Status,COVER|Dress:ISLAO,Top:RegalStatus,Pants:Regal Archives,Suit:WellSuited@LindleyClothing,Dress:OFW Shrug:StillALady TABLEOFCONTENTS|Pants:RoninScar
FROM THE
PRODUCER
Verus, a season of truth. We all try to live our truth. We all hope to hear truth.
At Omaha Fashion Week, the space looks cool, people arrive and mingle, photos are taken, and everyone watches the beautiful creations walk down the runway on beautiful people. Model after model walks out, designers follow, and after all is said and done, we put on some great shows.
There are so many things that have to happen in order for this show to come together. Did you know that as you sit and watch the show, we have already begun working on the next season, or that our core team is only made up of three people, none of which are full-time at Omaha Fashion Week? We work hard and wear many different hats; we do it because of the community.
We have an army in our community that comes out to support this event. Omaha Fashion Week very literally would not happen without so many people giving their time and energy to lend a hand before, during, and after shows. I’d like to believe that most come in and see what we are working toward, they’re excited to be part of it, and that is what keeps them coming back season after season.
We know where we came from and always try to keep our
focus on why we are here: our community: our designers, our models, our apprentices and volunteers. Every person is playing a part in making things happen.
We have worked hard to build a supportive community. We learn and grow every season so we can be a safe, welcoming place for any person to come and enjoy themselves. We don’t tear people down, we build up, because all ships rise with the tide. We want everyone to become successful and when they look back they say, “That was where I started and I would tell anyone I met to start there because it was a great experience."
Fashion is an art and expressing oneself is something worth supporting. That is my truth. That is worth long hours for short dollars. The value is in the community we build, the futures we foster, and the comfort in knowing there will always be a place where the ones we love can feel safe being their favorite selves. There is an army of support standing with them.
Luf, Buf
FROM THE
EDITOR
VERUS: true, genuine, actual
As I reflect on this season’s theme, VERUS, I think of Omaha’s community. I feel that VERUS perfectly describes the small slice of fashion heaven that exists unlike any other in Omaha, Nebraska. There is nothing more genuine than a space where creatives are encouraged to live their truths to the fullest.
The editorial for this season takes us behind the scenes of what it looks like to be a model. This glimpse behind the curtain reminds us of the platform that Omaha Fashion Week provides, a talent incubator, as we like to call it. We aim to create a safe space for aspiring models, designers, hair and makeup artists, event producers, and more to learn valuable industry skills with room to grow. Omaha Fashion Week is built upon the idea that creatives deserve a space to showcase their talents with leaders that will come alongside them and show them the way.
The community that I have found through Omaha Fashion Week is the epitome of VERUS, full of true, genuine, actual connections with the most vibrant people I have ever met. I am so lucky to call Omaha my forever home filled with lifelong friends.
In this next season of my life, I transition into motherhood surrounded by a force of women
who lift me up and pour love into my life. I am so grateful to have been so involved with such a beautiful organization that has shaped me so much. To be a part of Omaha Fashion Week in any capacity is such a blessing.
As we embrace a season of VERUS, I encourage you to be your most genuine self, to show up in ways that reflect who you truly are, and to embrace who others are, too.
Lots of love,
Brianna
Anderson
OMAHA FASHION MAGAZINE
BROOK HUDSON, OWNER AND PUBLISHER • BRIANNA ANDERSON, EDITOR
OMAHA FASHION WEEK
BUF REYNOLDS, PRODUCER
SAMI HARTONG, MARKETING DIRECTOR
ZEKE KLEINSCHMIT, BACKSTAGE COORDINATOR
EMERGING DESIGNER SELECTION PANEL
JENNY POOL
COSTUME AND FASHION DESIGNER, COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR AT UNETECH INSTITUTE
BRETT FOSTER
OWNER AT FOSTER~LOTZER [EVENTS] [DESIGN] [RETAIL]
DAN RICHTERS
FINE ARTIST AND FASHION DESIGNER
MICHAEL BURTON
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ART AND DESIGN, DIRECTOR AT ROBERT HILLESTAD TEXTILES GALLERY (NOT PICTURED)
PRODUCTION
ALYSSA DILTS, CASTING DIRECTOR
BRETT FOSTER, ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNER
HEATHER & JAMESON, RUNWAY PHOTOGRAPHY
DAN RICHTERS, VIDEO PRODUCTION
NATALIE WALLACE, SHOW DIRECTOR
TIM PFANNENSTIEL, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
DAN BRENNAN, LIGHTING DIRECTOR
JOE NICKOLITE, LED OPERATOR
KEITH RODGER, MUSIC DIRECTOR
KRISTEN CLARK, BACKSTAGE ASSISTANT
VALERIA MARQUEZ, BACKSTAGE ASSISTANT
ALIA JACKSON, EDITORIAL BEAUTY DIRECTOR
LANI MAPLES, TICKETING MANAGER
GEORGIE MYERS, FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER
DALLAS BEAMS, FRONT OF HOUSE LEAD
BETH REHER, EVENT CONSULTANT
KYLIE LACOUR, VENUE OPERATIONS
FEATURED DESIGNER SELECTION PANEL
EDELWEISS ROTHE BRANDING AND MERCHANDISING CONSULTANT
KELLI MOLCYZK
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF WOMEN’S MERCHANDISING AT BUCKLE
ANTHONY DEON BROWN
FINE ARTIST AND DESIGNER AT ANTHONY DEON
JENNIE MASON
INTERIOR DESIGNER AT ALLEY POYNER MACCHIETTO ARCHITECTURE
MENTORS
Abbie Bailey
Tammie Bingham
Natalie Blaine
Valerie Brewer
Anne Chanhmynarath
Brynn Drickey
Chelsea Edwards
Paty Figtree
Jhoseline Fuentes Rosales
Olivia Hertog
Zoe Howell
Anissa Imair
Katie Jenkins
Tawnny King
Samantha Michaels
Arielle Miller
Julain Mitchell
Eliana Newbanks
Jaicy Omega
Jacqueline Pablo Argueta
Bethany Pyles
Ericka Ramirez
Miranda Samek
Rachel Turman
August Whitbeck
Brittany White
BEAUTY ALLIANCE
STUDENTS
Annabelle Ashley
Meredith Bailey
Natalie Beamis
Raven Boyland
Lexus Brown
Shyanne Brown
Kassidy Chadwick
Sudipta Chowdhury
Kayleigh Cooper
Chely Diaz
Alice Duckett
Olivia Elder
Jersey Fahey
Taejhamel Fenceroy
Alvanisha Foard
Yahaira Garcia
Emily Goff Kelsey
Haley Golda
Sophia Herman
Kandie Hopp
Lacee Houghtaling
Delainey Hughes
Jayne Jarvis
Sarai Jimenez
Ashe Jones
Kaitlyn Lee
Jada Lerdall
Malayna Lozo
Katie Malina
Sarah Mattox
Terra Mease
Nayeli Medel
Angelica Osborne
Kelly Ramirez
Katelyn Ramold
Audrey Rickerl
Brynn Roberts
Roni Sims
Carlei Slobaszwski
Gwendolyn Smith
Aleia Sollazzo
Bailee Spencer
Mads Stout
Lydia Torres
Cindy Torres
Izze Torrez
Abra Werner
Ashley Williams
Sway Wilson
McKenna Woods
Photo | Wyatt Fangman
Photo | Michael Pysh
VERUS
EDITORIAL TEAM | Photography: Heather & Jameson, Models: Develop Model Management, Hair & Makeup: Alia Jackson, Stylist: Aya Zacharias, Assistant Stylist: Sydney Moore, Wardrobe Manager: Sami Hartong, Model Names: Faith, Hailey, Katelyn, Shayan
PHOTO | Dress: Sommer, Top: ISLA O, Pants: ELU by Elon
Verus: true, genuine, actual
What does it mean to be a muse, to constantly be transformed into the ideals in another’s dreams? We are used to transforming models into the visions we desire, but now we honor their ability to inspire us as they are. The faces behind the makeup, the bodies under the clothes, the models who are already the icons that influence us all.
LEFT
Sweater: The Unfinished Archive, Shorts: Lindley Clothing, Pants: RoninScar
Nuevintage
LEFT
Top: ISLA O, Pants: ELU by Elon, Dress: OFW Archives, Belt: ThEnsō
Behind the Scenes
Pulling back the veil on Omaha Fashion Week means diving deeper into what it truly means to be a model. We sat down with Develop Models from this season's editorial photoshoot to discuss Omaha's fashion community, career inspirations, role models, and more.
WHAT LED YOU TO MODELING?
KATELYN: I started modeling because I showed cattle in 4-H and I was asked to model my project at the county fair. My project ended up winning at the state fair and I modeled my design in Omaha Fashion Week. A few years later, my mom was still getting emails about casting calls and asked if I wanted to go; that’s where I was scouted. I played every sport and my parents said I had to choose between trying out for cheer or this "modeling thing". Thank goodness I am here, because I was no cheerleader.
HAILEY: Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved getting all dressed up and putting on fashion
shows for my family. Fast forward many many years later, I was getting ready to graduate college when COVID hit. I was majoring in elementary and special education when the schools closed for the remainder of the year. I sat at home like everyone else, not knowing what to do next. With all that free time, I started to think about goals and dreams I have always had but put on pause. One of those dreams was becoming a model. I came across Develop Model Management and thought to myself, "If not now, then when?" I took a leap of faith and submitted some pictures to Alyssa at Develop Model Management.
SHAYAN: I was always told by my coworkers, friends, and family that I should model, but I never thought about it. One day, I came across the casting call from Develop on my Instagram and I told my mom about it; she was absolutely thrilled for me and that’s how I got into it.
FAITH: I was scouted at the age of 11 during a Taylor Swift concert. Before signing with an agency, many people encouraged me to pursue modeling. We did some research and a few months later, I was signed with Develop Model Management. Now, six years later I am signed in L.A. and Toronto, practicing every day so I can make it big.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE OMAHA'S COMMUNITY?
F: I would describe the modeling community in Omaha as full of genuine and inclusive people who have big hearts.
H: I love the diversity of both designers and models. I think there is a big emphasis on being a family. We are all here doing something we love, and everyone is willing to help others be their best!
K: The modeling community here is special because Develop has become like a second family. To bring this many people together with fashion in Omaha, Nebraska is really cool.
WHAT DO PEOPLE OFTEN MISUNDERSTAND ABOUT MODELING?
K: I think many people believe it is
SHAYAN
FAITH
easy, but it is a competitive industry that requires professionalism and work ethic. It is important to build relationships and perform under pressure.
F: One common misconception about modeling is the belief that you have to fit a specific look. In reality, diversity is celebrated in the industry. The agencies I've signed with showcase a wide range of people with different looks, heights, ethnicities, hair textures, skin tones, and body types that can all find success in modeling.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING MODELS?
K: I think anyone who wants to pursue modeling should know that the fashion industry is full of creativity, which makes it so exciting and rewarding. I encourage anyone new to the industry to be open to learning and chase what they're passionate about. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.
H: Go for it with all the confidence in the world! Believe in yourself and your abilities. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! Remember to stay true to yourself. Your beauty will shine through when you are being your true, authentic self.
S: If you want to do it, just do it! You would be surprised how fun it is.
F: My advice to anyone aspiring to model is: just go for it. It doesn't hurt to try. Do your research before making any commitments, practice as much as possible and above all, maintain confidence in everything you do no matter what others think.
WHAT HAS MODELING TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF?
H: Modeling has helped me gain more confidence in myself and trust myself to make decisions, not only in fashion but in my personal life. The biggest thing modeling has helped me with is body positivity and acceptance. It can be easy to pick yourself apart and compare yourself to others. Modeling has helped me to learn to believe in myself and my abilities.
K: Through modeling, I have learned more about my personality and my values. The best version of me is my authentic self.
WHAT DOES BEING A ROLE MODEL MEAN TO YOU?
K: To me, being a role model is about being authentic and working hard in everything you do. My basketball coaches ingrained in me that "more people are looking up to you than you think".
H: Being a good role model not only means being the type of person that others would want to imitate but also being the type of person who helps others grow and develop. The challenge means you must continue to improve upon yourself and learn
from others along the way.
WHO IS YOUR FASHION ROLE MODEL?
H: When I started modeling, I quickly became a fan of Ashley Graham, which is crazy given that she has been modeling forever. I love that she is paving the way for plus-size/curve models like myself and is a role model for body positivity. Seeing someone also from Nebraska be so successful in this industry further solidifies my modeling goals and affirms that I can achieve my dreams.
K: A famous fashion role model I have is Karlie Kloss, who speaks about important issues and is an entrepreneur from the Midwest. I am inspired by how she used her influence to make a difference.
LET'S TALK SHOW DAY! HOW DO YOU PREPARE TO WALK THE RUNWAY?
S: I really enjoy doing yoga in the morning, and meditation to get in the right mindset.
H: I start my day by taking a hot shower and blasting some loud music, with slightly off-key singing. I like to show up with clean hair and fresh curls. Before every show, I spend a little extra time on my skincare routine to
HAILEY
ensure I’m ready for the makeup artist. Before I head to Omaha, I triple-check that I have everything I need, and then some. I can’t leave until I fill up my model bag with snacks that I can munch on backstage!
K: My routine for show day usually starts the night before and I like to do a lot of skin prep. Most importantly, I have to grab a coffee before the show.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE DESIGNER TO WALK FOR?
K: My favorite designer I have modeled for was Proenza Schouler. This was special to me because it was my first time casting for New York Fashion Week and the show was something I will never forget.
H: I have absolutely loved modeling for so many designers and have enjoyed being able to help make their vision and collection come to life! I have walked for Buf Reynolds a few times now and her designs never fail to amaze me! She is a fabulous and
amazing human being that is so full of energy and you can clearly see that through all of her pieces. One thing that I have really loved about working with Buf is that she wants you to feel like the most beautiful and confident person in the world!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM OMAHA FASHION WEEK?
H: My very first time walking in Omaha Fashion Week I was the closing design for Michael Drunmond’s collection. This was something I had never done before and was beyond excited! I will never forget the amount of nerves I felt right before stepping onto the runway, but also the immense amount of support and love I got from all the models backstage.
Besides the crowd going crazy, I knew all of the models in his collection were cheering me on too. I think that is hands down one of the BEST THINGS about being a part of Omaha Fashion Week. Everyone wants to see you do your best and kill it on the runway. Not a moment goes by without someone hyping you up, whether it’s backstage or as you’re walking down the runway. This is something I will always be grateful for!
Photo | Michael Pysh
INVESTOR'S CIRCLE
We are officially in season two of our latest designer equity program where YOU can support the prosperity of designers every season at Omaha Fashion Week.
This season, seven grants were awarded to our designers due to the community's incredible generosity, helping us raise over $3,500 for the Investor's Circle.
Retired Omaha Fashion Week Producer, Brook Hudson, and Casting Director and Owner of Develop Model Management, Alyssa Dilts, invite you to support our local designers! These two long-time friends have collaborated on many programs that enrich Omaha's fashion scene. They share a passion for supporting designers in the earliest stages of their development, which has led to collaborations such as Omaha Fashion Camp and the Investor’s Circle.
With a combined experience of 35 years working with designers, these two women know that even a gift of a few hundred dollars given at the right time can be transformational. Such gifts allow designers to upgrade fabrics, notions, and equipment, making the final result a higher-quality product that is more likely to sell.
Our goal is to make it easy, accessible, and fun for the community to support the economic sustainability of designers.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
1. Donate any amount to the funding pool.
2. Attend the big pitch.
3. Vote for your favorite designers to receive $500 from the fund.
4. Get an exclusive preview of their collections before they hit the runway!
Anyone can be an investor, no matter the size of your contribution.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
The next round of funding for the Investor’s Circle is scheduled for October 1st-31st, 2024 and will support designers selected for the February 2025 season. Don’t miss out on becoming an investor and gaining exclusive access to designers and their collections next season!
Be the first to know about next season’s funding opportunities by scanning the QR code below!
LEARN MORE
HEADLINER:
DEVELOP KIDS BY DEVELOP MODEL MANAGEMENT
For the first time ever, Develop Model Management presents a collection of self-styled looks worn by models in their kids division.
Omaha Fashion Week and Develop Model Management take the role of nurturing and uplifting talent very seriously, no matter someone’s age. We believe that providing enriching opportunities to young people can have an incredibly positive influence on their creative endeavors throughout their lives. We’re proud to feature Omaha’s next generation of models on the runway during the Fall 2024 VERUS Season of Omaha Fashion Week.
HEADLINER:
OMAHA FASHION CAMP
This summer, 130 campers gathered at the Empire Room for Omaha Fashion Camp to learn the ins and out of the fashion industry.
Omaha Fashion Camp is a collaboration between Develop Model Management and Omaha Fashion Week, aimed at encouraging kids to pursue creativity. Each camper created their own look by re-designing garments selected from the Goodwill Pop Up Shop. In addition to learning about fashion design and sewing, campers learned about modeling, photography, branding, product development and buying. On the runway, teen campers will be self-modeling the looks they created at Omaha Fashion Camp!
Registration for Omaha Fashion Camp July 2025 is now open! SIGN UP
HEADLINER: SARAH DEXTER DESIGNS
Winner of Omaha Fashion Week's Spring 2023 Featured Designer Golden Shears Award, Sarah Dexter blew the judges away with a collection of zerowaste garments inspired by nocturnal flowers. Her conept was executed with a beautiful balance of chunky knitwear and sheer silhouettes.
Sarah Dexter is committed to ethical manufacturing and the discipline of slow fashion through her brand, Sarah Dexter Designs, which she owns and operates in her hometown of Fairbanks, Alaska. This season, we can expect to see her signature knits and fabric manipulation tell the story of finding harmony in chaos.
SHOP
Photo | Heather & Jameson
Photo | Heather & Jameson
Photo | Kathy Plunkett
HEADLINER: JENNY POOL
Jenny Pool is a veteran Omaha Fashion Week designer, current panelist, and has been involved in our shows for over ten years. She is a talented costume designer and artist. Jenny is focused on making playful and unique fashion pieces for people to express themselves boldly and unapologetically.
This season, we will see Jenny Pool present a collection of nostalgic 80’s motifs as an homage to her childhood filled with imagination, play and creation. Her craft and one-of-akind vision are sure to result in a lively experience.
HEADLINER:
RÜTD
Rylie Smith, founder of RÜTD, is an artisanal ready-to-wear designer, based in Des Moines, Iowa. Winner of Omaha Fashion Week's Emerging Designer Golden Shears Award during the Spring 2020 season, she is returning this season with a collection featuring the beauty of trees, which supply the hands of carpenters to create oneof-a-kind pieces, solidifying their beauty in time. Prepare to ground yourself in the lifestyle of RÜTD.
Apart from sensational work on the OFW runway, RÜTD has captivated an even larger audience with a universal pant to accentuate any garment: the RÜT pants. They are heavy in nature and create a silhouette of their own. You may have seen them featured in the WNBA Tunnel, providing athletes with a comfortable, head-turning garment!
HEADLINER: THENSŌ
Winner of Omaha Fashion Week's Emerging Designer Golden Shears Award during the Spring 2024 season, Kaila Loew surpassed the judges’ expectations with her first-ever all men’s streetwear collection.
Inspired by her Japanese heritage, she collaborated with her younger brother to create wearable art. Kaila is captivated by creative silhouettes, which compels her to blend tradition with her own unique style. This season we will see yet another collection of beautifully proportioned inspirations in a more subtle manner that continues to highlight her culture.
FOLLOW
Photo | Heather & Jameson
FOLLOW
Photo | Heather & Jameson
Photo | Heather & Jameson
HEADLINER:
DAN RICHTERS
Dan Richters is one of the original eight designers to show a collection at the first Omaha Fashion Week showcase back in 2008. Since then, he has shown nearly every year on the Omaha Fashion Week runway and has become a valuable member to our panel of judges.
Dan’s designs are an amalgamation of his favorite mediums, including sculpture, painting, printmaking, and drawing. He creates otherworldly garments meant to transport you to new dimensions. This season, we patiently await his latest collection inspired by fungus and its many manifestations.
HEADLINER: MALEKR.
Winner of Omaha Fashion Week's Featured Designer Golden Shears Award during the Fall 2023 season, Malek Rasmussen showcased his stunning craftsmanship through a collection of knitwear and leather goods, a signature of the MalekR. label.
Malek got his start in design with Omaha Fashion Week and has turned his dreams into a career, earning real retail profit from the community.
This season, we will see Malek's graduate collection from Pratt Institute, featuring his dedication to the craft of making clothing and accessories as an homage to his late grandfather.
We sat down with Malek and reflected on his journey thus far.
HOW HAS OFW IMPACTED YOUR CAREER?
Honestly, this has been a dream come true. Was it calculated? Yes. Was there math involved? No. Did I manifest? Obviously!
I’ve stated before that Omaha Fashion Week launched my love for fashion. Since 2017, it has shown me that creativity is right here! It took me a while to realize that; I thought it only came from cities like New York. Graduating from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY has shown me that Omaha is a force to be reckoned with.
DO YOU HAVE ADVICE FOR HOPEFUL DESIGNERS?
To other creatives, go far and dream big but remember that there is nothing like Omaha Fashion Week. It is the only show that puts creativity first. It is all thanks to the people that bring it to life and the community that nurtures it. Dream big!
SHOP
Photo | Heather & Jameson
Photo | Heather & Jameson
Photo | Heather & Jameson
GOLDEN SHEARS AWARDS
Omaha Fashion Week is proud to offer various programs for designers to reach new levels of growth each season. One of our longest-standing programs is the Golden Shears Award, where both emerging and featured designers compete for their respective prizes.
Winners are chosen by our Selection Panels, which are comprised of independent industry experts who spend months leading up to shows mentoring and coaching designers to present their best on the runway! The panelists score designs based on the creativity and innovation of the collections and overall presentation.
Each season, over $7,500 in prizes is awarded to designers through this program. Winning designers are awarded a pair of Golden Gingher Shears along with their prize package, which includes professional runway photography by Heather & Jameson, a headlining slot in a future Omaha Fashion Week season, and 10 VIP tickets for guests.
In addition designers recieve the following based on their category:
EMERGING DESIGNER:
• $500 cash prize
• Elna eXperience 560 Sewing Machine from Millard Sewing
• Gift cards to Joann Fabric and Dick Blick totaling $350
FEATURED DESIGNER:
• $1,000 cash prize
• Elna eXcellence 680+ Sewing Machine from Millard Sewing
• Gift cards to Joann Fabric and Dick Blick totaling $750
• Creative design of a limited edition OFW t-shirt with profit sharing
Congratulations to Spring 2024’s Emerging Designer ThEnsō by Kaila Loew and Featured Designer Nuevintage by Terri Buckner for winning our Golden Shears Awards.
Stay tuned to see which talented designers will come out on top from our Fall 2024 season!
Photos | Heather & Jameson
Photo | PoloMutt
RED CARPET RECAP
The Milan Laser Red Carpet at Omaha Fashion Week is the ultimate opportunity to show up as your favorite version of yourself. Guests dress their best and pull out all the stops as they pose for photos by FotoFunSpot in front of our iconic backdrop.
