* Our series on the designers of this year’s Omaha Fashion Week continues this week with Jennie Mason, a recent graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. In the Big Apple, the young designer and Millard North alum had the opportunity to work with Kenneth Cole, House of Diehl, Tommy Hilfiger and American Eagle Outfitters. “I’m formally trained in draping, pattern making and garment construction,” Mason said. Yet her style is anything but formal. “I call my style ‘radioactive nuclear power plant chic’,” she said. “I love tailoring and structure, but my clothing also has an edgy feel.” Her fabrics of choice range from neon fishnet to black chiffon. “It’s a fun challenge to make fishnet classy,” she said. Some of her favorite design touches are zippers, metal snaps and plastic bugs. “I love using industrial zippers in innovative ways and screen-printing my own fabrics,” she said. “I’m really into finding beauty in imperfections. My inspiration comes from things like rusting nails, broken glass and also things like skeletal structures and blood vessels.” Bugs, nails, human organs … girl, you’ve definitely got us hooked. Check out Mason’s stuff on her website (named for her collection) at radioactiveheart.com.
* Our series on the designers of this year’s Omaha Fashion Week (OFW) continues with Buf Reynolds, one of area’s most well-known fashionistas who showed at last year’s inaugural show.
Reynolds, owner of the clothing/furniture boutique Retro Rocket in the Old Market, said she designs clothes that she loves to wear. “I design clothes that make women feel beautiful,” said Reynolds (far left, with Kandy Scott, sporting a Reynolds’ original). “I have a variety of pieces that range from swimwear to pieces that are meant for a more formal affair.”
* Last week we gave you a glimpse at the new clothing line by Daniel Munoz. This week, we continue our series on the designers of this year’s Omaha Fashion Week (OFW) with a look at one of our favorite local designers, Nicole Brown, owner of Runway Boutique.
“Since the days I listened to my first record, (Like A Virgin’s) ‘Material Girl’ by Madonna, I knew I had a strong passion for the creative world of fashion,” said Brown, who has a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Brown set two goals for herself early in her career: “One, to have my own successful clothing boutique; and second, to one day be a designer who would inspire people to show their creativity through style and fashion.”
* Last Thursday, Omaha-based fashion designer Daniel Antonio Munoz (below, right) offered a glimpse into his new collection that will debut at Omaha Fashion Week in September. He’s calling the new line “Techno Couture” and if the daring gray and burgundy cocktail dress (worn by local “supermodel” Stephanie Finklea) is any indication of what to expect, we can’t wait to see more. Munoz showcased his design during a photo shoot at the home of John Prouty in South Omaha’s charming Prouty Place. A self-taught artist, Munoz says he has worked professionally for only four years, but has called himself “a designer since birth.” Born in Guatemala, Munoz moved to Los Angeles at age 9 and to Omaha at age 14. He says his work is inspired by his childhood in Los Angeles, as well as some heavy Italian influence by such European lines and Givenchy and Prada. In fact, Munoz said he recently returned from Italy where he was working with Italian designers for the past two years. He plans to continue to work in Omaha, and hopes his collection will make a huge impact during Omaha Fashion Week.
* Last week we commenced a series of columns by touring interesting activities and hotspots in the downtown Omaha area and NoDo. This week we move south, toward Henry Doorly Zoo, 3701 S. 10th St., and Rosenblatt Stadium, 1202 Bert Murphy Ave. The nationally recognized zoo is always a treat and we’re excited to ride the new Skyfari, which gives riders a new perspective on zoo attractions. Sadly, we won’t have Rosenblatt for much longer, so it’s a must to get down to the College World Series and Omaha Royals games while you still can.
Some Nebraskans might say Omaha has too much concrete, and the hustle of day-to-day life has made us forget nature. For a great escape, there are Fontenelle Forest, 1111 N. Bellevue Blvd., and Neale Woods, 14323 Edith Marie Ave.
* Numerous times we’ve heard from people that Omaha has nothing to offer them, that they’d rather move to New York, Florida, California, Hawaii. We understand that there is something indescribable and awe-inspiring about places you’ve never been, but don’t you ever wonder about the things that you’ve been missing that are right under your nose?
If you’re on a mission to find some unique clothing for your wardrobe, check out Bellwether Boutique in the Old Market at 430 S. 12th St. It’s a great place to get both vintage items and local handmade designs. While you’re enjoying the aura of the Market, stop by Blue Sushi Sake Grill, 416 S. 12th St., for happy hour from 4-6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from noon-8:00 p.m. If you’re hanging out at night, Sake Bombers, upstairs at Blue, has its reverse happy hour from 10:30 p.m. until midnight.
Cancer. Such a dirty word, such a savage disease that affects so many people — whether firsthand or through a loved one. Between our two families, we’ve had more than 20 members diagnosed with the illness. Luckily, we’ve lost only one, but the hardships faced by the rest of us, and all of those close to the victims, still resonate.
Breast cancer is particularly challenging for women because it attacks the body and it’s damaging to femininity and spirit.
Sunday, May 31st, a group of local breast cancer survivors come together to promote awareness by taking the runway for CoutURE, a fashion show to benefit the Nebraska Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The name and the location have changed, but the collection of some of the best vintage clothing, furniture and accessories has not. After nearly two decades at 11th and Howard, Retro Recycle moved to unassuming confines at 1125 Jackson St. (the west side entrance of Joe’s Collectibles at 11th and Jackson) and changed its name to Retro Rocket.
New owners Buf Reynolds and Colin Shenefield (AKA Huckelberry) said increased rental costs pushed them from their former location and in November 2007 they decided to relocate. Reynolds and Shenefield decided the name change to Retro Rocket would signify the relevance of their new ownership. Other then great vintage fashions and furnishings, the store now carries local designers including Urbani, Laura Miller, Makayla Torrez, and of course, Buf Reynolds herself.
Architecture and interior design becomes our focus this week with the Designer Showhouse Sneak Peek Event of the Brandeis Mansion, located at 500 S. 38th St. The building went up more than 100 years ago and has been connected with lots of interesting stories and people of great achievements.
It was crafted for Arthur Brandeis, his wife Zerlina and their three children shortly after Arthur and his two brothers took over his father’s business. The Boston Store, which was located on 16th and Douglas, was the largest department store west of Chicago and worth $1.4 million. His youngest brother, Emil, was one of the 1,517 who went down with the Titanic, and the only Omahan. His gold watch, recovered with his body, is displayed at the Durham Museum. Arthur’s son, E. John, became a producer of a Broadway play, Thirsty Soil, in 1937, which was set in the living room of a Nebraska farmhouse. He also loved big game hunting. His 17 exotic hunting trips led him to bag a Bengal tiger in India, an elephant in Africa and a grizzly bear in Alaska. In 1909 Jessie Millard bought the mansion for herself and her father, Joseph, the former mayor of Omaha in 1872. Joseph’s brother, Ezra, is credited with developing the town of Millard, originally 10 miles from Omaha but annexed in 1971.
* Years ago, Ellie Hollister and her daughter Leah Roberts would do what many mothers and daughters like to do together: shop. They frequented estate sales, antique malls and thrift stores in search of unique merchandise. In September of 1997, Hollister turned her hobby into a career. Weird Wild Stuff was born and quickly earned a reputation as one of the best vintage resale shops in the area.
On Nov. 3, 2008, Ellie was found dead in her home, allegedly shot by her husband. The store wasn’t included in the will, and so was closed and auctioned. Roberts had to bid against several interested parties without knowing who they were or how much they were offering, but she succeeded in keeping the store.
With the help of her fiancee and some great friends, she managed to clean up, repaint and organize everything in time for the grand re-opening of Weird Wild Stuff Friday, May 1.
This week we feature an event with multiple benefits for participants. Roots & Wings, a women’s apparel boutique in Rockbrook Village, has paired with TOMS Shoes to present “Style Your Sole” Tuesday, May 5th, from 5-8 p.m. This shoe painting party is bringing the community together to make a difference in the world. For every pair of shoes you buy, TOMS Shoes will give a pair to a child in need, and the need is great.
Walking is often the primary mode of transportation in developing countries. When children are barefoot and walk miles to get food and water, they face unsafe roads and contaminated soil. By providing shoes, we prevent them from getting cuts and sores. These lacerations can lead to soil-transmitted parasites penetrating the skin, which is the leading cause of disease in some countries.
One of our goals for Fashion Forward is focusing on Omaha — the local stores, events and anything else positive and lifestyle-related being brought into our environment.
We’ve found an excellent way to integrate “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” into fashion. Not only is this concept great for the Earth, but as starving artists in today’s economy, we’re always looking for ways to live creatively on a low budget.
Scout: Dry Goods and Trade is an attractive little shop in the heart of Dundee (5019 Underwood Ave.) that’s dedicated to environmental and social responsibility, as well as stimulating resourcefulness, innovation and creativity through community interaction. They carry gently used clothing, vintage and modern, and styles from local designers, including unique, inventive cuffs and bracelets made from old belts and men’s ties.
Glamour was originally described as a magical spell cast on a person to make them believe that something or somebody was attractive. It’s meaning has evolved into a particularly luxurious or elegant appearance creating an impression of fascination — an impression that surpasses the reality. Isn’t that exactly how one looks at art? “I think fashion is about suspense and surprise and fantasy. It’s not about rules,” said Wolfgang Joop.
The annual Glam VIP event shares that attitude. Four years ago Eric Stoakes, (creative director for The Reader), and Chevy Kozisek, the owner of Sirens at the Loft, hosted a celebration for Omaha stylists. The next year it developed into a full show at Nomad Lounge, with the theme Women of Distinction. It included hairstyles of everyone from Marie Antoinette to Marilyn Monroe. Last year’s event was held at Slowdown. Titled Attack of the Glamazons, it featured a special show with Amazon-like creatures attacking Earth in search of our leader, Victoria Beckham.
Glam VIP 2009 is coming at you even bigger and better as Revolution, a straightforward — yet spectacular — avant-garde hair show.
Black is essential for every woman’s wardrobe. Whether you like the way it slims, or you’re going for the classic Audrey Hepburn look, black works for almost any occasion. During April, though, it’s going to be worn for a very different reason.
The YWCA is promoting Thursdays In Black, a huge statement of protest during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This event began years ago as a necessary attempt to raise awareness of the issue of sexual assault being used as a weapon in the military. It has evolved, taking a stand against every form of sexual violence in communities.
Statistics suggest a person is sexually assaulted every two minutes in the United States. In 2007, the Omaha Police Department completed 148 sexual assault exam kits. That doesn’t include surrounding areas, plus, many sexual assaults are never reported. In 2008, YWCA advocates received over 10,000 hotline calls. In the first half of the year, they were called to meet 40 individuals at local hospitals and were contacted by OPD 680 times regarding both sexual assault and domestic violence.
Growing up in a strict Catholic home in a tiny town of 800 people, “condom” was always a dirty word to me. Authorities tried to scare everyone into abstinence, so they didn’t really promote teaching safe sex. Ideally, abstaining is the best answer, but it’s not realistic. Knowledge is the key here.
April is STD Awareness Month and the Nebraska AIDS Project (NAP) has opted for “a creative way to gain awareness” in Omaha. They will host the first annual “Project Runway Condom Fashion Show” Wednesday, April 1, from 7-10 p.m. at the Max, 15th and Jackson. The event is 21 and older, admission is $5 — which will benefit NAP’s HIV prevention, education and outreach programs.
Friends helping friends is what Alexia Thiele and Dave Nelson are all about. The two met in preschool and continued to form a bond through years that was solidified in the art, skateboarding and music scenes. Now, it seems natural for them to piece it all together to boost the artistic environment the two hope to create in Omaha that they hope to nurture.
“We inspire each other,” Nelson said.
And that’s exactly how Autopilot Art was born. Thiele had been working in an office she could barely stand, using what little free time that remained to design and construct clothes for herself, her friends and art exhibitions. One day her close friend Kianna Alarid (Tilly and the Wall) decided that her work needed to be seen. She fashioned a Myspace page for Thiele with the look of an already established business. People began asking if items were for sale and Autopilot Art, having started somewhat by accident, has continued to grow since.
The first-ever Fashion Loud rocks Slowdown this Friday
by Lindsey Baker and Amber Keller
“Make it work.”
The familiar mantra of TV’s “Project Runway” fashion consultant and mentor Tim Gunn is the perfect catchphrase to describe Omaha’s newest fashion spectacle. On March 13, local boutiques, designers, models and more team up with two past “Project Runway” contestants to pull off the first Fashion Loud event, a local fashion show, concert, benefit, dance party and celebrity meet-and-greet slated for 8 p.m. at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St.
The celebs include season three “Project Runway” winner Jeffrey Sebelia, who will host the festivities, and season five contestant Stella Zotis, who’ll host the event’s VIP area.
Sebelia is known for founding Los Angeles’ Cosa Nostra clothing line, available in about 20 stores nationwide, and privy to clients such as Gwen Stefani, Madonna and Tommy Lee.
The current line features women’s full-skirted dresses with edgy corseted construction and zipper details, rocker-infused blazers that give masculine shapes a decidedly girly twist, and neatly rumpled men’s shirts and casual jackets.
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street. Fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
— Coco Chanel
Hello, readers. Shoptalk has evolved taking on a new identity and a fresh perspective that we’re calling “Fashion Forward.” We’ll be discussing everything fashion — but it will be coming from the minds of two very different creative styles, Katharine Ott and Amber Keller, who have teamed in an effort to cover every aspect of Omaha’s style culture.
While the third of four seasonal fashion weeks is rolling out in Milan, Omahan Cat Janky has recovered from her New York Fashion Week debut at Bryant Park Feb. 13.
The San Francisco Academy of Art textile design student was paired with fellow fashion design graduate Heather Howard, who hails from Portland, to create a collection to be shown at the tent. Janky’s textile designs focused on 1800s American life, and Howard turned them into an eco-friendly collection inspired by early environmentalists John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt. The Academy of Art University assists in launching careers of its graduates via the Fashion Week shows.
“It was really cool,” Janky, 23, said. “It was so great to see (the designs) on a model, so exciting … but it all happened so fast.”
*The Old Market’s Nouvelle Eve, 1102 Howard St. is welcoming a few new lines to the store — and if I may say so, I think they’ll all fit perfectly with the quirky-chic downtown vibe the boutique has built — with an exclusive three-day trunk show event Feb. 6-8.
The main name on the scene is Leifsdottir, a clothing collection from Scandinavian designer Johanna Uurasjarvi that combines classic, ladylike silhouettes with special modern-vintage details. Jackets are adorned with ’60s-like bows and wide collars, skirts and proper cardigans are trimmed with statement-making ruffles, and simply cut A-line shifts are made spectacular with wallpaper patterns.
The collection’s name, Uurasjarvi said, is a Scandinavian surname, chosen because of a name’s innate connection to a past, even in the present. That mentality is obvious in the clothes, though treated with enough contemporary whimsy to keep it from feeling at all fussy. Prices range between $100 and $400, depending on the item.
