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

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!

--------------------------------------

Click HERE to get your tickets for 3/14!

OFW Announces the March 2015 Lineup

Omaha Fashion Week Announces the March 2015 Line-up:

Congratulations to all of the designers involved in this season's shows!

Tuesday: Student Night

- Click HERE for Tickets

4H Sydney Moore OPS Caleb Hanner Kent Bellows Grace Neary for Grace62

Wednesday: Methodist Survivor Show

- Click HERE for Tickets

Atomic Bombshells All About Me Bliss Boutique Chicos Christian Nobel Christopher and Banks The Garment District Gramer City Katinas McLovin Mesh Old Navy Paperdoll Vintage Posh Princess Post and Nickel Skyz Younkers

Thursday: Showcase I

-Click HERE for Tickets

Andrea Hurtt for Amaryllis Alyssa Koory Jessica Collins for Jessica Lynn Hannah Olson for Hannah Caroline Couture Molly O’Brien Alison Cloet

Friday:Showcase III

- Click HERE for Tickets

Jessica Lynn for Jacklynn Sister Cities Cystal Hobson Alejandra Buenrostro Elda Doamekpo for AFIELDA Katie Thompson

Saturday: Showcase III

-Click HERE for Tickets

Declared Jillian Fellers Erin Tepper Judy Bales Kate Walz Whitney Rorah

Sunday: Develop Model Management Beauty Show

-Click HERE for Tickets

Welcome to the Dojo Dressed to Kill Team T'eez Reveal Victor Victoria Skincerely Yours Garbo's 3 Eclectic Chicks

Be There. March 10th-15th.

Omaha Fashion Week Bridal and Children's Wear Showcase Recap 2014

Wow! What a great start to a week of Omaha Fashion, independent designers and wonderful talent. We kicked off the week with our Children’s and Bridal Wear showcase.

The show started with designs from Susan Ludlow and her children’s wear line Designs by Suey. Susan’s designs were all hand crocheted with a jungle feel to them. The extreme details in these pieces like the small additions of sparkle, leg wear and hair pieces added a fun pop to the line.

Jessica Lynn Children’s Wear by Jessica Collins had a rock ‘n’ roll vibe that we were loving. Collins was inspired by the 1950′s and her collection features denim and leather with pops of bright pinks and yellows. The models threw on a pair of sunglasses for their final walk to add to the 50′s vibe.

Aubrey Sookam for Markoos Modern Designs created her collection as an ode to her parents. She created flower girl dresses with a 1970′s vintage feel. Her designs included lots of tool and moveable fabrics with a sweet and whimsical vibe, and made all of her models strut their stuff barefoot to add to the flower child nature of her collection.

KKINI by Micheala Cawley featured a unique array of different eye-catching bathing suits and cover ups. Her collection stressed unique backs, some having neon strings across the back and others having a metallic front and a printed back. She wowed the audience with her first-ever children’s swimsuits and one pieces.

Margie Trembley from Margie Trembley Chapeaux really got the audience talking when she started her show with a trumpet player dressed in full costume. Trembley, who is a FIM Grant Recipient, has a new line called “Going To The Races” line which was inspired by the Kentucky Derby. Her collection features large floppy hats, bright colors, feathers and floral additions to each hat.

Maxmillian Suiter for Max Millian had dresses with tons of black and white tool and pops of red. His designs had high necklines and sheer moveable fabric with a sexy but elegant style.

Jessica Lynn for Jacklynn Bridal was inspired by the glamour of the 1930s. She concentrated her designs on body conscious silhouettes, sparkle and silky glamorous fabrics. Her dresses had pops of pastel pink.

Whitney Rorah Designs, designed by FIM Grant Recipient Whitney Rorah, has a collection titled “Primavera.” Rorah was inspired by blooming cherry blossoms and hydrangeas. She used lots of pastels, ivory and creams on her gowns which featured long trains. Each dress had flower like details that took 45 hours to create.