Omaha, NE, March 5, 2014 – Omaha Fashion Week kicked off its seventh year last night at the Omar Bakery Building, located on 4383 Nicolas Street. OFW started the week off debuting a new student night. OFW is partnered with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the Kent Bellows Mentoring Program and 4-H to present a program focused on high school students who are interested in fashion design. The program will feature collections from Kent Bellows’ and 4-H students, along with a retrospective collection from OFW veteran designer and Kent Bellows Mentor, Dan Richters. The show was followed by a panel discussion featuring industry experts, including Dan Richters; founder of Develop Model Management, Alyssa Dilts; and founder of Omaha Fashion Week, Nick Hudson, photographer Greg Higgins, designer Kate Walz and hairstylist Omar Rodriguez. OFW had over 500 students attend last night’s kick off. Students received free admission to the event. Tonight Omaha Fashion Week is hosting its third annual Cancer Survivor show presented by Methodist Hospital. The show includes over 80 cancer survivors modeling looks from the following local boutiques; All About Me, Bliss Boutique, CJ Banks, Chico’s at One Pacific Place, Christopher Banks, Coldwater Creek, Garment District, Katina’s, Maurice’s, McLovin, Mesh, Paperdoll, Post & Nickel, Skyz and Younkers.
Sunday concludes OFW with a Beauty & Style event where eight teams from local salons have been selected to compete for a $2,000 prize package. Teams will have 48 hours to create an 8-look collection. Participants include, Welcome to the Dojo, Scissori’s, T’eez, Sirens at the Loft, Glitz, Capitol’s Creations, Garbo’s Midtown Crossing and One Drake Place.
The rest of the week is as follows: Thursday - Children’s Wear from designers Banana Bread Baby, Cute N Sassy Designz, Beloved, Jessica Leigh Designs, and Markoos Modern Designs.
Friday - Debut of brand new F/W 2014 collections by Lenzanita, Elle’ Inspired, Hannah Caroline Couture, Wallflower, Crystal Hobson and Margie Trembley.
Saturday - Debut of brand new F/W 2014 collections by Borris Powell, Kate Walz, Nuevintage, Buf Reynolds, Fella and Katie Thompson.
