Photographer Kendra Cremin & I set out on our Wichita River Festival assignment with one goal in mind: to celebrate Wichitans and capture the Riverfest spirit. We wanted to make everyone feel special as we approached them to inquire about their personal style, their inspirations, and what they loved most about Riverfest.

In addition to sizzling summer styles, we were searching for a mood, an infectious vibe, a feeling, an "energy." An exuberant smile. a dance move that made others join in, a pair of eyes that sparkled with joy.

On May 31, we attended the YBG fashion show and hung around the food court and Kennedy Plaza. Canjunfest took place on June 4, with musical acts the Mudbugs Cajun & Zydeco Band, Josue Estrada, and zydeco accordion star Keith Frank. 

We were so inspired by Riverfest and the wonderful Wichitans we met there. — Nina Winter

Miguel & Ellie

Style: Colorblocking, comfort, girly fun, Hello Kitty. Miguel is wearing merch from his line Front Steps.

Adalenia & Will

Style: It "changes every day."

Diosa

Style: Dosia wears a yellow asymmetrical tank top paired with gray denim.

Isabel

Style: Glitter, anything shiny, long and elegant silhouettes

Nina & Admiral Windwagon Smith Ron McEwen

Style: Ties, uniforms, community, Riverfest (Editor's note: Learn more about Admiral Windwagon Smith's iconic uniform from this story by Seth Bate.)

Nevaeh 

Style: Alternative grunge, hippie, goth. Her inspiration is always changing.

Hayden

Style: Comfy casual streetwear, shirtless, cool curly hair

Francesca

Style: Francesca wears a comfy Riverfest volunteer outfit. She's also drawn to coastal and bohemian vibes, lace, and short dresses.

Erika 

Style: Erika wears a red patterned summer tank, ruffled black skirt, red leg warmers, and stylish summer boots.

Adeline & Kyle

Style: Adeline wears a white skirt, black corset, jeans, and T-shirt. Her inspiration changes every day.

Breana & Maiya

Style: Breana & Maiya are inspired by pink hair, yellow hair, and matching their fashion to their hair color.

Blake & Alex

Inspiration: To protect and serve

Freddy

Inspiration: Country music

BreAnna Monk, Wichita Festivals, Inc. executive director

Inspirations: Versatility, carefree styles, pockets

Darrin Hackney

Inspiration & personal style: Comfortable dressing, backpack for equipment, lightweight tees, a pair of pants from Pink Saloon, lots of gray and black, comfortable shoes

Bharath

Style: Work clothes, off-work clothes 

Josué Estrada

Style: The Kansas-based artist and musician is influenced by psychedelic music, Chicano music, and jazz.

Jimi

Style: Streetwear, 2000, Native American motifs

Alizaya

Style: Out-there fashion. Alizaya encourages others to stand out from the crowd and not follow the norm.

Lindsey

Inspiration: Sustainable fashion, natural fibers, thrifting and upcycling

Kendra Cremin is a photographer, artist and part-time Instructor at Wichita State University. Her areas of focus are lifestyle, commercial, fine art, documentary photography and where to get her next cup of coffee. 

Nina Winter is an artist/designer/educator at Wichita's TISSU Sewing Studio, now in its 12th year of offering textile & fashion arts education to the community.

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