Omaha FASHION Magazine 2012 Issue #1 by Omaha Fashion Week

FASH ON OMAHA

MAGAZINE

Fashion History-

Omaha Style

March

show schedule and designer directory

introducing the omaha

fashion institute

Haute School OF Design issue#1 2012

on the

inside 3

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

fashion history - omaha style

14 OFW August 2011 22 fresh faces 28 introducing the omaha fashion institute 32 haute school of design 36 stylist directory 38 march show schedule and designer directory

FASHION OMAHA

Photography by Daniel Muller designer Just Because by Kate Walz stylist Bangs Salon

MAGAZINE

EDITOR IN CHIEF

ART DIRECTOR

Brook Hudson

Amy Gibbs

executive producer

Editorial CONTRIBUTORS

Nick Hudson

Leo Biga Annie Kawamoto Jared Spence Chris Wolfgang

ON THE COVER

Designer: Eliana Smith Photographer: Camille Butzen Model: Miranda Tingley Fashion Dog: Priscilla Hair and Make-up: BUNGALOW/8 Location: House of Loom Creative Director: Nick Hudson Styling: Meghann Schense, Rebecca Whetman

When we saw this photo from a recent shoot inspired by the return of historical glamour, we knew it would find its way onto the cover of Omaha FASHION Magazine. With so much focus recently on fashion’s roots in our community, we’ve highlighted four of our own designers who are doing a great job of re-envisioning historical influences in their contemporary work. Fashion doesn’t happen in a vacuum – it has been always been part of our Omaha heritage. Today’s young designers are proudly standing on the shoulders of giants. Read on to find out more as we explore the past, present and future of fashion in Omaha.

publisher’s

letter

maha Fashion Week has seen tremendous progress within the fashion design community. Last issue we profiled a set of our most entrepreneurial designers, and this issue we are profiling some of our youngest, who manage to balance life as high school students with budding careers as fashion designers (see Haute School Of Design page 32). The four days of shows this March at our wonderful new show space in KANEKO will be the largest yet for this season, as over 1,500 will gather to watch the work of flourishing entrepreneurs, young design stars and creative geniuses from around the Midwest grace Omaha’s runway. Despite what many people on the coasts might have expected, fashion in Omaha is strong! There is a very real possibility that Omaha can claim to be a leading fashion hub in the Midwest - something that a few years ago would have seemed unrealistic. With your help, we have become the region’s largest fashion event by a long shot, and because of that, we are able to support more independent fashion designers that any other fashion organization in the Midwest. What a point of pride for our city! We have always regarded Omaha Fashion Week as part show, part incubator - helping the designers produce and market their work, and ensuring that they have the chance to participate in professional show at no cost. But now we feel there is an opportunity to further develop the fledgling design talent in Omaha and around the Midwest through the new Omaha Fashion Institute, a non-profit dedicated to nurturing the fashion design community. We hope you enjoy reading more about the Institute on page 28. While Omaha Fashion Week is just a spritely five years old, the foundation for fashion in our city spans decades. Current designers are bringing influences from the past into their work today in wonderful ways. We are pleased to pay tribute to the pioneering fashion leaders who paved the way for today’s designers in our cover story by Leo Biga on page four. Enjoy the show, and thank you for your support!

Photography by Jeffery Pope

Brook & Nick Hudson Executive Producers

omahafashionweek.com

fashion history - Omaha

style

By Leo Biga

Fashion Divas Just as fashion is of the times, so is the infrastructure supporting it, which is why the Omaha fashion scene once looked quite different.

The area’s penultimate arbiter was Elaine Jabenis, “Omaha’s First Lady of Fashion.” The radiotelevision personality and theater actress was fashion director for the pinnacle of department stores – J.L. Brandeis & Sons. She later served the same role for the Crossroads and OakView malls. Twice a year she visited New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris and Milan to view top designer collections. “There was a whole way of educating the customer about what the trend was and why, and Elaine was in the forefront of that,” says designer Mary Anne Vaccaro. “She was always checking on what was in fashion.” “We never let our customers down. People understood what we stood for and what was important,” says Jabenis, who found a happy medium between West Coast daring and East Coast sophistication to fit the Omaha market. Always an innovator, she integrated theatrical elements into her runway shows. “I felt all the shows I had seen were very boring. Models just walked down and somebody talked for-

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designer just because by kate walz hair stylist Hair by Bangs Salon makeup by Shine Day Spa

It used to be fashionistas frequented multi-story fine department or apparel stores. Attentive customer service ruled the day. The same way boutiques do, box stores employed a fashion arbiter to select the latest seasonal looks in men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from the major American and European fashion centers.

fashion History - omaha style

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted music, dance, interesting staging. I decided to break it up into scenes and do a color story, a trend story, transition from day to night and night to day. Brandeis really loved that and the audiences loved it too.â&#x20AC;?

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fashion History - omaha style ever. It was kind of nothing. I thought there must be a better way to do this. I wanted music, dance, interesting staging. I decided to break it up into scenes and do a color story, a trend story, transition from day to night and night to day. Brandeis really loved that and the audiences loved it too.” “Elaine’s shows were great,” says stylist David Scott, who with Rick Carey designed hair and makeup for Jabenis shows. She went over-the-top with sets, actors, singers, musicians, celebrity guests. “That kind of show could never be done today. You could never afford it,” she says. As corporate fashion merchandiser she implemented themes throughout the entire Brandeis chain, extending to window displays. Models strolled through the stores. In-store fashion illustrators and copywriters carried the themes into print ads, articulating the look and feel of garments in a few strokes and well-chosen words. The work of fashion illustrator Mary Mitchell is now showcased at Durham Museum. Always attuned to trends, Jabenis was a pioneer in focusing on plussized women. “I was really a maverick,” she says. Mademoiselle and Seventeen magazines recognized Jabenis, who’s authored fashion merchandising books.

Other fashion forward figures made their own marks. The late modeling agency maven Nancy Bounds put on a smashing graduation show that launched international modeling careers, including Jaime King’s. “Nancy Bounds had a huge impact for not only opening up doors for young models but also creating a great sense of style in Omaha,” says retail consultant Wendy Chapman.

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Fashion Culture, Then and Now Upscale retailers abounded (Nebraska Clothing Co., Topps, Zoob’s, The Avenue). Stores, large and small, strutted their wares at the Clarkson Fashion Show – “THE huge fashion happening here,” says Scott. Trunk shows

featured major designer lines and sometimes the designers themselves. Vaccaro met Oscar de La Renta at Brandeis. Scott recalls Michael Kors, Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene and Halston all coming here. Local designers like Vaccaro turned heads too with their custom couture works.

designer Jane round Hair stylist Sirens At The Loft

“Elaine is the crowning diva queen of all fashion ever in Omaha,” says Scott.

fashion History History - omaha of fashion style

“Everybody held their breath for Rosemary Daly to come from Paris. As she swept in she would have on Yves Saint Laurent and the crowd would ooh and ahh.”

Though the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Ball is not a fashion show per se, socialites used it as a stage to out-dazzle each other in their designer gowns. “Everybody would wait to see who was going to wear what by these famous designers,” says Scott. “Everybody held their breath for Rosemary Daly to come from Par-

is. As she swept in she would have on Yves Saint Laurent and the crowd would ooh and ahh.” The fabulous traveling Ebony Fashion Fair often stopped here, giving locals a chance to ogle the latest European and American lines. When the Clarkson show ended after 1999, the era of big Omaha

shows, with the exception of bridal wear events, ended too. “The audiences became less and less. Fashion sort of became passe,” says Scott. “It wasn’t as prominent in people’s lives because then things were coming off the racks and fashion wasn’t just a one-of-a-kind thing for a woman. Anybody could go buy it.” omahafashionweek.com

fashion History - omaha style

designer Jane round Hair stylist Sirens At The Loft

“Today, fashion is about celebrity and it’s quick and it’s highly competitive,” says Vaccaro. “There’s not a few big name designers, there’s one celebrity designer and stylist after another.”

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designer just because by kate walz hair stylist Hair by Bangs Salon makeup by Shine Day Spa

fashion History - omaha style

Chapman says where the emphasis was on building wardrobes of enduring high style, “I think today some of that is lost because things are more geared to disposable fashion. It’s all about getting the look and if the customer knows she’s only going to wear it four times, she doesn’t care if it’s going to fall apart.”

Many exclusive department stores, Brandeis included, disappeared. No longer, Jabenis says, did someone tailor selections to the Omaha market. The big chains, she says, “don’t buy on a personal level” but rather via “a central buying office.” The intimate connection between store and customer faded. “The human touch is gone, service is gone. It’s not at all the kind of

thing it used to be, consequently the department store is losing its foothold and the specialty shop is doing much better.” Nouvelle Eve, Tilly’s and Trocadero are among Omaha’s high-end boutiques today. Chapman says department stores “need to continue to reinvent themselves to be relevant with customers.” omahafashionweek.com

designer Eliana Smith Hair stylist BUNGALOW/8

fashion History - omaha style

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fashion History - omaha style Malls and national chains (Ann Taylor) featuring ready-to-wear designer brands became the new norm. The changing times made it tough on specialty shops too. “People started going to Target and buying online what they bought in designer stores,” says Vaccaro. “In the fashion business if you go sour or you cannot sell one seasons’s collection, you’re in trouble. That’s the way it is. To outlast all the challenges coming at you you’ve got to have the strength of God practically.”

Changing Times, New Directions “This industry has just changed so dramatically, I wouldn’t say either better or worse but just that fashion is moving much faster,”says Chapman. “Things are instantly knocked off and on the streets.” “Today, fashion is about celebrity and it’s quick and it’s highly competitive,” says Vaccaro. “There’s not a few big name designers, there’s one celebrity designer and stylist after another.” Vaccaro has changed with the times. She still has a design studio, but she’s mainly an image consultant these days. She says, “If you’re not willing to change then you are not a person of fashion anymore. You have to be what it is.”

designer Eliana Smith Hair stylist BUNGALOW/8

Scott pines for what once was. “I miss it in the fact it was such a fantasy era,” he says. To the delight of Scott and Co. fashion matters again in Omaha, where magazines, events and organizations support the emerging local design community. “It’s an exciting look back and an exciting look forward with the evolution Omaha’s gone through and what’s happening now with Omaha Fashion Week,” says Chapman. creative director nick hudson Photography by Camille Butzen stylist meghann schense

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OFW August 2011

MONDAY

designer

Jennifer Roberts

designer

Maximillian Suiter

designer

Toxic Sadie For those of you arriving late to the show and for those prolonging your departure, the following is a recap of the unforgettable fashions displayed on the runway of Omaha Fashion Week August 2011.

omahafashionweek.com

designer

Allison D. Couture designer

Lameesha Stuckey

designer

Maximillian Suiter

Photography by (top left to clockwise) Blacksheep, C Nielsen Photography, C Nielsen Photography, Blacksheep, Blacksheep, C Nielsen Photography

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of Fashion that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure.â&#x20AC;? - Coco Chanel

Photography by (top left to clockwise) C Nielsen Photography, G. Thompson Higgins, G. Thompson Higgins, C Nielsen Photography, G. Thompson Higgins, C Nielsen Photography

OFW August 2011

TUESDAY

designer

Emely Valadez

designer

Just Because by Kate Walz designer

designer designer

Just Because by Kate Walz

Dancin Yogi by Paddy Tarlton

Angela Balderston

designer

Dominikat

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wedneSDAY

designer

Kaleigh Moynihan

designer

Nuevintage Apparel & Accessories by Terri Jen Buckner

designer

Nuevintage Apparel & Accessories by Terri Jen Buckner

designer

Kotero by Olajide Cooper

designer

D0ll Clothes by Chessna Fernald

designer

Liz Molvenhauer

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Jessica Alyse by Jessica Hansen

Photography by (top left to clockwise) G. Thompson Higgins, G. Thompson Higgins, C Nielsen Photography, C Nielsen Photography, C Nielsen Photography, G. Thompson Higgins, C Nielsen Photography

OFW August 2011

thurSDAY designer

designer

Photography by (top left to clockwise) G. Thompson Higgins, Blacksheep, G. Thompson Higgins, G. Thompson Higgins, G. Thompson Higgins, G. Thompson Higgins

Ruffled Runway by Hollie Hanash

Seeley Designs by Jessica Seeley

designer

Will Style by Williams Torres

designer

Will Style by Williams Torres designer designer

Masey Rost

Princess Lasertron

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OFW August 2011

friDAY

designer

SuShe by J.Tracy by Juantisha Christian

Shawntelle Kuhlmann

designer

Xion by Ryan Dampf

designer

SuShe by J.Tracy by Juantisha Christian

designer

Joi Joison 18

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Photography by (top left to clockwise) C Nielsen Photography, C Nielsen Photography, C Nielsen Photography, Blacksheep, G. Thompson Higgins, Blacksheep

Pastel GROOVE House by Shamina Wiek

OFW August 2011

finale designer

Threaded Inc. by Kevin Steward designer

Noah Riewer

designer

Photography by (top left to clockwise) G. Thompson Higgins, blacksheep, herb thompson, G. Thompson Higgins

Radioactive Heart by Jennie Mason

designer

Dan Richters

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OFW August 2011 finale designer

idesignwithlove by Amanda Clark designer

Audio Helkuik

designer

KKINI

designer

Donna Faye by Tiffany Headley

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Photography by (top left to clockwise) Herb Thompson, Herb Thompson, G. Thompson Higgins, G. Thompson Higgins, Herb Thompson, Herb Thompson

Jane Round

designer

Sabrina Jones Designs

OFW August 2011 finale

designer

Photography by (top left to clockwise) Herb Thompson, G. Thompson Higgins, G. Thompson Higgins, Herb Thompson, G. Thompson Higgins, blacksheep

Audio Helkuik

designer

Buf Reynolds

designer designer

Emma Erickson

Little Miss Fashion by Yolanda Diaz

designer

Dan Richters

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fresh

faces

Leah got her start in fashion at an early age by dissembling her momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothing and transforming them into her own fashions. She studied at the Art Institute of Philadelphia and interned at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, eventually graduating top of her class. She has gone on to work as a wardrobe assistant for several music videos, where she continues to explore her love of whimsical costume.

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Photography by Daniel Muller

designer

Leah Casper

Meet the latest editions to the Omaha Fashion Week lineup.

Photography by Daniel Muller

designer

Elizabeth Fitzgerald

fresh faces

Elizabeth goes by Kaitlyn, which may partly explain the name of her label, Kait Blu. At 16, she is a junior at Duchesne Academy and spent last summer at the School of Art Institute in Chicago where she sharpened her design skills. “I love to study fashions of different time periods and cultures,” she says.“I learn so much about people just by observing how they dress.” Sharing the connection between fashion and history is one of her career aspirations.

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Christian is a self-taught menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wear designer who owns a necktie label called christianMICHEAL that is distributed in retailers around Kansas City. He designs his own fabrics and spends at least 40 hours working to perfect each piece in his Victorian military-inspired collection. He hopes to expand his necktie line to include a full range of menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wear pieces in the future.

22 24

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Photography by Daniel Muller

designer

Christian Shuster

fresh faces

Photography by Daniel Muller

designer

Bertiher de la Cruz Trinidad

fresh faces

Bertiher has been working in fashion for more than 13 years and says his current collection is heavily inspired by classic Balenciaga. After spending time as an instructor at Chaiaps University in Mexico, he now serves the growing Hispanic population in the Omaha metro and hopes to eventually have his own storefront.

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introducing the OMAHa fashion

institute

By Annie Kawamoto

The vision of the Omaha Fashion Institute is to provide Midwest fashion designers creative inspiration, training opportunities, resources and business incubation to unlock the creative potential in young people.

What does this mean? Q In short, we want to turn creative A people into creative entrepreneurs. We want to provide our

designers with all of the resources and skills to not only produce innovative and beautiful works of art, but to produce profitable, consumer-friendly garments. Our goal is to marry the necessary components of creativity and business knowledge to produce successful fashion designers, the next generation of Chanels and Lagerfelds.

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How does OFI accomplish this? Q The Omaha Fashion Institute A develops the whole designer and the fashion ecosystem through four project pillars: Creative Inspiration, Skill Development, Resource Development, and Business Incubation. And we have already begun planting seeds... or should we say laying stitches!

Photography by (top left to clockwise) Lucas Marshall, chris machian

Omaha Fashion Week recently announced the formation of the Omaha Fashion Institute (OFI), a non-profit dedicated to nurturing aspiring Midwest fashion designers.

introducing the omaha fashion institute

How can I support the Omaha Fashion Institute? Q If you feel passionate about A nurturing the growth and development of Midwest designers,

Photography by (top left to clockwise) Sherry Schmillen, Justin Limoges, Alan Holtmeier

support our creative community by becoming a member of the Omaha Fashion Institute Guild.

While working with Dr. Carson, designers were given direction and advice on how to better explore, understand and unleash the power of their own creativity.

Early this year, OFI held its firstever pattern grading workshop for Midwest designers at CAMP Co-Working Omaha. Designers spent the day reviewing the quality and importance of strong pattern work, and learned new techniques with pattern grading expert, Isabelle Lott of Pattern Works International. The institute also made it possible for several designers to attend a creativity workshop at KANEKO with Dr. Shelley Carson, Harvard University psychology Ph.D. and author of Your Creative Brain.

This March, the Omaha Fashion Institute is ecstatic to partner with Development, an emerging modeling school and agency, to bring Jerell Scott of this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Project Runway Allstars to Omaha Fashion Weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s March shows where he will spend some quality time working with designers.

For an annual fee of $100, you will have the peace of mind knowing that 100 percent of your membership fee is committed to the development of independent Midwest fashion designers. As a member, you will also receive the special benefit of first access to Omaha Fashion Week tickets before they go on sale publicly, as well as exclusive invites to designer rack-checks and sneak-peeks! visit www.omahafashionweek.com/ OFIguild. Help us foster the next generation Chanels and Lagerfelds of the world....Join the Omaha Fashion Institute Guild today!

What does the future Q hold for OFI? The Omaha Fashion Institute A is committed to the growth and success of our designers. We are happy to share the great projects already underway and we are looking forward to expanding and adding more in the future. There is an ecosystem of unique talent and potential within Omaha, it is time to cultivate it, develop it, and let it thrive!

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Haute

school of design

Rack checks, model calls, dress fittings, and SATsâ&#x20AC;Ś Wait, what? High school seniors, Jane Round and Maximillian Suiter are not only preparing for their upcoming collections, but for fast approaching graduations. Learn how these young people are balancing the roles of emerging fashion designer and high school student.

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Photography by AMY LYNN STRAUB stylist REBECCA CULHANE

By Chris Wolfgang

haute hauteschool school of of design Jane Round, 17 and a senior at Millard North, is in her fourth year as a designer showing at Omaha Fashion Week. She’s watched the show evolve, with more being asked of the participants each season. “It’s become more involved these past few years. For example, this season, rack checks are new,” she said, speaking of presenting finalized designs to a panel. There’s also the makeup and hair to decide on for her models, the styling of her collection, and on top of that, everything that comes with being a senior in high school. “How I get things done is pretty much by living in a permanent state of stress,” she said with a laugh. Dialing back on rigorous academics this year has helped, but life is by necessity fast-paced as she preps her spring line to show during the March fashion week.

designer

Photography by (left, right) AJ BROWN, BLACKSHEEP

Jane Round

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haute school of design Maximillian Suiter, 18, is a senior at Brownell-Talbot and will apply to show at only the August OFW this year. OFW attendees may recall his formal holiday collection from last fall’s show, complete with wedding dress, but the designer is taking this season off to prepare for graduation and college. He’ll be attending Washington University in St. Louis this fall and plans to pursue a double major in fashion design and business there. Not necessarily a traditional choice for a budding designer, but Suiter has his reasons.

designer

Maximillian Suiter

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Photography by (left, right) BOLD & KREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY, BOLD & KREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

“My brother goes there,” he said but confessed that’s not the main draw. “Although FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) and Parsons have great art programs, I wanted an education that wasn’t strictly art-based.” With interests outside the fashion world such as writing, business and even geology, Suiter feels he’ll be able to pursue a broader spectrum of studies than an art school would allow.

haute school of design With so much to study, he’ll need the time between now and August to plan his line for the fall OFW show, which he hopes to present in St. Louis as well. Primarily a designer for women’s fashion, Suiter already has a vision for his next collection. “It’ll be based mainly on vibrant and soft-hued fabrics, and most i m p o r t a n t l y, showing the beauty of the female form through these fabrics.”

Photography by DANIEL MULLER

Round also designs for women and speaks enthusiastically about her spring collection. “We watched a documentary about marine life in biology last year, and that’s where this whole idea started,” she explained. “Some creatures you can see through and you can see the structure underneath.” OFW attendees should keep in the backs of their minds the balance and fluidity of deepsea creatures as they view her show. Deep greens and blues will be prevalent, as well as the contrast of stiff and soft fabrics to show texture. Round has applied to some New York City art schools but is still not settled on where she wants to end up. “I just hope to get another perspective,” she said. “Interns get to see a real, professional workspace, for example. And it would

be interesting to see the marketing side of the industry.” Do either of these two rising stars have ambitions outside the U.S. for their college fashion careers? Suiter said either Paris or Milan would be just fine with him for a study-abroad experience, while Round thinks maybe a stint in Germany would be valuable. “It’s not as famous in the industry, but there are still some good smaller houses there,” she said. Her years of studying German might not hurt her chances. The two seniors differ in how they plan to pursue their post-college careers – Suiter would like to start out in the Midwest and work his way to New York City, whereas Round intends to get to New York right away and see where she goes from there – but they sound exactly the same when they talk about those who are helping them reach their goals. “Everyone involved with OFW is so supportive,” said Round. “The other designers are really helpful, like Megan Hunt and Buf Reynolds.” She added that all sorts of local professionals have offered great advice, including OFW co-founder Brook Hudson. “I’d also like to thank Brook and Nick Hudson,” Suiter agreed. “It’s been a wonderful opportunity.” Maximillian Suiter and Jane Round are by no means the youngest designers presenting at Omaha Fashion Week this year. Kaitlyn Fitzgerald, 16, and Kate Walz, 15, are showing their own collections at the spring show.

designer Kaitlyn Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald is a junior at Duchesne Academy and a little nervous about showing her first collection at OFW. “I don’t think I was fully aware of what I was getting myself into,” she said, “but I think I’m managing my time okay.” Sacrifices have been made to make sure of that – this is the first season she hasn’t played volleyball in high school. She attended the School of the Art Institute at Chicago (SAIC) last summer, where the long days of study refined her sewing skills and boosted her confidence about presenting a line at OFW. Fitzgerald describes her collection this year as her take on 1960s mod. designer Kate

Walz

Walz, a freshman at Millard North, is mixing vintage and modern for this her fifth year at OFW. From her start selling tutus after 4H as an 8-year-old, Walz has progressed to the sophisticated and womanly collection OFW attendees will see this season. Eggplant, black and ivory comprise the color palette for her line of evening dresses. “There are corsets and bustiers and a tiny bit of feathers here and there,” Walz said. This season’s collection is dedicated to three girls who were in a car crash in Bennington, Walz’s hometown. The final dress of the show was made in memory of the girl who died in that crash, Kylie Remmereid.

omahafashionweek.com

directory

By Annie Kawamoto & Jared Spence

Ruffled Runway Hollie Hanash Hollie is creating her second collection for OFW. She designs under her “Ruffled Runway” label which she says is perfect for the trendy kid who wants to be the playground princess. “Funky Fairytales,” Hollie’s collection, is inspired by her daughter. Each two-piece set is bursting with colors like bright pink, teal, and purple and decked in feathers, tulle, and satin. Hollie says she makes clothes for the unique girl that wants to stand out in anyplace, from the playground to the runway. The pieces, she says, are suited to a girl who needs to be fabulous everywhere. Visit: www.mypoutyprincess.com

Salon

thurSDAY

Styled by: Bangs

Little Miss Fashion Yolanda Diaz Yolanda has been involved in designing for about 25 years, participating for the last three years in OFW. Currently she is working on a full line of children’s clothes that she hopes to start producing shortly.

Visit: www.littlemissfashion-us.com

omahafashionweek.com

Photography by Daniel Muller

Yolanda’s collection was born from photos culled from the designer’s childhood and young adulthood. The collection lives in true 80s fashion, you will see spandex, rhinestones, and crazy color combinations, as well as leggings and ruffled tops.

Kait Blu Elizabeth Fitzgerald Elizabeth is a 16-year-old attending Duchesne Academy. She began her studies as a fashion designer this summer through a program at the School of Art Institute in Chicago. She is an OFW newcomer and will debut her first-ever collection this March. Her debut collection is inspired by the different and unique. Words to describe her collection can be, but are not limited to: wacky, colorful, risky, and unusual. “I am really intrigued by history – you can learn so much about a culture at points in time by what people wore.” This young designer sees fashion as art and hopes her collection inspires “all of the art loving, weird and funky people out there”. email: ekaitlynfitz@gmail.com

Salon

thurSDAY

march show schedule and designer directory

Styled by: Tru

Kotero Olajide Cooper

Photography by Daniel Muller

Olajide was born and raised in Omaha. She strives not only to make pretty garments, but garments with a purpose. The theme of Olajide’s collection is the tangibility of emotions. Inspired by Japanese techniques she studied and emotions so strong they feel manifested, Olajide chose to interpret the emotions of anxiety, paranoia, jadedness, unrequited love and fury. Her collection of 5 art pieces and 5 ready-to-wear pieces uses dramatic silhouettes and fabrics full of texture. “Women who wear my clothes like to quietly stand out,” the designer says. Visit: www.bykotero.com hair by: In

the Master’s Hands Beauty Salon make-up by: Rosha

Taylor

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Leah Casper Leah is an OFW newcomer who studied fashion design at the Art Institute of Philadelphia and interned at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where she further developed her love of costume design. Leah has created a collection of both elegance and edge. We will see everything from everyday separates to evening gowns from this designer with her dark palette of blacks, teals, and emeralds. Leah designs for the guy or gal that wears his/her personality on his/her sleeve, and you have to believe her collection is unique. This designer has an eye for the theatrical, so be ready for an incredible show! email: leahcasper@yahoo.com

Beautorium

thurSDAY

march show schedule and designer directory

Styled by: Claude’s

Get Plastered Angela Balderston Angela hails from the U.K. and made her debut on Omaha’s fashion scene in August. She creates avant-garde pieces from non-traditional materials.

email: angela.balderston@yahoo.com Styled by: Fringes

omahafashionweek.com

Photography by Daniel Muller

Angela’s collection is a take on the holidays. Vibrant hues and whimsical garments are sculpted and crafted from unconventional materials like metal, plaster, and zip ties to create endless possibilities that are more for art than ready-to-wear.

Dancin Yogi Wear Paddy Tarlton Paddy is a certified yoga instructor and designer of PaddyPants, ChapWraps and FootLongs. She will soon be producing Yoga and Dance wear as part of the Dancin Yogi Wear line. Dancin Yogi Wear by Paddy Tarlton is heavily influenced by her passion for both yoga and dance. Designed for the yoga studio and beyond, her Paddypants, footlong shorts, and chapwraps make the perfect resort and loungewear. From silky fabrics to wool and brocade, Paddy’s pieces illustrate an ease and versatility. As Paddy says, put them on after the beach or pool, slip on some heels and you’re ready for dinner. visit: www.dancinyogi.com

friDAY

march show schedule and designer directory

Styled by: Kontempo

Emma Erickson

Photography by Daniel Muller

Emma graduated from Academy of Art University and interned at Herve Leger by Max Azria (BCBG) and some of her work has been shown at New York Fashion Week. She creates high quality women’s daywear. Butterfly wings, birds and rich organic colors of burnt orange, yellow and peacock blue are design elements woven throughout Emma’s collection. Garments will flow and feature body flattering asymmetry and special details. Her muse? The Mynabirds front woman, Laura Burhenn. A self-proclaimed singer, thinker, seeker, connecter, rabble-rouser, lover and writer. Emma is collaborating with Chris Hughs of Artifact Bags on accessories and Liz Hunt on all-natural hand-made make-up. visit: www.emmaerickson.com Styled by: BUNGALOW/8

omahafashionweek.com

Princess Lasertron Megan Hunt Megan Hunt, a.k.a. Princess Lasertron, is a bridal designer, blogger and self-proclaimed best friend. Her combination of handcrafted design and business prowess has earned her cult celebrity status in the wedding industry. Megan’s collection of daywear looks tells the up-to-date story of children’s book heroine Eloise, as a 15-year-old in “Eloise at the Plaza”. The clothes reflect the character’s strong knack for style, strong personality, and rebellious flare. visit: www.princesslasertron.com

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march show schedule and designer directory

Styled by: BUNGALOW/8

Jane Round

Jane’s latest collection is inspired by the wonders of the sea, and she hopes is the perfect marriage of structure and fluidity. “I was inspired after watching a documentary in biology class about marine life,” she said. Her manipulation of woven cottons provides depth and gravity while drapes of chiffon reflect the movement of the ocean. Be on the lookout for the organic touches and the blue and green hues of the ocean. visit: www.facebook.com/janerounddesigns Styled by: Sirens

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at the Loft

Photography by Daniel Muller

Jane is a senior at Millard North High School and has shown collections at OFW since 2009. Her high-quality garments are influenced by vintage fashion.

Bertiher de la Cruz Trinidad Bertiher is a Mexican native with more than 13 years of experience as a tailor and fashion designer. A newcomer to OFW, he spent part of his career as an instructor at Chaiaps University in Mexico. Luxurious fabrics, finger-curled hair, and a little sex appeal? Yes, Bertiher de la Cruz Trinidad has transported us back to that classic, old, Hollywood glam. Inspired by all things Balenciaga, Bertiher’s collection is designed to turn every woman into Marilyn Monroe and every gentleman into the next Humphrey Bogart. With these iconic styles married with Bertiher’s Latin influences, you can bet his show will be anything short of a party! Styled by: Jacqueline

Orellana of Bangs Salon de la Cruz Trinidad

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march show schedule and designer directory

AdHoc Apparel by: Bertiher

Just Because Kate Walz

Photography by Daniel Muller

Kate is a 15-year-old fashion designer who is working on her fifth collection for OFW under her label, Just Because, which she describes as sophisticated and girly. Kate’s luxurious gowns will highlight the accessory of the season for this designer, feathers. In line with the light and airy qualities of feathers, the models glide down the runway in this line of evening wear. Be on the lookout for feathers in an array of rich and vibrant blues and greens, and as always the impeccable detailing and craftsmanship from this fifteen-year-old starlet. email: jackiewalz@msn.com hair by: Bangs make-up by: Shine

Salon

Day Spa

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I Design With Love Amanda Clark Amanda Clark is an eco-friendly designer who now lives in St. Louis, but has roots in Omaha. She designs under her label, “I Design with Love” and describes her work as both sculptural and wearable. Inspired by the Katy Perry song “Pearl”, Amanda’s collection is a reflection of her own life embellished with ethereal touches. Her range of pieces includes carefully crafted outerwear and avant garde gowns in neutral hues accented with silver and repurposed fur. visit: www.idesignwithlove.com

& Spa

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march show schedule and designer directory

Styled by: Lason

Christian MICHEAL Christian Shuster Christian is Kansas City designer and OFW newcomer. He designs a men’s necktie line under the christianMICHEAL label that is sold at several well-known Kansas City retailers. He creates custom men’s wear. Christian’s OFW debut collection, inspired by the Victorian military uniform, is a new take on the old. Look for modern updates to vintageinspired pieces in fit, fabric selection and in detailing. hair by: Pinkie make-up by: Grace

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Couture

Designs & Esthetics

Photography by Daniel Muller

visit: www.christianmicheal.com

Donna Faye Couture Tiffany Headley Tiffany designs glamorous cocktail dresses, evening gowns and outerwear under her label, Donna Faye Couture. She is best-known for designing the winning gown for the reigning Miss America, Teresa Scanlan. Tiffany’s collection entitled “Fabulocity” is a reflection of her own life. Full of fierce and daring looks her pieces are, as she says, not for the everyday girl. A classic pallet of black and white is contrasted by silver and pastel hues, making Headley’s collection for women who, like her, crave something unique. visit: www.facebook.com/donnafayecouture

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march show schedule and designer directory

Styled by: Kontempo

NueVintage Apparel & Accessories Terri Jen Buckner

Photography by Daniel Muller

Terri Jen is an eco-friendly designer who re-purposes vintage clothing into one-of-a-kind street wear pieces under her label NueVintage Apparel & Accessories. Terri Jen created her collection from the theme of “The Year of the Dragon” based on Asian influences. Using red as the primary color of her collection, her clothes pop off the runway and symbolize good luck. Jen used all repurposed and reconstructed vintage pieces in her designs including wool, silk, leather, and fur. “I love mixing textures like this together because I feel it adds so much character to a garment by giving it more richness and dimension,” she says. Jen also designed her own accessories for this collection using tassels, jade pieces, silk flowers, and chop sticks for the hair. visit: www.nuevintage.com Styled by: Sirens

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