Only EIGHT WEEKS until Omaha Fashion Week kicks off another season of fashion and glamour, and we’re thrilled to share more about our amazing lineup of designers!
The collection "Got a light?" from Anna Leigh by Anna Heinold demonstrates the negative effects of cigarettes, and is dedicated to her late grandmother’s experience with smoking and its effect on her life. Silk gauze transitions from pink to black to create powerful imagery that emphasizes the message.
How did you get into fashion? Share a little about your background.
My mom taught me how to sew in fourth grade. I did fashion shows through the 4-H club for a couple years but didn’t get serious about it until I was a senior in high school. I realized I could have a career doing all the things I loved as a child such as drawing, sewing, and playing dress up.
“Got A Light?”
Describe your brand and the feeling you want it to convey. How was your brand concept born?
My brand is avant-garde. I like to tell stories with my work and bring attention to the wearer. My brand was born while studying fashion at Lindenwood University where my professors pushed me to be unique.
What are your personal goals, or goals for your brand?
My goal is to grow my own brand Anna Leigh. I want to continue to create avant-grade collections that make statements, and I hope to design for red carpet events.
Describe your favorite project(s) that you have worked on.
My favorite project was called “Liquescent”. It was the first time that I designed, created patterns for, and sewed an entire garment. It was inspired by the melting of the icebergs due to global warming. This project had to be made entirely out of Muslin, but I burned and painted the fabric to make it more exciting.
LEFT: “Caught Up in My Own Skin” + RIGHT: “Liquescent”
Describe the collection you are creating. Where did you find its inspiration?
My current collection is titled “Got a light?”, based on the effects of cigarette smoking on the lungs. I wanted to tell the story of my grandmother and her experience. I watched how she was effected by smoking and knew that her story needed to be heard.
What are the signature styles or silhouettes of your collection?
This collection has a lot of “grim reaper” silhouettes to represent death.
“Caught Up in My Own Skin”
Describe the specific customer you are designing for.
My customer is Lady Gaga, or someone similar to her. A woman who wants to put on a show and draw attention to herself.
How do you balance creativity/innovation with consistency in your work?
I don’t believe that I have balanced these in my past work. I have designed in several different directions because I am still trying to figure out what I am best at and who I am as a designer.
What sort of design elements can we expect from you this season? What materials, colors, shapes, or patterns will you be using?
You can expect lung representations, oxygen tubes, and fake cigarettes.
You can see Anna Leigh on the runway during our AURA Emerging Designer Showcase on August 21st! To learn more about Anna and her work, visit her website and follow along on Facebook and Instagram as she puts the finishing touches on her collection! Tickets are selling out fast, so snag yours today!