Omaha Fashion Week is kicking off another season August 20-25, and we are thrilled to share more about our amazing lineup of designers!
Anna Kuhlman, the Emerging Designer behind Anna Naomi, translates futuristic trends of the 1960s into eccentric wearable pieces in her new collection. Shimmering chrome, bold salmon, and stunning turquoise tones bring elements of the Space Craze into the modern 21st century!
How did you get into fashion? Share a little about your background.
Growing up I was surrounded by sewing, crafts, costumes, and creativity. As I grew older I began to find fashion as a way to express my creativity. I enjoy the complexity and artistic expression that fashion is.
Describe your brand and the point of view you wish to convey.
Anna Naomi embraces the quirky and nostalgic sentiments of everyday. It takes the creative approach to life, making the old new again, and helping women embrace their bold, beautiful, different selves.
Anna Kuhlman draping one of the dresses for her new collection.
What are your personal goals, or goals for your brand?
I have a love of vintage and historical dress. I am very interested in historical costume design. I would love to create historical costumes for theater or film, or be able to pattern and recreate historical garments.
Describe your favorite project(s) that you have worked on.
One of my favorite projects was creating my own fabric designs. I was inspired by mid-century space prints. I digitally made both designs and then screen printed one design and digitally printed the other. Both designs had many challenges, but I enjoyed the learning process. I achieved successful prints of both designs and plan to use them in the collection.
A peek of a wrap jumpsuit, made out of a shimmery silver knit with touches of chrome.
Describe the collection you are creating.
Space Race is exploration of futuristic fashion. I am taking the trends and popularity of the Space Craze in the 1960s into wearable modern fashion. I’m using silhouettes and styles influenced by the 60s and combining them with some modern styles. To create a mix and match collection that takes mid-century into the 21st century.
Where did you find inspiration for your new collection?
My inspiration primarily came from 1960s. Focusing on the Space Age fashion and designers such as Pierre Cardin. I looked a lot to 1950s/60s sci-fi such as Star Trek, 2001 Space Odyssey, and the Jetsons. I was also inspired by mid-century space prints. To really bring in the “future” I looked to modern trends and current space and sci-fi fashion.
Sneak peek of the many fabrics Anna plans to use in her upcoming collection.
What customer are you designing for?
I am designing for the quirky young woman. She is creative and has the ability to make the old new again. She embraces her unique style and makes that shine through everyday.
What sort of design elements can we expect from you this season? What materials, colors, shapes, or patterns will you be using?
One thing I am largely focusing on is line. The “future” of the mid-century was very streamlined and geometric. I have selected a lot of knits for this collection, which isn't something I’m used to using. This will contribute to the smooth streamlined effect. I do plan to break it up with some custom mid-century prints. My color palette is rather simple with pops of color: silver, chrome, white, black, with pinky salmon and turquoise. I plan to incorporate some clear vinyl material and shimmery knits as well.
Sketch featuring one of Anna's custom prints on the "space commander-esque" jacket. The pants, which Anna refers to as "Space Joggers", and will be made out of a shimmery reversible knit.
In what ways is this collection similar or different than your past work?
As I mentioned earlier, I have a lot of vintage and historical dress, so it’s no surprise that I have chosen a particular era for my inspiration. I often create designs that blend historical fashion with the present day and this collection is no different. I’m using a large amount of knits because I wanted this collection to be comfortable and wearable, though I have often used primarily woven material in the past. This collection is definitely something new for me in terms of silhouette and fit, but is still very true to my aesthetic.
To learn more about Anna and her work, visit her website and follow along on Instagram as she continues to prepare for the runway! And be sure to grab your 50% OFF VIP Season Tickets to Omaha Fashion Week before May 31st! Individual tickets go on sale to the public June 4th.