INDUSTRY INSIDER hope tomorrow
How does the Runway Tulsa Finale rank among other
fashion shows you have attended?
The set up and expectations of a fashion show are always
basically the same. The RWT committee and their sponsors
present an extremely professional runway show. Geographic
location doesn’t really matter – designers want to please and
attract new clients. Entertainment, attitude, style and sass
make for a good show for everyone and Tulsa brings all of
that to the table. Because I have the privilege of getting to
know and and help select each designer and model, I am very
comfortable saying we will have it all!
How have the designers responded to coming to Tulsa to
show their collections?
With open arms! Designers love to share their vision to an
attentive audience. Tulsa has a great fashion crowd to share
their latest collections with. Each of the designers featured in
this year’s show are excited to be apart of it.
We spent some time with Runway Tulsa’s Design Director,
Hope Tomorrow, to get her perspective on the Finale Show
and Runway Tulsa in general. Hope is a womenswear
contemporary designer and comes to us with vast experience
in the fashion industry. She started her career over 20 years
ago at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. From
there, she worked as a designer and stylist in New York,
moved to Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Miami, Columbus and
is now back in Los Angeles. While you may not know her by
her own collection, you will certainly know the retailers and
designer labels she designs for including: White House/Black
Market, Lane Bryant, and Laundry by Shelli Segal to name a
few. With each job, Hope has traveled the world to source
the perfect fabric and silhouettes for her clients. Living in so
many cities in the U.S., keeps her abreast of many markets
and women’s fashion needs. She is a spirited upbeat optimist
who brings a strong aesthetic and passion for perfection to
Runway Tulsa – and she’s never met a stranger!
How does being a designer yourself influence your role as
Design Director with Runway Tulsa?
Working with the RWT team, I am able to assure them of
industry expectations with respect to the show and the
designers participating. Over the years, I have been a part
of many fashion shows and am able to set standards and
share my insight. Plus, as a working designer I understand
the designer’s perspective.
Did last year’s designers comment on their experience?
All the designers that participated last year, loved the
hospitality, interest and enthusiasm Tulsa showed them.
Several mentioned specifically how thoughtful and kind
everyone was to them. They were also very pleased with the
energy of the fashion crowd in Tulsa.
What do you look for when considering a designer for the
show?
It’s a balance of things. We see candidates with all sorts
of backgrounds, influences and styles. While we look for a
balance of experienced designers and newcomers, my heart
is always for the talented, up-and-comers! It’s exciting to
show Tulsa designers that are among the ones to watch. It’s
like discovering a new artist. Grant Karpin definitely embodies
that this year. Then finding local