The latest blog posts on the Midwest's Premier Fashion Event.
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Last week Omaha Fashion Camp 2021 took over the Omaha Design Center! Campers ages 6-17 had the opportunity to gain key industry skills and learn more about fashion, all led by our friends at Develop Model Management. Opening Thursday’s JOVIAL Showcase, the Omaha Fashion Campers will be presenting the looks they created at camp as a headlining collection.
Wondering how to get your future fashion leader involved in Omaha’s fashion scene? Register for Omaha Fashion Camp, for kids ages 6-17. Campers will learn valuable industry skills from July 12-16 at the Omaha Design Center.
Have you met our wonderful selection panel? This season always presents us with some tough decisions but our panel is top notch. Here is a bit more about them:
Judy Davis is a two year board member of the Fashion Institute Midwest Board and the Fashion Institute Guild. She currently serves as treasurer of both organizations.
Outside of the “fashion world”, Judy serves the community as Philanthropy/Event Chair on the American Red Cross Board, Board Development Chair on the YMCA Board, Chair of the Iowa West Educational Advisory Committee, a member of the Iowa Western Community College Black Tie Committee, and a board member of the Council Bluffs Guild of the Omaha Symphony.
Judy served as Campaign Consultant for the new Charles E. Lakin YMCA in Council Bluffs and is currently serving as Campaign Consultant for the Council Bluffs Athletic Complex. Judy is married to husband Ron, has three children and six grandchildren.
Meghann Schense is creative consultant & grit of EsotericVelvet.com She is a founding, executive board member for the Fashion Institute Guild, a style ambassador for Harper’s Bazaar, and “Au Courant” trend columnist for Inspired Living Magazine.
Meghann’s expertise includes media production, writing, art direction, styling, graphic design, photography, event planning, market research & analytics, e-commerce, branding, public relations, email marketing, and social media.
Vanessa Barrett has a long history with design and fashion. She began as a window dresser, with many experiences along the way including boutique owner, buyer, interior design, editor of The Scout Guide Omaha, and photographer. Vanessa is currently working in jewelry design and as a fashion/interior stylist.
Autumn Foland leads the sales and customer service efforts at Design Parliament. With over 15 years of retail and wholesale experience, Autumn has solidified a reputation for being a key player in the nation’s designer specialty and department stores. She has purchased at wholesale showrooms across the country, as well as such venues as New York Fashion Week, LA Fashion Week, Dallas Market and Style Max Chicago.
Autumn has developed relationships with hundreds of fashion designers and top retail executives through her various buying and selling activities. Autumn is also very involved in her local community, serving as Board Member of the Midwest Fashion Institute Guild, Member of the Board and Chairperson of the Heart Ministry Center Fashion Show and a Team Captain Volunteer for The ICAN Womens Leadership Annual Conference.
Robyn Kortan was a Senior Buyer for Dayton Hudson Department Stores headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. She was responsible for managing multi million dollar businesses for several departments. In this position, Robyn also had the opportunity to travel for the Associated Merchant Corporation and was involved with design and development of merchandise for private label to be used by Dayton Hudson/Marshall Field and several other major department stores throughout the U.S. Before retiring from retail, Robyn moved to Human Resources and was responsible for the Merchant Trainee Program and conducted professional and personal training for the Executive Merchant Team.
With these folks on the panel, we have no doubt that the August 2015 lineup will be wonderful!
Next Saturday night will round out our designer showcase and you don't want to miss these designers, check out a little about them before the show.
Declared Jillian Fellers Erin Tepper Judy Bales Kate Walz Whitney Rorah
Declared is designed by Amy Lynn and Jake Thacker. The brand has been a fixture in our retail booths and our finally makeing their way to the runway this season. Declared be gan with Amy and $20 upcycling denim in her basement. Amy had no background in Fashion Design but had a love for photography. Jake joined the brand and together they create 90's inspired clothes. In the two years since the brand started they have been seen in the page of Nylon Magazine and worn by stars like Hayley Willams. With their electric group of friends the pair designs for the rule breakers with a street wear vibe.
Jillian Fellers designs wedding gowns for romantic brides who want a hint of the past. She began the brand in 2012. Jillian graduated from University of Nebraska Lincoln with a Textile Design degree. Each of Jillian's gown embody a vintage elegance with an attention to detail. The femininity is perfect for any brides wedding day as well as our runway in the Saturday night show.
Erin Tepper is a senior at Iowa State University. She is studying Textile Design. Erin is Excited about the exposure she will receive by showing her collection at Omaha Fashion Week. Erin hopes to get the word about her brand, Ezradella, out there in the fashion world with the help of Omaha Fashion Week.
With the help of some everyday items, Judy Bales is known for creating "art wear". Judy uses things like wood, metal and other materials to create beauty. Traditionally a painter, Judy branches her art into fashion. She is known for her fiber art most all. This is includes whimsical costumes and plastic couture. Judy's line will take the runway on Saturday and will not lack a WOW factor!
Kate Walz is no newcomer to the Omaha Fashion Week runway that is for sure. The 18 year old has been designing since age 8 and has no plans of stopping soon. Kate's designs have a vintage edge about them. She is constantly wowing us with new and amazing designs. Kate acts as a role model to all the Young, developing designers. She proves to everyone the power you have when you put your mind to something you love.
Whitney Rorah floored us in August with her bridal collection and is back show us some more here in March. Whitney's designs come deep from within to help create beautiful garments. Many of her designs are influenced by nature, history and most of life itself. Whitney won the 2014 Fashion Cup last year and there is no doubt that she will bring great things to the runway this season!
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Click HERE to get your tickets for 3/14!
As we are only a few days from the beginning of Omaha Fashion Week we thought you should get to know a little bit about the Friday night Presenters!
Jessica Lynn Crystal Hobson Alejandra Buenrostro Elda Doamekpo Katie Thompson
Jessica Lynn began sewing at the age of five from her grandmother. Jessica studied at the Art Institutes of Colorado. After she gained industry experience by working in a bridal boutique. Eventually Jessica went out on her own to design her how bridal gowns. Her lines are full of detailed, vintage inspired gowns and have been shown on the runway multiple times.
Crystal Hobson had always had the support of her parents when it came to doing what she loved. Going in to college she began with a Costume Design major. She then found the Textile Design program and fell in love. She graduated from University of Nebraska Lincoln and continues to do what she loves. Crystal showed in the August show and is excited to show here at the March show. Crystal designed pieces for this line that are simple but bring the WOW factor! Look for her designs on Friday night.
Alejandra Buenrostro studied design in Mexico and after college she received a job designing shoes. Alejandra applied to Omaha Fashion Week with the hopes of diversifying herself as well as stepping out of her comfort zone. Alejandra loved the experience and can't wait to expand her lines even more. She hopes to expand in to mens wear as well as continue with designing shoes in the future. This is Alejandra's first show and she can't wait to see what her future holds!
In August, Elda Doamekpo presented a collection that was inspired by her heritage and family. This season Elda will be presenting a line thats inspiration comes from over 100 years ago. She is very excited to present her collection based off the 1920's novel, The Great Gatsby. Elda brings the past and the present together to create beautiful designs. At the age of 17, Elda works to be an example for young designers as she presents her collection at Omaha Fashion Week.
Katie Thompson is anything but a new comer when it come to Omaha Fashion Week. The Iowa State student is constantly presenting fun, elegant, ready to wear collections. Katie works to create business causal clothes that are anything but stuffy. Pieces from Kaite's line are great first impressions and are full of creativity. See what she comes up with next when her models walk the runway.
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Click HERE to get your tickets for 3/13!
Our first Showcase night is a week from today, get to know the designers that will be showing on before their designs hit the runway!
Andrea Hurtt
Alyssa Koory
Jessica Collins
Hannah Olsen
Molly O'Brien
Alison Cloet
For Andrea Hurtt, designing started out of necessity but quickly turned to a passion. When Andrea's Daughter was born in June of 1999 she was too tiny for her baby clothes. Andrea then took to the sewing machine to make clothes out of pillow cases for her. For the past three years now Andrea been designing clothes influenced by the late 40's-60's. Andrea also owns her own boutique in the Mid-Town Crossing area called Atomic Bombshells.
Westside High School student, Alyssa Koory, can't wait for her designs to walk the runway on Thursday night. Alyssa is inspired by everything old fashion and vintage. As she took her high school Fashion class her fascination with clothes and Coco Chanel found the perfect outlet. Alyssa's retro inspired line will bring a glimpse of the past to the runway.
Jessica Collins began making clothes for a similar reason as Andrea Hurtt. Jessica needed headpieces that could fit her little girl's head. Jessica began sewing clothes later and had many orders from others moms. When her and her family moved to Nebraska she got back into designing. She began to create her own patterns and was introduced to runway children's wear. Jessica has now shown multiple times with Omaha Fashion Week and always has something new and exciting.
Hannah Olsen is another young designer who is no amateur to the runway. Hannah designs are created with the real women in mind. Her first collection shown in March of 2013 was the first plus sized collection ever shown at any show in the Midwest. Hannah's brand began as an accessory line and soon evolved to brand it is today. Her line for this show will be full of edginess and dark elegance and was inspired by the singer Lorde.
Molly O'Brien began sewing at a young age much like most of our student designers. At the age of 8 she began sewing and began creating her own patterns at 15. Molly attributes her growth as a designer to her Independent Sewing teacher at her high school. Her teacher is constantly driving her to try new techniques and learn new skills. Molly's first line for Omaha Fashion Week is full of pieces that represent a new vintage. Molly works to create sophisticated pieces that are full of a timeless elegance. Molly's hopes to have her own boutique someday and to be able show in New York.
Alison Cloet began sewing in 4-H when she was 8 and believe it or not, she hated it. As Alison got older she began to get more into it and learned how to make her own patterns. Alison began to realize she could make clothes what she wanted them to be. She was influenced by bloggers and various designers like Dolce and Gabbana and Oscar De La Renta. She loved the detail put into each garment. Alison is most excited to show the community her hard work through her designs.
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Click HERE to get tickets for the 3/12 show!
With our Student night quickly approaching we thought you would like to get to know a little bit about the young designers included in the show.
4-H students
Sydney Moore
OPS students
Caleb Hanner
Kent Bellows
Grace Neary for Grace62 Designs
Sydney Moore began sewing at the young age of eight with her grandmother Kathy. The 12 year old had always received a lot of support from her family and friends, when it came to sewing and designing. Last summer Sydney joined us for Fashion Camp and was amazed at the fact that there were students just a little older than her getting their designs on the runway. Sydney will be showing in our student night as a first step in her dream of someday making it to Paris with her designs.
Caleb Hanner, a college student at Iowa State University, had not always taken the path of design. Caleb had began his college education majoring in music, as he grew more and more unhappy with it he knew it was time for a change. Though he had always loved fashion, it wasn't until he volunteered at the March 2014 show that he knew his new career direction. Caleb began sketching in the spring and June he began sewing. By the end of the summer he had made his first outfit and is now ready to show his complete line at Student night.
As a child Grace Neary drew designs much like she does today but at the time she believed if she took them to the department store they could magically make them for her. Eventually she learned to sew her designs her self with the help of grandmother and her trusty Vogue Sewing Book. The high schooler is inspired by much of the designs from the the 60's and the time of change. As Grace was designing this line she was going through a time of change of her own. The loss of her grandfather played a major role in her designs and can not wait to honor him with her line on Student Night.
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Click HERE to get your tickets to see our Student Night Show!
Omaha Fashion Week is quickly approaching and along with the shows we have some awesome retailers joining in on the fashion fun! BeYourself Boutique (March 13-14th)
Pretty In Patina (March 10-15th)
318 On The Avenue (March 11th and March 14th)
Alletti Jewelry (March 14th)
It! Works, Becky Jochim (March 14th)
The Ugly Sister Boutique(March 13th)
Atomic Bombshells (March 13th)
Declared (March 13th)
Nebraska Cancer Coalition: The Bed is Dead(March 11th)
Younkers(March 11th)
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BeYourself Boutique
BeYourself Boutique will be joining us the Friday and Saturday night of OFW with some of the latest trends. Be sure to stop into their Omaha or Lincoln location to pick up some great new active wear that is perfect for more than just working out.These transitional pieces are perfect for going from yoga to coffee with your girlfriends!
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Pretty In Patina
If you are looking for accessories for Omaha Fashion Week , Pretty in Patina is your one stop shop. Located in the old market area, the boutique is full of vintage, name brand treasures that are calling your name.With new items coming in all the time you are sure to find the perfect accessory! You will also be able to shop at their booth every night of OFW and see their merchandise modeled on Wednesday and Saturday.
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318 On The Avenue
Spring is approaching and to be prepared make sure you check out some of the great pieces at 318 On The Avenue. If you can't make it out to their Norfolk store, be sure to check out their website before you see their retail booth on Wednesday and Saturday night. Their clothes will also be able to be seen on the model platforms on Wednesday! When visiting 318 online there is always free shipping on orders of $75 or more.
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Alletti Jewelry
Whether you are looking for something new or the value on something you already own, Alletti is here to help. Alletti does jewelry appraisal, done by their expert gemologists. If you are interested in learning how to learn to make jewelry for yourself check out their silver smithing classes. Alletti Jewelry will have their beautiful, unique jewelry available on Saturday night!
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It Works!, Becky Jochim
Do you want to be a healthier version of yourself. It Works! products may be the perfect addition to your daily regiment. Whether your goals include being more fit or having healthier hair and skin, The It! Works girls have exactly what your looking for. Before you see their booth on Saturday night, get a preview of the products from Becky!
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The Ugly Sister Boutique
The Ugly Sister Boutique is one of the most recent additions to the boutique that will be joining us for Omaha Fashion Week. The Ugly Sister Boutique started with a love of bling. Judy Alioth had been designing jewelry for a few years and wanted a way to share her passion of glitz and glamour with the public. Judy wanted a store the emulated her personality and was full of creativity. the store was started in 2010 and is now open in Midtown Crossing. Be sure to Checkout this gem before they join on the Friday night of OFW!
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Atomic Bombshells
Atomic Bombeshell
Atomic Bombshells brings great vintage elements to a modern women. Atomic Bombshell carries clothing by Bettie Page Clothing, Sourpuss Clothing, and Pin Up Couture and much more. Their clothes are the perfect thing to bring out your inner Bombshell! The store full of petticoats and swing dresses is located in Midtown Crossing. They will have a booth available on the Friday night of fashion week but be sure to stop into their store now to shop and enter their Pink Couch giveaway before the 28th!
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Declared
Declared
With and inspiration of the crazy, defining teen years, Declared brings coast minded style to the Omaha area. The brand started by Amy Lynn with up cycling and and dying denim in her basement. The fashion photographer was then joined by her friend Jake Thacker. The pair creates 90's inspired clothing and accessories worn by stars like Hayley Willams and Vanessa Hudgens. The brand will be showing in Omaha Fashion Week as well as hosting a booth on Saturday night.
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Nebraska Cancer Coalition: The Bed is Dead
The Nebraska Cancer Coalition is dedicated to educating the public on the risks of tanning beds. Nebraska Cancer Coalition wants to be involved in young women 's commitment to protect themselves. The organization will be joining us on Wednesday night with their booth for the Methodist Hospital Survivor Show!
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Younkers
During the Survivor show Younkers will not only have a booth before hand but is also one of our very generous corporate sponsors! Younkers is dedicated to bringing the latest trends to the community. The Bon Ton owned department store reaches out to shoppers in the area with events like the New & Now Fashion show happening march 28th!
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Tat'z Nail'z
Tat'z Nail'z will bringing the latest technology in nails to Omaha Fashion Week. they will join us Thursday and Friday night.With Tat'z Nail'z technology meets beauty. Not only can you put any digital image on your nail at photo quality, but you can do it in less than 10 seconds. With their specialized machine fashion nails are just moments away. On their website you have the ability to create you own design to be printed.With Tat'z nail'z your nails will be your best accessory.
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Ensemble
Ensemble is a premium menswear store. They are located in Country side village. Ensemble carries a variety of name brands including Jack Spade, Jonathan Alder, and John Varvatos. Ensemble works to create a contemporary shopping environment as a mens boutique. The Boutique will have a model presentation Saturday night before the show.
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Be sure to check out all these boutiques before and during Omaha Fashion Week!
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Still interested in being apart of the OFW?
Contact Assistant Producer Kylie Bollwitt, at Kylie@OmahaFashionWeek.com
Attention all businesses, no matter the size! Do you love Omaha Fashion Week and wish you could be a part of it, all while promoting your own business and/or product? Now is your chance!! All VIP ticket-holders will receive an Omaha Fashion Week “Swag Bag” at the F/W 2015 show this March, and we want YOU to help make it fabulous. If you'd like to participate every night of Fashion Week, you must be able to provide 1,000 products/offers. If you're not able to provide this quantity, you can still participate by providing products/offers in increments of 200. One night: 200 Two nights: 400 Three nights: 600 Four nights: 800 All five nights: 1,000 *Which nights your products are featured in our bags will be chosen at our discretion
Click here to find out more and to apply for this awesome opportunity!
Application will close February 23rd. Products will need to be sent to the OFW office by March 2nd (107 S. 55th St., Omaha, NE 68132).
If you have any questions/concerns, feel free to contact jamie@omahafashionweek.com.
OFW organizers have announced the schedule of events for the March 2015 Season. New this season will be prizes awarded every night to the designers, boutiques and salons that create the top looks. Prizes are provided by OFW presenting sponsor, SAC Federal Credit Union. "We really appreciate SAC Federal Credit Union's commitment to supporting small entrepreneurs and the way they are carrying out that commitment through OFW," said Brook Hudson, OFW Producer. Decisions will be made by the OFW selection panel. The panel includes the following individuals:
March 2015 Shows will be held at the Omar Arts & Events space on 4383 Nicholas Street just north of Midtown. Shows are scheduled for March 10-15 and tickets go on sale to the public at www.omahafashionweek.com on January 12. Ticket prices and show schedule are listed below.
TICKET PRICES:
VIP I, $80: Includes valet parking, Borsheims Red Carpet experience, access to the Peroni VIP Lounge for complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres from 6-8 p.m., premium front row seating and VIP Gift Bag.
VIP II, $65: Includes valet parking, Borsheims Red Carpet Experience, access to the Peroni VIP Lounge for complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, premium second row seating.
Reserved, $40: Includes the Borshiems Red Carpet Experience, access to the Younkers Pre-Party, free parking close to the venue, seating in rows 3-6. Valet parking available for a fee.
| Date | Time | Location | Theme | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/10 | Doors at 6 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. | Omar Arts & Events at 4383 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68131 | OFW Student Night | Check out Nebraska's most talented student designers! View collections from top 4-H students, the Joslyn Art Museum's Kent Bellows Studio, Omaha's Central High School and three OFW newcomers: Caleb Hanner for LeRoy Designs (Evening Wear), Sydney Moore (Avant Garde) and Grace Neary for Grace62 Designs (RTW). |
| 3/11 | Doors at 6 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. | Omar Arts & Events at 4383 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68131 | Methodist Hospital Survivor Show | Celebrate the triumph over cancer as 80 survivors take over the runway wearing looks from local boutiques! Presented by Nebraska Methodist Hospital, part of proceeds benefit the Inner Beauty Salon at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center. |
| 3/12 | Doors at 6 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. | Omar Arts & Events at 4383 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68131 | Designer Showcase I | Debut of brand new F/W 2015 collections by Alison Cloet (RTW), Jessica Collins forJessica Lynn (Children's Wear), Andrea Hurtt for Amaryillis Designs (RTW), Alyssa Koory (RTW), Molly O'Brien for Molly Elizabeth (RTW), Hannah Olson for Hannah Caroline Couture (RTW) and Monica Winslow for Monika Spook (RTW). |
| 3/13 | Doors at 6 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. | Omar Arts & Events at 4383 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68131 | Designer Showcase II | Debut of brand new F/W 2015 collections by Alejandra Buenrostro (RTW), Amande Dreesen for Dendinger (Evening Wear), Elda Doamekpo for AFIELDA (Evening Wear), Crystal Hobson (RTW), Jessica Lynn for Jacklynn (Bridal), and Katie Thompson for Katie Thompson Clothing (RTW). |
| 3/14 | Doors at 6 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. | Omar Arts & Events at 4383 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68131 | Designer Showcase III | Debut of brand new F/W 2015 collections by Judy Bales (Avant Garde), Declared (RTW), Jillan Fellers (Bridal), Whitney Rorah for Whitney Rorah Designs (Evening Wear), Erin Tepper for Ezradella (RTW), Kate Walz (Evening Wear). |
| 3/15 | Doors at 6 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. | Omar Arts & Events at 4383 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68131 | Develop Model Management Beauty Show | Watch the metro's top salons, hair stylists and make up artists compete for a $2,500 prize package from SAC Federal Credit Union! With only 48 hours to pull off 10 head-to-toe looks, the battle will be fierce. |
Pops of color and sparkle were all the rage on the runway for Tuesday night’s Ready To Wear showcase, and we’re not just talking about the lovely Brandi Peterson as emcee! We started off our showcase with designs by Vessela Zarankova for her line ZARANKOVA. Her collection was titled, “Games of the Human Brain” and each look represented an emotion. We saw lots of reds and yellows to represent different emotions. Each dress also had printed silk details to represent brain waves.
Samone Davis and Britney Rose for Legalized Rebellion named their collection “Royal Blood” and it was inspired by the African Military. Most of the designs were accessorized with a small piece of fringe covering the eyes, which added to the military feel of the collection. Legalized Rebellion featured golds, blacks, reds and olive greens with pops of metallic. The duo designed for both men and women and most designs had a structured, sleek silhouette.
Hannah Olsen for Hannah Caroline Couture had Chicago on her brain when she designed her line, “Midnight City.” We saw flattering silhouettes, sparkle and pops of bright color on black. Olsen also added fun, body positive bags to her collection.
KT Thomspon, designed by FIM Grant Recipient Katie Thompson, called her line “Sea, Sand and Sun.” She was inspired by the waves of the sea crashing into the shore. Each print on the dresses were hand printed by Katie based on photographs she took in Myrtle Beach. We saw lots of scallops and ocean themed colors like corals and blues.
Tamara Newson for Iconic by Tamu is another FIM Grant Recipient. Her line was inspired by the Swahili language and featured pops of bright colors and a subtle sexiness. We saw lots of unique cut outs and asymmetrical lines.
Denise Ervin Designs pleased the crowed with tons of sparkle on her western themed clothes. She featured neutral colors, whites and denim. She designed skirts, pants and shorts but her fringe chaps really wowed the crowd. From Denise we saw structured button ups, suede and laser cut out details.
Both Denise Ervin Designs and ZARANKOVA were chosen to show their collections on Saturday night during the finale and vie for the Fashion Cup and $10,000.
