Omaha Fashion Camp 2015

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/

Calling all PRESS!

If you're a member of a media outlet interested in attending Omaha Fashion Week & sharing the amazing experience with your audience, you can now fill out an application for a press pass here! The application deadline is February 26, 2015 for March 10-15 shows. You will hear back from us on March 2 with the status of your application. Reporters, writers and bloggers will receive seating, if seats are available.  If seating is not available, standing room only tickets will be issued. Photographers and videographers will be allowed to shoot from the press stand. No cameras are allowed backstage.

Be a part of our OFW VIP "Swag Bags"!

Attention all businesses, no matter the size!  Do you love Omaha Fashion Week and wish you could be a part of it, all while promoting your own business and/or product?  Now is your chance!!  All VIP ticket-holders will receive an Omaha Fashion Week “Swag Bag” at the F/W 2015 show this March, and we want YOU to help make it fabulous. If you'd like to participate every night of Fashion Week, you must be able to provide 1,000 products/offers.  If you're not able to provide this quantity, you can still participate by providing products/offers in increments of 200. One night: 200 Two nights: 400 Three nights: 600 Four nights: 800 All five nights: 1,000 *Which nights your products are featured in our bags will be chosen at our discretion

Click here to find out more and to apply for this awesome opportunity!

Application will close February 23rd.  Products will need to be sent to the OFW office by March 2nd (107 S. 55th St., Omaha, NE 68132).

If you have any questions/concerns, feel free to contact jamie@omahafashionweek.com.

OFW March Retail Opportunities

Welcome to the one-stop shop for Boutiques, Salons, Retailers and Brands to engage the Omaha Fashion Week audience!  You can reserve a Retail Booth, Platform Session or an ad in Omaha FASHION Magazine ALL RIGHT HERE!  MORE DETAILS!  

Retail Booths:  Showcase your merchandise in front of a captive audience during Omaha Fashion Week! OFW will be promoting retail participants through all channels, including website, social networks, magazine, media outlets and email blasts to fashion fans and ticket-holders. By the numbers glance:  *150k+ Website Views  *40k+ Magazine Readers  *20k+ Social Media Followers  *10k+ Email Database.

Presentation Boxes/Platform Modeling:  Showcase your product on live professional models during the Younker’s Pre-Party at OFW!  OFW will provide the platforms, models and backstage dressing area. You provide the merchandise and up to four members of staff to supervise.

Magazine Ads:  Gain exposure to 40,000 fashion fans in the region’s only Provigil 200mg the Midwest fashion scene.  Full page, 1/2 page and 1/3 page options available.

For more information or assistance contact Assistant Producer, Kylie Bollwitt at: kylie@omahafashionweek.com

Click HERE to secure your retail spot at Omaha Fashion Week: http://omahafashionweek.ticketleap.com/marchretail/

Hair Stylists & Make Up Artists: Apply for the Develop Model Management Beauty Show at OFW!

OFW is looking for 8 teams of hair stylists and make up artists who want to compete for a $2,500 prize package at the Develop Model Management Beauty Show at Omaha Fashion Week on Sunday, March 15. The package includes $1,000 cash prize, an exclusive VIP table at the August 2015 Finale valued at $1,000 and a full-page ad in Omaha FASHION Magazine. Applications are due by January 23.

If you want to enter this contest, complete this form: Application Form

We've gotten lots of great questions about how we are running the competition…here they are + answers:

How does the Beauty competition work? Style teams will draw a theme from a bowl on Friday, March 13  during the Designer Show Case II (tickets will be provided to contest participants).  They'll have 48 hours to develop & execute their concept based on the theme they've drawn. Sky is the limit on creativity!

What are the themes? You'll have to find out on March 13!

How many people can be on a team? We recommend four – a team leader, hair stylist, make up artist + stylist to put it all together.

How many models can be in each collection? There will be 8 looks in each collection.

What will the models will be wearing? (Leggings & tank top? Button down & dress slacks?) Good question. It’s up to your team! We want this to be a visual explosion! Bring your theme to life however you want! ...however no swimwear or lingerie allowed :)

Will the designers be choosing their own models or are they assigned? Models will be assigned by Develop Model Management on Friday, March 13. You will be given all of your models' contact details immediately after the show.  We encourage you to reach out to your models ASAP when you receive their information.

Can style teams choose number of male and female models? Teams do not get to pick their models.

What are the judging categories and who will be doing the judging? A dedicated panel of beauty industry experts will judge teams on creativity and visual impact.  This panel is separate from the OFW Selection Panel.

Do we have to pay for tickets to the show? Participating styling teams will receive backstage passes plus a set of complimentary tickets for additional guests.

Styling teams will be announced on Jan. 30!

Email us at info@omahafashionweek.com if you have other questions to add to this list.  Thanks!!

OFW Team

OFW Model Search January 17!

Interested in modeling for OFW?  Join us for a Model Search on January 17 at 2 p.m. at Westroads Mall in Von Maur Court!  See details below, or join our Facebook Event Here. ****THIS IS THE ONLY CASTING FOR OFW MARCH 2015!! ANYONE INTERESTED IN WALKING FOR OMAHA FASHION WEEK MUST ATTEND THIS EVENT!!!

*****ONLY for AGES 12+

Please join Omaha Fashion Week and Develop Model Management for the biannual OFW Model Search. Model contestants will compete for a contract with Develop Model Management and a guaranteed spot to walk in Omaha Fashion Week. The winner will also be awarded one pair of VIP tickets to each week night show at Omaha Fashion Week.

During the event contestants should be prepared to have measurements taken, pose for mini-photo shoot, and walk the runway!

Must meet the following requirements to participate: Females: 12-30 years old, 5'8" - 6'0" tall, sizes 0-14 Mal...es: 15-30 years old, 5'11" - 6'3" tall

Please bring two non-professional photos (not returned)

This event will take place on the in Von Maur Court at Westroads Mall. *Other contracts may be offered by Develop Model Management on site.

Student Groups: Apply for Free Tickets to OFW's Student Night!

Check out Nebraska's most talented student designers on March 10 at OFW's Student Night!  View collections from top 4-H students, the Joslyn Art Museum's Kent Bellows Studio, Omaha's Central High School and three OFW newcomers: Caleb Hanner for LeRoy Designs (Evening Wear), Sydney Moore (Avant Garde) and Grace Neary for Grace62 Designs (RTW). Student groups are invited to apply for free tickets to OFW's Student Night, scheduled for March 10. Groups of middle school, high school and college students are welcome to apply using the form below.

Enjoy the Borsheims Red Carpet Experience and shop at the Younkers Pre-Party from 6-7:45 p.m.  Show starts at 8 p.m. and is followed by a panel discussion of industry experts. At the end of the night, find out which designer will win the SAC Federal Credit Union "Look of the Night" Prize!

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Dates you should know if you want to model in OFW

Want to be a model on Omaha Fashion Week? Here are the dates you need to know: December 15, 6pm- Model Prep Workshop taking place at Develop Model Management

January 17, 2pm- Model Search (ages 12+) at Von Maur Court in the Westroads mall.

January 28- Model selection notices/confirmations go out to designers.

February 12, 6pm- Model Bootcamp at Develop Model Management

March 9, 6-8pm,- rehearsal at the venue

March 10th to 15th- Showtime!

See you there!

Event Schedule, Prizes Announced for March 2015 Shows

OFW organizers have announced the schedule of events for the March 2015 Season.  New this season will be prizes awarded every night to the designers, boutiques and salons that create the top looks.  Prizes are provided by OFW presenting sponsor, SAC Federal Credit Union.  "We really appreciate SAC Federal Credit Union's commitment to supporting small entrepreneurs and the way they are carrying out that commitment through OFW," said Brook Hudson, OFW Producer. Decisions will be made by the OFW selection panel.  The panel includes the following individuals:

• Panel Co-Chairs: Richard Carey and David Scott, "The Style Guys"
• Sam Hohman, Fashion Institute Midwest board member
• Judy Davis, Fashion Institute Midwest board member
• Meghann Schense, Omaha FASHION Magazine editor and creative strategist
• Alyssa Dilts, founder of Develop Model Management
• Vanessa Barrett, artist and publisher of the Scout Guide
• Robyn Kortan, former department store buyer

March 2015 Shows will be held at the Omar Arts & Events space on 4383 Nicholas Street just north of Midtown. Shows are scheduled for March 10-15 and tickets go on sale to the public at www.omahafashionweek.com on January 12. Ticket prices and show schedule are listed below.

TICKET PRICES:

VIP I, $80: Includes valet parking, Borsheims Red Carpet experience, access to the Peroni VIP Lounge for complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres from 6-8 p.m., premium front row seating and VIP Gift Bag.

VIP II, $65: Includes valet parking, Borsheims Red Carpet Experience, access to the Peroni VIP Lounge for complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, premium second row seating.

Reserved, $40: Includes the Borshiems Red Carpet Experience, access to the Younkers Pre-Party, free parking close to the venue, seating in rows 3-6. Valet parking available for a fee.

Date	Time	Location	Theme	Description
3/10	Doors at 6 p.m. Show at 8 p.m.	Omar Arts & Events at 4383 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68131	OFW Student Night	Check out Nebraska's most talented student designers! View collections from top 4-H students, the Joslyn Art Museum's Kent Bellows Studio, Omaha's Central High School and three OFW newcomers: Caleb Hanner for LeRoy Designs (Evening Wear), Sydney Moore (Avant Garde) and Grace Neary for Grace62 Designs (RTW).
3/11	Doors at 6 p.m. Show at 8 p.m.	Omar Arts & Events at 4383 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68131	Methodist Hospital Survivor Show	Celebrate the triumph over cancer as 80 survivors take over the runway wearing looks from local boutiques! Presented by Nebraska Methodist Hospital, part of proceeds benefit the Inner Beauty Salon at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center.
3/12	Doors at 6 p.m. Show at 8 p.m.	Omar Arts & Events at 4383 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68131	Designer Showcase I	Debut of brand new F/W 2015 collections by Alison Cloet (RTW), Jessica Collins forJessica Lynn (Children's Wear), Andrea Hurtt for Amaryillis Designs (RTW), Alyssa Koory (RTW), Molly O'Brien for Molly Elizabeth (RTW), Hannah Olson for Hannah Caroline Couture (RTW) and Monica Winslow for Monika Spook (RTW).
3/13	Doors at 6 p.m. Show at 8 p.m.	Omar Arts & Events at 4383 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68131	Designer Showcase II	Debut of brand new F/W 2015 collections by Alejandra Buenrostro (RTW), Amande Dreesen for Dendinger (Evening Wear), Elda Doamekpo for AFIELDA (Evening Wear), Crystal Hobson (RTW), Jessica Lynn for Jacklynn (Bridal), and Katie Thompson for Katie Thompson Clothing (RTW).
3/14	Doors at 6 p.m. Show at 8 p.m.	Omar Arts & Events at 4383 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68131	Designer Showcase III	Debut of brand new F/W 2015 collections by Judy Bales (Avant Garde), Declared (RTW), Jillan Fellers (Bridal), Whitney Rorah for Whitney Rorah Designs (Evening Wear), Erin Tepper for Ezradella (RTW), Kate Walz (Evening Wear).
3/15	Doors at 6 p.m. Show at 8 p.m.	Omar Arts & Events at 4383 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68131	Develop Model Management Beauty Show	Watch the metro's top salons, hair stylists and make up artists compete for a $2,500 prize package from SAC Federal Credit Union! With only 48 hours to pull off 10 head-to-toe looks, the battle will be fierce.

Model Casting Prep Workshop (and why you should go)

I have been designing and working with models for a long time now. I have seen some really great models and many that could definitely use some coaching. Anyone can stand around and be ridiculously good looking, but it takes a lot of practice to walk a runway, look confident, know cues, and make the garments you are wearing truly look amazing. Working with Develop Model Management has created a more polished look on the OFW runways and set a new standard for the models being cast. They know the business inside and out and are continuing to work with some outstanding models, sending them all over the world.

The casting prep workshop provides invaluable information, hints, and tips. Since it is free to attend(!), there is really no reason to not go! Designers notice the models who have gone to the workshops. Those models try a little harder, look more poised, and make us want to cast them. If you want to walk the runways, take the time to learn the basics. It can make all the difference to models and designers. See you there!

Luf, Buf

Check out the Facebook event page here!

December 15th, 6 pm Develop Model Management 1307 Leavenworth St Omaha, NE 68102

OFW Invites You to Nebraska Crossing Anniversary Fashion Show!

Join OFW at Nebraska Crossing Outlets for a fashion show benefiting Teammates on November 14 & 15!  Get the inside scoop on the latest trends, just in time for the holidays! All attendees will enjoy:

• Complimentary valet parking
• Red Carpet Paparazzi Event
• Exclusive sales
•  Hors d'oeuvres and wine from Dean & Deluca at the pre-party
•  ...and those who download the NEX App will be eligible for thousands of dollars in prizes given out during the fashion show!

Limited seating available...get yours now.  We'll see you alongside the runway! Ticket sales proceeds benefit Teammates Mentoring Program: http://nex.ticketleap.com/nex2014/.

Spring Show Designer Line Up Announcement!

WOW 8 years of OFW ~ We can't believe it either!  We are already busy planning our upcoming Spring 2015 Showcase taking place March 10 - 15, 2015 at the Omar Bakery Building, located on 43rd and Nicholas Street!Tickets go on sale Jan. 12, 2015! 

We are sooo EXCITED to announce our Spring Showcases Designer Line-up selected to show Fall/Winter 2015 collections during the next season of OFW presented by SAC Federal Credit Union.  The lineup of 22 designers includes 13 newcomers, six high school students and eight out of state designers, coming from North Carolina, Iowa and South Dakota, all with Nebraska roots.

Nineteen of the 22 designers will compete for nightly prizes during designer showcases on March 12-14.  The top designer from each nightly showcase will receive a $500 cash prize from SAC Federal Credit Union.  Winners will be selected by the seven-person OFW selection panel. “Three of the 22 designers are high school students who will do capsule collections during Student Night on March 10,” said OFW Producer Brook Hudson. “This was a very diverse group of applicants.  We are seeing a higher percentage of designers from markets outside of Nebraska and more student designers – several of whom were inspired to apply after attending our Fashion Camp last summer,” said Hudson.

There are always a few fun highlights from our designer interviews that stand out.  Declared, the brand developed by Omaha native Amy Lynn Straub, worn by celebrities and featured in Nylon Magazine will be on the OFW runway. Evening wear designer, Kate Walz and children’s wear designer, Jessica Lynn Collins are both expanding their brands to new markets.  Kate is just returning from showing her collection in Paris, and Jessica will soon show her collection on a runway in Florida. Gothic seems to be an emerging theme for next season, with several designers drawing their inspiration from architectural elements like stained glass windows.

The applicant pool included 27 designers who were narrowed down to the 22 who were selected. Designers applied and pitched their ideas to a panel of industry experts brought together by OFW last week. The experts scored each designer and provided feedback that OFW organizers used to make final selections. The designer line up for each show night will be announced in early January.

High Schoolers

• Elda Doamekpo, AFIELDA, Evening Wear
• Caleb Hanner, LeRoy Designs, Evening Wear (showing on Student Night) Sydney Moore, Avante Gard (showing on Student Night)
• Grace Neary, Grace62 Designs, Ready To Wear (showing on Student Night)
• Molly O’Brien, Molly Elizabeth, Ready to Wear
• Kate Walz, Evening Wear

Runway Newcomers

• Judy Bales, Avante Gard
• Alejandra Buenrostro, Ready to Wear
• Alison Coet, Evening Wear
• Amande Dreesen, Dendinger, Evening Wear
• Andrea Hurtt, Amaryillis Designs, Ready to Wear
• Alyssa Koory, Ready to Wear
• Declared, Ready to Wear
• Erin Tepper, Ezradella, Ready to Wear

Veterans

• Jessica Collins, Jessica Lynn, Children’s Wear
• Jillian Fellers, Bridal
• Crystal Hobson, Ready to Wear
• Jessica Lynn, Jacklynn, Bridal
• Hannah Olson, Hannah Caroline Couture, Ready to Wear
• Whitney Rorah, Whitney Rorah Designs, Evening Wear
• Katie Thompson, Katie Thompson Clothing, Ready to Wear
• Monica Winslow, Monika Spook, Ready to Wear

Spring Event Schedule:

• Tuesday, Mar. 10: Student Night exclusively featuring High School designers on the runway. Blocks of complimentary tickets will be available for student groups in January.
• Wednesday, Mar. 11: Methodist Cancer Survivor Show, featuring 80 cancer survivors modeling looks from local boutiques.  Part of proceeds benefit the Inner Beauty Salon at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center.
• Thursday, Mar. 12: Designer Showcase I (prize awarded to top designer)
• Friday, Mar. 13: Designer Showcase II (prize awarded to top designer)
• Saturday, Mar. 14: Designer Showcase III (prize awarded to top designer)
• Sunday, Mar. 15: Hair and Makeup Showcase (prize awarded to top styling team)

Images from last Spring's Showcase!

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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.

Join OFW for Trendevous Sept. 20 at Younkers Westroads!

We CAN'T WAIT for Trendevous at Younkers Westroads on September 20!  This is our favorite time to shop (outside of getting Red Carpet Ready for OFW)...why?  Because Younkers pulls out all the stops with great deals on all of their brand new fall merchandise!  Those deals also include the hottest new cosmetics and skin care in the beauty department.

Trendevous includes an in-store fashion show featuring 50 head-to-toe looks put together by a team of professional stylists, along with free makeovers, free food and a DJ.  Show organizers provide you with a detailed description of each look in the event program...and then you can shop those looks - all organized on racks - immediately following the show!  We are especially excited to see the ruff hewn GREY line by Andrea Sanderlin that debuted during OFW in August!!

The best part is that 10% of every dollar you spend goes back to the Fashion Institute Midwest.  This is the PERFECT time to get a great deal on a stellar outfit for the upcoming Fashion Impact Awards Gala.

Join us Saturday, Sept. 20 for Trendevous!  Doors open at 10 a.m. and fashion show starts at 11 a.m.  You can RSVP Here: www.trendevous.com

Omaha Fashion Week Street Styles

Follow OFW's Magazine Editor and Communications/PR Director, Meghann Schense at Esoteric Velvet and her assistant Molly, through a week long of red carpet styles for Omaha Fashion Week. Be sure to click the links below for more details and photos.

Monday: Crush & Rush

Tuesday: High Slit, 90's Chic

Wednesday: Slither in Silk

Thursday: Sexy In Silk

Friday: Pretty in Pink

Saturday: Jump Around

Monday: Zombie Before Coffee ~ It's Monday

 

Tuesday: Retro Sparkle

 

Wednesday: Leopard Print and Leather

Thursday: Bold Patterns for a Bold Girl

Friday: Free in Free People

Saturday: Barbie Heels

Big thank you to the following for making us look fabulous:

Omaha Fashion Week Evening Wear Recap

The evening was hosted by Pat & JT from our sponsor Q98.5 and had tons of colors, gorgeous gowns and a very happy fairy tale for one of our local designers. The night started off with a collection from Bridget Mahoney's line Bridget Julia from Kansas City. Mahoney, who is a FIM grant recipient, created a collection inspired by Marilyn Monroe called, "I want to be loved by you." The line was full of a sexy but sophisticated elegance that captured the superstar's essence. There were lots of colors, sparkles and fun elements like pieces of boa's and feathers.

The next collection was Spoiled Little Mamma by Berthier de La Cruz. His collection was inspired by Spanish bullfighting and featured lots of fabric and bright colors. Touches of satin on full skirts and lots of pleating. 

Model and designer Lauren Birkentall designs under the label Lauren Nicole. Her collection was inspired by the movie Coraline and Birkentall loved the magical yet sinister element of the movie. There were lots of triangles, patterns and a graphic element to her collection with bright pops of color.

Fella by Fella Vaughn was inspired by the late 1960s and early 1970s for his collection. It featured bright colors and bold patterns and was sophisticated and elegant. There was a disco aspect to some of the designs with tons of oranges and yellows.

Adrienne Anderson for Quite-A-Riot created a line out of mosaics. She hand stitched every piece of the fabric together to create the unique look. It was a very feminine line with elements of the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Elda Doamekpo designed her line Afielda after her native West African routes. She used traditional African fabrics with bright pops of purple and pink and paired them with ornate headdresses to get a really unique line of evening wear.

FIM grant recipient Kate Walz dedicated her line to her idol Jessica Lathem, a local boutique owner who helped Kate get her start in design. Lathem always said, "Practicality is overrated," and Kate used that quote to help inspire her collection. The line was very reminiscent of Old Hollywood with tons of ruffles and satins with a very feminine element and bright pops of color.

At the late show "Phaesporia: Light Bringer" presented by Buf Reynolds, was an inspiring collection of beautiful gowns that showed the metamorphosis from dark to light. The long draped gowns were made with silk and had elements of tapestry and gold leaf. To top off the night, Buf got engaged!

Fella, Bridget Julia and Kate Walz will all compete tonight for the Fashion Cup.

Omaha Fashion Week Ready To Wear Showcase II

Emceed by Dara Newsom from KMTV Action 3 News, our second night of Ready  to Wear styles was a big hit. The evening started off with designs from Wallflower in a collection they called "Sister Mod." It was inspired by the 1960's mixed with St. Cecilia's Cathedral in Omaha. The collection featured tons of vinyl and stained glass-like details. They featured bright pops of summer colors with a sunny vibe. We loved the clear vinyl skirts over high-waisted shorts.

Michelle Dunn's coral reef inspired collection featured tons of ocean-like colors like corals, teals and deep blues. She wanted to create a collection that encompassed the free-flowing youthful movement of a woman. Her fabrics had tons of layered silk to create a moveable look.

Jane Round is a Fashion Institute of Technology student in New York City. Her designs were inspired by the modern architecture as well as French rococo paintings. Her line had tons of deep blues, olive greens and grey. Her line also is crafted with hand dyed cotton twill, cotton jersey, silk chiffon, silk crepe de chine, and silk china silk.

SuShe by J. Tracy, designed by Juantiesha Christian, had a line inspired by the different boroughs in New York City. The line highlighted each individual borough and included urban street-wear styles like an skirted overall piece with painted brick. It also featured neoprene and peplums. Quinton Lovelace's collection featured bold lines and interesting shapes. He wanted to create a collection that had simplicity but also a bit of an edge. He featured lots of reds, whites and blacks along with the use of neoprene fabric. His collection also used a lot of asymmetrical designs and edgy details like exposed zippers.  Andrea Sanderlin, a designer for Younkers's new line Ruff Hewn Grey, had a special presentation of her fall collection on the runway as well. Her collection featured blacks and maroons. We also saw lots of texture in Sanderlin's line with pieces of leather, velvet plaids and kits.

Three designers that showed this evening will be competing for the Fashion Cup and $10,000 prize package at our finale saturday night. Those designers are Erica and Bryan from Wallflower, Juantiesha with SuShe by J.Tracy and Jane Round.

Omaha Fashion Week Avant Garde Recap

Last night's runway collection featured Spring/Summer 2015 designs from some of our favorite Avant Garde designers. The show kicked off with a special presentation from Louis Alvarez and his team of stylists. They featured large, back combed styles that made an impression on the audience. Alvarez and his team brought in three members of the Joffery Ballet to dance down the runway and showcase the styles.

The first designer down the runway was Angela Balderston for Get Plastered! Angela is a FIM grant recipient. Her collection was inspired by tribes of Africa and featured clothing made of plaster and large African-style headpieces. The line had extreme details, animal-like clothing and body paint that wowed the audience.

Kristen Van Hessche's Japanese-inspired line tells the story of a fox that changes into a woman to seduce a man. Each kimono was hand painted by Van Hessche to bring the story to life. Her models wore fox-like masks and each silk kimono was intricately detailed.

Claire Landolt had a collection inspired by the duality of the vulture. Vultures, to Landolt, are both beautiful and grotesque and she tried to feature that duality in her line. Each look had a cast iron claw or chicken leg to add to the bird-like feel to her line. We saw tons of texture with Landolt's line as well as fringe, leather and crocheting.

Little Shell Designs by Michelle Kleineweber had a collection inspired by traditional anniversary gifts. Kleinweber is an OFW newbie from Kansas City who was showing in her first Omaha Fashion Week. Her Victorian-inspired collection featured unique materials and small touches that really brought the collection alive on the runway.

Reigning Fashion Cup winner Dan Richters did not disappoint on the runway last night. His collection, "Lore," was inspired by mythology, folk-lore and fairy tales. Each item was hand crafted by Richters and included light up details as well as other stand out pieces.

The independent late night showing of Jenny Pool's collection, "La Foret Des Reves," combined fashion and live performance to unfold the story of a girl lost in the forest. The line featured Victorian inspired elements and moveable cream fabrics that added to the theatricality of the line.

Angela Balderston for Get Plastered! will have a chance to compete on our Saturday Finale for the Fashion Cup and a prize pack of $10,000.

Omaha Fashion Week Ready To Wear I Showcase Recap

Pops of color and sparkle were all the rage on the runway for Tuesday night’s Ready To Wear showcase, and we’re not just talking about the lovely Brandi Peterson as emcee! We started off our showcase with designs by Vessela Zarankova for her line ZARANKOVA. Her collection was titled, “Games of the Human Brain” and each look represented an emotion. We saw lots of reds and yellows to represent different emotions. Each dress also had printed silk details to represent brain waves.

 

Samone Davis and Britney Rose for Legalized Rebellion named their collection “Royal Blood” and it was inspired by the African Military. Most of the designs were accessorized with a small piece of fringe covering the eyes, which added to the military feel of the collection. Legalized Rebellion featured golds, blacks, reds and olive greens with pops of metallic. The duo designed for both men and women and most designs had a structured, sleek silhouette.

 

Hannah Olsen for Hannah Caroline Couture had Chicago on her brain when she designed her line, “Midnight City.” We saw flattering silhouettes, sparkle and pops of bright color on black. Olsen also added fun, body positive bags to her collection.

KT Thomspon, designed by FIM Grant Recipient Katie Thompson, called her line “Sea, Sand and Sun.” She was inspired by the waves of the sea crashing into the shore. Each print on the dresses were hand printed by Katie based on photographs she took in Myrtle Beach. We saw lots of scallops and ocean themed colors like corals and blues.

Tamara Newson for Iconic by Tamu is another FIM Grant Recipient. Her line was inspired by the Swahili language and featured pops of bright colors and a subtle sexiness. We saw lots of unique cut outs and asymmetrical lines.

Denise Ervin Designs pleased the crowed with tons of sparkle on her western themed clothes. She featured neutral colors, whites and denim. She designed skirts, pants and shorts but her fringe chaps really wowed the crowd. From Denise we saw structured button ups, suede and laser cut out details.

Both Denise Ervin Designs and ZARANKOVA were chosen to show their collections on Saturday night during the finale and vie for the Fashion Cup and $10,000.

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.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR OFW AUGUST 2014!

What’s the Schedule?Doors open at 6 p.m. each night for the Younkers Pre-Party. Runway shows start at 8 p.m. Any empty seats after 8 p.m. will be re-allocated. We wrap up between 9:30-10:30 p.m. each night. VIP Ticketholders can join us in the Peroni VIP Lounge for complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres from 6-7:45 p.m. each night.

Reminder: Please print your tickets!! Be sure to print your tickets to ensure a smooth check-in to the event. You should have received an email from Ticketleap immediately after placing your order. If you did not receive this email, check your spam and junk mail. If you still can’t find your tickets, please email the OFW office at info@omahafashionweek.com and we’ll resend your tickets.

How do I get to the Fashion Tent? The Fashion Tent is a 22,000 square foot tent in the Capitol District. We are located in the parking lot across Capitol Street from DJ’s Dugout in Downtown Omaha. Trust us, you can’t miss it! You can access the tent by going north on 12th St. off of Capitol and turning right on to Davenport. You must show a ticket to the attendant to enter Davenport. Your ticket can either be printed or shown on your smart phone. The parking attendant will have no way to look up your ticket, so please have yours ready.

What do I wear? You will see everything from LBDs to evening gowns, jeans to suits at our event. If you happen to be one of our VIP ticket holders, we encourage you to dress it up a bit more because you will be in runway photos that will be posted all over our website, social media channels and in our magazine. What would you wear if you knew thousands of people would be would be seeing your beautiful mug in our pictures until the end of time? Plus, all attendees will get to strike a pose on the Borsheims Red Carpet!

What’s up with the parking situation? There is plenty of FREE PARKING in lots surrounding the Fashion Tent. Can you tell we are excited about this?? Thanks to the Capitol District for hooking our fashion fans up! Please do not leave valuables in your car. OFW is not responsible for lost or stolen items. VIP guests have complimentary valet parking near the front door of tent. Just pull up to the Borsheims Red Carpet and show your VIP ticket to the valet (either printed or on your smart phone) to receive complimentary valet parking. Reserved ticket holders can pay a $15.00 fee to use valet or self-park for free. Parking is available on the West side of Lot G and in Lot H. The parking attendant on 12th & Davenport can direct you to the appropriate place.

What happens after the show? Attendees are welcome to stick around in the reception area for celebratory drinks during weeknight shows. Rockbottom Brewery is also offering 20% off food and drinks before and after OFW events, so we hope you’ll make plans to stop by and chow down during the week!

What's this about an Official Afterparty? On Saturday, August 23 immediately following the Finale, we will have the Official OFW After Party in the Fashion Tent. All Finale ticket holders receive complimentary access to this event. You can buy After Party tickets here: http://omahafashionweek.ticketleap.com/official-ofw-afterparty/

I have tickets to the Finale.  Can I pre-order additional bottle service? We thought you'd never ask!  Of course you can.  We are taking pre-orders until midnight on Thursday, August 21.  Must be 21 to order.  No refunds.  Order here: http://omahafashionweek.ticketleap.com/finale-bottle-service

It’s going to be a fun week! We look forward to seeing you alongside the runway!

Ciao! Nick & Brook Hudson OFW Producers