Kansas City’s Old Architectural Elements Featured on the Sides of Boots? You Need to See This Local Hip Apparel!
Kansas City has no shortage of creative artists. In fact, we’re a bit of a mecca for the aspiring and accomplished … and art is interpreted in many ways. Graphic designer, Bill McConnell’s creations fit right into the unique artistic expression that KC is known for. He is an award-winning and passionate graphic designer and graduate of Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design and Metropolitan State University. He is a recent transplant from Denver who also spent many years in South America. He moved to Kansas City for the adventure and has been glad to encounter growing support here for the DIY spirit of entrepreneurship
Bill McConnell ~ Gizmo XXI
Kansas City’s old architectural elements featured on the sides of boots? Rust and industrial train imagery replicated on stylish T-shirts? While these images don’t seem like they would be appealing for fashion, they are just what inspires McConnell. In fact, this passionate graphic designer has developed an entire hip line of apparel featuring just such graphics and is now marketing them through his business, Gizmo XXI.
Gizmo XXI‘s print items feature imagery found on McConnell’s walks around downtown KC. “Things I like when I am exploring the city may just end up as great unexpected patterns on my clothing line,” says McConnell. Gizmo’s ‘Miner Threat’ boots, for example, have an uneven pattern of distressed paint texture, which is all around the Kansas City train yards and industrial areas. These rugged yet lightweight boots are available in men’s and women’s sizes and have removable insoles. Pricing for Gizmo XXI canvas boots is $94.95. All boot designs are from graffiti and textures around town. “It’s all KC, but it’s not obvious,” adds McConnell.
The photographer for the boot photoshoot is Jason Dailey ~ www.daileyimages.com. Model is Larissa ~ www.no-where.net.
According to McConnell, the name Gizmo XXI refers to the mashup of assorted images he uses with bygone technology, music, sci-fi, and bits of Kansas City’s urban environment — a 21st-century collage of vintage cultural references. “What’s old is new or reinvented for pop culture and wearables,” adds McConnell.
Gizmo XXI is an online retailer of unique print-on-demand attire based in Kansas City, Missouri. Wearable items for men, women and children include canvas boots, t-shirts, hoodies, swimwear, skirts and dresses. Gizmo XXI got its start in July 2020 and has grown to include over 250 items available for purchase online at gizmoxxi.com. Items are produced in the US and overseas and shipped to order. All designs are original and designed by Bill McConnell.
Gizmo XXI
About Bill McConnell
Bill McConnell is an award-winning and passionate graphic designer and graduate of Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design and Metropolitan State University. He is a recent transplant from Denver who also spent many years in South America. He moved to Kansas City for the adventure and has been glad to encounter growing support here for the DIY spirit of entrepreneurship. For more information, contact Bill at 720-394-6291 or bill@pxlmvr.com. Be sure to visit Gizmo XXI to see more!
