Austin Do is an emerging designer whose brand is based off his Vietnamese name, Tú, which means luxuriant and beautiful. He designs underground streetwear with a modern and simplistic aesthetic.
Viewing entries in
Designers
Meet Alesha Johnson, the creator behind Alesha Beth. This will be her fourth season on the Omaha Fashion Week runway and we expect to be dazzled by her line of luxury women and children’s apparel. Take a behind-the-scenes look at her process and read about what inspires her work.
Have you ever thought about walking the runway in fabulous designer clothing? Now is your chance! Omaha Fashion Week is holding 4 model calls to fill the nearly 700 spots on the runway for the August shows! We are traveling the Midwest to find YOU!
We are ready to reveal the 12 phenomenal designers who made it into the line-up for the VIP Runway Finale on August 27! “We have an outstanding group of Finale designers,” said OFW Producer, Brook Hudson. “Only two-tenths of a point separated the designers in the finale from those did not make it – competition was tough!” Read on...
The scores are in...OFW Producers announce the top designers from our March 2016 season at the Omaha Design Center. A Top Designer was selected for Student Night and all three designer showcases. Winners each receive a $500 cash prize. Read on to find out who they are!
Check out which designers made it into Omaha Fashion Week's March 2016 season! Shows are March 15-20, 2016. Tickets go on sale to the public January 11.
If you have been to OFW before, you have likely seen or heard about the SAC Federal Credit Union Money Dress Contest. Well this season you have the opportunity to design it!
Any designer can apply and submit their design ideas for a chance to create a look that will walk the runway every night during OFW.
Here are the rules:
- Designers are invited to submit designs from June 2nd – June 15th, 2015.
- Designers may submit up to two designs.
- Bills or coins must cover at least 20 % of the dress.
- Bills or coins cannot be defaced.
- Dress must fit a model size 0 – 4.
- The winning design will be announced by June 22nd and the winning designer will be notified at that time.
- The SAC Money Dress must be completed and be available to SAC FCU by July 13th, 2015.
- Designer is responsible for guarding the dress and protecting it during Omaha Fashion Week, August 17 – 23rd, 2016.
- Accessories are encouraged but not required.
- The amount of money included in the dress is to remain a secret. Designer is not allowed to disclose the dollar amount that is on the dress with anyone or anywhere.
Other details:
- Members of the OFW selection panel will review all submissions and select the top three designs. SAC Federal Credit Union will make the final selection of the design and designer for the SAC Money Dress.
- SAC FCU will provide up to $700.00 to be used as design elements on or within the dress.
- Prize money given to winning designer is $500.00.
- Designer will have a $100 materials budget.
- SAC Money Dress will remain the sole property of SAC Federal Credit Union.
- Following OFW the SAC Money Dress will go on a tour of a minimum of 4 branches. The Money Dress tour and the designer will be featured on SAC’s website and on social media.
- SAC FCU will feature the SAC Money Dress and its designer in a news release, on their website and on social media.
- A model will be provided by Develop Model management and Omaha Fashion Week to model the SAC Money Dress at OFW.
If you've got your eye on the prize, enter here.
I can't wait to see the ideas! Good luck!
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
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
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
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
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
Omaha, Neb. April 27, 2015 – The organizers of Omaha Fashion Week presented by SAC Federal Credit Union announced the designers who have been selected to show collections during the next season of OFW, August 17-22. The lineup of 30 designers pitched their collections in front of the OFW Selection Panel last week and were selected from 47 applicants. The lineup includes three newcomers, six student designers, 21 OFW veteran designers and seven designers living outside of Nebraska. They come from South Africa, New York and Iowa. All will compete for nightly cash prizes during designer showcases on August 17-21. The top twelve designers from the week will compete for the SAC Fashion Cup during the Runway Finale on August 22. The top twelve will be announced on August 3. “We absolutely love being able to offer cash prizes to our top designers – this is part of SAC Federal Credit Union’s dedication to supporting small business owners. It makes a big difference for a designer to be recognized in this way,” said OFW Producer Brook Hudson. All selections and awardees will be determined by the OFW Selection Panel.
“The talent coming in now has improved so much – the quality and style we are seeing now is truly amazing. The whole selection process has become increasingly competitive,” said OFW Designer Coordinator Buf Reynolds. Highlights from interviews:
- Florals are the big trend coming out of this season’s designer pitches. Many are using floral prints, a few going so far as to design their own custom floral prints.
- Drag queens will be featured in Jenny Pool’s avant garde collection
- Surface design is a big deal, with designers treating denim and using broken glass on garments
- Landscapes – both urban and desert – are a major inspiration for several designers
The OFW Selection Panel includes five industry experts who score designer presentations and act as mentors and advisors to designers as they prepare for shows. The panel includes: Vanessa Barrett, jewelry designer and fashion/interior stylist; Judy Davis, Fashion Institute Midwest Board Member; Autumn Foland, sales director for Design Parliament; Robyn Kortan, former senior buyer for Dayton Hudson/Marshall Field Department Stores; Meghann Schense, editor of Omaha FASHION Magazine and owner of Esoteric Velvet, a creative firm.
OFW will announce the venue location and the show schedule in May. Tickets go on sale to the public June 1 at www.omahafashionweek.com and range in price from $40-$85 for weeknight tickets and $1000-$1250 for 10-seat Finale VIP Tables.
Student Designers
- Molly O’Brien for Molly Elizabeth (junior, ready to wear)
- Alison Cloet (graduating senior, evening wear)
- Christopher DiGiorgio (graduating senior, menswear) †
- Sydney Moore (seventh grade, ready to wear)
- Alesha Johnson for alesha.beth (graduating senior, evening wear)
- Alyssa Koory (graduating senior, ready to wear)
Runway Newcomers
- Triple Thread (ready to wear)
- Isabel Muziva for Kingdom Unlimited (children’s wear)
- Leah Kettelson for Leah Kareen (evening wear, Colorado)
Veterans
- Buf Reynolds (evening wear)
- Dan Richters (avant garde) ‡
- Sabrina Jones for Sabrina Jones Designs (swimwear)
- Jennifer Pool (avant garde)
- Ellene McClay for Brave Nouvelle (avant garde)
- Juantiesha Christian for SuShe by J. Tracey (ready to wear, New York)
- Terri Buckner for Nuevintage (ready to wear)
- Fella Vaughn for Fella (evening wear)
- Denise Ervin for Denise Ervin Designs (evening wear)
- Samone Davis for Legalized Rebellion (ready to wear)
- Tamara Newson for Iconic by Tamu (ready to wear)
- Erica Cardenas and Bryan Frost for Wallflower (ready to wear)
- Alejandra Buenrostro (ready to wear)
- Michelle Dunn for MDFashions Aspen (ready to wear, Colorado)
- Andrea Hurtt for Amaryllis Designs (evening wear) †
- Judy Bales (avant garde, Iowa)
- Jessica Collins for Jessica Lynn (children’s wear)
- Kaitlyn Fitzgerald for KAIT (children’s wear, New York)
- Michaela Cawley for KKINI (swim, South Africa)
- Adrienne Anderson for Quite-A-Riot (bridal)
- Caleb Hanner for LeRoy Designs (bridal, Iowa)
† Indicates SAC Federal Credit Union Prize winner ‡ Indicates Fashion Cup winner
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About Omaha Fashion Week: On the inside, Omaha Fashion Week is a talent incubator that seamlessly connects designers, stylists, photographers, artists and models through nurturing platforms and engaging opportunities. On the outside, Omaha Fashion Week is Midwest’s premier fashion event; spotlighting fashion innovations and celebrating creative excellence. Learn more at www.omahafashionweek.com.
Congratulations to the following designers who will be joining us on the runway in August:
Iconic by Tamu- Tamara Newson, RTW
Sydney Moore, RTW
Kingdom Unlimited- Isabel Muziva, Childrens
alesha.beth- Alesha Johnson, Evening
LeRoy Designs- Caleb Hanner, Bridal
KAIT- Kaitlyn Fitzgerald, Childrens
Molly Elizabeth- Molly O’Brien, RTW
Denise Ervin Designs-Denise Ervin, Evening
Dan Richters, Avant Garde
Amaryllis Designs- Andrea Hurtt, Evening
Christopher DiGiorgio, Menswear
Brave Nouvelle- Ellene McClay, Avant Garde
Wallflower- Erica Cardenas and Bryan Frost , RTW
Jennifer Pool, Avant Garde
Quite-A-Riot- Adrienne Otteman, Bridal
KKINI- Michaela Cawley, Swim
Jessica Lynn- Jessica Lynn Collins, Childrens
Judy Bales, Avant Garde
Alejandra Buenrostro, RTW
Alyssa Koory, RTW
Leah Kareen- Leah Kettelson, Evening
Sabrina Jones, Swim
MDFashions Aspen- Michelle Dunn, RTW
Legalized Rebellion- Samone Davis, RTW
Alison Cloet, Evening
Triple Thread- Kylie Bollwitt, Margi Hanlon, and Ashley Redinbaugh, RTW
SuShe by J. Tracey- Juantiesha Christian, RTW
Nuevintage-Terri Buckner, RTW
Buf Reynolds, Evening wear
Fella- Fella Vaughn, Evening
Thank you again to all who applied!
Watch for the line ups coming soon!
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.
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!
Remember that fab money dress from our March 2015 Season designed by Sabrina Jones? Well now you can get one more look at it as it makes its way around SAC Federal Credit Union branches this month. See the schedule below!
Congrats to the winner of the Money Dress Contest, Stacy Regennitt, whose $699.00 guess was closest to the actual amount on the dress. The actual amount was $699.25. Stacy won a pair of VIP tickets to the Omaha Fashion Week August Season, coming up August 17-22.
MONEY DRESS TOUR SCHEDULE
SAC Headquarters April 6th – 10th 7148 Towne Center Parkway, Papillion, NE 68046
Maple Branch April 13th – 17th 17020 Evans Plaza Omaha, NE 68116
Bellevue Branch April 20th – 24th 2204 Longo Drive Bellevue, NE 68005
Papillion April 27th – May 1 1216 North Washington St. Papillion, NE 68046
FROM A PRESS RELEASE SENT ON 4/10 Omaha Fashion Week (OFW) is excited to announce a special partnership with SAC Federal Credit Union to assist the local designer community. This new program addresses an existing problem: In eight years, the fashion community of 200+ designers ages 13 to 65 has come a long way, but still has a lot of work to do on commercializing their work and creating sustainable businesses.
Omaha Fashion Week has helped designers get started by providing critical exposure during biannual fashion shows. The majority of designers have gained sales over the years, with some bringing in up to $50,000 in revenue. OFW founder and producer, Nick Hudson, is excited about the future. “We have proven that there is a talented community here. The next big stage is to support growth of these small businesses and that takes some different resources, “he said. “That is why we were excited when SAC Federal Credit Union decided to increase their involvement.” SAC has been an OFW sponsor for three years and is expanding its involvement to nurture individual designers into sustainable businesses.
“Our goal is to help small business owners and entrepreneurs by partnering with them to meet their business’ financial needs,” SAC Federal Credit Union CEO, Gail DeBoer said. “SAC’s partnership with Omaha Fashion Week, and the designers and business owners, who support the event, is a way for us to extend our services to the design community. There is high potential to create jobs and expand businesses through Omaha Fashion Week and SAC is proud to be a part of the movement.”
The SAC partnership with OFW has a number of facets:
- An expanded package of prizes has been announced, giving more opportunities to the designers, hairstylists and models involved in OFW productions.
- A program of business and financial advice is being provided through the partnership that will support designers by helping them develop business plans, and enhance how they manage their business growth.
- Credit products are being tailored specifically for designers that will dovetail with the business and financial advising program. These products will help designers grow their businesses responsibly, by allowing them to buy supplies and equipment needed to expand their businesses.
Currently, SAC representatives are working with a pilot group of designers to further develop the advice and credit portion of the program. “The idea is to tailor the program to meet the unique needs of designers. It’s a concierge banking program for small, creative businesses,” added DeBoer. The hope is that the program will expand beyond designers to include all players on the local creative scene, including salons, photographers, independent hair stylists, and makeup artist and clothing boutiques.
“It’s still in the early days, but it is exciting that our local fashion community could develop into a local fashion industry. We have so many talented young people in our community and SAC’s support is going to help them explore their full potential. We can’t think of a better partner to help us continue pushing this community forward,” added Hudson.
OFW is currently preparing to interview designer candidates for the August 2015 season. The designer lineup will be announced at the end of April and tickets for next season go on sale June 1.
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About Omaha Fashion Week On the inside, Omaha Fashion Week is a talent incubator that seamlessly connects designers, stylists, photographers, artists and models through nurturing platforms and engaging opportunities. ON the outside, Omaha Fashion Week is the Midwest’s premier fashion event; spotlighting fashion innovations and celebrating creative excellence. Learn more at www.omahafashionweek.com.
About SAC Federal Credit Union SAC Federal Credit Union is locally owned by its members and recognized for its community involvement. Motivated by member service rather than profit, the credit union’s focus is on providing safety, soundness and convenience to its membership. SAC FCU is a financial partner for life, helping members with banking, financial planning, home buying, investing, education and retirement planning, commercial banking services and more. Begin the journey to better banking today: www.sacfcu.com
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
Iowa State graduate student, Katie Thompson, won Designer Showcase II with her unique take on women's ready-to-wear. Her line featured custom printed fabrics with unique cage-like layers in shades of marsala against black and white. This is Thompson's third showing at Omaha Fashion Week.
Five designers debuted collections on March 13. Crystal Hobson brought steampunk fashion to the runway with an innovative take on the cape trend. Afielda showcased stunning silver lace embellished evening wear. The designer behind Afielda, Elda Doemekpo, will be graduating from Millard this May and plans to attend UNO. OFW newcomer, Alejandra Buenrostro, was right on trend with her collection of faux fur embellished dresses. The show opener, Jessica Lynn Bridal, was a huge hit with a collection of bridal gowns in shades of pink and gold.
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 Friday night coverage in Omaha World Herald
Six designers debuted collections at OFW Designer Showcase I, with Andrea Hurtt taking the SAC Federal Credit Union Top Designer prize for her second win of the week. Hurtt won Thursday night with her collection, Amaryllis; and won the Top Boutique award for a line of dresses used in the Methodist & Younkers Survivor Show on Wednesday night. Her boutique, Atomic Bombshells, is a vintage inspired store featuring 1940s and 50s era fashions at Midtown Crossing. She also carries lines from several local designers, including Hannah Caroline Couture which was also featured on the runway for Designer Showcase I.
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 Thursday night coverage in Omaha World Herald
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!