Omaha Fashion Week, now in its sixth year, has new tricks up its sleeve. New designers are expected this year, including Kate Walz, who just returned from New York, and Jeff Hanson, who will be showing his line of hand-painted dresses. Sixteen designers will be present in all. About 400 models show up each year with 1,000 hands in total putting on the show. Of note is opening night’s Cancer Survivor Show, which features 80 models.
Wednesday of Fashion Week is industry night, which features MOOD fabrics from New York. Thursday is the Children’s and Bridal Show, and Friday is Ready to Wear. Amanda Valentine from Project Runway will be there on Friday, which is a huge highlight of fashion week, and Saturday has been sold out for weeks. “Knowing Amanda is from Nebraska really helps inspire young people,” said Nick Hudson, co-producer of Fashion Week.
Talent definitely comes from the Midwest, Hudson adds, and the coasts approve. For example, Erin Thomas has showcased two outfits on the Sports Illustrated Swimwear Edition. Hudson believes Fashion Week does have an impact on Omaha slowly becoming more trendy, and it will probably increase with every year it is held. ,