The Fashion Institute Midwest has announced the lineup for the upcoming Finale of Omaha Fashion Week on Saturday, Aug. 23 under the tents in the Capitol District. Selection Panel Chairmen Rick Carey and David Scott said, “We were so impressed with the emerging talent. It is very exciting to see this quality of design which continues to get better year after year. This will be the best Omaha Fashion Week yet!"
Since April, designers have been working with members of the Fashion Institute Selection Panel during regular group meetings and workshops. They’ve discussed target markets, fabric sourcing, runway styling and even post-event sales strategy, all in an effort to help the designers make the most of their opportunity at Omaha Fashion Week.
The mentoring program, coordinated by the Fashion Institute Midwest, culminated in the OFW Rack Check held last Saturday, where collections were reviewed and decisions were made about who has what it takes to be in the Finale.
Of the designers selected for the Finale, six are first timers. They are: Whitney Rorah, Denise Ervin, Erica Cardenas & Bryan Frost, Bridgit Mahony and Vesela Zarankova. The following designers will compete for the $10,000 Fashion Institute Fashion Cup at the Finale:
- Susan Ludlow
- Whitney Rorah
- Max Suiter
- Denise Ervin
- Vesela Zarankova
- Angela Balderson
- Jane Round
- Juanteisha Christian
- Erica Cardenas & Bryan Frost
- Fella Vaughn
- Bridget Mahony
- Kate Walz
Dan Richters, the winner of last year’s Fashion Cup, will present a capsule collection of his work that will not be part of the competition. Here is the show schedule for the week:
- Monday, August 18 - Accessories, Children’s Wear and Bridal
- Tuesday, August 19 - Ready to Wear I
- Wednesday, August 20 - Avant Garde
- Thursday, August 21 - Ready to Wear II
- Friday, August 22 - Evening Wear
- Saturday, August 23 – Finale followed by Official OFW After Party
About Fashion Institute Midwest: The Fashion Institute Midwest is a non-profit that nurtures aspiring fashion designer talent by supporting and developing the Midwest fashion ecosystem through programming that provides creative inspiration, training opportunities, resources and business incubation to unlock the creative entrepreneurial potential in our young people. Support the Institute at www.fashioninstitutemidwest.org.
About Omaha Fashion Week: On the inside, Omaha Fashion Week is a talent incubator that seamlessly connects designers, stylists, photographers, artists and models through nurturing platforms and engaging opportunities. On the outside, Omaha Fashion Week is Midwest’s premier fashion event; spotlighting fashion innovations and celebrating creative excellence. Learn more at www.omahafashionweek.com. #omahafashion
To Purchase tickets to the finale click here, and be sure to purchase tickets to our Official OFW AfterParty by clicking here as well!