Nothing feels normal right now. Whatever normal is, we can all feel that this definitely isn’t it. Everything is moving at a breakneck speed and there is no time to process or plan. We don’t have time to think about what has happened and are barely back on our feet before the next giant headline rolls in and knocks us down again. The people I love are struggling, and to be honest, so am I. My community is being attacked by people in powerful places and there is only one thing left to do. Fight back.
We have to come together and tell the ones taking away our rights and holding us down that we will not stand for this. We will not let fascism take us out. People matter more than some billionaire’s profits. People matter more than somebody’s objection to someone changing their pronouns. Our humanity matters more than their greed.
FROM THE
EDITOR
Sometimes, in the midst of the world's suffering, it feels like a guilty pleasure to do something you enjoy. But when I take a look around at who we are doing this for, I know that Omaha Fashion Week is not just an event, it is a chance for people to come together with loving acceptance of each other's differences. It is
Things feel grim for those in education or arts, for BIPOC people, LGBTQIA+ folks, those with disabilities, those who rely on government aid and so many more. And it will get worse. It is heartbreaking and starts to feel hopeless. How can we keep moving forward knowing there will be a whole new fight tomorrow, and the day after that? How can we affect change? How can I, just me alone, do anything that has any lasting effects?
I am doing the only thing I can think of. Trying to support the people I love. Putting in the work to create an event where everyone can come and be themselves. I keep working on my community. Yes, we have many fights ahead. It is a long road, but we need to have joy in
between. I am mad, angrier than I have ever been. I am scared. And I have so much love for those people who are struggling. We are allowed to experience joy amidst the grief. Let’s love harder.
The fight begins but let’s play as hard as we fight. Palestine belongs to Palestinians.
more than acceptance, it is a celebration of our differences. Together, we bring to life a week of beautiful expressions of creativity in one safe space where everyone is greeted with open arms. Please know, you are welcomed and loved here.
Brianna Anderson
Photo | Heather & Jameson
OMAHA FASHION MAGAZINE
BROOK HUDSON, OWNER AND PUBLISHER • BRIANNA ANDERSON, EDITOR
OMAHA FASHION WEEK
BUF REYNOLDS, PRODUCER
BRIANNA ANDERSON, MARKETING DIRECTOR
ZEKE KLEINSCHMIT, TALENT COORDINATOR
EMERGING DESIGNER SELECTION PANEL
BRETT FOSTER
OWNER AT FOSTER~LOTZER [EVENTS] [DESIGN] [RETAIL]
ELDA DOAMEKPO
FASHION DESIGNER AT AFIELDA
MICHAEL BURTON
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ART AND DESIGN AT UNL, DIRECTOR OF ROBERT HILLESTAD TEXTILES GALLERY
KELLI MOLCYZK
FASHION DESIGNER AT RE-DEFIND
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 DIRECTOR
GEORGE TURNER, LIGHTING & LED ASSISTANT
DIEGO CRUZ VESPA, MUSIC DIRECTOR
ALIA JACKSON, EDITORIAL BEAUTY DIRECTOR
KRISTEN CLARK, BACKSTAGE ASSISTANT
GEORGIE MYERS, FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER
BETH REHER, EVENT CONSULTANT
KYLIE LACOUR, VENUE OPERATIONS
FEATURED DESIGNER SELECTION PANEL
JENNIE MASON
FASHION DESIGNER, INTERIOR DESIGNER AT ALLEY POYNER MACCHIETTO ARCHITECTURE
EDELWEISS ROTHE
BRANDING AND MERCHANDISING CONSULTANT
JENNY POOL
COSTUME AND FASHION DESIGNER, COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR AT UNETECH INSTITUTE
DAN RICHTERS
FINE ARTIST, FASHION DESIGNER
AUTYSCHOOLNEEDS A MAKEOVER
MENTORS
Brittani Angel
AJ Barnes
Tammie Bingham
Natalie Blaine
Valerie Brewer
Amy Coyle
Krissy (Dahlia) Doyen
Erika Franco
Jhoseline Fuentes Rosales
Kandie Hopp
Katie Jenkins
Jada Lerdall
Jamie Maddalena
Stephanie Mueller
Jaicy Omega
Jacqueline Pablo
RaShun Peterson
Jacquilynn Proctor
Kelly Ramirez
Kenadee Roepke
Virginia Smith
Emily Tenski
Kaytlin Wax
August Whitbeck
Brittany White
BEAUTY ALLIANCE
STUDENTS
Devon Aldana
Annabelle Ashley
Meredith Bailey
Morgan Barnhart
Macy Bozwell
Lexus Brown
Kaitlin Ceder
Brooke Coats
Hannah Cozad
Alice Duckett
Jersey Fahey
Kyleigh Gall
Samantha Geron
Lacee Houghtaling
Gracie Jans
Alexis Karsten
Callie Kutz
Malayna Lozo
Molly McWhorter
Nevaeh Medeiros
Becca Mitchell
Jessica Reyes
Bailee Schmitt
Bailee Spencer
Carlie Therkildsen
Kelsie Therkildsen
Cindy Torres
Izze Torrez
Monyca Troncoso-Smith
Makenzie Ward
Lauren Webb
McKenna Woods
Avalon Wright
FROM WORKROOM TO RUNWAY
OUTRÉ
When no one knows what normal is, it seems like there is no need to try to abide by anyone's rules. We are leaning in to the weird, silly, bizarre. It is a new world and we get to make the rules.
BTS: Meet the Volunteers
Jace Boudreau: My journey with Omaha Fashion Week began in August of 2021 when I attended Omaha Fashion Week with my mother. That night, I was completely captivated - the red carpet, the designers, the models - it was everything to me. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be involved in any way possible.
Since then, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to walk the runway wearing a piece I designed and volunteer across multiple events. Now, as an apprentice, it’s surreal to see how far I’ve come. Being asked to write an article for the BTS interview highlighting the dedication of volunteers and loyal attendees was an exciting fullcircle moment. Throughout this journey, I've had the privilege of interviewing several incredible volunteers whose dedication has made Omaha Fashion Week successful season after season.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH FASHION WEEK?
LORI: I started in 2012; I had two dear friends, David Scott and Rick Carrie, who were already involved. That's how I found Omaha Fashion Week and so many like-minded people.
KRYSTI: My oldest daughter was modeling, so it was another way to help out. I've seen a lot of growth from Omaha Fashion Week from when I first started up until now.
on the runway because they're from Alaska and weren't able to be there.
SYDNEY: I started volunteering with Omaha Fashion Week when I was twelve in 2014. Prior to that, I attended the first Omaha Fashion Camp. It showed me a place where I could express all the things I loved and further my knowledge of the fashion industry.
WHAT DO VOLUNTEERS DO?
LORI: I've done a lot over the years. I started as a backstage dresser. At first, they didn't have one model for every look, so I would have to study the lineup and sometimes the model would model three or four different looks. I would stand as they came off the stage and put the next outfit on while the hair person is doing their hair and they go right back on. It was chaotic. I have done everything from coat check to set up. Whatever they asked of me, I just did it. My current job is to set up and produce Shop the Runway Sunday.
VIY: It changes from season to season because it's just doing whatever needs to be done. Sometimes it's taking tickets and helping people find their seats. Sometimes I'm backstage; last season, I got to help with one of the headliners getting their show
SYDNEY: Over the years, I have taken on many roles. From designing, styling the emcees, and modeling, I've seen just about every corner of fashion week.
WHAT MAKES VOLUNTEERING WORTHWHILE?
VIY: It's definitely getting to know all the other people who share the same passion for OFW and building the community. Being a part of the community has been a lot of fun because Omaha is so big, but so small at the same time. We all love this and have the same appreciation for it.
BRITTANY: Getting to see the ins and outs of Omaha Fashion Week. Seeing what it takes to put on a fashion show is just mindblowing. From the little details like making sure the stage is secure to temperature because Nebraska weather changes on a dime, the unknown is a challenge; I love a challenge.
LORI: I've met a lot of designers over the years and my number one thing has always been to see the designs up close.
KRYSTI: I learned to appreciate all the things that go on. When
you watch a fashion show, you only see the finished product. You don't get to see all the things that go on behind the scenes. So, I've learned to appreciate all the work that everybody does.
HOW HAS VOLUNTEERING HELPED YOU GROW?
BRITTANY: Encouragement for anyone that might want to get into volunteering with Omaha Fashion Week. Volunteering is it. You're networking; you're always going to meet new people and this can pivot to take you down a path you didn't even see yourself going down.
SYDNEY: I am lucky to have made some of my best friends here. I had great examples growing up here at fashion week, and I want to be that to the next generation.
WHAT ONE WORD SUMS UP YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH US?
LORI: Rewarding. My career has always been in fashion, but at the time when I first started volunteering, I was a stay at home mom. It kept me in the fashion community because I didn't know anybody when I moved to Omaha. It's been a great run and I still enjoy it. My son modeled and it's been a joy to watch him on the runway. I just want to say how honored I am every year to be able to help with such an awesome event and work
with such dynamic people. It's just very fulfilling.
VIY: Fun! I do enjoy getting to come to these things and putting on my most fun outfit. I know that it will be appreciated and I won't feel completely out of place. Everyone's having fun on that level and meeting people and having the same passion about it.
BRITTANY: Family. We're all just a family. We really, truly care about each other and are willing to stick our necks out to defend each other for anything that should potentially go on. We want to build a safe community
SYDNEY: HOME. Omaha Fashion Week gave me a second family, a home away from home, and I'm so grateful to be involved. Omaha Fashion Week makes your dreams feel accomplishable; everyone is there to help you achieve your goals, but also make them seem tangible. To come from the Midwest, fashion isn't taken very seriously. The show has changed that outlook for thousands of kids here in the Midwest.
WHAT IMPACT DOES OFW HAVE ON THE COMMUNITY?
VIY: They give a lot of opportunities to people here who, like them, have passion and want to create
things to share. They give people the platform to show their work walking down a full runway.
Omaha Fashion Week is a celebration of creativity, but more importantly, it’s a powerful reflection of the community that makes it all possible. The dedication of the volunteers is what truly brings this event to life. From assisting behind the scenes to mentoring young models, each volunteer plays a vital role in ensuring everything runs smoothly. Their collective efforts turn a vision into reality, and without them, Omaha Fashion Week would not be the success it is today.
To every volunteer who’s contributed to Omaha Fashion Week, whether you’ve been part of the team for many years or are just beginning your journey— thank you! Your passion, energy, and dedication make this event possible, and you are at the heart of everything that makes Omaha Fashion Week so remarkable. Your efforts are appreciated beyond words, and we’re grateful for every one of you.
SYDNEY
BRITTANY
LORI
VIY
KRYSTI
Written by Jace Boudreau | Edited by Brianna Anderson
We are officially in season three 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, over $7,000 was raised 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.
Photo | Heather & Jameson
AUTUMN FOLAND OWNER & STYLIST
NOODLESOUP
A curated selection of European & Canadian designers in a luxury showroom atmosphere
Greta Constantine · Luisa Cerano
Marc Cain
Marie Saint Pierre
Kinross
Lapointe
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Photo | Heather & Jameson
Photo | Heather & Jameson
SATURDAY
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 $7,000 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 six VIP tickets for guests.
In addition designers recieve the following based on their category: EMERGING
• $500
• Gift cards to Joann Fabric and Dick Blick totaling $350
$750
and
• Creative design of a limited edition OFW t-shirt with profit sharing
Congratulations to Fall 2024’s Emerging Designer "RAW" FOR MARAIS STUDIOS by Kai Marais Huntoon and Featured Designer TRBROWN by Tiffany Brown for winning our Golden Shears Awards.
Stay tuned to see which talented designers will come out on top from our Spring 2025 season!
