Lights…camera…action! The 2010 Omaha Fashion Week kicked off on Monday, September 13, at Nomad Lounge in downtown Omaha. The night began at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception and the fashion show at 8:00 p.m. The dimly lit bar was completely packed, as people scrunched together on the floors, just to catch a glimpse of the runway. Long, crushed velvet curtains of brick red and tan coloring were draped around the wood beams above the runway. Four designers were featured for the opening night: Amanda Clark, Tamara Kurtenbach, Kate Walz, Claire Landolt.
First to show was Amanda Clark, a Union College graduate with a B.S. Graphic Design and a B.A. in Studio Art with Design Emphasis. When she’s not making clothes, Clark works as a graphic designer and photographer in Lincoln. Her collection at OFW was extremely girly and frilly; including a floor length silk dress, spandex thigh-highs and mustard yellow leg warmers.
Designer Tamara Kurtenbach ‘s collection was the next on the runway. Kurtenbach attended The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where she studied fashion design. She also is the owner of the lifestyle brand The Passionate Lion. This collection’s theme was extremely tribal, featuring feathers, woven belts and denim one pieces. Even the models’ dark makeup and braided hair brought out the ethnic vibe.
The third designer surprised everyone when she finally walked on stage. Kate Walz, a 13-year-old 4H participant, proudly exhibited her ultra trendy collection. Full of fiercely ripped leggings, wire, and hand-crafted flowers, the teen found a perfect balance between punk-chic. You can check out Kate’s work at her very own website: justbecausebykatewalz.com.
Lastly, was high school student Claire Landolt’s collection. Inspired by newspaper and fabric garments from the Victorian era, Ladnoldt used recyclable materials for her pieces. From corsets and ribbons, to newspaper streamers–her inventive style brought an attention-grabbing taste to the runway.
New designers will be featured on the runway every night this week at Nomad Lounge. Each night’s showing leads up to the anticipated finale runway show on Saturday, September 18. You don’t want to miss out on the craze of Omaha Fashion Week!