Are you a designer who wants to present a collection at the nation's fourth-largest fashion week? We are looking for designers with a creative eye and something to share on the Omaha Fashion Week Runway. At OFW, every level of experience is welcome!
The Omaha Fashion Week Fall 2025 Season will be held the week of August 20th - August 24th.
THE PROCESS
Designers must create their own garments, not adapt the designs of another, but may outsource production. Applications will be reviewed and narrowed down to a set of designers who will be selected to participate in interviews conducted by independent professionals in the industry. Our independent professionals make up a panel of mentors who are ready to give feedback and guide you through the entire process.
Designers who are selected to interview will be notified and select their interview time. Interviews are held on Zoom for Emerging and Featured Designers who are selected. Applicants must be available to interview during their selected group times to participate. Each interview will take approximately 15 minutes. Interviewees must come prepared with at least one garment that represents their ability and craftsmanship, along with sketches and a visual representation that represent their planned collection.
The panel of professionals will help make final selections for the OFW runway shows. Designers who are chosen to participate in OFW will be notified and are given time to accept before OFW will make a public announcement of those chosen. There are required, in-person dates including Rack Check and Shows that designers must be able to attend in order to be accepted.
PRIZE PACKAGES
Congrats to our Spring 2025 Featured Designer Golden Shears winner mckenzi made by Mckenzi Migliorini, and our Emerging Designer Golden Shears winner the unfinished archive by Alex Graff! Learn more about all of the winners from Omaha Fashion Week's Spring 2025 season here!
mckenzi made
the unfinished archive
Both Emerging and Featured Designers compete for their respective Golden Shears Awards. These winners are chosen by our OFW Selection Panels, which are comprised of independent industry experts who spend the months leading up to shows mentoring and coaching designers to present their best on the runway! Check out our Spring 2025 prize packages below!
Featured Designer Golden Shears Winner Received:
$1,000 Cash Prize
Golden Gingher Shears
$250 Dick Blick Gift Card
Elna sewing machine donated by Millard Sewing Center
Creative Design of Limited Edition OFW T-Shirt
Headlining Designer Slot in Future Season
6 VIP Tickets to their Headlining Showcase
OFW Pop-Up Shop Market Space
Professional Runway Photos of their Winning Collection by Heather and Jameson
Emerging Designer Golden Shears Winner Received:
$500 Cash Prize
Golden Gingher Shears
$100 Dick Blick Gift Card
$200 gift card donated by Millard Sewing Center
Headlining Designer Slot in Future Season
6 VIP Tickets to their Headlining Showcase
OFW Pop-Up Shop Market Space
Professional Runway Photos of their Winning Collection by Heather and Jameson