In late February, Omaha Fashion Week faced strong criticism. This incident came on the heels of a jacket design by headliner Kelli Molczyk that seemed to feature a swastika on the runway. The glamorous style and luxury infused cultural event was in full swing. Sadly, the usual checks were not enough to prevent this highly controversial design from being featured. Brook Hudson, owner of Omaha Fashion Week, shared that their team does one last walkthrough right before each show. This important step ensures they are able to identify any up-and-coming safety issues and predatory content. This time, the problematic design fell between the cracks.
The design received harsh backlash almost immediately. In retaliation, the organizer of Omaha Fashion Week went to Facebook to express their outrage.
“Ohama Fashion Week’s producer took to Facebook to release a statement on the situation last week, saying that they were 'appalled at the sight of a hate symbol walking on the runway.'”
In the wake of the event, Molczyk was banned from returning to the Omaha Fashion Week runway. On top of that, she lost her job as a panelist. Brook Hudson, a lead designer, told us that designers typically have to turn in their garments for a pre-review three weeks ahead of the show. Since Molczyk is one of the three headliners, not all of her designs were critiqued.
“This particular designer that we’re talking about was a headlining designer. When you’re a headliner, you’re more seasoned. This isn’t your first rodeo and, with those folks, we do tend to trust them,” – Brook Hudson
The event drew scrutiny upon the review process considering the event and exposed serious gaps in Omaha Fashion Week’s own review process. Hudson certainly understood that even when they trust your headlining designers, your lack of oversight can result in the trapping of an offensive symbol coming to light.
Once again, Molczyk tackled the criticism front and center. She told attendees that her design was influenced by an antique pinwheel quilt remnant she purchased two years ago. She apologized for the miscommunication and insisted that she had no ties to hate organizations or plans to spread hate speech.
“At no point did I believe the pinwheel pattern represented or depicted a swastika, nor was it ever my intent to design the outfit with a swastika,” – Kelli Molczyk
Regardless of her explanation, Molczyk’s connection to Omaha Fashion Week has been cut, and she has received overwhelming public backlash. She once again stated her opposition to symbols of hate and said that it was never her intention to produce artwork that is offensive or hurtful.
“I have never been a part of a hate organization, and I condemn, in the strongest terms, the swastika and any form of hate speech or conduct,” – Kelli Molczyk
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