From an OFW news release that went out today:
Omaha, NE, Oct. 24, 2011 - Omaha Fashion Week [OFW] organizers announced this week the designers who have been selected to show collections during the organization's March 2012 shows, to be held at KANEKO. They include four newcomers, three high school students and two designers from Midwest cities outside of Omaha.
"We set up a more rigorous application process for the upcoming season - and the fashion design community really stepped up and presented some great ideas," Nick Hudson, OFW producer said. Designers applied online and a limited number were selected to pitch their ideas for their upcoming collection with a panel of industry experts. The experts scored each designer and provided feedback that organizers used to make final selection decisions.
"The feedback from the panel was so helpful - we will be passing it on to each designer as a way of helping them continue to push the envelope on their creativity," Hudson said. The first OFW designer meeting for the upcoming season was held last night and, "...they [the designers] all seemed excited about the changes to the selection process and the feedback and coaching we will provide as they get ready for March."
Omaha Fashion Week: March 2012 Designers
Angela Balderston: Angela hails from the U.K. and made her debut on Omaha’s fashion scene in August. She creates avant-garde pieces from non-traditional materials.
Terri Jen Buckner: Terri Jen is an eco-friendly designer who re-purposes vintage clothing into one-of-a-kind street wear pieces under her label NueVintage Apparel & Accessories.
Leah Casper: Leah is an OFW newcomer who studied fashion design at the Art Institute of Philadelphia and interned at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where she further developed her love of costume design.
Amanda Clark: Amanda Clark is an eco-friendly designer who now lives in St. Louis, but has roots in Omaha. She designs under her label, “I Design with Love” and describes her work as both sculptural and wearable.
Bertiher de la Cruz Trinidad: Bertiher is a Mexican native with more than 13 years of experience as a tailor and fashion designer. A newcomer to OFW, he spent part of his career as an instructor at Chaiaps University in Mexico.
Emma Erickson: Emma graduated from Academy of Art University and interned at Herve Leger by Max Azria (BCBG) and some of her work has been shown at New York Fashion Week. She creates high quality women’s daywear.
Elizabeth Fitzgerald: Elizabeth is a 16-year-old attending Duchesne Academy. She began her studies as a fashion designer this summer through a program at the School of Art Institute in Chicago. She is an OFW newcomer and will debut her first-ever collection this March.
Hollie Hanash: Hollie is creating her second collection for OFW. She designs under her “Ruffled Runway” label which she says is perfect for the trendy kid who wants to be the playground princess.
Tiffany Headley: Tiffany designs glamorous cocktail dresses, evening gowns and outerwear under her label, Donna Faye Couture. She is best-known for designing the winning gown for the reigning Miss America, Teresa Scanlan.
Megan Hunt: Megan Hunt, a.k.a. Princess Lasertron, is a bridal designer, blogger and self-proclaimed best friend. Her combination of handcrafted design and business prowess has earned her cult celebrity status in the wedding industry.
Jane Round: Jane is a senior at Millard North High School and has shown collections at OFW since 2009. Her high-quality garments are influenced by vintage fashion.
Christian Shuster: Christian is Kansas City designer and OFW newcomer. He designs a men’s necktie line under the christianMICHEAL label that is sold at several well-known Kansas City retailers. He creates custom men’s wear.
Kate Walz: Kate is a 15-year-old fashion designer who is working on her fifth collection for OFW under her label, Just Because, which she describes as sophisticated and girly.
More designers may be added to the list in coming weeks. The upcoming show is scheduled for March 19-24 at KANEKO on 1111 Jones Street in Omaha and will feature collections for Fall 2012. Tickets go on sale in January at www.omahafashionweek.com.
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Photo courtesy of OFW Photo Contest Team, Metamorphosis, featuring work by photographer G Thompson Higgins; designer Megan Hunt; stylist Mary Killian, models Madison Riedmiller, Gwyneth Talley and Sarah Fay Smith; all at Hotel Deco with lighting by Libby Dyer and set direction by Royce Forbush.
Michelle Dunn's coral reef inspired collection featured tons of ocean-like colors like corals, teals and deep blues. She wanted to create a collection that encompassed the free-flowing youthful movement of a woman. Her fabrics had tons of layered silk to create a moveable look.
SuShe by J. Tracy, designed by Juantiesha Christian, had a line inspired by the different boroughs in New York City. The line highlighted each individual borough and included urban street-wear styles like an skirted overall piece with painted brick. It also featured neoprene and peplums.
Quinton Lovelace's collection featured bold lines and interesting shapes. He wanted to create a collection that had simplicity but also a bit of an edge. He featured lots of reds, whites and blacks along with the use of neoprene fabric. His collection also used a lot of asymmetrical designs and edgy details like exposed zippers.
Andrea Sanderlin, a designer for Younkers's new line Ruff Hewn Grey, had a special presentation of her fall collection on the runway as well. Her collection featured blacks and maroons. We also saw lots of texture in Sanderlin's line with pieces of leather, velvet plaids and kits.
