Omaha Fashion Week’s passion series The Front Row offers an up-close look at the creators and cultivators that are reshaping Omaha’s fashion and arts community. No stranger to Omaha Fashion Week, Lauren Glowacki has spent many seasons attending and volunteering during shows. During Omaha Fashion Week’s Fall 2019 showcase, she debuted her first collection as an emerging designer under the label Lauren Glowacki Designs.
How did you get your start as a designer?
I was inspired to become a designer because I love making clothes that are completely unique. I originally started by making small alterations to garments that I already owned to make them one-of-a-kind. Then I wanted to make pieces that were fully my own, pieces that no one else had, so I graduated into making my own clothes from start to finish. I borrowed a friend’s sewing machine, watched a lot of YouTube tutorials, and slowly taught myself how to sew original pieces.
Lauren Glowacki Designs’ entire collection is showcased by models during the finale march. Photo by Heather and Jameson.
“The main goal for my brand is to help women feel confident and powerful. I want to show others they can be unapologetically themselves in anything they want to wear. My brand is for those looking to feel confident, bold, and trend-setting.”
Model, Audrey Eckert, walks the Allure Med Spa Runway to Beauty in the August 2019 show. Photo by Heather and Jameson.
What does a day in the life of a designer look like?
Being a designer is a full-time job! Your mind is always thinking, always creating, always designing. Inspiration sparks from the world around you! As for me, I’d say the day to day life of a designer is a few sketches here, some sewing there, long dedicated hours, and lots of iced coffee.
Where did the inspiration for your past collection come from?
My inspiration for my last collection came from 90s styles and graffiti I took photos of from a giant mural in Chicago. Another huge part of my inspiration was female empowerment. I wanted a collection that was colorful and edgy, yet strong and powerful.
What has your experience with Omaha Fashion Week been like?
Attending OFW was always something to look forward to. I loved seeing new designs walk down the runway. I’ve always been impressed with how professional Omaha Fashion Week is, and how amazing and innovative the shows are. Who would have thought Omaha would have the fourth largest fashion show? It’s incredible!
How have you grown as a designer in the past year?
I have grown exponentially through being a designer in Omaha Fashion Week. I learned new techniques and new ways to problem-solve. My final pieces have a more professional look and construction. I recently started college as a Fashion Studies major, so I continue to learn more and more every day about this ever-changing fashion industry, and how to keep up with it from a designer’s standpoint.
What advice would you give to hopeful designers out there?
If I could give advice to anyone considering a career in fashion design, it would be: if you have a passion for it, take a swing at it full force; give it all you’ve got. The world of fashion always needs new ideas and fresh eyes. If you think you have what it takes, go for it! Let yourself fail, and fail again, but never give up. lt will only help you learn and understand the growth in yourself as a designer.
Lauren showcasing her favorite design, a sleek blazer dress with draping sequins. Photo by Heather and Jameson.
“My favorite part was the garment featured long chains of crystals, which were sewn on in diamond patterns and then the loose ends dangled and swung when she walked. It was gorgeous!”
Is another collection in the works? Can you give us any hints?
Another collection is definitely in the works, a collection that goes from day to night in a more metaphorical sense. All I can say is sunsets have always been so beautiful and moving to me, something I knew I wanted to pull inspiration from!
Lauren Glowacki Designs will show as an emerging designer in our upcoming Spring 2020 show. Be sure to purchase tickets to see Lauren and many other talented designers on the Omaha Fashion Week Runway.
To find out more about Lauren Glowacki Designs, or to purchase from her collection, click the links below.
Keep up with the Omaha creatives making waves in the community! Follow Omaha Fashion Week on Instagram for updates on The Front Row.
