This year many of our OFW designers are embarking on new milestones in their lives. Some are about to graduate high school and make their way to college; while others are graduating college, and starting to build a career. Stay up to date with what is going on with a few of our studious designers right here:
Katie Thompson
Katie, winner of the Designer Showcase II, is a graduate student at Iowa State University. Thompson will be graduating with her Masters in May of 2016. The Iowa State student is currently focused on textile design with a specialization in digital textile printing. The OFW alum found that from narrowing her focus to textile design rather than the broad topic of fashion design it allowed her to figure out what direction to take in her future career goals. Katie hopes to get a job in textile printing or textile design with a company stationed on the coast. "I prefer to move around quite a bit so in 10 years I see myself in a different city at a new job, I have no idea what it may be.", says Thompson.
Walker Greene
Walker Greene is currently a foundation student at Paris College of Art. Next year Walker plans to go into fine arts. Don't worry, this does not mean an end to fashion for him. "I want to be more open to experiment and use different mediums rather than just focusing on one thing," says Greene. Walker plans to mesh his fashion emphasis with his love for art- much like he learned through the Kent Bellows Studio and various art teachers he had. Walker attributes much of his success to the teachers he has had throughout his life."Some of the main art teachers that helped me throughout the years are: Debie Plog, who runs an art studio out of her basement, Jeremy Caniglia, my art teacher at Creighton Prep, and Dan Richters who taught me almost everything I know about fashion and design," says Walker.
Kate Walz
Kate is a senior this year and definitely knows her way around the runway. The OFW alum will be making her way to New York in the fall to attend Parsons the New School for Design. Parsons has been a dream school for Kate since a young age and she is extremely grateful to not only be accepted, but to be receiving a scholarship as well. The senior is excited to be surrounded by the diversity in New York City. "I want to feel scared and uncomfortable as I think this will help me grow as a person and artist," says Walz. In 10 years Kate sees herself owning her own boutique in New York or Paris and to design exclusive collections for high end department stores. She understand this is a big goal but is excited to achieve it. "I often find that those who fear to voice their aspirations don't truly believe in their ability to achieve them," says Kate.
This boutique centers on how the clothes make you feel rather than what size you are wearing. BeYourself has a unique sizing pattern based on colors rather than numbers. BeYourself was founded in 2005 by two sisters, Kim Vasey and Jennie O’Dell with the mission to boost the self- esteem of women with beautiful clothes. The idea was so popular that the company grew in October of 2010 with the opening of a Lincoln store. The entire team works to bring the latest trends while building the self confidence of the women of the Omaha area.
Are You Looking for name brand designer accessories but want something with a little more character?- Then Pretty in Patina is the perfect place for you! Pretty in Patina is a local Omaha boutique full of vintage treasures. The store carries name brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Louboutin. Pretty in Patina is located in the Old Market area. Owner Elizabeth Kittell began the company about two years ago selling online. In late 2014, Kittell decided a brick and mortar option was exactly what her company needed.
Beautiful, unique,one of a kind, and affordable, these are all words to describe local jeweler, Alletti Jewelry. Alletti Jewelery is located in Rockbrook Plaza and is known for its one- of-a- kind jewelry and silversmith. though known by its name today, it hasn't always been called Alletti. Patra Pakieser opened The Silversmith Jewelry and Workshop in September of 2008. The company soon grew, in 2010, Patra began by selling at wholesale and by 2011 she began manufacturing as Alletti Jewelry. The company not only sells beautiful jewelry but also teaches others through classes and workshops.
