Whitney Rorah Wins Again!

Iowa State has swept two out of three nights at OFW Designer Showcases!  Whitney Rorah won Designer Showcase III, earning her a $500 check made possible by SAC Federal Credit Union.  This is Rorah's second OFW win, with her first being the Fashion Institute Fashion Cup last August.  Her evening wear line showcased unique surface design and laser cuts.

Six designers debuted their work on March 14.  Declared, which has a celebrity following, featured cheeky beach looks modeled by "Merbabes" and included an actual mermaid carried down the runway by two male models.  The mermaid tale was made by OFW veteran designer, Dan Richters.  Jillian Fellers showcased a line of timelessly beautiful bridal gowns accessorized with jewelry from Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts.  Erin Tepper of Ezradella featured sumptuous fabrics and reversible sequins and trendy silhouettes in her first showing at OFW. Judy Bales' avant garde collection featured usual materials such as land mine wire and zip ties in structural pieces worn over black full-body leotards.  Kate Walz s howcased her final collection as a high school student, inspired by Versailles in France, and included stunning structural silhouettes and luxurious fabrics.

The winner was selected by a panel of seven Omaha-based industry experts.  To learn more about the OFW selection process, click here.  Interested in becoming an OFW designer?  Apply Now - accepting applications through April 3 for August 17-24 season.

View Borsheims Red Carpet Photos by Herb Thompson

View Saturday night coverage in Omaha World Herald

Katie Thompson Wins Designer Showcase II!

Iowa State graduate student, Katie Thompson, won Designer Showcase II with her unique take on women's ready-to-wear.  Her line featured custom printed fabrics with unique cage-like layers in shades of marsala against black and white.  This is Thompson's third showing at Omaha Fashion Week.

Five designers debuted collections on March 13.  Crystal Hobson brought steampunk fashion to the runway with an innovative take on the cape trend.  Afielda showcased stunning silver lace embellished evening wear.  The designer behind Afielda, Elda Doemekpo, will be graduating from Millard this May and plans to attend UNO.  OFW newcomer, Alejandra Buenrostro, was right on trend with her collection of faux fur embellished dresses. The show opener, Jessica Lynn Bridal, was a huge hit with a collection of bridal gowns in shades of pink and gold.

The winner was selected by a panel of seven Omaha-based industry experts.  To learn more about the OFW selection process, click here.  Interested in becoming an OFW designer?  Apply Now - accepting applications through April 3 for August 17-24 season.

View Borsheims Red Carpet Photos by Herb Thompson

View Friday night coverage in Omaha World Herald

Andrea Hurtt Wins Again, with Amaryllis line at OFW Designer Showcase I

Six designers debuted collections at OFW Designer Showcase I, with Andrea Hurtt taking the SAC Federal Credit Union Top Designer prize for her second win of the week. Hurtt won Thursday night with her collection, Amaryllis; and won the Top Boutique award for a line of dresses used in the Methodist & Younkers Survivor Show on Wednesday night.  Her boutique, Atomic Bombshells, is a vintage inspired store featuring 1940s and 50s era fashions at Midtown Crossing. She also carries lines from several local designers, including Hannah Caroline Couture which was also featured on the runway for Designer Showcase I.

The winner was selected by a panel of seven Omaha-based industry experts.  To learn more about the OFW selection process, click here.  Interested in becoming an OFW designer?  Apply Now - accepting applications through April 3 for August 17-24 season.

View Borsheims Red Carpet Photos by Herb Thompson

View Thursday night coverage in Omaha World Herald