Only SEVEN WEEKS until Omaha Fashion Week kicks off another season of fashion and glamour August 18th-24th, and we’re thrilled to share more about our amazing lineup of designers!
"Reconciliation", the new collection from Kyrie Eleison Couture by Esmeralda Lole, is inspired by the act of forgiveness. Bold colors and eccentric silhouettes are derived from stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and classic Catholic symbols.
How did you get into fashion? Share a little about your background.
Growing up, I was the youngest of three girls and the middle of six kids. Being the youngest girl, I received hand me downs for most of my clothing and it made me feel like I didn’t have my own identity. So with the help of my mother, I started to revamp my clothing and make it my own. My love for fashion and design grew from there! I started working on my craft at the age of 10 and pursued a degree in fashion marketing. After graduating, I made my debut as a designer and have been doing runway shows since 2013.
Kyrie Eleison Couture SS19
Describe your brand and the feeling you want it to convey. How was your brand concept born?
My brand is an extension of myself. My brand was created to pour love into other people through art and design. Each piece is created to amplify the beauty that the client already has within, which is how the brand concept was born. Each person is unique and that is how each piece is created. “To bare the image we have within.”
What are your personal goals, or goals for your brand?
My goals for my brand are to become one of the leading designers within my field. I would love to be connected with various stylists so that I can be represented during red carpet events and special occasions. Another goal of mine is to be a role model for young minority women like myself.
Button Embelished Gown
Describe your favorite project(s) that you have worked on.
Each season becomes my new favorite project! As I learn and grow as a designer and woman each season, I see that reflected in my designs, and it becomes my favorite. My SS19 collection, “The Renewal” was my stepping stone into couture gowns. It reflects my own journey into finding myself as a designer and the direction I want to go. You can see that there are no limitations to where I am going through the designs of this project. The big flowing gowns and the endless amount of color reflect the positivity of this journey.
Describe the collection you are creating.
This collection features beautiful colors, and architectural silhouettes. Colors are similar to what you will find in a cathedral, on stained glass windows. You will see iridescent fabrics, gold metals, and full gowns.
Where did you find inspiration for your new collection?
The collection I am currently creating has been dubbed “Reconciliation”. It is inspired by the act of forgiveness and the power one feels once they have released the hate or negative feelings they had towards someone who has wronged them or hurt them. You will see the silhouettes reflect the place where this most often takes place, the cathedral. The arches, crosses, stained glass windows, and ordinate designs are all interwoven into this collection.
LEFT: Fall 2018 Gown + RIGHT: Black Panther Fall 2018
Describe the specific customer you are designing for.
I am designing for a client that has a special occasion on the horizon. This person may have a red carpet event, prom, wedding, or black tie event, and want a unique design to set themselves apart from the crowd.
How do you balance creativity/innovation with consistency in your work?
I reflect on my goals and remind myself to set the bar high and stay true to my craft.
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 to see taffeta, power mesh, chains, satin, sequins and embroidery for the materials. Colors will be vibrant, and shapes will be arched and flowy.
You can see Kyrie Eleison Couture on the runway during our AURA Emerging Designer Showcase on August 21st ! To learn more about Esmeralda 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!