Real Eyes

Kate Spade, now known as Kate valentine, brings a Midwest sensibility to her fashion designs For regulars of Kansas City, St. Teresa’s academy is a well-known site – located on Main Street, the school is familiar to those who frequent Loose Park. It is one of the oldest schools in Kansas City and was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the very same that founded Avila. However, what some people may not know is that the school was once home to world-famous designer Kate Spade. Formerly known as Kate Brosnahan and currently going by the name Kate Valentine (a homage to her newest accessory line), Kate graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy and later attended the University of Kansas. Although Kate launched her brand from New York, she’s retained a presence in the city. A Kate Spade store has been on the Plaza since 2011 and Kate herself used to frequently hold parties at Halls to raise money for the Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City. Kat

Janelle Monae may be globetrotting superstar, but she has her roots in Kansas City               Janelle Monae is an award-winning R&B artist, owner of the record label Wondaland Arts Society, and actress in award winning films such as Hidden Figures and Moonlight. Monae is well known for her presence in the Afrofuturism movement, which reimagines the African tradition in the framework of science fiction. However, despite becoming an immense success, Monae has humble routes. She was born in Kansas City, Kansas, Dorothy Gale from the Wizard of Oz becoming a childhood source of inspiration. Monae attended F.L. Schlagle High School before being awarded a scholarship to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Her mother was a janitor and her father a truck driver for Deffenbaugh. Although Janelle moved on from Kansas City to escape poverty, she has roots here – family members, friends, and even an old band, The Weirdos.           Although the Midwest is of