Celebrity-style red carpet entry. Limousine drop-offs. The paparazzi. And knockout gowns that rival movie stars.
Not bad for little old Omaha.
We're talking about Fashion Week's grand finale runway show this Saturday night, the "must-be-seen" event of the year.
The city's underground fashion scene has finally blossomed in a big way. This year, designer Mondo Guerra of Lifetime TV's "Project Runway" will be here. Lady Gaga was invited, too, but her RSVP probably got lost in the mail.
Omaha's brightest and most creative fashion designers get a night to shine on a 395-foot platform catwalk. The spectacle attracts hipsters, artists, musicians, theatre buffs and regular old Joe Schmos for one night of glitz and glam in the Old Market.
Mike and Beth Mercer will be among the crowd. This will be their third Fashion Week finale.
And like a surgeon prepares for an intense medical procedure, the Mercers are primping for their Saturday outing and coordinating plans.
They've reserved an Embassy Suites hotel room for the night. Sixteen of their closest friends will join them in the VIP section of the finale show outside the Nomad Lounge.
On Wednesday, Mike got a haircut. The 47-year-old sports a shaggy cut with whispy bangs. He planned to spend part of the day tweaking his locks or shopping to complete his Omaha Fashion Week red carpet outfit.
So far, he's settled on a sleek black Hugo Boss skinny suit. It has a retro flair, very "Mad Men"-esque. Earlier this week, he wasn't certain which button-down shirt and tie he would wear.
"I know I want to add some color," he said. "Definitely a colorful shirt."
He'd better hurry, though. Beth, 46, is counting down the days.
"If I don't find one, she'll do it for me," he joked. "She's pretty high-maintenance."
Hey, the city's fashion extravaganza is not something to take lightly. People spend time searching for the perfect 1940s rockabilly pencil dress or bowtie or whatever look they desire for the big night. The Mercers are self-proclaimed clothes hounds. They travel across the country — from Chicago to Scottsdale to Kansas City — for great fashion finds.
Beth has been on the lookout for an edgy, different dress that speaks to her. She's determined to find one, just like Mercer is sure that he'll sport boxed-toed, lace-up dress shoes and not slip-on loafers. Nothing cheapens a suit like slip-ons.
"She'll get the look," Mercer said.
On that Saturday, Beth has a 3 p.m. MAC makeup appointment. She'll get hair, nails and other spa-related services.
There's also no way they'll eat before walking the red carpet. That's bad form.
"You don't want to show up with a full belly," he said.
Don't laugh, it's true. A lot of the people in tight dresses would rather starve than do damage to their form-fitting gown.
Once they're settled, the Mercers will have light appetizers and cocktails. Lots of them.
"It's what we do, Mercer said. "We like to socialize."
Fashion Week is intended to be daring and celebrate creativity.
"To be honest," Mercer said," it's one of the best times to show Omaha off."
After the show, they'll hang out in a double-cabana inside Nomad, squeezing in another 20 or so people who must be seen Saturday night.
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