Tickets for August 2015 are Now Available!

Get Ready to Join us under the Tents for August 2015!

Check out the Schedule and buy your tickets today! 

8/17: Bridal + Children's Wear + Sister Cities

Debut of brand new collections from Bridal and Children’s Wear designers, along with Sister Cities.  Featured designers: Kingdom Unlimited – Isabel Muziva; KAIT – Kaitlyn Fitzgerald; LeRoy Designs – Caleb Hanner; Quite-A-Riot – Adrienne Anderson; and Jessica Lynn – Jessica Collins.

Click HERE to Purchase

8/18: Avant Garde + Swim Wear

Debut of brand new collections from Avant Garde and Swimwear designers. Featured designers: Dan Richters; Jennifer Pool; Brave Nouvelle – Ellene McClay; Judy Bales; Sabrina Jones; and KKINI – Michaela Cawley.

Click HERE to Purchase

8/19:Ready to Wear Showcase I

Debut of brand new collections from Ready-to-Wear designers. Featured designers: Sydney Moore; Iconic by Tamu – Tamara Newson; Triple Thread – Kylie Bollwitt, Margi Hanlon, & Ashley Redinbaugh; MDFashions Aspen – Michelle Dunn; Alejandra Buenrostro; and SuShe by J. Tracey – Juantiesha Christian

Click HERE to Purchase 

8/20: Ready to Wear Showcase II

Debut of brand new collections from Ready-to-Wear designers. Featured designers: Alyssa Koory; Legalized Rebellion – Samone Davis; Molly Elizabeth – Molly O’Brien; Wallflower – Erica Cardenas & Bryan Frost; Nuevintage – Terri Buckner; and Christopher DiGiorgio.

Click HERE to Purchase

8/21: Evening wear Showcase

Debut of brand new collections from Evening Wear designers. Featured designers: Amaryllis Designs – Andrea Hurtt; Buf Reynolds; Denise Ervin Designs – Denise Ervin; alesha.beth – Alesha Johnson; Leah Kareen – Leah Kettelson; Alison Cloet; and Fella – Fella Vaughn.

Click HERE to Purchase

8/22: VIP Runway Finale

Celebrate the best of Omaha Fashion Week and watch 12 designers compete for the Oxide Fashion Cup and a $20,000 prize package provided by the Fashion Institute Midwest!  Walk the Borsheims Red Carpet at this all VIP event and enjoy the Midwest’s most glamourous night out! Designer finalists will be announced in early August.

Click HERE to Purchase

We look forward to seeing you alongside the runway, August 2015!

#BeThere #OmahaFashion

OFW Designers Take on College

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.

We Love our Selection Panel!

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!

Join in on the Summer Fun: OFW Fashion Camp

Join in on the Summer Fun: OFW Fashion Camp Every kid goes to basketball camp, dance camp, or your regular old sleep away camp, but stray from the status quo this Summer and register send your child in the OFW & Develop Model Management fashion camp.

Join the OFW Team and Develop Model Management for our Fashion Camp! Your child will learn about all aspects of the fashion industry, from sketching, photography and modeling, to creating their very own garment or accessory. Camp will culminate in a runway show for parents at the end of the week!

Fashion Camp will be held at Develop Model Management. Price includes all materials for the week- meals and snacks are NOT included.

Check out coverage of lasts year's camp by KMTV Action 3 News!

Session I/Kids Camp: $225 June 8th-12th  8am-noon  (6-10 year olds)

KIDS (6-10 y/o) FASHION CAMP SCHEDULE Day 1: Project introduction:  Design basics Day 2: Project introduction:  How to make a bag Day 3: Project introduction: How to decorate your bag and jewelry accompaniment Day 4: Topic and Group Discussion: How to model Day 5: Pick out matching garment from Goodwill. All group fashion show and photo shoot

Session II/Preteen+Teen Camp: $225 June 8th-12th 1pm-5pm (11-17 year olds)

PRETEEN/TEEN (11-17 y/o) FASHION CAMP SCHEDULE Day 1: Topic and Group Discussion:  Your personal style and creating a brand Day 2: Topic and Group Discussion: Mood boards Day 3: Topic and Group Discussion:  Fashion industry jobs Day 4: Topic and Group Discussion: How to produce a fashion show, what goes into planning Day 5: All group panel discussion with OFW producers Nick and Brook Hudson. All group mood board presentation and fashion show and photo shoot

PLEASE NOTE - There will be an Advanced Program for 11-17 y/o campers if they participated in the 2014 summer fashion camp or if they have advanced skill levels.  The Advanced Program curriculum will include instruction by expert fashion designers and sewing instructors.  At the culmination of the camp, there will be 6 campers chosen to showcase their designs at Omaha Fashion Week in August on platforms before the runway show starts!  If you would like more information regarding the qualifications for entering the Advance Program, please email info@develop-models.com with the subject line: Advanced Camp and someone will respond with additional information.

Register HERE: http://omahafashionweek.ticketleap.com/omaha-fashion-camp-2015/

DIRECTIONS:

Fashion Camp will be held in the Younkers Court of the Oak View Mall between American Eagle and Victoria's Secret, in the old Disney Store.

Get to Know the Salons: Develop Model Management Beauty Show

With Omaha Fashion Week just a couple days a way and our beauty show a week from now we thought you would like to get know a little bit about our salons that are joining us next Sunday.

Welcome to the Dojo

Dressed to Kill

Team T’eez

Reveal

Victor Victoria

Skincerely Yours

Garbo’s

3 Eclectic Chicks

Welcome to the Dojo participated in our beauty show last March. The team includes Leslie Wilson, Rosha Taylor, Venus Watson, and Corey Moore.

Dressed to Kill is bringing their A game to beauty night. Their team includes Linda Miller, Lesly Gallardo, Jacqueline Orellana-Martinez, Crystal Ellis

 Team Tee'z comes out of Tee'z Salon. Tee'z is known for their bold, edgy style. the team is ready to take on the runway a week from today. Their team includes Tremain Gardner, Alia Quattlebaum, Ty Majied, Crystal Webber, Ashley Foster, and Alyssa Jalass.

Reveal salon . Reveal will be participating in Aveda's Earth Month next month buy selling candles to provide clean drinking water. Their team includes Ash Robinson, Tasha, Megan, Katie, Ellie, Genna, and Heidi.

Victor Victoria, who was previously Sirens Salon, will be joining us as well on Sunday. The salon is located in the downtown area and offers a variety of services. Their team includes Siobhan Kozisek, LeeAnn Boyle, Kali Rahder, Hilary Hubbell, Sarah Poderys,  and Dylan Tinnerstet.

Skincerely Yours is dedicated to catering to their clients 100%. Skincerely has a variety packages the range from bridal to medical. Their team includes Jamie Carman, Juan Giraldo, Abbey Piffner, Alex Stoltenberg, and Holly Habroock.

Garbo's Salon has five locations in the Omaha area. The Garbo's team is know for their innovations and trend setting. Their team includes Paty Crabtree, Abby Wederquist, Kalinda Kehn, and Faith Henley.

3 Eclectic Chicks is group of various stylist from various salons. The team includes Dominga Venita Rangel, Nicole Gibson, and Alia Malik Quattlebaum.

These teams will compete for a $2,500 prize package. Each team will create 8 looks in 48 hours.

Click HERE to purchase tickets for the Sunday Beauty Show!

Get to know our designers: Saturday Edition

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!

Get to know our designers: Friday Edition

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!