We are excited to announce the eighteen designers who have been selected to show collections during the next season of Omaha Fashion Week February 27-March 3!
Designers applied and last week pitched their ideas to a panel of industry experts brought together by OFW last week. The experts scored each designer and provided feedback that OFW used to make final selections. The designers are scored on innovation, construction, marketability, concept and the overall presentation. Highlights from interviews include fashion as a vehicle for social statements, surface design and unorthodox materials, and repurposing and deconstruction.
OFW shows are scheduled for February 27-March 3, 2018 at the Omaha Design Center. Here is a breakdown of the week’s schedule:
Tuesday, Feb. 27: Metropolitan Community College Student Night featuring collections by students at Omaha Central High School, Omaha South High School, Nebraska 4-H, the Kent Bellows Mentoring Program at the Joslyn Art Museum and Nebraska FCCLA.Tickets are free to students who show their student ID or $10 for non-students. Blocks of complimentary tickets are available for student groups by emailing info@omahafashionweek.com. A cash prize will be awarded to the top designer.
Wednesday, Feb. 28: UNL Student Showcase produced by Omaha Fashion Week in partnership with UNL's Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design (TMFD). Twenty fashion design students will collectively show over 130 original works. Additionally, the event will be staffed by student volunteers who will run the backstage and front of house under the direction of the OFW team.
Thursday, Mar. 1: Methodist Survivor Show invites over 100 cancer survivors featured on the runway as models in looks provided by a large group of generous local boutiques. Part of proceeds benefit the Inner Beauty Salon at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center.
Friday, Mar. 2: ASPIRE Emerging Designer Showcase (cash prize awarded to top designer)
- Austin Do, Tú
- Anisha KillsEnemy, Anisha Fashionista
- Hannah Hidalgo
- Angela Balderston
- Katelyn Otto and Gracie Olsen, Otto & Olsen
- Rebekah Lux
- Courtney Barbour, CJB Designs
- Kelsey Young, Indigo Eye Designs
- Margeaux Larson, Argeaux Fashion
- Mackenzie Esch
Saturday, Mar. 3: INNOVATE Featured Designer Showcase (cash prize awarded to top designer)
- Amanda Casarez
- Lauren Hansen, H.Art Studios
- Lydia Loya, West Fens
- Agustin M. Delgado, AD Delgado
- Roger Figueroa
- Miranda Hanson
Sunday morning, Mar. 4 join the OFW Team for Shop the Runway Sunday featuring mimosas, Bloody Mary bar and donuts. Shop the collections fresh of the runway! Free and open to the public!
Emerging Designers
Austin Do, Tú: Utilitarian gets a contemporary touch in this streetwear collection focused on functionality. "Transgress" exceeds expectations in design and practicality.
Anisha KillsEnemy, Anisha Fashionista: Flirty and edgy with just a bit of sass and surprise accents. Anisha Fashionista is ready to take the runway by storm with bold statement pieces that also portray a softness and feminine touch.
Hannah Hidalgo: Who says high end designer wear needs to be built from brand new materials? Hannah Hidalgo presents luxury designer pieces using deconstructed found fabrics using natural processes in this sustainable fashion line.
Angela Balderston: Presenting designs as rare as her exuberant personality, Angela Balderston makes "crazy but wearable" pieces. Surprising you at every turn with new colors, unconventional materials, and uncommon silhouettes.
Katelyn Otto and Gracie Olsen, Otto & Olsen: This evening wear line is inspired by the ambience and atmosphere of a sunset at dusk. With romantic fabrics such as lace, velvet, satin, and chiffon, this collection feels like a night out with endless possibilites.
Rebekah Lux: With a belief that we should be colorful all year 'round, this collection from Rebekah Lux is crazy, bright, and full of texture. Mixing structured materials with remnant fabrics and scraps, her goal is to use sustainable and upcycled materials.
Courtney Barbour, CJB Designs: CJB Designs dresses the active woman who wants to feel comfortable and look great on the go! Designed to keep you going all day long while maintaining your professional edge. From boardroom to happy hour and everything in between.
Kelsey Young, Indigo Eye Designs: Under the lights and music of today's festival and rave scenes, people are finding themselves. Inspired by fashion trends of the 70's-90's, big bells and crushed velvet are used to empower wearers of all shapes and sizes.
Margeaux Larson, Argeaux Fashion: Argeaux returns to the runway for her second collection with a retrospective through each decade of the 1900's, inspired by the movement and lightness of the jellyfish.
Mackenzie Esch: All things that sparkle, glitz and glam come alive in the "City of Lights" collection. Monochromatic pink social occasion dresses from Mackenzie Esch represent her signature beading techniques and love for innovation.
Featured Designers
Amanda Casarez: Finding your voice as a woman can be difficult in today's society, but luckily Amanda Casarez speaks through her clothing. We look forward to her menswear for women line with a slight Asian flair and hand-painted graffiti accents.
Lauren Hansen, H.Art Studios: Sixteen year old Lauren Hansen delves "Into The Rose Garden" with this intricate collection, featuring hundreds of hours of hand beading. Her signature stitch and a variety of fabrics following the rise and fall of a forlorn lover.
Lydia Loya, West Fens: This chic day to night menswear line takes various male personalities and collides them into one a la Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. The gentleman donning a West Fens garment is sure to be dapper no matter where he's headed.
Orchid Richards, Orchid Eden Designs: Capes, jackets, and jumpsuits...oh my! Original textile designs on several transitional pieces give the creative professional extreme versatility from day tonight. Plus, they're reversible!
Agustin M. Delgado, AD Delgado: Construction skills run in the family for Agustin who grew up with his great-great grandmother and uncle, a seamstress and a tailor. "Everything I see inspires me one way or another", Agustin says of his passion for his craft.
Roger Figueroa: Barcode prints speak to the overwhelming realities of the victims of human trafficking in this line dedicated to bringing back their voice. Be ready to buy these fabulous fashions with a purpose from Roger Figeroa right off the runway!
Miranda Hanson: Challenged by her history teacher while sketching in his class to design something relevant to his subject, this military inspired line was born. Hand painted cammo, beaded stars, and the fire of war come together as Miranda Hanson departs and adds a masculine flair to her signature feminine vibe.
Daniel Muñoz: Emphasized structure and unexpected volume are juxtaposed against deconstructed fabric. We can look forward to experimentation with distressing techniques such as shredding, burning, and so much more!