After an 11-hour day of interviews, photo shoots, and panel deliberation, we are excited to announce the ten designers who will be showcased in the VIP Runway Finale on Saturday August 26, 2017. Thirty four designers competed for the coveted ten spots and the chance to show in front of the first celebrity panel in OFW's ten-year history. The panel is comprised of Project Runway veterans Amanda Valentine and Michael Drummond, joined by New York Fashion Week creator, Fern Mallis. The celebrity panel will select winners of the Emerging Designer and Featured Designer Prize Packages provided by SAC Federal Credit Union.
Emerging Designers to compete in VIP Runway Finale are Crystal Brakhage Designs, Makenzie Lesiak Designs, Miranda Hanson Designs, Re’ChaunStyles by Demetria Geralds, Zaftig Kitty by Korinne Zimmerman. The Emerging Designer track supports designers who are students or have limited runway show experience. The prize package is designed with the goal of creating a portfolio that will aid the winning designer in applying for college and internships in the fashion industry.
Featured Designers to compete in VIP Runway Finale are Amanda Casarez, Buf Reynolds, Christopher Di Giorgio, Nuevintage by Terri Bucker, and SuShe by J. Tracey. The Featured Designer track is focused on expanded mentorship and consultation with the panel on commercial opportunities post-show. The prize package is designed with the goal of jumpstarting the winning designers brand and production opportunities.
Headline Designers Amanda Valentine and Toxic Sadie will open and close the finale. Before the designers hit the runway, ticketholders will enjoy the VIP treatment of the Borsheims Red Carpet Experience and the Pretty In Patina Pre-Party featuring live music by A Finest Hour.
Tickets can be purchased at omahafashionweek.com for this all-VIP event. This year, a variety of seating options are available for Finale – traditional table seating, runway seating and box seating. Seats are going fast, so be sure to get your tickets today!
