Omaha Fashion Week's next season is just around the corner, and we're thrilled to share more about our amazing lineup of designers!
Part fashion designer and part engineer, Angela Balderston constructs her wearable art pieces with unconventional materials and avant-garde design.
How did you get into fashion?
I come from a family of bohemian artists. We were always creating art of various kinds, and I particularly loved fashion.
Describe your brand and the point of view you wish to convey.
My brand falls under avant-garde wearable art. In the past, it's definitely leaned more toward the "art" than the fashion. For this line, I'm focusing on creating wearable pieces that are actually practical, but still made of crazy unexpected materials.
AFRICA - From designer's last OFW show, featuring a plaster cast torso.
What kind of customer are you designing for?
The client I design for is someone who isn't afraid to take risks. She likes to turn heads and she wants people to think, "What on earth is she wearing?" But it must be cool if she's wearing it.
What are your personal goals, or goals for your brand?
My personal goal is to continue to be inspired and to create. As an artist, I make these pieces for the love of the process. It's not necessarily that important to me if they are actually worn or not.
ALIEN - Another plaster cast from designer's previous Omaha Fashion Week line, "Get Plastered".
Describe your favorite project(s) that you have worked on.
My favorite project always seems to be the one I'm working on at the time, although I really did love my Africa inspired line.
AFRICA - Featuring raffia.
Where did you find inspiration for your new collection?
I honestly have no idea! An idea for a theme pops into my head out of nowhere and I become obsessed. I'll suddenly stop everything I'm doing and draw a quick sketch. Then I'll spend days trying to figure out how I'm going to construct it! I still don't sew. I'm basically an "engineer"!
What sort of design elements can we expect from you this season?
I love color matched with right skins tones. Color makes me happy! The silhouettes are very flattering. I am really trying to accentuate the models' incredible bodies. This collection will be unexpected, but in some ways surprisingly sophisticated.
Sneak peek - knitted plastic!
In what ways is this collection similar or different than your past work?
This collection is very different from past work in that it's "wearable". Although the pieces are made from unexpected materials, they are not "costumey". The common thread throughout my work is the originality and imagination that I bring.
To learn more about Angela and her work, visit her website and follow along on Facebook as she continues to prepare for the runway in February! And be sure to grab tickets to Omaha Fashion Week February 27-March 3!