Sophomore hits the runway for Omaha Fashion Week

Every fall, hundreds of young girls and boys try out to walk as a model in the midwest’s premier fashion event, Omaha Fashion Week. For the past nine years, Omaha Fashion Week has become the nation’s fifth largest fashion event. This event supports 55 independent fashion designers from all over the country by providing mentoring, educational opportunities, and a professional platform to showcase their work.

Westside sophomore and Develop Model Reyna Mack tried out to walk for Omaha Fashion Week when she was 11 years old and has participated in the show ever since.

“[The tryout] was in a dance studio, so there was no elevated runway,” Mack said. “We would stand in a line and pin numbers around our waists, then we would walk and be recorded by judges.”

Model agencies and casting agents give each model that tries out height and measurement requirements along with a commitment handout at the beginning of the tryout process. About 100 girls and boys are chosen to be models for the show.

With near constant criticism involving the modeling industry and the promotion of poor body image in young girls and boys, Mack addressed the issue and stressed the fact that “Modeling [at the Fashion Week level] doesn’t promote eating disorders.”

“There are some girls that do take that route and people will compare themselves to others,” Mack said. “It’s really difficult for some girls to be different, but my agent is really good on promoting a healthy diet and an exercising plan to get you where you want to be.”

This year, the show was hosted during the week of August 22 through 27. Mack walked on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and the Saturday finale this year.

“It’s a great opportunity and I think people should try out,” Mack said. “It’s really fun. You get good pictures, you meet new people and great things can happen there.”

*Photos courtesy of Morgan Jade Photography and Omaha Fashion Week