Omaha FASHION Magazine 2012 Issue #2

FASHION OMAHA

MAGAZINE

Model Institution FALL/WINTER

DESIGNER DIRECTORY

EKAPON COVER PHOTO SHOOT

ISSUE#2 2012

ON THE INSIDE

FASHION OMAHA

MAGAZINE

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Brook Hudson EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Nick Hudson ART DIRECTOR

Amy Gibbs PHOTO EDITORS

Ali Babe LeAnn Nevels STYLIST

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL MULLER DESIGNER FELLA STYLIST SIRENS AT THE LOFT, SWEETNISS BY COCOA, DORIS BUELL AND T. MALLOY DESIGNS

Jared Spence

ON THE COVER

Designer: JHaus, available at Denim Saloon Photographer: Ekapon Tanatha Co-producers: An Vu, Brandon Rial Model: Nicole Keimig, courtesy of Development Hair and Makeup: Rhodora for Chanel, Joe Novotny and Dustin Simms for Rain Salon Location: Omar Bakery We were honored to have Ekapon as our cover photographer for this issue of Omaha FASHION Magazine.

He’s been involved with OFW since the very beginning in helping us set a vision for Omaha’s fashion scene.

His starting point for this shoot was Avedon. He says, “It’s hard to mention his name as an inspiration, almost like saying you’re going to try to emit light after staring at the Sun.” We love the elegant lines, the hand gestures, and the pool of light featured in this shoot. Old techniques added authenticity and a portrait-like quality, while the use of gels made this shoot contemporary for OFW fashions.

Ekapon is a photographer who has been published locally and abroad. He has had numerous solo and group shows around Omaha and was the recipient of the first OEA award for his photography. Accounting for some of the tongue-in-cheek quality of his photography, Ekapon is an award-winning aesthetic dentist at Old Market Dental. While photography allows for an expression of emotion, his work as a dentist also allows for expressions of beauty.

3 4 16 24 26 30 34 36 38

PUBLISHER’S LETTER MODEL INSTITUTION OFW MARCH 2012 RED CARPET STYLE FRESH FACES PRODUCER’S PICS SWEPT AWAY BEAUTY STYLIST DIRECTORY DESIGNER DIRECTORY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALAN HOLTMEIER DESIGNER SABRINA JONES

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

W

e are very excited to be celebrating our fifth year of fashion week in Omaha!

It is remarkable to think of that first year - with 12 designers and 60 models - about how fashion in Omaha is once again on the rise! This is also our fifth edition of Omaha FASHION magazine and we are thrilled to have Ekaphon shoot the cover and lead story. He is one of the region’s star fashion photographers. The story that accompanies Ekaphon’s shoot examines that state of our regional modeling scene and details how Omaha’s original fashion diva, Nancy Bounds, created a legacy that is thriving and spreading its influence across the U.S. today.

There is often a lot of attention given to the young designers, of which we have a disproportionally large group here.

But there wouldn’t be excitement for the young designers if their more established counterparts weren’t making great progress on the national and international stage outside of OFW. We are proud of KKINI by Michaela Cawley, whose work is seen in international fashion magazines; Yolanda Diaz who is producing and selling thousands of pieces on a national website; and Toxic Sadie by Erin Thomas whose lux swimsuits have been featured in Sports Illustrated. Plus, two newcomers are hitting the ground running this season.

Omaha resident Chad Carr is re-launching the nationally famous Leggoons brand, while JLynn Hausmann is launching the JHaus premium denim brand that is inspired by her family’s ranch up in North Central Nebraska. These exciting new designers are manufacturing professionally and have merchandise available for sale around the country. All of these businesses are creating local enterprise and employment, which is a testament to the development of our local fashion scene.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFFERY POPE

We are pleased to announce that the Saturday Finale will feature more designers than ever before with a “best of show” approach – 23 collections in all. One notable emerging talent is that of Jeff Hanson, an 18-year-old who is remarkable in so many ways. An accomplished artist who sells his work to the likes of Elton John and raises hundreds of thousands for charities through his art sales each year, Jeff will debut his first fashion collection this season. And the most amazing part? He has been legally blind since the age of 6. He brings a whole new meaning to “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” He paints the way he sees the world – a dazzling array of color and texture. And now that vision is brought to life in fashion for the first time ever.

We look forward to seeing you alongside the runway!

Brook & Nick Hudson Omaha Fashion Week Producers

omahafashionweek.com

3

MODEL INSTITUTION Photography by EKAPON and team Story by Leo Adam Biga Proteges of Model School Diva Nancy Bounds Pay Forward her Coaching by Helping Develop Models and Build the Omaha Fashion Ecosystem There was a time when aspiring Omaha models took their cues from a pair of divas with their fingers on the pulse of the high fashion world.

J.L. Brandeis & Sons fashion merchandiser Elaine Jabenis drew on her experience as a stage actress and regular attendee at New York and Paris fashion weeks to produce runway extravaganzas.

But for training there was no one like the late modeling-acting-finishing school director Nancy Bounds, a charismatic figure whose theatrical graduation shows were legendary. Her Nancy Bounds Studios developed countless young men and women for careers in fashion.

When Jabenis retired in the late 1990s and Bounds died in 2007 it left a gap.

With the growth of Omaha Fashion Week, the launch of modeling schools

by Bounds proteges Alyssa Dilts and Robin Jones Giffford and the formation of Fashion Institute Midwest the metro now has the makings of a fashion infrastructure unseen here before.

Nebraska natives Dilts and Gifford are just two of many success stories who came out of the Bounds Studios. Others include former model Renee Jeffus, models-turned-actresses Jaime King and Rebecca Staab, actress January Jones, photographer Michael Dar, Factor Women Model Management women’s division director Stephen Hall and Ford Models Chicago director of scouting Shannon Lang.

“She gave people like us our start in the industry,” Dilts says of Bounds. “We kind of have this little network.”

Dar, who began as a model and stylist before turning fashion shooter, says Bounds gave him and others the “belief anything’s possible. She taught us to be fearless and to step outside the box. It’s amazing the things she instilled. She was such a pygmalion. Quite a force.”

Hall, who also modeled before becoming a scout, says he utilizes daily things Bounds taught him to prepare models.

“Nancy was one of the originals for this whole concept of what a modeling school is,” says Hall. “I realized when I got out in the industry how together and tight Nancy had her program and how prepared her graduates were when they got through there.

“I think she was one of the first people that really understood there’s so much

4

omahafashionweek.com

PHOTOGRAPHY EKAPON CO-PRODUCERS AN VU, BRANDON RIAL MAKEUP BY RHODORA FOR CHANEL HAIR BY JOE NOVOTNY, DUSTIN SIMMS FOR RAIN SALON MODELS CHRISTINA, NANCY, SARAH, ELISA, KAT, TREZA, LAURA, WITH NICHOLE, DACIA COURTESY OF DEVELOPMENT LOCATION OMAR BAKERY

DESIGNERS (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) KATE WALZ FOR JUST BECAUSE, JUANTIESHA CHRISTIAN FOR SUSHE BY J. TRACY, LAMEESHA STUCKEY, AUDRA MCAVADDY FOR CORIANDER, TERRY JEN BUCKNER FOR NUEVINTAGE APPAREL, JUANTIESHA CHRISTIAN, KAITLYN FITZGERALD FOR KAIT BLU, DAN RICHTERS, BUF REYNOLDS, JESSICA HANSEN FOR JESSICA ALYSE omahafashionweek.com

5

MODEL INSTITUTION

DESIGNER

DAN RICHTERS

6

omahafashionweek.com

DESIGNER

JLYNN HAUSMANN FOR JHAUS

omahafashionweek.com

7

MODEL INSTITUTION

DESIGNER

BUF REYNOLDS

8

omahafashionweek.com

DESIGNER

BUF REYNOLDS

omahafashionweek.com

9

MODEL INSTITUTION

DESIGNER

SABRINA JONES

10

omahafashionweek.com

DESIGNER

JESSICA HANSEN FOR JESSICA ALYSE omahafashionweek.com

11

MODEL INSTITUTION

DESIGNER

TERRY JEN BUCKNER FOR NUEVINTAGE APPAREL more to being a model than being beautiful and having correct measurements.

She somehow had the foresight to understand the direction the business is going in, which is the girl who has the right personality and knows how to handle herself on camera.”

A New Wave Dilts and Gifford represent a new wave of local talent developers with connections to the past. Each brings years of top-flight national experience in the industry. Their classes are inspired by what they learned from Bounds and other industry pros. Just as Bounds did, both women expose students to many different facets of the fashion biz.

Following a brief modeling stint Dilts, an Omaha North graduate, taught for Bounds. After studying at the International Academy of Design in Chicago she headed the runway division for Elite Model Development there. She later worked as the agency’s director of New Faces and Development, traveling the U.S. scouting and developing new models.

A talented newcomer she developed, Maria Bradley, opened Alexander Wang’s 2011 New York Fashion Week show. Dilts accompanied her to Milan for a Versace show and to Paris for a Balenciaga show.

Dilts recently returned to Omaha to launch her own modeling school and placement agency, Development. Its name reflects her passion.

12

omahafashionweek.com

“That’s what I do, that’s what I’m known for, that’s such an integral part of the modeling industry. That’s why I decided to lend my expertise and follow my heart, which is giving young people opportunities.”

To blossom.

Gifford modeled internationally four years then scouted, developed, styled and booked new models for IMG Models in New York City. She worked at Taxi magazine before serving as director of scouting at Elite in the Big Apple, where she got her professional modeling start. She returned to her hometown of Lincoln in 1991, married, raised a family and worked in the nonprofit and corporate worlds before launching her own company, Springboard for Success, in 2007.

“I love using what I know as a model and agent to find and develop young girls,” she says. “Young models have to get development somewhere. If they go to New York and somebody takes them under their wing that’s great but it can be a very expensive venture.”

Like Bounds before them Gifford and Dilts emphasize personal development over strictly modeling instruction.

“Really what we do in our school is teach life skills so they can be successful in anything they do,” says Gifford.

“I use all of my background to teach communication, interviewing, etiquette, presentations, making first impressions.

Students learn poise, confidence, how to

command a room. We really drill that home first and then we teach the modeling on top of it.”

Giving students a solid foundation for how to carry themselves is more important than ever, say Gifford and Dilts, because few young people are taught such things anymore and rising interest in modeling is making an already competitive field harder than ever to break into.

Modeling 101 “I think back in the day girls wanted to be Miss America and now they strive to be models,” says Dilts.

She says until recently a young person living somewhere far from the fashion capitals had little access to the industry except through magazines. That’s all changed.

“Now our whole industry is pushed forward through the Internet and reality TV shows like America’s Next Top Model.”

That exposure, she says, gives young people the sense “it could be a possibility for them as well.”

Gifford says shows like that also offer a distorted view of the industry, leading many aspirants to mistakenly believe modeling is easy and is only about having a pretty face and slim body.

“They’re not doing their research They don’t understand there are height and measurement requirements. You have

to be fit and healthy. We want girls who know their angles, who can sell clothes, who know how to speak with their face.

One look with a smile is not enough.

“It’s still all about being an individual and finding your passion,” says Dar, who credits Bounds with teaching him “not to do what everyone else is doing.”

“You have to have the right mentality.

You have to be serious about it, you have to be on time. They don’t realize it’s a job, it’s hard, it’s a business. You’re your own brand when you’re a model and if you don’t understand that and you can’t figure out how to create it, then it’s not going to happen for you.”

In order to make it, he says, “you have to want it,” adding, “It takes that Iwant-to-get-out-of-here drive.”

Hall says, “There’s definitely a method to it and there’s definitely things a model does need to be prepared for.”

Gifford says a must resource for wouldbe models is the website models.com.

“It’s the industry bible.” She also advises anyone serious about it get busy acting since so much of modeling is role-playing.

Mostly, Gifford hammers home the realities of the modeling industry.

“I tell them the truth. I tell them how hard it is. That even most girls who sign with agencies don’t make it because they just cant take it. If someone’s still willing to go through my school after I tell them all that then they’re there for the right reason.”

She gives students a further dose of reality by taking a group to New York City once or twice a year.

“We visit models’ apartments, we visit agencies, we go behind the scenes at magazines and with designers.”

She took six girls to NYC in July. Last year her group did New York Model Camp, where she says top model Coco Rocha personally taught “the girls posing, how to come alive on camera, how to move their body, how to show tension and anger and anything you’d want.”

She says Rocha impressed upon the girls know they don’t need to do lingerie and nude work to succeed. “She’s one of the top-paid model and she hasn’t. She told them, ‘Make the choice for yourself before you get in those situations.’”

Dilts also stresses the standards necessary to break through are high and the pitfalls many. Having a professional coach who’s lived it is an advantage.

“You have to up your game. Schools like mine that really know what the industry is about can give the girls the upper hand,” says Dilts. “If I represent someone with potential I can get her straight to the person making the decision because I have those contacts. They’re contacts you can’t get walking into an open call.

“My agency is very much focused on the highest caliber of talent because I know what the top agencies are looking for.”

Gifford and Dilts supply models to Omaha Fashion Week. Dilts conducts “boot camps” for participating models.

Half-measures don’t cut it on the unforgiving runway. Every facet of a model’s walk and look must be scrutinized and honed.

“If their skill level is not up to par it’s very noticeable,” says Dilts.

Platform, Showcase, Resource OFW gives fashion the kind of stage it hasn’t had here since the big shows Nancy Bounds and Elaine Jabenis organized.

“They really put on quite a show in Omaha, I was really impressed,” says Dar, who attended the spring shows.

Not only has OFW become a destination event, it’s given designers, models, stylists and photographers a high profile platform to display their wares. It’s new nonprofit arm, Fashion Midwest Institute, is a mentoring-training-development resource to help designers take their work to the next level. Because designers and models are joined at the hip and depend on one another to make fashion lines look fabulous, any edge designers get only helps models raise their performance.

“The mission is to support the fashion ecosystem in the Midwest, especially young designers,” says director Brook Hudson. “We have different program pillars: skills development, resource development, business incubation. It’s a great holistic approach to helping designers no matter where they are in their career.”

Hudson says the Institute is collaborative like the industry it supports.

“We’re looking to leverage and partner with others who are doing things that we can bring to bear to help our designers.

In March we did two programs during Omaha Fashion Week for designers in the Institute. One was a pattern grading workshop taught by Isabelle Lott from Pattern Works International.

“Another was a creativity workshop in partnership with Development. Jerell Scott of Bravo’s Project Runway Allstars spent time working with designers showing in the spring shows.”

More recently, the Institute partnered with Princess Lasertron to deliver a pitch workshop to help designers pre-

pare presentations on their collection proposals for the OFW selection panel.

Dilts and Gifford look forward to working with more models to help best show off designers’ creations. They say as OFW, the Institute and their own schools continue growing there may be more opportunities for Nebraskans to establish careers in fashion.

“I think we’ll see individuals emerging that may not have had a chance to emerge without this support,” Gifford says.

Dilts agrees, adding she’s impressed by what OFW and the Institute have done already. “They really understand the industry and have a handle on what is needed for our city. They understand we can give back to the community by nurturing and showcasing this talent we have here to further their skills.”

Hall, who’s attending his first Omaha Fashion Week in August, sees great value in “encouraging young talent” here because the industry is full of professionals who come out of small markets like Omaha.

In a real sense, Dilts and Gifford are trying to do for young people what Nancy Bounds did for them. Gifford says Bounds could be a taskmaster but her demanding ways “absolutely” helped prepare her for the rigors of modeling and other fashion jobs.

“There’s a reason why there are so many of us that came out of her school who are over the world working in different capacities, as agents, models, actors, you name it,” says Gifford.

And just as Bounds gave graduating models a runway grand finale that drew scouts from leading agencies around the world (it’s how Jaime King was discovered), Dilts and Gifford do the same.

“If you have the connections with those top agencies they’ll fly in to scout those events and see the talent,” says Dilts.

Bounds had the connections. She also had a flair for staging what Dar calls “spectacular shows” that compare with anything he’s seen. Hall agrees, saying the Bounds productions were matchless.

“Everyone knew her name,” says Dilts, “and any scout or agent of a certain age has fond memories of flying into Omaha and finding great girls, and that’s what I want to bring back.”

She looks forward to having one of her own models discovered.

“I can’t wait until I get a girl or a guy with enough potential placed. They’ll forever be ‘mine.’ I think it will be extremely gratifying.”

omahafashionweek.com

13

WEDNESDAY NIGHT:

CANCER SURVIVOR STYLE SHOW

M

arch 2012 was a season of tremendous growth for OFW. The production moved to a gorgeous new venue at KANEKO that provided the perfect backdrop for the runway. What had been a one-night preview show was transformed into a proper season with four nights of fashion shows.

The week began with the first annual Cancer Survivor Style Show featuring looks by Omaha boutiques that were modeled by cancer survivors. Over $3,000 was raised for the Inner Beauty Specialty Salon at Methodist Estrabrook Cancer Center.

BOUTIQUE

Chocolate Peacock

Traditional OFW runway shows followed, featuring collections for F/W from 16 independent fashion designers from around the Midwest. The shows were sold out on Thursday’s children’s wear and fashion-as-art collections, Friday’s day wear collections and Saturday’s evening wear collections. If you missed it, read on to see the highlights.

BOUTIQUE

All About Me

BOUTIQUE

BOUTIQUE

Roots & Wings

BOUTIQUE

Rhylan Lang

16

BOUTIQUE

Chocolate Peacock omahafashionweek.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN CONCES

Skyz Boutique

THURSDAY NIGHT:

CHILDREN’S WEAR AND FASHION AS ART

PHOTOGRAPHY BY (TOP LEFT TO CLOCKWISE) COLIN CONCES, DANIEL MULLER, COLIN CONCES, COLIN CONCES, COLIN CONCES, COLIN CONCES, COLIN CONCES, DANIEL MULLER

DESIGNERS

DESIGNER

Kait Blu and Little Miss Fashion

Leah Casper

DESIGNER

Kait Blu

DESIGNER DESIGNER

Kotero

Ruffled Runway

DESIGNER

Kotero

DESIGNER

Little Miss Fashion

DESIGNER

Angela Balderston omahafashionweek.com

17

FRIDAY NIGHT:

DAY WEAR

DESIGNER

DESIGNER

Jane Round

DESIGNER

DESIGNER

DESIGNER

Emma Erickson

Dancin Yogi

Jane Round

DESIGNER

Princess Lasertron

DESIGNER

Princess Lasertron

Project Runway All Star, Jerell Scott hits the runway DESIGNER

Princess Lasertron

18

omahafashionweek.com

DESIGNER

Dancin Yogi

PHOTOGRAPHY BY (TOP LEFT TO CLOCKWISE) CLAY LOMNETH, CLAY LOMNETH, CLAY LOMNETH, COLIN CONCES, COLIN CONCES, COLIN CONCES, CLAY LOMNETH, CLAY LOMNETH, CLAY LOMNETH, CLAY LOMNETH

Jane Round

SATURDAY NIGHT:

EVENING WEAR

DESIGNER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY (TOP LEFT TO CLOCKWISE) CLAY LOMNETH, DANIEL MULLER, COLIN CONCES, COLIN CONCES

Bertiher de la Cruz for Ad Hoc

DESIGNER

Donna Faye

DESIGNER

Donna Faye

DESIGNER

I Design With Love

by Amanda Clark omahafashionweek.com

19

SATURDAY NIGHT: EVENING WEAR

DESIGNER

Nuevintage Apparel & Accessories DESIGNER

Christian Micheal

Donna Faye DESIGNER

Bertiher de la Cruz for Ad Hoc

DESIGNER

Christian Micheal

DESIGNER

Just Because

by Kate Walz

DESIGNER

Just Because

by Kate Walz 20

omahafashionweek.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY (TOP LEFT TO CLOCKWISE) COLIN CONCES, DANIEL MULLER, DANIEL MULLER, DANIEL MULLER, DANIEL MULLER, DANIEL MULLER, COLIN CONCES

DESIGNER

SATURDAY NIGHT: EVENING WEAR

DESIGNER

DESIGNER

Christian Micheal

PHOTOGRAPHY BY (TOP LEFT TO CLOCKWISE) DANIEL MULLER, COLIN CONCES, DANIEL MULLER, DANIEL MULLER, COLIN CONCES

Nuevintage Apparel & Accessories

DESIGNER

Donna Faye

DESIGNER

Bertiher de la Cruz for Ad Hoc

DESIGNER

Nuevintage Apparel & Accessories

omahafashionweek.com

21

RED CARPET STYLE

The gang from Kontempo got it right at Borsheims Red Carpet Ready on August 2nd!

This photo embodies all of our favorite Red Carpet ideas – the LBD, Color, Prints and Accessories. Plus, we love Kirby’s take on menswear – a smart jacket and traditional button down paired with cropped trousers. Very stylish!

THE LBD

The classic little black dress is a safe option. But fashion week is no time to play it safe! So consider punching it up a notch with colorful accessories like Marcy’s Judith Leiber clutch, or reinterpreting the whole idea into a casual look like Tiffany and the crew from Fringes has done.

Take the D out of LBD for something different.

The Fringes team look great together in grey scale for a more casual red carpet look.

24

omahafashionweek.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY (TOP RIGHT TO CLOCKWISE) G THOMPSON HIGGINS, NELE SUDAR, G THOMPSON HIGGINS, G THOMPSON HIGGINS

Crowds have been gracing the red carpet at Omaha Fashion Week for five years now and one question always remains.

“What should I wear?!”

We’ve pulled some of our favorite red carpet photos and did a quick study of what looks great to give you a few ideas as you put together your red carpet look.

RED CARPET STYLE COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY (TOP, MIDDLE, BOTTOM ROWS, LEFT TO RIGHT, MIDDLE) NELE SUDAR, G THOMPSON HIGGINS, NELE SUDAR, G THOMPSON HIGGINS, NELE SUDAR, G THOMPSON HIGGINS, DANIEL MULLER, G THOMPSON HIGGINS, NELE SUDAR

We love seeing color on the red carpet! It looks great in pictures and shows confidence. The colors you are most attracted to tend to look best with your skin tone, so don’t second guess yourself.

Notice there are no black dresses in this photo.

PRINTS

This is another way to add an interesting twist to your look. There are some great graphic prints out right now, and if you don’t feel comfortable wearing it head-to-toe, consider adding a printed accessory like a scarf or jacket.

Rocking the horizontal stripes!

ACCESSORIES

When you’re down to the wire, accessorize! Let’s say you’ve waited until the last minute to put your look together. One bold statement necklace can take a basic black maxi from “running errands” to “red carpet ready” in one fell swoop.

We love the feathered necklace!

omahafashionweek.com

25

FRESH FACES

22 26

Audra McAvaddy insists the future of fashion is in re-invention -- responding to available materials and imaginatively re-contextualizing them into wearable designs and runway works of art. Influenced by the awe-inspiring grandeur of the natural world and its poetic nuances, Audra’s work is known for bold design decisions balanced with well-considered organic details.

She applies a critical eye to craft, with an attention to lines, folds, colors, patterns and textures.

“My collection outfits women for a summer afternoon of leisure and lawn games. It includes handmade accessories, and intricately pieced re-invented elements. The collection will include custom designed fabric inspired by vintage imagery. She will stand out amongst her competitors whether she chooses a daring game of darts or a serious round of bocce.”

omahafashionweek.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL MULLER

DESIGNER

Audra McAvaddy for Coriander

MEET THE LATEST EDITIONS TO THE OMAHA FASHION WEEK LINEUP.

FRESH FACES

Mai Do

“Fashion design and apparel construction is my escape. I plan to have a well established clothing line in three to five years. I plan to work from a studio right here in Lincoln while traveling to make business connections to further the awareness of my brand.

The first and most important step is to be a part of Omaha Fashion Week.”

DESIGNER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL MULLER

Mai studied Apparel Design and Merchandising at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her interest in fashion and apparel design stem from her love of art and creative expression. She designs women’s and men’s wear.

Mai’s collection will be an exploration of the shapes and colors exhibited by tropical birds during mating rituals. It will consist of vibrant colors of the birds such as yellows, blues and reds. The birds’ feathers reflect the light to catch their partner’s attention.

Mai will create that effect by incorporating reflective detailing such as rhinestones and beads.

omahafashionweek.com

27

PRODUCER’S PICS LOCALLY GLOBAL LUX OFW producers share the little things and extraordinary places – both local and global – that make the daily grind a little more lux. Surprisingly, you don’t always have to travel far to enjoy the good life.

Daily Boost: Afternoon Tea with loose leaf from the Tea Smith The fresh, earthy aroma of black, loose leaf tea is the perfect remedy for an afternoon slump. teasmith.com

Weekly Indulgence: Breakfast in Bed featuring Bread Oven Pain au Chocolat Hands down the best we’ve had this side of France! The soft texture of this pastry delight from the Bread Oven makes every day worth living in our book.

1314 S. 119th St. in Omaha

Happy Ending: Gluten Free Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cake from the Cake Box We had this at our wedding and it remains one of our fondest memories from the big day! The cake is moist and the peanut butter filling is light, offering the perfect pairing for the rich chocolate flavor. One piece is never enough. omahacakes.com

30

omahafashionweek.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY (BOTTOM TO TOP) JEFF POPE, SPROUT ‘N’ WINGS FARM, NEWBURGHRESTORATION.COM

Saturday Morning Ritual: Downtown Farmer’s Market One of our favorite summer traditions is cruising the downtown farmer’s market on Saturday mornings. It’s a great way to spend quality time, and we automatically feel healthier just looking at all of the fresh seasonal veg. omahafarmersmarket.org

PRODUCER’S PICS Impromptu Dinner: Patio at Mark’s Bistro Our favorite spot when we don’t feel like cooking! The laid back vibe on the patio reminds us of dining experiences we’ve had in South of France. This is the perfect backdrop for a casual dinner.

Try the chicken piccata! marksindundee.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY (BOTTOM TO TOP) SINKING SAND, GREY PLUME, LIMEWOOD HOTEL, BURKE BEHNE, ALEXIS BITTAR 2012 LOOK BOOK

Unique Accent: Alexis Bittar jewelry, found at Borsheims We love the entrepreneurial spirit of this jewelry designer and his innovative use of materials. Each piece is hand crafted and truly special. borsheims.com

Heaven on Earth: Limewood Hotel Everything about this fivestar country house hotel in the UK’s New Forest region says unpretentious quality.

Gorgeous classic architecture, modern amenities and excellent service are what you can expect here. We loved taking morning walks through the forest in the hotel’s complimentary Hunter wellies and spending afternoons in the state-ofthe-art 22,000 square-foot Herb House Spa on the property. Evenings spent lingering over dinners in the Scullery or Dining Room were the perfect ending to many perfect days. If you find yourself in the UK, don’t miss this little slice of heaven just an hour and a half drive southwest of London. limewoodhotel.co.uk Special Occasion Dinner: Grey Plume at Midtown Crossing We love the classic elegance and the green philosophy behind this Omaha jewel. Don’t miss the uniquely flavored homemade ice cream. thegreyplume.com Nebraska Getaway: Lied Lodge at Nebraska City We give this haven high marks for the beautiful setting and solid, no-fuss accommodations. Get in touch with nature on walks through the forest, then enjoy what we think is the best massage money can buy in the property’s mini-spa. End the day with a bottle of cherry wine. liedlodge.org omahafashionweek.com

31

34

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN FOR MINORWHITE STUDIOS HAIR AND MAKE-UP BY EDGEWORTHY AT FRINGES SALON MODELS NICOLE K. COURTESY OF DEVELOPMENT AND BRITTNEY M.

BEAUTY:

SWEPT AWAY

omahafashionweek.com

BEAUTY: SWEPT AWAY This season beauty takes a twofold approach. Playing dual roles simply takes a wash of color. Radiating sweetness and seduction at the same time is effortless with the right deep berry hue on the lips. For a different approach, try the new smokey eye in a jewel tone like coral or plum. Whether it’s a statement eye or a look-at-me lip, pare down the rest of the face with natural makeup to balance out your look.

Hair is also teetering between sleek and wild styles. Pulling hair away from the face is perfect for showcasing bold eyes or lips. A casual bun or a slicked back ponytail with an explosion of texture offers the perfect medium.

JEWELRY PROVIDED BY BORSHEIMS. THIS PAGE: WOVEN CUFF BRACELET WITH CRYSTALS, $275.

LAYERED 5-ROW RING, $125. COLLAR NECKLACE, $195, ALEXIS BITTAR. OPPOSITE PAGE: LUCITE AND CRYSTAL LAYERED FLOWER PIN, $395.

LUCITE AND CRYSTAL CUFF, $350, ALEXIS BITTAR. SILVER AND RHODIUM CUFF, $1950.

SILVER AND RHODIUM SUGALITE AND QUARTZ RING, $375, STEPHEN WEBSTER. omahafashionweek.com

35

STYLIST DIRECTORY Bangs Salon www.bangssalonomaha.com 402-934-0799 3905 Twin Creek Dr. Bellevue, NE 68123 Buddy Sims – Makeup Artist 402-609-0926 Charmaine Nicole - Freelance Make Up Artist 402-630-3450

STYLIST

Jaqueline Orellana for Bangs DESIGNER

Bertiher de la Cruz for Ad Hoc Apparel

Dezzie Dollz Makeup Tracy Rhodes 712-438-0396 Fringes Salon www.fringessalon.com 402-345-0404 518 S. 10th St. Omaha, NE 68104

Jacqueline Orellana for Bangs Salon www.bangssalonomaha.com 402-934-0799 3905 Twin Creek Dr. Bellevue, NE 68123 John Paul Eubanks – Hair Artist 402-391-2333 Kontempo. www.KontempoOmaha.com 402-714-3888 6307 Center St. Suite 115 Omaha, NE 68106

36

omahafashionweek.com

STYLIST

Shine Day Spa DESIGNER

Just Because by Kate Walz Lindsey Curtis – Hair Artist 402-689-5976 6307 Center Street #108 Omaha, NE 68106 Mary Beinor – Hair Artist 818-531-6616 marybeinor@gmail.com Mikala Jean – Makeup Artist 402-319-2112 6307 Center Street #108 Omaha, NE 68106 Rain Salon www.rainsalonomaha.com 402-991-9974 1006 S. 10th St Omaha, NE 68108

PHOTOGRAPHY BY (BOTTOM,TOP) CLAY LOMNETH, COLIN CONCES

Garbos Tino and Julian www.garbossalons.com 402-391-2333 120 Regency Parkway Omaha, NE 68124

STYLIST DIRECTORY

STYLIST

FRINGES SALON & SPA DESIGNER

Angela Balderston for Get Plastered

Seven Salon www.sevensalon.com 402-934-2177 3117 N 120th St. Omaha, NE 68164 Shine Spray Tanning & Spa www.shinespraytans.com 402-991-7546 16939 Wright Plaza Suite #119 Omaha, NE 68130 Sirens at the Loft www.edgesalon.com 402-933-9333 1105 Howard St. Omaha, NE 68102

STYLIST

KONTEMPO. DESIGNER

Paddy Tarlton for Dancin Yogi STYLIST

Claude’s Beautorium

SweetNiss by Cocoa 402-218-5809 1225 N 113th Plaza Omaha, NE 68154

DESIGNER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY (BOTTOM,TOP) CLAY LOMNETH, COLIN CONCES, CLAY LOMNETH

Leah Casper for Casper Couture

Salon Fusion Doug Treadway and Shannon McDonald www.salonfusionomaha.com 402-850-5596 3667 N. 129th St. Omaha, NE 68164 Se Duire! www.salonseduire.com 402-932-7672 3512 Samson Way Bellevue, NE 68123

T’eez – A Thomas Sena Salon www.teezsalon.net 402-397-9500 15805 W. Maple Rd. Ste 105 Omaha, NE 68116 The Fringe 402-802-0103 3601 Calvert St Lincoln, NE 68506 Tru Salon www.trusalonomaha.com 402-933-8988 3220 Farnam St. Unit 2105 Omaha, NE 68131 Urbane Salon www.urbanesalonanddayspa.com 402-934-2909 1007 Farnam St. #1 Omaha, NE 68102

omahafashionweek.com

37

DESIGNER DIRECTORY 5

Children’s Wear Monday, 8/20

Visit: jakeandlucy.etsy.com Styled by: Se Duire!

2

Visit: markoosmoderndesign. com Styled by: Urbane Salon and Day Spa

Fit for a Princess

by Rebecca Robbins Rebecca, owner of Fit For A Princess Infant and Children’s Boutique, enjoys creating stylish, fashionable, one-of-a kind looks for kids.

6

Visit: ffaprincess.com Styled by: The Fringe

3

7

Little Miss Fashion

by Yolanda Diaz Yolanda graduated in Fashion Design at Juarez University School of Art in Durango, Mexico as well as Industrial Patterns at CECATI in Monterrey, Mexico. She has been designing children’s clothing for over 20 years. This is her fourth year of participation in OFW with her children’s wear collection.

Visit: nuevintage.com Styled by: Sirens at the Loft

8

Ruffled Runway

by 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.

Visit: ruffledrunway.com Styled by: Bangs Salon and Shine Day Spa

4

Email: designsbysuey@gmail. com Styled by: Sirens at the Loft

9

3

4

FORTRESS

by Ellene McClay Ellene has been a maker of things since childhood. She is trained as an art educator and self-taught as a fashion designer. Blending Victorian inspiration with modern shapes and industrial details creates her unique aesthetic.

Visit: bustle.etsy.com Styled by: Ellene McClay

6

10

Donna Faye

by 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.

Visit: donnafayecouture.com Styled by: Hair by Kontempo.

Makeup by: Donna Faye.

5 1

Joi Joison

by Joi Katskee Joi, a graduate from the International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago, moved home to Omaha in 2005 to be a part of the growing creative community.

Her designs incorporate rock n’ roll elements with recycled pieces.

Email: j.france.s@hotmail. com Styled by: Seven Salon

Visit: littlemissfashion-us.com Styled by: T’eez Salon Susan Ludlow For over thirty years, Susan has created design patterns for children’s wear. She specializes in dresses and summer wear for girls ages six months to thirteen.

NueVintage Apparel and Accessories

by Terri Jen Buckner Terri Jen is an eco-friendly designer who re-purposes vintage clothing into oneof-a-kind street wear pieces under her label NueVintage Apparel and Accessories.

8 7 10

2 38

9 omahafashionweek.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL MULLER

1

Jake and Lucy

by Jea Theis Jea began designing children’s clothing in 2008 under her label, Jake and Lucy. She loves creating high-quality whimsical designs with a funky edge.

Avant Garde Tuesday, 8/21

Markoos Modern Design by Aubrey Sookram Audrey, under the label Markoos Modern Design, designs clothes for children or as she puts it, “something a little quirky for your little turkey.”

Her collection is designed for the real kid in mind... easy to wear, get dirty, clean, and wear again.

DESIGNER DIRECTORY

11

Mai Do Mai studied Apparel Design and Merchandising at the University of NebraskaLincoln. Her interest in fashion and apparel design stem from her love of art and creative expression. She designs women’s and men’s wear.

15

Email: mdo@huskers.unl.edu Styled by: Bangs Salon and Shine Day Spa

12

Audio Helkuik Audio, educated in apparel design and experienced in costume design, designs for the customer wanting to make discoveries. As an agent of artistic change, Audio hopes this latest collection inspires bold risks and a new way to look at fashion.

Visit: audiohelkuik.etsy.com Styled by: Sirens at the Loft

13 14

Dan Richters After having been born and raised in California, Dan has been a transplant to Omaha for the past 20 years. He contributes much of his inspiration and appreciation of fashion to his time here in the city.

AML Designs

by Kendra Morgan Kendra is currently a junior at UNL, studying textiles, apparel, and design with an emphasis in costume design. Her label, AML Designs, is inspired by her grandmother and mother.

AML stands for “Anne Marie Lynn”, each name representing a member of the trio.

Email: wicked_on_ broadway@yahoo.com Styled by: Fringes Salon and Spa

16

Get Plastered

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

Email: angela.balderston@ yahoo.com Styled by: Fringes Salon and Spa

18

Bridal and Swim Wednesday, 8/22

Erin Thomas for Toxic Sadie Erin designs a luxury swimwear line for fashion forward and style savvy women. Her swimsuits are made of fabrics, beads and shells that are hand selected from throughout the Caribbean Islands and the Mayan Riviera to offer a unique, fashionable and cutting edge look.

Visit: kkini.com Styled by: Garbo’s Salon

19

17

Email: dan@danrichters.com Styled by: Rain Salon

20

21

Legoon’s by Chad Carr Entrepreneur Chad Carr is revitalizing and reinventing the once popular swimwear and board short company, Leggoons. Carr wants to restore Leggoons to its 80s prime through the original board shorts and a new collection of swimwear.

Visit: leggoons.com Styled by: Sirens at the Loft

17

11

Jessica Alyse

by Jessica Hansen Jessica, a graduate from FIDM, her bridal collection has a touch of elegance while bringing out the wearer’s individual beauty. Her designs are forever romantic and inspired by love.

Visit: facebook.com/ jalysedesigns Styled by: Mary Beinor, hair artist and Buddy Sims, makeup artist

Visit: maxmillian.co Styled by: T’eez Salon

14

Sabrina Jones Sabrina received her BS and MA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she studied Textile and Clothing Design with a minor in costume design.She works independently as a designer and has received local and national recognition for her work.

Visit: sabrinajonesdesigns.net Styled by: Seven Salon

Visit: toxicsadie.com Styled by: John Paul Eubanks, hair artist and Charmaine Nicole, makeup artist Max Millian

by Maximillian Suiter Maximillian, a recent graduate of Brownell-Talbot, will be attending Washington University in the Fall for both business and fashion design.

With entrepreneurial ambitions, Maximillian hopes his fashion career is just one of the many ventures he will tackle in the coming years.

KKINI

by Michaela Cawley Michaela, under the label KKINI, aims to provide women with luxury swimwear including bikinis, decksuits and coverups. KKINI focuses on current runway trends for inspiration to create a swimwear wardrobe offering suits appropriate for all hours of sunshine.

20

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL MULLER

13

12

21

19

15 16

18 omahafashionweek.com

39

DESIGNER DIRECTORY

22

Casper Couture

by Leah Casper Leah 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.

Visit: caspercouture.com Styled by: Fringes Salon and Spa

23

Stylishly Chic

by Lameesha Stuckey Lameesha, a women’s wear designer under the label “Stylishly Chic”, strives to create garments that are girly, feminine, and sexy.

Visit: wix.com/stylishlychic/ designs Styled by: Tru Salon and Spa

24

Will Style

by Williams Torres Williams Torres is a professional tailor trained by Italian tailors and designers. After working several years for clothing manufacturing companies that served the American and European markets, Williams opened Will Style Tailor shop and is developing his own clothing line.

Visit: willstyletailorshop.com Styled by: Urbane Salon and Day Spa

25

26

Berthiher De La Cruz for Ad Hoc Apparel 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.

Day Wear Friday, 8/24

30

Styled by: Bangs Salon and Jacqueline Orellana

27

Fella Fella is a graduate of UNL’s fashion, textiles, and design program with a special interest in costume design. Fella currently designs clothing and costumes for men and women with a flair for the dramatic.

Visit: facebook.com/ pastelgroovehouse Styled by: Sirens at the Loft

31

Visit: fashiondesignbyfella.com Styled by: Sirens at the Loft, Sweetniss by Cocoa, Doris Buell and T. Malloy Designs

28

Just Because

by Kate Walz Kate is a 16-year-old fashion designer who is working on her 6th collection for OFW under her label, Just Because, which she describes as sophisticated and girly.

Email: justbecausebykatewalz@hotmail.com Styled by: Bangs Salon and Shine Day Spa

29

Juantiesha Christian for SuShe by J. Tracy Juantiesha is a self-taught women’s clothing designer who started her label, SuShe

by J.Tracey shortly after graduating from college.

SuShe garments are primarily ready-to-wear and vintage inspired, designed for the woman who wants to “stand out” in a crowd.

32

Audra McAvaddy for Coriander Influenced by the awe-inspiring grandeur of the natural world and its poetic nuances, Audra’s work is known for bold design balances with organic details. Audra insists the future of fashion is in re-invention- responding to available materials and re-contextualizing them into wearable designs and runway works of art.

Visit: hellocoriander.com Styled by: Kontempo. and Tasha Baughman

Email: bufreynolds@gmail.com Styled by: Fringes Salon and Spa

Visit: sushebyjtracey.com Styled by: Sirens at the Loft

Kait Blu

by Kaitlyn Fitzgerald Kaitlyn is a 16-year-old attending Dushesne Academy. She began her studies as a fashion designer this summer through a program at the School of Art Institute in Chicago. A new-comer to the March 2012 show, this will be her second collection at OFW. Visit: facebook.com/KaitBlu Styled by: Tru Salon and Spa

Buf Reynolds Buf, a self-taught designer and OFW veteran, is designing her latest even wear collection to reflect the elegance and darker stories of the 1930’s. She promises it be ghostly yet sexy.

26

Pastel GROOVE House

by Shamina Wiek Shamina designs under the label Pastel GROOVE House, a clothing line for young women who want to stand out. Her collections are bright, colorful, and exciting.

28

30

22

27 23 40

24

omahafashionweek.com

29 25

31

32

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL MULLER

Evening Wear Thursday, 8/23

DESIGNER DIRECTORY

33

This season, the Finale will take a “best of show” format featuring our favorite looks from the week. Looks from 23 collections will be shown, making this the largest finale in OFW history. A special highlight of the show is the emerging designers collection. Representing the future of OFW, these designers produced micro collections - be on the lookout for more from them in future seasons! Go to omahafashionweek.com/finale to see a full listing of August 25 designers.

Masey Rost Masey, a recent graduate of UNL’s textile and design program, designs experimental clothing that tells a story.

Her grandmother taught her to sew at a young age, and today she continues to learn new techniques to broaden her skill set.

Email: maseyrost@gmail.com Styled by: Mary Beinor, hair artist and Dezzie Dollz Makeup

34

Eliana Smith Eliana attended and graduated from the SLC Fashion Institute in 2010 and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Fashion Design from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. Eliana is known for detailed construction, high quality textiles and classic silhouettes.

Emerging Designer Micro-Collections Saturday, 8/25

36

Visit: elianasmithdesigns.com Styled by: Lindsey Curtis, hair artist and Mikala Jean, makeup artist

35

JHaus

by Jlynn Hausmaan JLynn is the designer and owner of the American made premium denim line JHaus.

A native of Nebraska and UNL alumni, she attributes her inspiration for the collection from her genuine Midwest roots. Currently JHaus is manufactured and operated out of Los Angeles, CA. Visit: jhausbrand.com Styled by: Urbane Salon and Day Spa

Elizabeth Medina Elizabeth uses her Apparel Design degree from Iowa State University to create sophisticated designs from unexpected inspiration. Her latest collection is called “Nudibranchia,” and is inspired by nature’s own Nudibranchs, the undersea beauties known as sea slugs.

Visit: emedina.com Styled by: Sirens at the Loft

37

EV Couture

by Emely Valadez Currently, Emely is studying fashion marketing at the Art Institute with plans to relocate to Chicago to further develop her skills. Her label, EV Couture, is a collection of affordable, fashion forward styles for the young woman.

Email: valaezemily@ yahoo.com Styled by: Doug Treadway and Shannon McDonald at Salon Fusion

38

Lauren Birkentall Lauren is a 16 year-old newcomer to OFW. She has only been sewing for just over a year, but her creative vision for her floral inspired microcollection landed her a spot as an emerging designer.

Email: dmbirkentall@cox.net Styled by: Urbane Salon and Day Spa

39

Jeff Hanson Artist Jeffrey Owen Hanson is Changing the World Through Art. Jeff Hanson is an 18-year old, visually impaired artist from Overland Park, Kansas, U.S.A. Born with a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis and an optic nerve tumor, Jeff shrugs off adversity by using abstract art to fundraise for charities that have “touched his life.” Jeff’s original art has generated over $700,000 for his favorite charities. Jeff’s paintings hang in the homes of Sir Elton John, Warren E. Buffett, Billy Joel, Susan Sarandon and countless others who are touched

by Jeff’s spirit of giving to the world.

37

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL MULLER

33 34

35 36

38 omahafashionweek.com

41

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLINQ DESIGNER BUF REYNOLDS