Model Search!

Omaha Fashion Week and Develop Model Management are hosting the biannual Model Search event, looking for fresh faces to walk the runway this August!  Keep reading to find out everything you need to know for the event. WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE 2015 OMAHA FASHION WEEK MODEL CASTING

DATES YOU NEED TO KNOW:

OFW Model Search June 13th @ 2:00 p.m. Westroads Mall in Von Maur Court *This will be the ONLY casting call for Omaha Fashion Week. Model contestants will compete for a guaranteed spot to walk in Omaha Fashion Week, along with vying for one pair of VIP tickets to each week night show at Omaha Fashion Week.

Model Selection Notices June 26th by midnight You will be notified if you have been selected to walk for a designer by this date.  You will NOT be notified if you have not been selected.  Please do not email OFW or Develop Model Management about your status.  Make sure you give us the correct email – one that you monitor regularly – so that you will receive a message from us if you are cast. If you are a minor and your parents are involved in coordinating your schedule, please use an email that your parents have access to when you provide us your contact details.  Finally, if you are selected, your designer will be copied on your selection notice.  Please email Jamie (who will be your contact person) and your designer IMMEDIATELY confirming that you have received your notice and will be able to participate.

OFW will be August 17th-22nd Location is being finalized and will be announced shortly.

REQUIREMENTS:

Females: 12-30 years old, 5'7" - 6'0" tall, sizes 0-14 Males: 15-30 years old, 5'11" - 6'3" tall

WHAT TO WEAR TO THE CASTING:

General Tips for everyone: --If you choose to wear a jacket, make sure to wear your number on the outside of your jacket. --Do not wear accessories, such as a large scarf or big necklace, that will cover your number.  If we can’t see your number, we will have to discard your information. --Do not wear jewelry that makes noise when you walk, as it can be very distracting. --Make sure your hair is positioned in a way that won't cover your number when you are walking.

Adults (12+ years old): Women --A pair of heels 3” --Form fitting clothes Men --Fitted pants or jeans are great --Fitted t-shirt --Pair of slick-soled shoes (no athletic shoes please)

*This is your opportunity to show the judges that you follow the fashion industry!  Also, don’t hesitate to do even more research and check out fashion blogs like: http://stylebythemodels.tumblr.com

WHAT TO BRING:

A great attitude!  You will not need to bring professional photos as you may have in the past. Photos will be taken at the event.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CASTING:

You will arrive at Von Maur court and wait in line to go through the process of taking photos, measurements, and walking on the runway. --While in line, you will receive a model number that you need to pin to the front of you. --Text "model" to 88202. You will receive a text that contains a link that will take you to a contact form. --Click on the link and fill out your contact information. PLEASE make sure that you enter your information correctly, or else we might have to discard your submission. --An OFW photographer will take your photo (headshot and full body shot) --Your measurements will be taken (waist, bust, hips, height) --You will walk on the runway & it will be videotaped. This short amount of time is your chance to shine in front of the judges! --After you finish walking, hand your model number to the OFW volunteer standing by the runway.

*The images and videos taken of you will be uploaded to a private website that OFW designers will have exclusive access to in order to select the models they are most interested in using.

Mark June 13th on your calendars and click hereto join the Facebook event!

Notes from 6/10/14 Casting Prep Workshop

In case you missed it! Here are notes from our Casting Prep Workshop that was held on Tuesday at Develop Model Management. Check this out before you arrive at the Midwest Model Search tomorrow, so you are totally prepared for a great audition! Looking forward to seeing your beautiful face...

DATES YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Midwest Model Search June 14 from 2 p.m. Westroads Mall in Dick’s Court (right in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods) *this will be the ONLY casting call for Omaha Fashion Week Join the Facebook Event!

Model Selection Notices July 4 by midnight You will be notified if you have been selected to walk for a designer by this date. You will NOT be notified if you have not been selected. Please do not email OFW or Develop Model Management about your status. Make sure you give us the correct email – one that you monitor regularly – so that you will receive a message from us if you are cast. If you are a minor and your parents are involved in coordinating your schedule, please use an email that your parents have access to when you provide us your contact details. Finally, if you are selected, your designer will be copied on your selection notice. Please email Alyssa and your designer IMMEDIATELY confirming that you have received your notice and will be able to participate.

OFW will be August 18-23 Under the Tents in the Capitol District (near 10th & Capitol) in Downtown Omaha

REQUIREMENTS

Females: Ages 12-30 Height 5’8” – 6’0” Size 0-14

Males: Ages 15-30 Height 5’11”-6’3”

WHAT TO WEAR TO THE CASTING:

General Tips for everyone: 1. If you choose to wear a jacket make sure to wear your number on the outside of your jacket. 2. Do not wear accessories (such as a large scarf or big necklace) that will cover your number. (If we can’t see your number we will discard your information!) 3. Do not wear jewelry that makes noise when you walk, it can be very distracting. 4. Girls – you may want to wear your hair either pulled up and back or make sure it’s behind your shoulders when you walk so that we can see your number.

Adults (12 years old+): Women - A pair of heels 3”+. Form fitting clothes. This is your opportunity to be a fashionista and show the judges that you follow the fashion industry. Also, don’t hesitate to do even more research and check out fashion blogs like: http://stylebythemodels.tumblr.com

Men – Fitted pants or jeans are great as well as a fitted t-shirt. Also a pair of slick-soled shoes, no athletic shoes please!

WHAT TO BRING:

A great attitude! Two non-professional photos that you can leave with the judges. No portfolios or books will be considered. You will not be judges on your photos…they are for recognition only.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CASTING:

You may wait in long lines to be seen by the judges. Once in the casting an OFW team member will take your measurements, an OFW photographer will take two pictures and then you will meet the judges and walk for them, which will be videotaped. Those images and videos will be uploaded to a private website that OFW designers will have exclusive access to in order to select the models they are most interested in using.

This is your chance, which typically lasts approximately 30 seconds, for you to shine in front of the judges. Make sure to make eye contact and answer questions clearly and concisely…tip – try to give more than just one word answers.

Following the casting, model who are selected will be notified by July 4 at midnight if you are selected to walk for a particular designer(s). Keep in mind that you will NOT be notified if you are not selected.

Occasionally, there are last minute replacements needed so please make sure that you are checking OFW’s Facebook and other social media outlets to ensure you don’t miss your opportunity to jump in at the last minute if needed.

The Scoop on Kiddos at August 2014 OFW

Hi Parents! OFW Producer, Brook Hudson, here. We've received many calls and questions about how kids ages 11 and under can be involved in OFW this season. We LOVE having kids involved because they represent the future of fashion in our community. Participating in OFW programming can build confidence, expand critical thinking skills and sharpen your child's ability to pay attention and work as a member of a team. We just completed our first round of Omaha Fashion Camp last Friday, and I was truly amazed at how campers were using both sides of their brilliant brains to create their very own garments at camp. They had to tap into creative, analytical, structural and social aspects of their intellects, and the results were nothing short of amazing when they unveiled their final projects to parents on Friday. Check out this story from Action 3 News to see what campers were up to last week: http://www.jrn.com/kmtv/news/up-front-at-4/Omaha-Fashion-Camp-Offers-Youth-a-Styled-Summer--262173421.html

Whether your child is a budding designer, model, photographer, writer or stylist...there are many opportunities to explore the skills involved in being successful in all aspects of the fashion industry:

Kids' Model Call & Workshop At this workshop, kids spend an evening learning the skills to have a successful audition as a model...and then they put those skills to use in an actual Model Call for OFW. Parents learn techniques to better prepare their child for a positive experience on the runway. Next one will be held in early 2015. This program is NOT scheduled for summer 2014 due to high demand and a limited number of placements for child models available.

Omaha Fashion Camp Your child will learn about all aspects of the fashion industry, from sketching, photography and modeling, to creating his or her very own garment or accessory. Camp will culminate in a runway show for parents at the end of the week! We have sessions for ages 5-10 and 11-16 available. Next session is July 7-11. Cost: $199. A few spots are still available for camp! Learn more and sign up at www.omahafashionweek.com/camp.

Specially-Priced Child's Ticket for the Bridal & Children's Wear Showcase Create a special evening out with your child at our Bridal & Children's Wear Showcase on August 18. A specially-priced ticket for children ages 11 and under is available for families who want to take their budding fashion fans out for a fun evening alongside the runway. These tickets are $20 each and will allow you to sit in the 3rd or 4th row. Many families plan birthday parties and special outings around OFW with their children, and now we are making it more affordable than ever for families to continue this tradition. We encourage anyone with a child who is interested in fashion to take this opportunity to see a professionally produced fashion show, right here in Omaha. Pick up your tickets here: https://omahafashionweek.ticketleap.com/bridalchildrens/dates/Aug-18-2014_at_0600PM

Pre-Teen Modeling Classes at Develop Model Management OFW has a wonderful relationship with the premier modeling and placement agency in our region: Develop Model Management. Develop is not only a sponsor of OFW, but Develop Founder Alyssa Dilts also serves as our casting director. When I was about 11 years old, my parents sent me to classes similar to what Alyssa offers pre-teens today at her agency. Those classes changed the course of my life...setting me up with the confidence and poise to compete successfully in pageants (I became Miss Nebraska and competed in Miss America in 2004, winning over $50,000 in college scholarships!!), land amazing jobs in marketing and PR with businesses ranging from banking and financial services to non-profits and education, and now in my role as Producer of OFW where I lead an army of 1,000+ volunteers to pull off amazing fashion shows twice a year. I would not be where I am today without the Finishing School education I received at a modeling agency as a pre-teen and cannot overstate the value of this type of education for kids. If you want to encourage your child in his or her pursuits within fashion, or are simply looking for an opportunity to build confidence and poise...go talk to Alyssa! She has classes for both Pre-Teens and Teens. My parents would agree that this was one of the best investments they made in raising me...and I look forward to sending my little girl (Charlotte Rose is due to arrive Oct. 2!!) to Alyssa when she is old enough! Check out Develop Model Management at www.develop-models.com

Thank you all for your continued support of our fashion community. I look forward to seeing you and your kiddos soon at some of our childrens' activities throughout the year!!

xo,

Brook Hudson OFW Producer

Calling all models! Audition for March shows next week.

Interested in modeling for Omaha Fashion Week? Join us for a model calls in January! Attendees should not bring pictures or portfolios/model books to model calls. At model calls, the OFW team will collect measurements, photos, video and contact information that will be used by designers to cast their shows. Models who are cast will receive notification by email on January 22. If you are not cast, you will not receive an email. Check out the schedule below: Model Call: Ages 12+ January 6 6 p.m. Marriott Regency 10220 Regency Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 Join Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/1401308433444856/

Model Call: Ages 12+ January 7 6 p.m. Hilton Omaha 1001 Cass Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68102 Join Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/670066823038455/

Kids' Model Call & Workshop Unique training opportunity brought to you by Develop Model Management and OFW! January 13 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Marriott Regency 10220 Regency Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68114 Admission Fee: $25 Limited space available, so reserve your space soon! Sign up & pay for admission fee here: http://www.fashioninstituteshop.com/collections/omaha-fashion-week/products/kids-model-call-workshop

What to expect at an OFW model call...

If you missed the OFW casting prep workshop you missed out!  We went over not only what to expect at the castings but also what can give you the upper hand over your competition.  Check out a portion of that information below.

DATES YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Model Call 1 (Adults only-12 years +): Dec. 3 @ 6 p.m. Marriott Regency

Model Call 2 (Adults only-12 years +): Dec. 10 @ 6 p.m. Hilton Omaha (Century Link)

Kids Model Call (11 years and younger): January 14 @ 6 p.m. Xtreme Dance, 11231 John Gait Blvd.

1st week in January: You will be notified if you have been selected to walk for a designer.  Keep in mind that you will NOT be notified if you are not selected.

OFW F/W 2013 Collections: Feb. 26-Mar. 2 KANEKO, 1111 Jones St.

*Model hopefuls only need to attend one model call to be considered.

WHAT TO WEAR TO THE CASTING:

Kids (11 y/o and younger) – something casual, not to dressy or fussy.  See example below.

Adults (12 years old+): Women - A pair of heels 3”+.  Form fitting clothes.  This is your opportunity to be a fashionista and show the judges that you follow the fashion industry.  Also, don’t hesitate to do even more research and check out fashion blogs like: http://stylebythemodels.tumblr.com

Men – Fitted pants or jeans are great as well as a fitted t-shirt.  Also a pair of slick-soled shoes, no athletic shoes please!

WHAT TO BRING:

A great attitude!  No pictures or portfolios are needed (and they will not be considered).

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CASTING:

You do not need professional pictures and do not need a portfolio/book as they will not be considered if you bring them.

You need to do five things at the casting:

1. Pin a number to your shirt 2. Have your measurements taken 3. Have pictures taken 4. Walk for the judges - this will be videotaped 5. Provide your contact details

If you miss any one of these five things, your file will be incomplete and you will not be considered.

You may wait in long lines to be seen by the judges.  Once in the casting an OFW team member will take your measurements, an OFW photographer will take two pictures and then you will meet the judges and walk for them, which will be videotaped.  Those images, videos and data will be uploaded to a private website that OFW designers will have exclusive access to in order to select the models they are most interested in using.

This is your chance, which typically lasts approximately 30 seconds, for you shine in front of the judges.  Make sure to make eye contact and answer questions clearly and concisely…tip – try to give more than just one word answers.

For the kids – make sure you smile and have energy.  Just listen to what the judges ask you to do and you’ll be fine!

Following the casting, adults will be contacted the first week in January if you are selected to walk for a particular designer(s).  Keep in mind that you will NOT be notified if you are not selected. However, there are occasionally last minute replacements needed so please make sure that you are checking OFW’s Facebook and other social media outlets to ensure you don’t miss your opportunity to jump in at the last minute if needed.

Good luck!  See you on Dec. 3 or Dec. 10.

OFW Announces New Policy on Model Casting

*Effective immediately the OFW Model Pool will no longer be in effect.  All models who would like to participate in OFW must attend a casting prior to each fashion week.* At the casting, the following information will be collected:

• current bust, waist, hip and height measurements
• headshot and full-body photos
• video of your walk
• current contact details

Additionally, we appreciate all of the hard work and time commitment each model puts into the shows and we want to reward you for your continued participation in OFW so we have created Model Tiers.  You will now fall under one of the following categories depending upon your participation in previous OFW seasons:

Advanced (3 or more consecutive seasons):

• does not have to attend bootcamp
• last to arrive for hair and makeup
• only has to attend one fitting
• receives opportunities to model for the designers in photo shoots and other OFW related events

Intermediate (2 consecutive seasons):

• must attend at least one boot camp unless tests out
• midday arrival for hair and makeup
• only has to attend one fitting
• receives opportunities to model for the designers in photo shoots and other OFW related events

Beginner (1 season or brand new):

• must attend 2 boot camps unless tests out
• first to arrive for hair and makeup
• may have to attend more than one fitting

As this is a new process for OFW, all above is subject to change at anytime without direct notice.  Please always check back to www.omahafashionweek.com for any news and updates.  Thank you for your support and patience while we work to continue to grow and build OFW.

Model Hopefuls

Looking to strut the runway in the OFW March 2013 shows? Join us for the OFW open model calls on Dec 3. and Dec. 10. Don't miss your chance to gain experience and exposure with the industry's top scouts and fashion influencers.

We highly recommend all models attend the OFW Casting Prep Workshop prior to attending a model call. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the new 2013 model procedures. Alyssa Dilts, founder of Develop Model Management, will cover all the basic topics to prepare you for auditions including; what to wear, how to walk, what to say to the judges and more. OFW Producers Nick and Brook Hudson will also be on hand to answer questions. The Casting Prep Workshop will be held on November 11, from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Develop Model Management, 1307 Leavenworth Street.  Please park in the lot to the south of the building.

Models cast for the OFW 2013 will have the opportunity to train with model coach Alyssa Dilts. Those who are cast will be required to attend model boot camp, where they will learn how to interact with photographers on the runway and improve their walking technique.

Attendees should not bring pictures or portfolios/model books to model calls or the casting workshop or model calls. At model calls, the OFW team will collect measurements, photos, video and contact information that will be used by designers to cast their shows.

Casting Prep Workshop:

Nov. 11 from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. @ Develop Model Management on 1307 Leavenworth St. in Omaha

OFW Model Calls:

Dec. 3 @ 6 p.m.  Omaha Marriott on 10220 Regency Circle in Omaha, NE 68114 (near Regency Court/Whole Foods in Omaha)

Dec. 10  @ 6 p.m. Hilton Omaha on 1001 Cass St. Omaha (attached to Qwest Center in downtown Omaha)

Model Boot Camp (for those who are cast in the shows):

Feb. 7 @ Develop Model Management. From 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Feb. 14 @ Develop Model Management. From 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Feb. 21 @ Develop Model Management.  From 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

OFW Model Call 2012

Here are some FAQs for model-hopefuls:

Q: I've heard there is an "OFW Model Pool".  What is that and what does it mean for me? A.  Yes, there is an OFW Model Pool.  We started the Model Pool in October as a way to simplify the model selection process for Omaha Fashion Week and participating designers. Being included in the Model Pool means that you have an opportunity to be selected for OFW shows.  It does not guarantee you placement. You may be contacted directly by none, one or several OFW designers.  They will have access to all information we have on file for you - photo, measurements, hair color, eye color, etc.  They may cast you on the spot based on your file, or ask you to come in for an interview.

Q: How do I get into the "OFW Model Pool"? A:   Anyone who wants to be included in the OFW Model Pool must try out at an Omaha Fashion Week Model Call.  We have one coming up on February 20 at 6 p.m. at Hilton Garden Inn on 1005 and Dodge (attached to Spencer's). Once you are in the pool, you will not need to attend future model calls to maintain your status.

Q: What can I expect when I arrive at the model call? A:  You will do four things at the model call:  1) Receive a number that should be pinned to your shirt so we can identify you. 2) Get a photo taken. 3) Visit the measurement station, where we will take your measurements and collect your contact information. 4) Demonstrate your walk for the panel.

Q: What will the photo taken of me at the model call be used for? A:  Strictly for identification purposes.  Photos taken at the model calls won't be used publicly.  They help us put a face with the name during the selection process.

Q. Why do you have to take measurements? Do they determine who gets into the shows? A.  We take measurements to help the designers get a head start on fittings.  Each garment is made to fit your body specifically - so accurate measurements are important. Without accurate measurements, a designer could end up buying too much fabric, or cutting a garment too small.  In either case, this is bad for the designer because it wastes their time and resources. The measurements are not used to determine who gets into the show - Omaha Fashion Week doesn't have a specific measurement requirement.  Ultimately, it is up to the designers to select the models who best represent their aesthetic.

Q: What should I wear to the model call? A: The panel of industry experts will want to see your bodyline, how you move and your face.  For ladies, we recommend something form-fitting, such as jeggings/leggings with a simple top and high-heels.  For gentlemen, we recommend jeans and t-shirts.  As for make-up, hair and accessories, keep it simple...again, the panel is looking for natural beauty.

Q: What happens if I am selected by a designer to walk in Omaha Fashion Week? A:  If selected, you will be required to sign a release to walk in Omaha Fashion Week (if under 19, you will need to have a parent/guardian sign for you).  Your designer will provide you with the release and collect it from you.  You will also be expected to meet with your designer as needed for fittings and do your part to help bring their creativity to life on the runway.  The designer is the leader of his/her creative team, which includes a set of models, make up artists and hairstylists.  Participation in OFW is an exciting opportunity to work as a team and all members of the team are expected to do their part to deliver upon the creative vision of the designer.

Q: When will I know if I am selected for the Model Pool?  How about the actual shows? A: You will know no later than Tuesday, March 20. if you will be included in the OFW Model Pool.  This is a list of models from which designers cast their shows.  This does not guarantee you placement.  If you are included on this list, you may be contacted by none, one or many OFW designers to walk for them or to interview for an opportunity to walk.  Each designer approaches their selection process differently and the Model Pool gives them the ability to cast their shows from a group of models that have been vetted by OFW.  Given the individual approach of each designer, OFW can't guarantee an exact time of when you will know that you've been cast.  In fact, there are many instances when designers need to fill a position in their line-up at the last minute - if you are in the Model Pool, you may be called upon to fill-in during such a situation.  Often these are when some of the best relationships form between designers and models.

Q: Once I am in the pool, do I need to attend future model calls to maintain my status? A: No, you do not need to attend any more model calls to maintain your status once you are in the OFW Model Pool - that's one of the perks of being included!!  To maintain your status, you only need to respond to an email we will send you prior to casting for each season.  This email simply asks if you would like to continue being part of the OFW Model Pool.  If you respond "Yes," then your information will be presented to designers for casting.  If you do not respond, or if you respond "No," then your information will not be presented to designers for casting.  This email will arrive in April for August shows and October for March shows.  Please do us a favor and let us know if you change email addresses so we can stay in touch - drop us a line at info@omahafashionweek.com.  Thanks!