Leaders in fashion!

7:20

I’m not going to lie. I’ve got The Great Gatsby on the brain, and I am anticipating bearing witness to our sumptuous little pre-party.

Men and women dressed to the nines, gorgeous plates piled high with delicious bites both savory and sweet, and free-flowing libations—what’s not to love.

I wonder if there will be any Gatsby-inspired attire? Or, for that matter how about some mod looks inspired by this season of Mad Men?

Doors will open for the VIP pre-party sponsored by Nationwide and Justice & Brothers in just a few minutes.

I must note: This space went from garage to club in a matter of days thanks to Ologie, Lasting Impressions, and many, many CCAD staffers (our facilities’ crew are wizards). The food looks amazing (thank you Cameron Mitchell Catering). I saw the menu a few weeks ago—my mouth watered just reading it. And, bartenders are ready to shake up a Vodka Runway (our signature cocktail, thank you Middle West Spirits).

And me? I’m ready to take it all in.

8 p.m.

Um, sorry, I’m afraid I got a little sidetracked. The people watching is just TOO good. When the first wave of partiers arrived, the energy level went from 0 to 60 in less than three minutes. I have a great view of the photo station—where the fashionable show off their looks for our photographer.

So many fun pieces coming through. Fantastic black-and-white patterned dress that definitely has a 20s vibe, and a strappy version of go-go boots with a bright cocktail length dress. Fantastic!

A woman in a stunning off the shoulder deep-blue gown just passed.

I think I just saw a blond version of Megan Draper. Gorgeous 60s-inspired mini that is sooooo Megan.

Our prez, Mr. Denny Griffith has just stopped by to say hello–dapper as always. Speaking of dapper, our head of security Wallace Tanksley is sporting a mighty fine lime green bow tie.

Seeing lots of leg and strappy gladiator shoes. Denim is making a strong showing, which is right on trend with some of the collections that this crowd will see in an hour.

Orange, lime green, and black-and-white are dominating the looks this evening.

To the guy in the hat and vest, thank you. And to all of our bow-tie wearing gentleman, we applaud you.

As I look around I am not disappointed. I’m seeing great fashion, but I”m also seeing women and men that are dressing to suite their unique style—there are no cookie-cutters here.

8:15

And now they are asking everyone to start heading into the tent so the show can begin. Hopefully as they sit, they’ll have a moment to flip through the Lookbook sponsored by Abercrombe & Fitch. It is stunning thanks to the photographic talents of Nick Fancher and the creative direction from Ologie.

Ok, we are going to get some photos up and then head over to the tent to continue …

Thanks to our title sponsor Limited Brands Foundation

7 p.m.

This is my third year live blogging from our fashion event, and each year I have paused, just before the party starts, to give thanks.

This year I want to get straight to the point—to naming names, as it were.

CCAD is honored and grateful to have such wonderful partners. Each year we go out and ask organizations and individuals to support this event and help us raise money for scholarships. Each year we are humbled by the response.

Below are our 2013 partners. These are individuals and companies that not only support CCAD, but they show a real commitment to making the Columbus community a better place.

Title Sponsor: Limited Brands Foundation

Runway Sponsor: EXPRESS

VIP Cocktail Reception Sponsors: Nationwide and Justice & Brothers

Easton Fashion Award Sponsor: Easton Town Center

Fashion Lookbook Sponsor: Abercrombie & Fitch

Couture Sponsors:  Diamond Cellar, Huntington Bank, Lane Bryant, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Polaris Fashion Place, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP,  R.G. Barry/Dearfoams, and THE LIMITED

Host Committee, chaired by Peg Mativi & Donald Dick: Dana & Mitch Acock, Jakki & Jerry Allen, Pam & Jack Beeler, Teresa & Brian Biernat, Kimberly A. Blackwell, W. Daniel Cordray, Loann W. Crane, Bev & Bob Darwin, Steve & Lynnda Maria Davis, Diane & Andrew Dunn, Phaedra & Michael Edwards, Karen & Michael Fiorile, Erica & Micky Fullen, Nedra Patison Hadley & Alissa Hadley Hines, Fran Horowitz & Michael Bonadies, Alexis Jacobs, Andrew Johnson, Patty & Jerry Jurgensen, Stephanie & Adam Lewin, Tim Maurer & Sanito Mendoza, Jamie & Bill Reinbolt, Arlene & Michael Weiss, and Lyn Williams

Creative Direction: Ologie

Media Sponsors: CD102.5 and Capital Style

In-Kind Sponsors: Baesman Group, Cameron Mitchell Catering, Details and Florabunda Designs Inc., Heidelberg Distributing Company, Lasting Impressions Event Rental, Live! Technologies, LLC, Mukha Custom Cosmetics, Mumm Napa, and Nick Fancher

In-Kind Supporters: Jolie Laide, Middle West Spirits, Pepsi Cola Bottling of Columbus, and Rainer/S77

Josh and the “happy trays” at Middle West Spirits.

The story of this year’s fashion-show cocktail has two parts. Act I occurred on a cloudy day in March when my colleagues and I quietly snuck out… ahem, I mean purposefully went out to meet the lovely gentlemen from Middle West Spirits (MWS).

I got to do this last year. Sometimes my job simply rocks (there’s an on-the-rocks joke in here somewhere, but I can’t find it).

This year we were invited to do the cocktail tasting at MWS, which I personally prefer. If you haven’t been, go to one of their tours. It’s hard to come by a group of people more passionate about what they do, and seeing where the magic happens is not only cool, but it smells really good in there when they are making the mash—like a bakery.

At a rustic wooden table under a fantastic chandelier, Josh set up two trays with the ingredients for two distinctly different drinks—I call them the happy trays.

If I had reviewed the ingredients ahead of time I would have told you before the tasting which cocktail I liked best.

I would have been wrong.

One option used the OYO stone fruit vodka (which I have a mad passion for) and champagne (um, HELLO, champagne). The second option used the OYO classic vodka and grapefruit. I hate grapefruit.  I mean I REALLY hate grapefruit.

A Vodka Runway

I’m not being subtle here, so you can probably guess which drink I ASSUMED I would like better. As I mentioned above: I was wrong. Apparently I LOVE grapefruit if you mix it with vodka and St. Germain Elderflower liqueur.

Side question: does it count as a fruit serving if you mix it with vodka?

So we chose a drink that is a fun little twist on a greyhound, but it really needed a special event-night name (just like I need special event-night shoes).

Last year we didn’t bother to come up with a name for our Middle West Spirits cocktail, and that was sad. This year, we looked to a team of dedicated experts to help us Christen our new baby: our host committee.

And thus we arrive at Act II, which took place quite recently on a warm, sunny April evening.

Let me set the scene: It’s 5 o’clock in the hour of happy, and gathered at CCAD (in an undisclosed location) is a selection of dignitaries from our host committee. I’m not going to lie, they are a rowdy bunch.

Their mission: to liberally sample our event-night cocktail, and then name it.

They took their task seriously. Well, maybe “seriously” isn’t the best word… they were dedicated in their work. Yeah, that’s better.

There was some lively debate (and googling to ensure that we weren’t stealing an existing name), but in the end a name suggested by our committee chair Peg Mativi was the clear choice.  On May 10 at THE fashion event in Cbus, you can enjoy a Vodka Runway.

That is, if you get your tickets before they sell out.

Check out the 2012 show!

The fashion show tickets are here!

The fashion show tickets are here!

Ok, I got that out of my system (and I swear I wasn’t just jumping around my office shouting that. Really). But seriously, tickets are now on sale for CCAD’s May 10 fashion EVENT. That’s right, I said event, because it is so much more than a show (haven’t been? Check out the video).

The three most important things you need to know right-this-second are:

1. We are once again offering a special advance-purchase price. Buy now, and not only do you save a few bucks but you ensure that you actually get a ticket—we keep selling out and we’ve run out of places to add seats (believe me we’ve tried).
2. Limited Brands Foundation has once again stepped up as our title sponsor. This generous sponsorship is further evidence of the foundation’s commitment to and investment in our creative community.
3. This event raises funds for scholarships—every attendee and sponsor is investing in a CCAD student’s education while having an amazing night on our campus.

Each year we strive to top the year before. This year we have a larger senior class. With so much talent to tap into we are planning to extend the show; however, with so many designers, each allowed to present for consideration up to six garments, there is going to be even more fierce competition to impress the jury and get those looks on the runway.

We’ve brought back fashion blogger Kristen Foley, and she recently shared another exciting twist to this year’s runway show.  Each designer will be truly presenting their own collection. That is, there is no overarching theme. The work we see this year will be a pure reflection of the designer’s inspiration. Soon, Kristen will be sitting down with each designer so we can learn a little bit more about what they have planned for this May.

Each year we are thrilled and humbled by the support we get from our business partners through sponsorships. Their generosity ensures we produce a great event and still raise those critical scholarship dollars.

If you happen to be checking out this post after the publish date there is a very good chance more partners have joined us, so please take a second to visit the event page for a full list of supporters—and show that you appreciate their support of local causes, by supporting them.

Without further ado, a big thanks to: Runway Sponsor, EXPRESS;  Fashion Lookbook Sponsor, Abercrombie & Fitch; Easton Fashion Award Sponsor, Easton Town Center;  VIP Cocktail Reception Sponsors, Nationwide & Justice; Couture Sponsors, Diamond Cellar, Huntington Bank, Lane Bryant, Macy’s, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, RG Barry/Dearfoams, and THE LIMITED; In-Kind Sponsors, Cameron Mitchell Catering, Heidelberg Distributing Company, Live! Technologies, LLC, Mukha Custom Cosmetics, Mumm Napa, and Ologie; In-Kind Supporters, Middle West Spirits; and Media Sponsor, CD102.5.

While you are heading to our event page to get your tickets, also be sure to check out our ever-growing host committee chaired by the fabulous Peg Mativi and Donald Dick.

Back stage chaos.

7 p.m.

It is the calm before the storm.

Well, if you don’t include the backstage area where the storm has already struck in the form of whirling dervish hair dressers, make-up artists, models, and frantic senior designers who are about to see their garments shoot down the runway.

The registration tables are armed and ready for the 800 + guests who will soon come to join us to celebrate another year of amazing art and design—and of course a spectacular runway show.

Thanks to Limitedbrands Foundation, who once again stepped up to be the event’s title sponsor, we truly can celebrate knowing we have raised significant dollars to support the scholarships that help make the dream of a college education a reality.

The VIP pre-show party, sponsored by Nationwide, is set up and ready. The caterers are standing by to share delightful tidbits of nosh that look almost too good to eat. (Almost. There really should be a special bloggers snack plate, don’t ya think?) The bartenders are stocked and ready to pour.

The bartenders are well stocked.

Of course, those bartenders will be extra busy later when all of our guests head back towards our mixologist after the runway show to enjoy a drink and some dancing thanks to our Après Runway Sponsors Capital Style Magazine and Justice. But before the post-show party, there will be one hella-good show as one-of-a-kind fashion struts down the runway, which comes to us thanks to EXPRESS; and, at some point in the proceedings, Easton Town Center will honor one of the fashion students with the inaugural Easton Fashion Award.

But, for now, things are calm. Surrounding the runway are neat rows of seats, each topped with a lookbook, sponsored by Abercrombie & Fitch, and gift provided by Mukha Custom Cosmetics. Soon those seats will be filled by VIP ticket holders.

Sponsors, of course, are crucial to a fundraising event and I really do need to take a moment and be sure we thank every generous business and individual who has helped us build this experience.

Our Couture sponsors are Diamond Cellar, Huntington Bank, Lane Bryant, THE LIMITED, Macy’s, NORDSTROM, Polaris Fashion Place, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, and R.G. Barry/Dearfoams.

Our printing sponsor is Baesman and the General Admission Pre-Party sponsor is Union Café.

This year’s host committee co-chairs are Karen & Michael Fiorile and Ellen & Ed Yen

And our 2012 host committee is: Dana & Mitch Acock, Jakki & Jerry Allen, Jamie & Steve Allen, Trudy & Earl Bartley, Pam & Jack Beeler, Teresa & Brian Biernat, Kimberly A. Blackwell, W. Daniel Cordray, Mary & Colby Crall, Loann W. Crane, Bev Darwin, Phaedra & Michael Edwards, DeeDee & Herb Glimcher, Alexis Jacobs, Patty & Jerry Jurgensen, Charlotte & Jack Kessler, Monica & Doug Kridler, Stephanie & Adam Lewin, Peg Mativi & Donald Dick, Tim Maurer & Sanito Mendoza, Veda Nami, Jamie & Bill Reinbolt, Jody & Jeff Scheiman, Thekla Shackelford, Danielle & George Skestos, Jacqueline & Chris Snell, Arlene & Michael Weiss, and Lyn Williams.

Thank you!

Every aspect of our event is touched by community generosity via in-kind donations for everything from the catering via Cameron Mitchell Catering and the adult beverages from Heidelberg Distributing Company, Mumm Napa, and Middle West Spirits, who designed the event’s signature cocktail ARTini.

Backstage where the pre-show chaos reigns, Mukha Custom Cosmetics is once again making sure our models look fierce on the runway—and they are getting hair support from Studio Fovero.

There are behind the scenes elements (lights, video, sound) that usually go unnoticed other than the feeling the crowd gets when they witness a wonderfully staged event—much of the credit for that goes to Live! Technologies—although the thumping beats that get us from party to runway to party again come via our illustrious DJ Rainer. Oh, and speaking of the post-show party, VJ props go to Rainer and  S77.

And the exquisite lookbook that I mentioned before, well Ologie was a key player in mentoring its production along with the invite and branding for the show.

Flowers, chairs, tables and other event accessories come to us thanks to Lasting Impressions and FLOURISH bespoke floral & event styling.

Yum.

An event isn’t an EVENT, unless we sell tickets. That’s where our our media sponsors Capital Style Magazine and CD101 come in. They have spent the better part of the year helping us get the word out and sell tickets. Did you see our students in the May issue of Capital Style? If not, pick up a copy.

Oh, and despite rumors to the contrary, models need to eat—at least our student models do. Thanks to Donatos and Pepsi Cola Bottling of Columbus for keeping our students fed and hydrated during some long rehearsal hours. Also, walking in those heels…not as easy as it looks. Thanks to Foot Petals, inc for providing shoe inserts.

Big thanks and hearty applause to everyone who helped make this night happen.

Guests are arriving and I hear champagne popping, I wonder if I can sneak a canapé?

The 2012 Senior Fashion Show yet-to-be-named custom cocktail featuring OYO stone fruit vodka.

Plenty of jobs may drive you to drink, but only a handful will ASK you to.

Today I was tasked with tasting cocktails.

Don’t hate. This doesn’t happen often (I swear). Today’s tasting came about courtesy of the charming gents of Middle West Spirits, who have been working with us to develop a special cocktail for the 2012 Senior Fashion Show event on May 11.

If you are not familiar with Middle West Spirits I encourage you to check them out. A local micro distillery, MWS is the maker of OYO vodkas and whiskey, which have been getting some well-deserved local, regional, and national press. FYI: they do weekly public tours and tastings. I’ve been, and you will never see a group of people more passionate about what they do—plus, TASTING!

Anyways, back to the matter at hand. Today we tasted two distinctly different cocktails, both of which featured the newest member of the OYO family—stone fruit vodka. I could describe it for you but frankly MWS does a better job:

“OYO Stone Fruit presents a soft, sweet nose with fragrant floral notes of apricot and wildflowers. The spirit itself has a medium-full body, rich with flavors of tart cherry and citrus peel. The bright tart-cherry anchors the spirit’s center, and is gently rounded with the slightest note of almond, which finishes smoothly into an homage to Ohio’s sweet yellow peach. The spirit coats the tongue from front to back, with closing notes that are minerally and complex, balancing both sweet and tart in perfect harmony.”

Because I am a professional and take my job seriously, I insisted on tasting the vodka on its own first—love, love, love. If you are like me and prefer your drinks without mixers, the stone fruit vodka joins the OYO honey vanilla vodka as a wonderful, smooth, subtle spirit that begs to be served simply over ice.

Two drinks. One choice.

With that said, the two cocktails Josh from MWS mixed were so heavenly that we were faced with a Sophie’s choice. In  the end we chose one that includes fresh orange juice, hibiscus simple syrup, and is topped off with Champagne. It’s refreshing and not overwhelmingly sweet; and, well, fashion and Champagne seem to belong together.

So we have a signature cocktail for the night. What we don’t have is a name for it. Any Suggestion? Submit them here and we’ll seriously consider them.

In the meantime, get your tickets now while the advance purchase offer is still in play. Not only will our new custom cocktail be available but Middle West Spirits will be doing tastings in the main tent.

Well, it’s been fun, but now I’ve got stuff to do. First I need to go talk to someone about setting up my night-of blogging station in the main tent next to our new BFFs MWS. Then I need to step out to run an errand—I might need a bottle of the stone fruit vodka for my collection (which is at home, not at work. I swear).

Click to view video

I feel like I need a bullhorn—something really dramatic to announce that our fashion show tickets are now available for purchase.

If you’ve attended the fashion show in the past you know three important things about this event:

1. It’s awesome
2.  It’s a fundraiser that supports scholarships for the next generation of creative professionals.
3. It sells out—every year.

Sure you may be thinking:  “No rush. The event isn’t until May. I have plenty of time.” If the possibility of being left out isn’t incentive enough to purchase your ticket today, how about a special offer? Right now there is an advance-purchase opportunity—that is, buy now because the ticket prices will increase on March 15.

OK, now that we’ve talked tickets, I want to take a moment to talk about one more very important thing: Sponsors.

Sponsors make this event spectacular. Without their support there is no event. Their generosity ensures that we raise funds for scholarships. Now more than ever, scholarships are the great equalizer. They ensure that talented students can get the education they need to enter the creative economy.

In particular I want to thank our title sponsor the Limitedbrands Foundation. They have been generous supporters of this event for many years. Their philanthropy is an investment in CCAD. Scholarships lead to education, education develops a creative, competitive workforce.

In addition, big thanks to: Runway Sponsor, EXPRESS;  Fashion Lookbook Sponsor, Abercrombie & Fitch; Easton Fashion Award Sponsor, Easton Town Center;  VIP Cocktail Reception Sponsor, Nationwide; Après-Runway Dance Party Sponsors, alive! & Justice; Couture Sponsors, Diamond Cellar, Huntington Bank, Lane Bryant, Macy’s, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, & RG Barry/Dearfoams; Printing Sponsor, baseman; In-Kind Sponsors, Cameron Mitchell Catering, Heidelberg Distributing Company, Live!, Mukha Custom Cosmetics, & Ologie; In-Kind Supporters, Lasting Impressions, Pepsi Cola Bottling of Columbus, & Studio Fovero; In-Kind Friends, Donatos, Foot Petals, Inc., & Middle West Spirits; and Media Sponsors, Capital Style & CD101.

As you head over to the Fashion Show Event page please take a moment to note the sponsors listed there and our fabulous host committee co-chaired by Karen & Michael Fiorile and Ellen & Ed Yen.

Finally, on a side note, this is my third year blogging about the fashion show; and I am excited to announce a change—I will not be blogging alone. Another writer will be joining me (you’ll meet her later). It will be awesome to bring a new voice to the blog, but I’ll admit—it’s a little bittersweet. This gig is so fun that it’s hard to share even one interview or story.

There’s a lot coming up in the following months. There will be a photo shoot for the lookbook, a team of fashion professionals will come to review the designer’s collection and jury the final garments for the show, and we’ll introduce you to each of the designers.

OK, go get your tickets now.

Thanks to title sponsor Limted Brands Foundation & supporting sponsor Davis Foundation

6:30 p.m.

Very soon our first guests will begin to arrive. I just took a quick walk through of Design Studios on Broad and the big tent. In the “back stage” area all is organized chaos as the models go through hair and make-up. But the front of the house is, for just a moment, pristine and serene.

It’s beautiful.

Every year I am in awe at how all this comes together, and I am reminded of all of the amazing organizations and individuals that make it happen.

This year’s title sponsor is Limited Brands Foundation. Their significant support not only brings this event to life, but ensures that the real purpose of the night is realized—raising money for scholarships. They are joined by our supporting sponsor the William H. Davis, Dorothy M. Davis and William C. Davis Foundation.

As our Designer Ticket guests arrive they will go into an exclusive VIP pre-party thanks to the generosity of Co-Sponsors Justice and Nationwide. They will also enjoy some special perks including a high-end raffle item provided by in-kind sponsor Diamond Cellar.

Serene.

After a few cocktails, all of the guests will gather in the tent for the main event—Masters of Design, the 2011 Senior Fashion Show. And, this is an appropriate time to note our fantastic runway sponsor, EXPRESS.

Following the runway show, all guests are invited to the après-runway dance party sponsored by alive! And as guests leave (much later!) everyone will take home a gorgeous fashion-magazine-style catalog sponsored by Abercrombie & Fitch and created with in-kind sponsor Ologie. Designer Ticket holders will also go home with a bottle of Icon, the signature scent custom blended by in-kind sponsor Mukha Custom Cosmetics just for our event.

In keeping with our theme tonight we also have several couture sponsors: Huntington Bank , Macy’s, R.G. Barry/Dearfoams, State Auto Insurance Companies, and Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, Inc.

An event is made great by the details and many of these come to us via in-kind sponsors. In addition to the companies I just mentioned,  AKADA Hair Salon joins Mukha in providing hair and makeup for our models; Lasting Impressions Event Rentals  and Live Technologies, Inc., give us that fashion week feel; Cameron Mitchell Catering has created an amazing menu (as always); Heidelberg Distributing Company and Pepsi-Cola Bottling of Columbus join Middle West Spirits in keeping us refreshed—dancing is thirsty work—and FRESH French Floral Boutique brings the ambiance; Scott Cunningham did the amazing photography you will see in the catalog; Rainer Ziehm is our spectacular VJ; and Donatos Pizza made sure our designers, models, and crew were fed during the 5-hour tech rehearsal.

It’s also important to remember that for the last six months our media sponsors, Capital Style, CD101 at 102.5, Radio One, and Fashion Wire Press, have helped us get the word out and sell tickets.

Finally I have to give a shout out to our host committee. They commit themselves to making sure we sell the tickets we need to sell to generate scholarships.

Chairs: George & Danielle Skestos;  Christie Angel & Otto Beatty III, Connie Leal Ballenger, Trudy & Earl Bartley, Pam & Jack Beeler, Bev Bethge, Teresa & Brian Biernat, Kimberly A. Blackwell, W. Daniel Cordray, Mark Corna, Loann W. Crane, Toni M. Cunningham, Bev Darwin, Phaedra & Michael Edwards, Karen & Michael Fiorile, Gigi & Sam Fried, Joy & Mike Gonsiorowski, Patricia R. Hatler & Howard A. Coffin, Joan Hill, Alexis Jacobs, Tad & Nancy Jeffrey, Patty & Jerry Jurgensen, Matt Kallner & Kelly Carter, Gale King, Stephanie & Adam Lewin, Peg Mativi & Donald Dick, Tim Maurer & Sanito Mendoza, Veda Nami, Joel Pizzuti ,Jane & Rich Ramsey, Kara & Scott Razek, Jamie & Bill Reinbolt, Jody & Jeff Scheiman, Eda & David Schottenstein, Thekla Shackelford, Chris & Jacqueline Snell, Jen Walker, Arlene & Michael Weiss, Lyn Williams, and Ed & Ellen Yen.

(And, yes we sold out)

Very soon 700 plus people will enjoy what these supporters have helped to build. And generations of future students will realize their creative potential thanks to the scholarship funds raised tonight.

Thank you, everyone!

I think I see our first guests arriving …