Standing alongside the 276-foot runway, I looked up at the dainty model strutting never-before-seen couture designs. Taking a deep breath of the bitter September air, I felt as if I had been transported to New York City for the latest runway show. Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, the third Annual Omaha Fashion Week Finale was a success because of everyone’s contributions.
Thousands of attendees crowded together in the Old Market under the 10th Street overpass to observe Omaha’s fashion extravaganza. The location of the runway finale was moved at the last minute due to chilling temperatures and the threat of rain.
Despite great turnouts each night of Fashion Week, the night of the finale was unparalleled in attendance and enthusiasm.
Cathy Levett, an Omaha Fashion Week intern and Arts & Sciences senior at Creighton, was pleased with the finale.
“The best part of the entire week was absolutely the Saturday Runway Finale Show,” she said.
Levett said that preparing for OFW is a lot more involved than one would think,
“There is so much that happens that no one knows about – all of the last minute preparations on the actual day of the event, like running around like crazy in our tiny office that we moved to for the week.
“A good example of this is just finding time for us to get ready, finding time to get our hair and makeup done . . . this was crazy.
“I think I got ready in 30 minutes, and during this time I had to run outside to instruct volunteers on how to collect tickets at the front gate. Two of our important team members didn’t even get to change until halfway through the show,” Levett said.
With talent throughout the week from 13-year-old Kate Walz to theatrical designer Kate Pool, the crowd came for a show and got just what it wanted.
“I think right now there really aren’t any ‘rules’ that have to be followed. That sense of freedom is really exciting,” Kate Pool said after she showcased her sassy, costume-like collection.
Three high school designers were also featured for their trendy designs: Claire Landolt, Kaleigh Moynihan and Jane Round. They showed the young talent Omaha has to offer.
One of the more shocking collections of the night was the line Radioactive Heart by designer Jennie Mason. Her looks featured bright neon green dresses and hoodies displayed by fierce models.
At the end of the show, despite chattering teeth and shivers, the final model elegantly departed the runway, and I was instantly back in the reality of Omaha. Deep sentiments of pride and appreciation came to me, as I realized how far Omaha’s ‘passion for fashion’ has progressed through the years. So much time, energy and heart from the designers, models, interns and people behind the scenes goes into this action-packed week.
And for that, the Omaha community of fashion supporters and creators should be applauded and commended for their involvement in Omaha’s growth.
“I had a blast interning for Omaha Fashion Week and being apart of such an amazing event,” Levett said. It was such a great experience and I am so happy that I got to be a part of it and help make the week happen.”