 Omaha: August 26, 2018
Episode 12: Whitney Manney | Starty Pants with Sharice Davids: February 12, 2018
Episode 12: Whitney Manney | Starty Pants with Sharice Davids: February 12, 2018
No.5 FEMIN IS Jennifer Lapka Pfeifer | KC Art Pie with Rachelle Gardner-Roe: April 26, 2017
Rightfully Sewn is spreading the love of fashion | KSHB 41 Kansas City Live: October 6, 2015
Pianos on Parade in Kansas City | KCUR 89.3FM Up to Date with Steve Kraske: May 28, 2015
Pianos on Parade: Pianos will soon go on display around Kansas City | KSHB 41 The Now KC: May 21,2015
Cookie Lyon from hit show 'Empire' making a hit in fashion world | Fox 4 KC: March 17, 2015
Sunflower Journeys ep.2713 'Living Legends' | KTWU PBS Topeka: December 18, 2014
Art Attack | KSHB 41 Kansas City Live: January 17, 2014
Print features
KC Options | 2022-2023 From KC to Bel-Air
Kansas City Star: May 2023 (Print + Web)
‘It’s an amazing feeling’: KC designer creates looks for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’
Kansas City Star: March 2022 (Print + Web) ‘Morgan Cooper Day’ in KC? No better way to honor creator of new ‘Fresh Prince’ remake
In KC Magazine: September 2022 (Print + Web) The History of Kansas City’s Garment Industry: 1922-2022
In KC Magazine July 2022 (Print + Web) Ten Kansas Citians Making a Difference
Kansas City Magazine October 2021 (Print + Web) Meet the Makers: Handmade products from 34 locals we love
KC Studio Magazine January/February 2021 (Print) Designer Whitney Manney Racks Up Another Award
Kansas City Magazine January 2021 (Print +Web) Local designer Whitney Manney wins Minority Creative Grant from Joann Fabrics
Pitch Kansas City July 2019 (Print + Web) Brushed Aside
Good Company Magazine (Issue 3): The Money Issue May 2019 When Purpose Meets Business
HERLIFE Magazine November 2018 (Cover + Editorial) Fashion Is Art Issue: Whitney Manney
In Kansas City Magazine October 2018 (Print) Locavore Looks
The Pitch June 2017 (Print + Web) Money for art is always scarce, but KC and regional creators will really suffer if Donald Trump has his way with federal arts funding
Cincinnati Magazine May 2017 (Print + Web) Shop Talk: Your Friends & Neighbors
The Pitch March 2017 (Print + Web) Jennifer Lapka Pfeifer's Rightfully Sewn chooses its first class
KC Studio Magazine September/October 2015 (Print+Web) Whitney Manney Launches a New Line this Fall
Lo'Cal Fashion Magazine Vol. 3 | Art of Fashion Cover+Editorial Spread
435 Magazine February 2015 (Print+Web) | Inside the Closet of Whitney Manney
Ink Magazine KC Volume 7, Issue 25 (Print+Web) October 2014 | On My Mind: Designer Whitney Manney's philosophy of passion and purpose
435 Magazine November 2013 (Print+Web) | Kansas City Fashion Week Features Everyday Looks
KC Magazine August 2013 | Art Stars: 12 Emerging and Established Artists to Watch
Ink Magazine KC Volume 5, Issue 42 January 2013 (Print+Web) | Lookout: The Secret To Great Style Spilled
Editorial Magazine December 2012 | Designer feature (p.68-69)
Nous Magazine Volume 3 July 2012 | 'Cruel Summer' Editorial
Faction Magazine Volume 13 June 2012 | Designer Spotlight