As always, we have an amazing panel lined up for August's shows! This professional team will be evaluating designers this season. Get to know the phenomenal group a little more...
Nick Huff
Nick is currently co owner of Hutch, a local business in Omaha that curates local, modern, and vintage art and furnishings. He has been working with this unique establishment for the past two years. Some of Nicks career accomplishments include appearing on Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters", speaking at the Greater Omaha Young Professionals Summit, being photographed for the “Style” section in Omaha Magazine, and of course, opening Hutch. Nick looks forward to “working directly with all of the designers to encourage and push them to really think outside the box for this years show.”
Vanessa Barrett
Vanessa began her career as a window dresser, she then went to being a visual director for Brandeis and Younkers, and after that she became the owner and buyer of a men’s and ladies store, Barrett-Reed. She is extremely passionate about fashion and design from all ends- construction to the final presentation. Vanessa looks forward to learning about the designers and what creative paths they are following. With experience in interior design, wardrobe styling, jewelry design, and editor of THE SCOUT GUIDE OMAHA, Vanessa makes a great addition to our panel this season!
Autumn Foland
Autumn is Vice President for Sales and Strategy at Design Parliament. With over 18 years of retail, wholesale and styling experience, Autumn has solidified a reputation for being a key player in the nation's designer specialty and department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Barney's New York. Scouting showrooms in New York, LA, Toronto and Montreal, Autumn's impeccable eye for detail has landed many international and emerging brands into the US for distribution.
When Autumn is not traveling the US and Canada for Design Parliament brands she is rooting for the Creighton Bluejays (her alma mater), volunteering at the Fashion Institute Guild, being a panelist for Omaha Fashion Week and spending time with her dogs Remy, Milo and Miso.
Dan Richters
Dan comes to the panel this year with years of involvement with Omaha Fashion Week. Dan is a designer himself and showed a collection at the very first Omaha Fashion Week. This is the same time when his first real focus on fashion design began. Besides fashion design, Dan tells us he enjoys making music, digital sculpting, 3D printing, photography and reading. Dan is excited to utilize his experience and insight to create a meaningful impact on other designers. “I look forward to being able to experience all the inspirations and aspirations of these designers, and participate in this one moment of their artistic journey,” he tells us.
Barbara Trout
Barbara is a former professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She taught in the Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design program. She holds a PH.D. in administration, curriculum and instruction. She will be bringing years of experience in mentoring and teaching to our panel this season. At UNL she mentored students in exploring the structural, commercial and communicative possibilities of apparel.
Denise Ervin
Denise is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, California. She has been designing and creating costumes and custom clothing for more than 25 years. She has extensive experience in designing for live theatre, film and dance. Denise has worked as the head designer for the Omaha Playhouse and as the senior designer and developer for AGRON Inc, a licensee of ADIDAS. She has also participated in Omaha Fashion Week throughout the years with her own collections.