Omaha Fashion Week (OFW) issued a public statement on March 20, addressing a controversy that surfaced following the appearance of a swastika symbol on the runway during one of its shows in late February and early March. The incident quickly gained attention online, prompting calls for an explanation from the organizers of the Midwest’s largest fashion event.
OFW producer Buf Reynolds, who took over the role in 2023, expressed his shock and dismay at the incident. “I was appalled at the sight of a hate symbol walking on the runway,” Reynolds stated in an Instagram post, adding, “Omaha Fashion Week stands against hate.”
The offending symbol, a black and white swastika, was displayed on the back of a jacket featured in Kelli Molczyk’s collection. Reynolds explained that the item had not been inspected during the usual rack check process and was only placed on the model just before she walked down the runway. According to Reynolds, the jacket was immediately pulled after its appearance and the designer was removed from her position as a panelist, with instructions not to return for the remaining shows.
In response, Molczyk addressed the controversy in a post on March 21, explaining that the design was inspired by an “antique pinwheel quilt remnant” purchased from a well-known Nebraska store. She denied any intentional connection to the swastika symbol and condemned hate speech in all its forms. “To associate me with any such acts of hate or hate groups is reprehensible and defamatory,” Molczyk wrote, without commenting on Reynolds’ claims regarding the garment’s late appearance on the runway.
The incident has sparked ongoing discussions about the importance of oversight and accountability in the fashion industry.
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