Self-taught seamstress and designer Angela Brown-Kendall has been a trendsetter since the age of ten, creating new fashions on a makeshift runway in the living room of her childhood home. Today, she’s a well-known Kansas City-based fashion designer, creator of the Rock the Vine fashion show, and owner of AnjiB Designs.
Brown-Kendall is full of pride for the city. “I’m a hometown girl and so proud of our thriving metropolis,” she says, pointing to our culture, arts, cuisine, and history. She loves a good margarita—her recent favorites are the PS Margarita and the Pineapple Smash from Prime Social—especially enjoyed on a patio with friends. And at night, check out our local jazz bars to find her looking fabulous.
Brown-Kendall’s AnjiB Designs combines femininity with sophistication and reflects her take on “the power of a first impression.” With a focus on quality and high fashion, her style is sought after by women and men alike. When the weather begins to cool in the fall, Brown-Kendall finds herself inside more and more to focus on her designs. “The creativity just seems to flow,” she says.
The other thing she looks forward to in the fall? “Two words: Chiefs season. Need I say more?” She and her husband have been season ticket holders for years.
See Brown-Kendall’s designs on Instagram at @anjibdesigns.
Angela’s essentials...
Dining Out: Chef’s kiss to JJ’s Restaurant on the Plaza and their bacon-wrapped shrimp! My brother introduced it to me at their first location. Great atmosphere, perfect for any season—hiding behind my favorite sunnies on the patio with friends and people watching is the best.
Self-Care Sesh: A deep-tissue body massage does a body good, and The Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs is my favorite place to relax and rejuvenate—either with friends or solo. I always feel swept away when I’m there.
On the Town: I’m an old-school jazz lover, so I take any opportunity to listen to some good jazz. A visit to The Phoenix to check out some Lee Langston or Lonnie McFadden or The Blue Room in the Historic Jazz district on 18th & Vine—music to my ears!
Local Maker: Made Mobb in the Crossroads for their KC tees and hats. They’re inspiring and have their own factory where they make their creations right in the store. Love their ingenuity!
Fashion Find: I found a really nice boutique called Revive. I love finding unique one-of-a-kind items and designer handbags. A few years ago, I found a Louis Vuitton handbag I had wanted forever—it was like it called out my name in a gentle whisper only a Louis could make, “Angie! Come get me. I’m waiting for you!”
Hidden Gem: 18th & Vine is a KC jewel, especially The Negro League Baseball Museum. It’s rich with history and pride for KC and the African-American community. It’s a model for other Negro League Baseball museums throughout the country, and every Kansas City resident, teacher, baseball lover, or history buff needs to experience this incredible museum.
It also holds a special place in my heart because it’s where I was able to launch my inaugural fashion show as an homage to Buck O’Neil’s legacy and his love for all things fashion. I’m proud to have had the opportunity to collaborate with the nationally renowned NLBM president, Bob Kendrick, to bring fashion to showcase this historic district.
KC Scent: Lee’s Summit has a hidden gem called the Embers Candle Bar. You can create your own scented candles—my signature scent is Eucalyptus.