Runway fashion is more than supermodels and designers showcasing pieces and setting fashion trends across the world. It is also a form of self-expression and art. Omaha Fashion Week, the fourth largest fashion show in the United States, premiered from Aug. 22 to Aug. 25.
For three days, designers, models and stylists alike came together to showcase 38 beautiful collections. The theme for the Fall 2024 season was “Verus,” meaning true and genuine.
Verus was demonstrated through many themes, such as culture, femininity and imagination.
A model walks down the runway in an flower outfit designed by Strxr at the Fall Omaha Fashion Week on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska.
Femininity and nostalgia broke down into vulnerability and self-expression through color and fabric variations. Learning to crochet from her grandmother and working in a floral shop, Stxr by Neveah created a beautiful crocheted line encompassing bright colors and layered flowered garments. Stxr is inspired by old Hollywood fashion and 90s glamor.
Wanting to grow and develop her brand to make it to Paris and New York Fashion Weeks, motivated by her mom, herself and God, Neveah continues to crochet endlessly to build and grow her brand.
“I look at the past as learning and I look at the future as where I am going,” Neveahsaid.
Women empowering women is demonstrated through many forms of art. While Neveah used crochet, Rachel Marie Hurst, created a luxurious ensemble using florals, contrasting color palettes and gemstones.
A model walks down the runway in an outfit designed by Spacecamp Studios at the Fall Omaha Fashion Week on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska.
The Rebellious Royals by Hurst are stunning pieces reflecting the mission of using hyper-femininity to empower women to feel confident and beautiful through the use of fashion.
The Colorado designer captured themes of royalty and femininity through ball gowns and large trains. Hurst’s color palette captures both light and dark hues through the use of black and pastel pinks. Floral patterns and gemstones were applied to amplify the pieces and add a rebellious twist. The collection ultimately encompasses different aspects of being a woman, from femininity to independence and strength.
A model walks down the runway in an outfit designed by Spacecamp Studios at the Fall Omaha Fashion Week on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska.
Many designs at this season’s OFW were inspired by places and heritages around the world. Spacecamp Studios by Rebecca Hollar created a beautiful rave and ready-to-wear Berlin-inspired collection.
Influenced by the techno and dark themes of Berlin along with being a producer and DJ, Hollar always tries to incorporate music into her designs. Combining fashion and music, Spacecamp Studios creates custom and buyable sets for music festivals and raves. Preparing for New York Fashion Week, Hollar displayed 20 looks as a part of this collection.
From Berlin to Italy, Rodrigo Gracia Nieto’s brand, i’llnevershowinparis’ Fall 2024 showcase credits an Italian city for the creative vision behind his collection.
Nieto’s collection, VENIRE A TORINO, is a male collection evoking themes of boldness, dominance and strength. The color palette is based in neutral shades, but exudes dark themes to create an edgy twist. The garments pay homage to the architectural style of Turin, Italy, through wide-leg trousers to demonstrate the extensive and vast scale of the architecture in the city.
Fashion designer I’LLNEVERSHOWINPARIS (right), poses for a photo with a model on the runway of the Fall Omaha Fashion Week on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska.
In the theme of Verus, OFW had a backstage camera to help show how the models and designers prepare to unveil their art. OFW aims to help all involved in the production of the fashion runway industry, including stylists and models.
OFW staff, like Brett Foster, the visual artist for the fashion show, work closely with designers, models and stylists to create an inclusive environment and an exceptional runway show.
Foster, the designer for WOWFACTORE, became the visual artist for Omaha Fashion Week in 2016. On Aug. 23, Foster was awarded the annual Sabrina Jones Spirit Award, to honor him for his valiant efforts.
“There aren’t a ton of places where there is [a] collaborative, inclusive space for young communities to hone their design skills,” Foster said. “This is a safe haven for all of them.”
Foster is also on the Omaha Fashion Selection Panel, where the group of panelists select which designers make it to the runway, which kicked off in 2018.
Modeling in OFW offers opportunities for models to walk and find who they are in the industry. Models bring the designs to life when they connect to the clothing.
Omaha Fashion Week presents both a fall and spring fashion show with different designers each season. The Spring 2025 show will take place Feb. 24 through March 1, and will feature a student night that showcases student designers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
