Omaha Fashion Week (OFW) issued a public statement on Thursday, March 20, in response to the controversy surrounding a swastika symbol that appeared on the runway during one of its shows, which took place between late February and early March. The incident sparked a public outcry, with many demanding an explanation from the Midwest’s largest fashion event.
The symbol, a black-and-white swastika, was displayed on the back of a jacket from Kelli Molczyk’s collection. Buf Reynolds, the producer of Omaha Fashion Week since 2023, addressed the issue on Instagram two weeks after the event, which ran from February 26 to March 1. Reynolds expressed his shock and disappointment at the appearance of the hate symbol, stating, “Omaha Fashion Week stands against hate.”
Reynolds further explained that the jacket was not seen during the usual rack check process and was only put on the model just before she walked down the runway. The item was pulled immediately after its appearance, having only been featured in the show once. Reynolds also revealed that Molczyk, the designer of the collection and a panelist at the event, was removed from her role and banned from returning for the remaining shows.
In response, Molczyk released a statement on her Instagram on Friday, March 21, explaining that the design was inspired by an “antique pinwheel quilt remnant” she had purchased from a well-known store in Central Nebraska. She clarified that she did not believe the design resembled a swastika and condemned any form of hate speech. Molczyk concluded her post by stating, “to associate me with any such acts of hate or hate groups is reprehensible and defamatory.”
However, Molczyk’s statement did not address Reynolds’ claim that the jacket had not been part of the usual rack check and was put on the model at the last minute. The full details of the situation remain unclear, and questions about whether the incident was a mistake or whether there was hidden intent are still unanswered.
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