Less than ONE WEEK 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!
Makenzie Lesiak brings a contemporary twist to bridal wear in her collection "Wildflower". Chic embellishments and delicate fabrics intentionally mix with traditional silhouettes to create an unforgettable look for your unforgettable day. Keep reading to learn more about Makenzie Lesiak and her upcoming collection!
How did you get into fashion? Share a little about your background.
As a young girl, my heart skipped a beat for all things creative. It wasn’t until my senior year in high school, though, that I knew that fashion design was what I wanted to pursue. I had very little background in sewing, so during the summer before my freshman year of college, I decided to expand my knowledge using sewing tutorials from YouTube. I attended the University of Nebraska—Lincoln to earn a bachelor degree in fashion design. I launched my brand, Makenzie Lesiak, as a starting point for my career. In August 2017, I debuted my brand and first full collection at Omaha Fashion Week.
How was your brand concept born? Describe your brand and the feeling you want it to convey.
Makenzie Lesiak is a women’s evening and bridal wear brand that strives to provide high quality designs. My brand was created for women who want clothing that makes them feel bold and confident in their own skin.
What are you personal goals, or goals for your brand?
My ultimate career aspiration is to be designing both women’s evening and bridal wear for my own label. I dream of having the opportunity to sell my designs in multiple cities and to be able to showcase my work in my own storefront.
Describe your favorite project(s) that you have worked on.
My favorite project was my collection, “Self Destruction,” which showcased during Omaha Fashion Week in August 2017. The collection took a slightly different approach on evening wear by showcasing an innovative applique technique using burnt plastic! The plastic represented the reality of global warming in the world we are living.
Describe the collection you are creating!
The collection that I am creating is titled, “Wildflower.” It is a high-end women’s bridal collection that is inspired by the resiliency of a wildflower. It is a cohesive mini collection that represents a woman who has the heart of a wildflower. She is unapologetically herself—even in the darkest of times.
Where did you find inspiration for your new collection?
I found inspiration for this upcoming collection from a poem written about having a heart like a wildflower. By definition, a wildflower is a flower that grows resiliently, freely, and beautifully. They find any crack or crevice that will allow them to grow, and they do just that. They flourish despite everyone’s belief that they never will. They grow back, even when they have been stepped on. They allow rain to heal them, not drench them. Just like a wildflower, there is nothing more motivating than being able to pull yourself back up when you find yourself facedown on the ground. There is beauty with brokenness.
Describe the specific customer you’re designing for.
“Wildflower” is a collection that is designed for the modern woman that wants to feel radiant, fearless, and wild at heart. She is a woman who wants to feel beautiful during any aspect of life. She is comfortable in her own skin and loves to pursue things that make her happy.
What sort of design aspects can we expect from you this season?
“Wildflower” will be filled with gowns that have a variety of silhouettes, from ball gowns to a tightly fitted sheath gown. It will also include more non-traditional styles such as a bridal jumpsuit and a bodysuit! My collection will be filled with an assortment of texture. There will be a visual contrast with the use of many hand-sewn three-dimensional flowers and appliques, mixed with lightweight and flowing fabrics to represent the way a wildflower can be scattered by the wind. These fabrics include silk chiffon, beaded tulle, georgette, and satin. Additionally, a neutral color palette will be seen throughout the collection consisting mostly of white, ivory, and a hint of blush.
You can see Makenzie Lesiak on the runway during our GILDED Featured Designer Showcase on March 2nd! To learn more about Makenzie 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!