Omaha Fashion Week is lifting the veil and showing off behind the scenes in our Fall 2024 VERUS Season. This season's designers draw inspiration from the natural world and repurposed materials while exploring themes of community and cultural heritage.
We are thrilled to present an amazing lineup of Emerging Designers showcasing in the first half! Emerging Designers are either brand new to the OFW runway, student designers, or veteran designers trying out a completely new method of creation. We will close the show with an incredible lineup of inspiring collections by our Featured Designers. This designer track is full of experts at their craft who will showcase high-quality, ready-to-buy looks on the runway.
Meet Saturday Night’s Designers below:
EMERGING DESIGNERS:
Emerging Designers:
Ana | Ana Orescanin | Follow on Instagram
What inspired you to start designing clothing?
Spending time with my grandma each morning before school was a profound source of inspiration for me.It was in those quiet, intimate moments with my grandma that I first realized the power of clothing to express individuality and bring joy. Her influence continues to inspire my journey in the world of design, reminding me of the love and creativity that can be woven into every piece of fabric.
Who are your fashion icons and/or designer inspirations?
Alexander McQueen, Iris Van Herpen, and Jeremy Scott.
What inspired your collection for OFW August 2024?
The color red, with its profound intensity and dynamic energy, serves as the cornerstone of my latest collection, rooted deeply in the concept of intention. This collection celebrates the idea that every choice we make and every path we take is infused with intentionality, reflecting our innermost desires and the fervent pursuit of our goals.
What makes you excited to show on the Omaha Fashion Week Runway?
I am most excited for the friendships and memories created at the show!
Laboure | Morgan Laboure | Follow on Instagram
What inspired you to start designing clothing?
I watched Project Runway as a kid, which is what initially interested me in fashion design. As an adult, I spent several years just working to gain stability, but I kept sketching gown designs in the margins of notebooks and on old envelopes. Once I finally felt stable, my ambition came back, and I decided to try pursuing a fashion education.
Who are your fashion icons and/or designer inspirations?
Rihanna is always ahead of the curve in fashion. I also loved Karl Lagerfeld's work for Chanel, and I'm really enjoying the direction Dior has been going lately.
What inspired your collection for OFW August 2024?
This collection is a cathartic exploration of my personal heritage, which includes German, Irish, Scandinavian, French Cajun, and Cherokee. Every choice reflects a deeper meaning, inspired by silhouettes and materials from traditional dress, or indicative of a symbol or motif from mythology.
What makes you excited to show on the Omaha Fashion Week Runway?
I wanted to show on the Omaha Fashion Week Runway a few years ago, but I didn't have the skill set yet to make that a reality. I since pursued a more robust fashion education in Los Angeles, managed to get into their exclusive Debut program which involved 9 months of designing, developing, and creating a collection, culminating in a runway show. I'm excited to continue developing that collection to show here in my home town for the first time.
Manic Kandii | Sophia Parker | Follow on Instagram
What inspired you to start designing clothing?
I started constructing garments for myself and friends with cosplay. I’m excited to incorporate cosplay materials and silhouettes into this years collection!
Who are your fashion icons and/or designer inspirations?
For this collection, i drew historical and fantasy inspiration from Xena: Warrior Princess, and western medieval armor
What inspired your collection for OFW August 2024?
The theme for this collection is “Softness in Strength”, inspired by fantasy cosplay and internal resilience.
What makes you excited to show on the Omaha Fashion Week Runway?
I love connecting with my models and fellow designers and seeing my vision come to life! Being a part of the OFW community helps me build client relationships and learn more about myself as a designer.
"RAW" FOR MARAIS STUDIOS | Kai Marais Huntoon | Follow on Instagram
What inspired you to start designing clothing?
From a young age, I was captivated with fashion media. From Bratz dolls to Disney princesses, I was influenced by extravagant fashion seen in a landscape media. Another great source of inspiration and desire came from my Meima’s vast array of clothing in her walk in closet. I remember playing dress up in her shoes and calling them my “knocka-knockas.”
Who are your fashion icons and/or designer inspirations?
As a designer, I don’t believe in idolizing other designers. Creativity and original ideas don’t come from watching other designers, but come from the process of self exploration and design concept. I support designers I favor, and observe lessons from story telling through design.
What inspired your collection for OFW August 2024?
“RAW” is the exploration of our tainted surroundings and the everlasting effects on a pure being. “RAW” discovers the demise of purity and showcases it through grotesquely imitative imagery.
What makes you excited to show on the Omaha Fashion Week Runway?
I am excited to be seen, advocated for, and represented in fashion media. I am so excited to explore what opportunities my experience at OFW offers.
Ruby June | Makena Ninete | Follow on Instagram
What inspired you to start designing clothing?
I got into thrifting and vintage fashion a few years ago and that really allowed me to explore my personal style for the first time. I also went to school for Interior Design, so it felt natural to explore other design disciplines. Once I learned to crochet I had an avenue to take what I learned about clothing and begin creating pieces myself.
Who are your fashion icons and/or designer inspirations?
In a more general sense Charles and Ray Eames and Mary Blaire have been my big design inspirations for a long time now. Specifically related to fashion I love to learn and be inspired by other fiber artists my age I follow on social media. It’s very cool to see something commonly associated with an older generation make a comeback in fresh and exciting ways.
What inspired your collection for OFW August 2024?
I graduated college a year ago now and as I adjust to all these big changes and responsibilities in my life I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my childhood. I wanted to create a collection that brings back that feeling of joy and exploration you have as a child.
What makes you excited to show on the Omaha Fashion Week Runway?
Being able to show at Omaha Fashion Week is beyond my wildest dreams. I’m so excited to share my work with a new group of people. I also see the process as a great learning experience and I’m ready to further develop my design skills!
SNICOLE by Shabeba | Shabeba McDonald | Follow on Instagram
What inspired you to start designing clothing?
Art. Paintings, sculptures and artistic movements, culture have sparked my imagination
Who are your fashion icons and/or designer inspirations?
My fashion Icons and designers are as follows, as far as Icons I have been inspired on many levels by the late great Andre Leon Talley, Iris Apfel and as far as designers I have been inspired by Coco Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, and Cristóbal Balenciaga
What inspired your collection for OFW August 2024?
My inspiration was drawn from the rich culture of Spain, the Latino community is huge, and with such a rich culture my inspiration for this collection comes from Flamenco is perhaps the most famous Spanish tradition but also one that is often misunderstood. Flamenco is not a dance but does sometimes have dancing in it, rather it's a musical style with far more emphasis on the guitar, vocals, and rhythm than on the dancing.
What makes you excited to show on the Omaha Fashion Week Runway?
The Omaha Fashion week platform is a huge platform with diversity and OFW being in the top 5 biggest fashion showcases it gives emerging designers like myself to showcase, in such a professional and positive setting to grow and brand with endless possibilities OFW staff provides. It’s exciting to have OFW fully support a brand on many levels.
FEATURED DESIGNERS:
ELU by Elon | Elon Kebede | Follow on Instagram
What inspired you to start designing clothing?
Growing up watching my mother sew. She would make sister and I garments growing up and since then I became attached to the trade. Now I relish in the memories and aim to create beautiful garments to share with my family and the world.
Who are your fashion icons and/or designer inspirations?
I enjoy watching the creations of Schiaparelli, Nardos, and Georges Hobeika walk the runway. All different designers with different experiences, lifestyle, and backgrounds, creating beautiful couture pieces.
What inspired your collection for OFW August 2024?
My upbringing as a Diaspora, first generation Ethiopian. The juxtaposition of the two, and who I am today is translated into couture fashion. The dystopia and euphoria of it all.
What makes you excited to show on the Omaha Fashion Week Runway?
I throughly enjoy Omaha fashion week, it’s an experience I look forward to bi-annually. I love the staff and how “for the designer” this fashion event hs shown me to be. They are truly for the arts.
Judy Bales Design | Judy Bales | Follow on Instagram
What inspired you to start designing clothing?
I think of clothing as architecture for the body, so as an artist it was natural for me to create a fusion of my sculptural works and fashion design. I am captivated by the potential for movement and interaction between the art garment and the wearer.
Who are your fashion icons and/or designer inspirations?
My fashion icons are many and varied, including Alexander McQueen, Guo Pei, Madeleine Vionnet, Issey Miyaki, Paul Poiret, THREEASFOUR. I am inspired by all forms of African and African American art.
What inspired your collection for OFW August 2024?
This collection is inspired by the history of, and myriad forms of capes and cloaks, as well as the emotional and psychological effect they can have on both the wearer and the viewer. The expanse of fabric required for a cloak offers a rich canvas for patterning and imagery.
What makes you excited to show on the Omaha Fashion Week Runway?
I love everything about the experience of showing at Omaha Fashion Week! The excitement of working with intense focus for many months on a collection, and then seeing it come to fruition in such a professionally organized, energy packed and enthusiastically attended event is like no other experience.
Rachel Marie Hurst LLC | Rachel Marie Hurst | Follow on Instagram
What inspired you to start designing clothing?
I was inspired to start designing clothing by a desire to empower individuals to express themselves authentically through fashion. Growing up, I witnessed how clothing could be a powerful form of self-expression, and I wanted to create designs that resonated with people on a personal level. I was also drawn to the creative process of fashion design, from sketching out ideas to bringing them to life through fabric and craftsmanship. Ultimately, I started designing clothing to make a positive impact on how people feel about themselves and the world around them, using fashion as a medium for self-expression and empowerment.
Who are your fashion icons and/or designer inspirations?
Zendaya, with her bold and fearless approach to fashion, is a constant inspiration to me. Her ability to effortlessly blend classic elegance with modern edginess resonates with my design aesthetic. Eliza Doolittle from "My Fair Lady" embodies the transformative power of fashion, inspiring me to create designs that empower individuals to express their true selves through clothing. Currently, my favorite design house is a fusion of Chloe's effortless bohemian chic with Schiaparelli's avant-garde and surrealistic elements. This combination of styles influences my designs, pushing me to create pieces that are both whimsical and sophisticated.
What inspired your collection for OFW August 2024?
For my collection at OFW August 2024, I drew inspiration from the concept of "Modern Royalty." I was inspired by the idea of reimagining traditional royal attire for the contemporary woman, blending regal elegance with modern sophistication and naturally adding a twist that is a bit tainted and rebellious The collection will feature luxurious fabrics, intricate embellishments, and timeless silhouettes, all with a modern and edgy twist. I aimed to create pieces that make every woman feel like a queen, whether she's walking down the aisle or attending a glamorous event. At it's core, I was and always am inspired by the Bridgerton show, Queen Charlotte as well as a dash of the Edwardian era both mens and womens wear.
What makes you excited to show on the Omaha Fashion Week Runway?
Omaha Fashion Week offers a unique platform to showcase my designs to an audience that values both fashion and art, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie that is unmatched. The dedication and effort put in by everyone involved drive me to continuously improve and take pride in my work. The Sip and Shop event is a valuable opportunity to connect with attendees and receive direct feedback on my collection, while being part of an event that prioritizes delivering high-quality fashion experiences is truly inspiring and motivates me to present my best work.
TIVONA COUTURE | Suzanne Gunn | Follow on Instagram
What inspired you to start designing clothing?
Love of visualizing Ankara fabrics included in everyday fashion
Who are your fashion icons and/or designer inspirations?
Ruth R. Carter, Maria Grazia, Image Ayissi
What inspired your collection for OFW August 2024?
A splash of color in a world of monochrome
What makes you excited to show on the Omaha Fashion Week Runway?
The energy, the people, the professionalism.
TRBROWN | Tiffany Brown | Follow on Instagram
What inspired you to start designing clothing?
Fashion has always been a part of my persona for as long as I can remember. Being able to create a vision and execute it with no rules or restrictions is why I ultimately chose to design clothes.
Who are your fashion icons and/or designer inspirations?
My designer inspiration is Dries because he sees and designs things with a similar intent. Fabric is ALWAYS at the forefront and always triumphs the actual design.
What inspired your collection for OFW August 2024?
My collection is inspired by the colors of Alice in Wonderland and the idea of a tea party with friends but in a luxurious/fashionable way.
What makes you excited to show on the Omaha Fashion Week Runway?
I am excited for Omaha Fashion Week because the crowd is always amazing and always has a reaction to the pieces they see on the runway. I can’t wait to show them the T42 Collection just to see their faces on the surprises my collection will bring.
You’re not going to want to miss these incredible and innovative collections by our Emerging, Featured, and Headlining Designers showing on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of Omaha Fashion Week Fall 2024 VERUS Season.
Cover Photo | Michael Pysh
Runway Sponsor | Milan Laser