august 26-28 C e l e b r a t i n g D i v e r s i t y o f Ta l e n t & S t y l e
2021
DES I G N E R M AC K E N ZI E G R EC K E L | P H OTO BY H E AT H E R & JA MESON
about us
Omaha Fashion Week started in 2008 as an event held in the heart of the Old Market for 2,000 people . It has grown to become the fourth largest organized fashion week event in the country, and the first to make show participation completely free of charge for designers. Twelve years into the journey, attendance has grown to over 10,000 per year and OFW has developed a national reputation as the best place for young fashion designers to be nurtured. Omaha Fashion Week now draws fans to Omaha from all over the region . Behind the glitz and glamour of this red-carpet event , you’ ll find a commitment to education and a passion for supporting cultural vibrancy, creativity, and innovation as drivers of economic stability and growth . We believe building an attractive place for talented professionals to call home is vitally important to the bright future of our community. Omaha Fashion Week proudly helps showcase Omaha as a premier destination in which to live , work, and prosper. Positioning your company as part of the OFW experience is an investment in something bigger - it presents your brand as culturally-minded, forwardthinking , and a company who cares about having a vibrant and diverse community.
D ES I G N E R B O R R I S P OW E LL P H OTO BY CA R LE Y S COT T F I E LD S
omaha’s fashion ecosystem
OFW BE AUTY AL L IANC E P H OTO BY CAR L E Y S COT T FIE L DS
OFW is a socially conscious organization with a strong mission and purpose - to serve as an incubator for fashion industry talent , and to provide opportunities for the Omaha community to enjoy a unique , red-carpet experience . OFW has had a hand in creating a thriving local fashion ecosystem where fashion designers, design students, and fashion entrepreneurs can learn to make a successful career in the fashion industry. OFW is proud to be part of the landscape of annual arts and culture events that help make Omaha a vibrant community!
participating organizations BURKE HIGH SCHOOL DEVELOP MODEL MANAGEMENT FASHION INSTITUTE MIDWEST FAMILY, CAREER AND COMMUNITY LEA DERS OF AMERICA (FCCLA) JOSLYN’S FASHION ARTS PROGRAM AT YATES COMMUNITY CENTER KENT BELLOWS MENTORING PROGRAM AT THE JOSLYN KIDS RULE MAKE BELIEVE STUDIOS METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE FASHION PROGRAM NEBRASKA 4-H OFW BEAUTY ALLIANCE OMAHA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL OMAHA FASHION CAMP OMAHA SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL TEEN AMBASSADORS PROGRAM UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKALINCOLN DEPARTMENT OF TEXTILES, MERCHANDISING AND FASHION DESIGN
D ES I G N E R A N G E LA BA LD ERSTON P H OTO BY H E AT H E R A ND JA M ESON
D ES I G N E R AG U ST I N D E LG AD O P H OTO BY CA R LE Y S COT T F I E LD S
“Metro p olitan Community C ol l ege b egan sup p orti ng O F W in 2016, and has been a pre se nti ng sp onsor i n 2 0 1 7 and 20 1 8 . Year over year, our engage me nt has grow n and O F W has b een resp o nsive to our need s i n c reati ng an i mme rsi ve b ra n d ex p e ri ence to promote our C ol l ege’s fashi on d e si gn p rog ra m to a capt ive audi e nce , ri ght he re i n O maha.” Nannette Rodriguez Associate Vice President for Marketing, Brand and Communication Metropolitan Community College
7
D ES I G N E R A N G E LA BALD ERSTON P H OTO BY K ATHY RA E
by the numbers
8
ANNUAL ATTENDANCE
10,000 Ticketholders
PARTICIPANTS
2,000
Designers, hairstylists,
makeup artists,
photographers, models,
stylists, writers
DIVERSITY
Percentage of gender and
90%
ethnically diverse
participants.
DESIGNERS
185
Featured in Showcases
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
750
Student Night, Fashion
Camp, Teen Ambassa-
dors
PRIZE MONEY
Cash awarded to designers
$36,000
since 2014
US RANKING
Fourth largest fashion
#4
event in US
CHARITABLE IMPACT
Funds raised to support
$55,000
OFW’s charity partners.
ONLINE FOLLOWERS
Across Facebook,
39,500
Instagram and email
MAGAZINE READERSHIP
Omaha FASHION Magazine
40,000
publishes twice/year
SALES LEADS
Generated for designers
2,000
since inception of our live
texting program in August
2015
9
D ES I G N E R K LY N N E | P H OTO BY K ATHY RA E
it’s all about education We believe in using fashion and design as a way to promote confidence and foster transferrable skills in science , technology, engineering , art , and math (STEAM). Fashion is the ideal platform for students to discover and develop their entrepreneurial talent , planting seeds of inspiration in future business le aders who will drive our economy forward. Since its inception , Omaha Fashion Week has had a hand in the development and promotion of several programs dedicated to kids and young adults, most of whom come from diverse populations.
O M A H A FASHION CA M P P H OTO BY K ATHY RA E
KI D S R U L E
O M A HA FASHION C AMP
A fashion show just f o r ki ds ag e s
An i m m e r s i v e s um m e r ca m p
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLL EG E
five to 12 years old!
exp e ri e n ce f o r a ge s s i x to 1 7.
A s s oci a te s d e gr e e i n f a s hio n.
Held once per year in the Spring, this show
Hosted by Omaha South High School, kids
Driven by increased local interest in fashion
gives kids ages five to 12 a chance to rule the
ages six to 17 come to this week-long camp
design education, a fashion program was
runway! Kids learn poise, confidence, and
to learn about all aspects of the fashion
created at Metro Community College in
a little style during this day-long, just for
industry- modeling, sewing, design,
2016. OFW Founders participated in the
fun event! Kids select and style their own
branding and marketing. This event
development of curriculum focused on
garment and take it home after the show.
culminates with a runway show featuring
entrepreneurship, business, and helping
their very own designs. Top campers get to
students make a career in the fashion
show on the OFW runway during the August
industry. Today, the OFW team provides
season. In return for hosting camp, OFW
ongoing staff support at no cost to MCC,
helps produce the annual fashion show for
coordinating opportunities for the hands-
South High’s burgeoning fashion program at
on apprenticeship experience required for
no cost to the district.
graduation from the program.
omahafashioncamp.com
mccneb.edu
kidsruleomaha.com
U NI V E RSI TY OF NE B RA S KA - L I N COL N
H IGH SC HOOL FASHION PR O G RAMS
FASHION INSTITU T E OF THE MIDWEST
A nn ual UNL Fashio n S h ow.
Hi g h S ch ool S t ud e n t Ni gh t S h ow.
No n - pr of i t s uppo r t .
OFW founders serve as advisors to UNL
In an effort to protect fashion education
In the Fall of 2012, OFW co-owner Brook
faculty to ensure the fashion program
curriculum for local high school students,
Hudson wrote a business plan to create
curriculum in the Department of Textiles,
the OFW team coordinated a letter writing
the Fashion Institute of the Midwest
Merchandising and Fashion Design remains
campaign to fight for the fashion programs
(FIM). The mission of FIM was to provide
relevant, and also to help connect students
within Omaha Public Schools in 2015. As a
educational grants to designers and design
with internships and opportunities to
result of those efforts and with the support
students, and to help designers bridge the
expand their knowledge. OFW provides
of dedicated educators, Omaha South High
gap between fashion shows and retailing.
hundreds of free tickets to UNL students
School now has a four-year fashion program
The FIM workroom is located in Omaha’s
to attend the show. OFW also provides
where students can earn college credit
North Downtown “Makerhood” and is fully
funding through the University of Nebraska
through MCC while still attending high
outfitted with sewing machines, cutting
Foundation to cover all student costs to
school.
tables, computers, resource library, studio
produce their student runway show.
cehs.unl.edu/tmfd/
room, and board room- all free for designers.
south.ops.org
fashioninstitutemidwest.org
“I WANT THANK EVERYONE AT OFW FOR GIVING ME THIS WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE OVER THE YEARS, AND CONSEQUENTLY REDISCOVER MY IDENTITY. I MEAN THAT QUITE LITERALLY - OFW HAS CHANGED MY LIFE AND I CAN’T IMAGINE HOW I WOULD’VE SURVIVED WITHOUT IT.”
ANGELA BALDERSTON VETERAN OFW DESIGNER
14
15
D ES I G N BY A N G E LA BA LD ERSTON P H OTO BY K ATHY RA E
P HOTO BY KATHY RA E
PHOTO BY KATHY RAE
“The team at Om aha Fash io n We e k we n t b e yo n d o u r ex p e c ta t i o n s to de li ve r a b eau tiful an d tren d y V I P l o u n ge fo r V i l l a ge Po i n te Ae s t h eti c S urger y | D ream s M ed S pa . We we re a b l e to h a ve b e n e f i c i a l conve rs atio n s with o u r own c l i e n t s a n d p o te n t i a l c l i e n t s , ge n e ra ti ng substan tial , qual ity l ead s a n d b ra n d a wa re n e s s fo r o u r b u s i n e s s . We we re also ab l e to b u il d o u r s o c i a l m e d i a p re s e n ce a n d p ro d u ce h ype throu g h o u r co n n ec ted e n d ea vo rs . We a re l o o k i n g fo r wa rd to a co n t i n u e d pa rt n e rs h i p.” Lindsay Nolan, Marketing Strategist, Nebraska Medicine Village Pointe Health Center
“I a m et er n a l ly g rat e fu l to B ro o k , Buf, N ic k a n d t h e r est of t h e l ea de rsh ip t e a m for allow i n g m e to in c r e a se my vol unt eer r e spo n sib il it ie s over the p a st s i x se a so n s a n d; m ost imp o r t a nt ly , for se l e c t in g me fo r t h e E me r g in g De s i g n er Sh ow c a se t h is sea s o n . I d o n’ t t h in k I wo uld h av e g ott e n t h is ex p er i en ce in a ny ot h e r c ity , s o I kn ow I a m bles s ed to h av e b e e n invo lv ed i n O F W. ” Greta Slagle, OFW Designer, student at Fashion Institute of Technology
17
D ES I G N BY G R ETA SLAG LE P H OTO BY K ATHY RA E
success stories
H A N N A H N O DS KOV
1/
Lu xe Kurves Mag azi n e C ove r
GR E TA SLAGLE
2/
Fash i o n I n s t i t ute o f Te ch n ol ogy
BORRIS POWELL
3/
F l a gs h i p s tor e f r on t i n C hicag o
Flo re n c e , I t a l y
18
Hannah Nodskov, the designer behind
Greta Slagle is a long time OFW volunteer
Borris Powell of Chicago has been a
Hannah Caroline Couture, started showing
who graduated from Duchense Academy
long-time fixture at OFW, offering words
at OFW in high school and now specializes
this year. In spring of 2019, she showed her
of wisdom to up-and-coming designers
in formal wear for the plus size market. Her
first collection at OFW while also working as
while serving on our Finale Selection Panel.
work has been featured on the cover of Luxe
assistant backstage manager. She recently
During the summer of 2019, Borris landed
Kurves magazine and she is now selling her
left for her freshman year at the Fashion
a wholesale deal with a women’s boutique
work at Noa Brides, one of Omaha’s premier
Institute of Technology in Florence, Italy.
in the upper east side of New York City,
bridal boutiques.
and opened his first namesake storefront in Chicago, just steps away from Union Station.
@hannahcarolinecouture
@greta.slagle
@borrispowelldesigns
M A R G I E TR E MB LE Y
4/
M A R GARET SHAE
5/
CYDNEE MAME
6/
E xhibition at the M e t ro p oli t an
S i g n e d w i t h Av e . M o d el Ma n a ge m e n t
S i n ge d w i t h S tew a r t Ta l e nt Manag e-
Mu seum of Art
i n S i n g a po r e
m e n t i n C h i ca go
Margie Trembley, the designer behind
Develop Model Management scouted and
Cydnee is a true veteran model, gracing
Margie Trembley Chapeaux, was selected
signed Margaret after she attended the
the Omaha Fashion Week runway for 12
by the Milliners Guild to show her hats at
OFW summer 2018 casting. Not only did
seasons! Develop Model Management has
the Mezzanine Gallery at the Metropolitan
she book the shows, but she also became
secured her a contract with Stewart Talent in
Museum of Art in New York City. Her work
the cover model for the OFW F/W 2018
Chicago and she relocated there this month!
was shown in the “Camp: Notes on Fashion”
Magazine. This summer, she spent three
Cydnee is not only a phenomenal model,
exhibition, a nod to this year’s Met Gala
months in Singapore signed with Ave.
but she is also a very talented photographer
chaired by Anna Wintour.
Model Management where she shot an
who mentors our new models and is even
advertorial for Louis Vuitton published in
shooting new models in Chicago as well.
Elle Singapore and an advertorial for YSL in Harper’s Bazaar. @margietrembleychapeaux
@margrtshae
@stewarttalentchicago
20
DESIGNER H ANNA H J E NS E N | PHOTO BY CAR LE Y S COT T F I E LD S
sponsorship opportunities Successfully producing Omaha Fashion Week for this community takes time , funding , promotional support and volunteers. To bring this experience to life each season , we rely on support from generous businesses and individuals who believe in the value and importance of our work and want to be part of something that enhances the fabric of our community. We believe creating mutually beneficial partnerships starts with a discussion about shared needs. Sponsor benefits include marketing and promotion of your brand, unique employee or client entertainment options, or simply to being engaged in an event that has earned bragging rights for Omaha! Help us understand what is valuable to you , and we’ ll create a sponsorship package to help you achieve your goals.
DES IGNER H A N N A H J E N S E N | P H OTO BY H E AT H E R A N D JA M ES O N
CO R P ORATE B OX
CO R P ORATE ENTERTAIN M E NT AND BRANDING
$2,50 0
$ 5, 0 0 0
• Seating for up to 20 guests in a
• Seating for up to 20 guests in a
beautifully appointed, raised platform with
beautifully appointed, raised platform with
the best view of the runway in the room!
the best view of the runway in the room!
• Each guest receives complimentary
• Each guest receives complimentary
valet parking and access to the VIP Lounge
valet parking and access to the VIP Lounge
for cocktails and canapes from 6-7:45 p.m.
for cocktails and canapes from 6-7:45 p.m.
before the show begins.
before the show begins.
• Corporate boxes include one round of
• Corporate boxes include one round of
bottle service with glasses, ice and mixers.
bottle service with glasses, ice and mixers.
• Additional bottles and catering available
• Additional bottles and catering available
for a fee.
for a fee. • Full page, color ad in Omaha FASHION Magazine. • Your organization’s logo represented on the projection screens flanking the runway during the pre-party & model marches. • 5% discount on booking fee at any Omaha Event Group venue.
# o m a h a f a s h i o n w e e k
info@omahafashionweek.com - omahafashionweek.com Tel : (402) 937.1061 - @omahafashionweek
located at the Omaha Design Center on 1502 Cuming St. in Omaha runway photos by Heather and Jameson AG U ST I N D E LG A D O
C H ES S N A VO N A B ST RA K T
K13
VIV I DESI GN ST UD IO
ANG EL A BA LD E RSTO N
J U DY BA LES
RACHEL AND REW
NOKOTA STY L E
LAU R E N N I CO L E
T RA N S * C LOT H IN G
K A R M A LI LO LA D ESIG NS
LAU R E N G LOWAC K I
K LY NNE
M A A NG BY YASI FAYA L
LITTLE JO
M A LEK R .