Last night we kicked off Omaha Fashion Week of August 2015 with our Bridal, Children’s, and Sister Cities Showcase. We had a great evening of food, cocktails, art, and of course, fashion!
The lost art of fashion illustration is making a comeback this year at OFW! Local fashion designer and illustrator, Audi Helkuik will be sketching live from the runway all week! You can buy Audi's sketches of your favorite design at OFW by stopping by the check in desk in the Evolving Art Gallery.
There is something new to feast your eyes on this season at OFW - our Evolving Art Gallery featuring the work of Matt Babe. Matt graduated from Westside High School this past May and participated in one of our favorite student art programs - the Kent Bellows Mentoring Program at the Joslyn Art Museum. We have frequently featured the work of Kent Bellows' fashion design students on the runway and on platforms over the years. Now we are excited to showcase one of their top visual artists!
Finale attendees will get first dibs on a new line of luxury handbags from tehra&b, a brand created by Omaha business woman, Pamela Finn. Each tehra&b item is the result of the many gifts of her relationships with the best leather houses, tanneries, factories, and creative minds from around the globe.
Friday night is our last night before the VIP Finale! After a fun-filled week we will be finishing up with an Evening Wear Showcase.
Thursday night will be our second showcase of Ready-to-Wear collections. We are excited to bring a marvelous group of designers to show their hard work!
We are getting just days away from Omaha Fashion Week August of 2015! Along with extraordinary runway shows each night, you can also expect some of your favorite retailers at our booths and on our platforms.
Wednesday Night will feature our first Ready-to-Wear Showcase! As always, it should be an eventful night with amazing designs coming down the runway!
Hey fashion friends! We're excited to be a part of the North Omaha Summer Arts Crawl this year, and we wanted to share it with you! You can read the event's press release below for more information.
North Omaha Summer Arts Crawl culminates free festival; Arts Crawl is Friday, August 14 from 6 to 9 p.m.
OMAHA, NE – North Omaha native, resident and artist Pamela Jo Berry saw a need for more art to be infused into her community. So she dreamed up something called North Omaha Summer Arts (NOSA) in order to bring art in all its forms into that underserved neighborhood. With the help of partners and collaborators she’s made it a reality. This free, family-friendly arts festival for the community, by the community wraps up Year 5 with the annual Arts Crawl on Friday, August 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. The Arts Crawl happens at venues up and down and around North 30th Street. Take a stroll or drive from Metropolitan College Fort Omaha campus north to various churches to Heartland Family Service/Solomon Girls Center to enjoy inspiring visual art and soothing live music by artists from the community.
Sample the work of artists in a wide variety of mediums and meet some of the artists sharing their work. Free refreshments and homemade snacks available at each stop.
"I am very excited about the fifth annual North Omaha Summer Arts Arts Crawl." Berry says. "From 6 to 9 p.m. we have five locations showing beautiful art and serving really good food. New this year, the Washington Branch Library is hosting a reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and there will be food and art there as well.
"The Arts Crawl features established artists and newcomers, all of whom love to share their art and its story with audiences. The food is wonderful at each stop. The deserts at Parkside Baptist Church are another work of art."
The Arts Crawl lineup:
• Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha campus, Mule Barn Building #21 New this year: Omaha Fashion Week at the Mule Barn
• Church of the Resurrection, 3004 Belvedere Blvd. (just northwest of 30th and Kansas Ave.)
• Trinity Lutheran Church, 6340 North 30th St. (30th and Redick) Featuring a Community Peace mural made by teens and seniors from the North Omaha Intergenerational Human Services Campus
• Parkside Baptist Church, 3008 Newport Ave. (30th and Newport Ave.)
• Heartland Family Service/Solomon Girls Center, 6720 North 30th St. (30th and Titus Ave.)
NEW THIS YEAR:
• Washington Branch Library, 2868 Ames Ave. is hosting an Arts Crawl reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Enjoy art and refreshments at the library.
Berry describes the Community Peace mural that a group of teens and seniors from the North Omaha Intergenerational Human Services Campus made under the direction of artist Pamela Hinson:
"This year we wanted to make a mural about North Omaha," Berry says. "It is a beautiful, vibrant place to live, yes. even with all the attention on the violence and the issue of poverty. There are sweet, peaceful neighborhoods, people of different hues, faiths and languages, families of all generations in the parks, community gardens and small forests. And there is art in all forms.
"Many people care about North Omaha's redevelopment and the well-being of the people. Better things are on the horizon. There is much prayer for peace in exchange for the violence that seems to linger in the in-between spaces here.. Our mural is about peace in and for North Omaha. Maybe as we focus on the good that can be found here, better ideas for mastering poverty and violence will come forth."
The mural will be displayed at Trinity Lutheran Church during the Crawl.
The North Omaha Summer Arts team invites the general public from all over the metro to come participate in this important milestone of 5 years bringing art to North Omaha. Discover art and artists in our midst whose work deserves wider appreciation and recognition.
Before, during or after the Crawl, enjoy some of North Omaha’s other resources, including the Loves Jazz & Arts Center, the Carver Bank, the Union for Contemporary Art, the Bryant Center, Miller Park and the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation.
Visit the NOSA Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/NorthOmahaSummerArts and the NOSA Arts Crawl Facebook Event page.
For more information, email pamelajoh100@hotmail.com or call 402-502-4669/402-709-1359.
We are just one week away from our Avant Garde and Swimwear Showcase! We are very excited to be bringing extremely talented designers to the runway next Tuesday.
As Omaha Fashion Week is quickly approaching (exactly ONE WEEK away), we thought you might enjoy learning a bit more about the designers that make this event possible! Next Monday will be our Bridal, Children’s, and Sister Cities showcase.
Come celebrate the conclusion of OFW at our Official After Party - Masquerade on the Patio with McLovin - a store for men. August 22, 10:30 to 1 a.m. at the Fashion Tent on 14th & Cuming. Ages 21+
Omaha Fashion Week invites you to join FIG Board Member-at-Large and Sales Director at Design Parliament, Autumn Foland, for a Trunk Show/Sample Sale at the Regency Mariott Location on August 11-13.
Thursday night, we had an awesome time at SAC Federal Credit Union’s headquarters for OFW’s Preview Party! Invitees were able to catch a glance at the work our designers have put into their collections thus far. There was some outstanding work up on the platforms.
If you picked up the latest metroMAGAZINE, you probably noticed Omaha Fashion Week and SAC Federal Credit Union’s feature article. As you may or may not know, SAC is a very important contributor to OFW’s success!
We know you’ve been on your toes awaiting the unveiling of the 12 phenomenal designers who will comprise the line-up for the VIP Runway Finale on August 22. Well set those heels down because we are finally ready to announce the outstanding group who will be competing for the Omaha Fashion Cup prize!
Papillion, NE July 29th, 2015 -- SAC Federal Credit Union [SAC] and Omaha Fashion Week [OFW] hosted the OFW Preview Party on Thursday, July 30 at SAC’s headquarters. This event offers insiders a preview of the designs that will be coming in August to the OFW runway. SAC unveiled this season’s SAC Money Dress, designed by local designer Kate Walz at the Preview Party.
Not too long ago...
Omaha Fashion Week held a Fashion Camp where students 6-17 years of age got the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the fashion industry. That includes sketching, photography, and modeling. Students even created their very own garment that went down the runway. Not only were the campers alongside the runway to view the amazing work their peers put in during the week, but parents, members of the public, and even the press witnessed this event.
We are excited to announce....
That the winners from Omaha Fashion Camp will be attending Omaha Fashion Week this August to present their creative work to our audience. Guests of OFW will be able to get a first-hand look at the student’s work on our platforms Wednesday night, August 19th.
Help us give a super stellar welcome to these students: (*hint hint, purchase tickets here!*)
Caryn Jones of Millard South High School
Terry Spevak of Omaha South High School
Katelyn Otto of Duschense Academy
Emma Herman of Burke High School
Madyssen Hrlevich of Millard North High School
Ciara Fortun of Central High School
Amber Schwendiman of Elkhorn South High School
The clan here at OFW is thrilled to welcome these young designers to our premiere event. They put in some extremely hard work during fashion camp!
Congratulations emerging designers and welcome to Omaha Fashion Week August 2015!
Who else will be at OFW on August 19th?
We’re glad you asked! If you will be attending OFW on Wednesday, you can excpect to see the amazing work from Ready-to-Wear designers featuring 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.
A little teaser of some of the past and current work from these designers:
Need another reason to stop by the Fashion Tent?
Who doesn’t want to take part in the Midwest’s premiere fashion event?! Did you know Omaha Fashion Week is the 5th largest fashion week in the country? That’s right! So head on over to http://omahafashionweek.ticketleap.com/ofw-ready-to-wear-showcase-i/ to sweep up a couple tickets for you and a friend before it’s too late! See you alongside the runway!
Shhhh, don't tell....
But, we love to sneak up on our designers while they work their hearts out. I mean really though, who doesnt love a good sneak peak and behind the scenes look? No one!
Designer Kaitlyn Fitzgerald is whooping it up with her kiddos at fittings! She is WAY ahead of the game and already shooting her collection- you go girl! You will see this little number on the runway on Monday, August 17th. Snag tickets here!
Michaela Cawley, designer for KKINI swimwear looks pretty set for another OFW runway appearance in this picture she shared on social media. To see her suits snag a seat on Tuesday, August 18th here!
Holy obsessed! We cant wait to see more of the collection from Triple Thread! Come see the full collection on Wednesday, August 19th by scooping up tickets here!
Our designers are truly amazing- they even make their own accessories for their shows. Terri Buckner, designer for Nuevintage Apparel shared a sneak peak into her jewlery for her RTW collection shown on the runway, August 20th. Get tickets here!
There is nothing like last minute fabric shopping before your Omaha Fashion Week runway debut, right Leah Kettelson? We can't wait to see her beautiful evening wear line showing for the first time at OFW on August 21st. Come and experience it with us, tickets here!
Well, that's all for now! Stay tuned for more sneak peaks!
Another friendly little plug to let you in on more of the behind the scenes, hands on approach we have with our designers... We have Rack Check on Saturday where our panel will get to see first hand how prepared our designers are for the runway. They will get real-time advice and have their line shot by our amazing team of photographers as well as mixing and mingling to open up an unmatched networking experience for all the creative individuals involved in Omaha Fashion Week!
Have you heard about our amazing panel and their impact on these young designers careers?
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! Join us August 17th-22nd! #BeThere #OmahaFashion
It’s that time of year again where we are hustling and bustling in preparation to make Omaha Fashion Week the Midwest’s premier fashion event. Here’s a quick look at what the OFW team has been up to:
Recently we hosted a designer barbeque- a fun, social event where designers can relax and unwind with other fellow designers. And of course stuff their bellies to the brim. Our creatives got to munch on burgers, chips, watermelon, salad, guacamole (it isn’t a party without some guac), and much more tasty treats. Take a look at our fun filled feast!
Classic Buf
Red Carpet Ready was also just hosted this past week! This event never disappoints, and this year was no exception. Guests were able to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and pampering with the OFW, Borsheims, and Develop Model Management teams. A few photos from this extravagant event:
This week is another busy one for OFW. A few more events and a lot (A LOT) of hard work and we are just about ready for show time. Don’t forget to mark Omaha Fashion Week on your calendar’s for August 17th-22nd. If you are still needing to purchase tickets, visit: http://omahafashionweek.ticketleap.com. We can’t wait to see you alongside the runway!