Festival Fashion: Then & Now

Fashion and music have always been a partnership, with musicians using fashion to create a persona and designers using music to set the mood at runway shows. It's certainly not a new concept but it is worth noting that the fashion-music entanglement has never been more apparent than this past March, when Kanye West graced the cover of the almighty Vogue just weeks before Rihanna was announced as the 2014 CFDA Fashion Icon of the Year.

Fashion writers worldwide debated whether or not either one of these musicians were legitimate "fashion" choices. But the truth is, just as much as "Blue Suede Shoes" and "F*** Me Pumps" inspire songs, the singers themselves have always inspired fashion. David Bowie, for instance, doesn't just sing "Fashion," David Bowie is fashion. The originality in his designer costumes have spawned countless Bowie-inspired runway collections (see DVF Fall 2013, Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2011, etc.). 

The point is, fashion people love music and music people love fashion. We are all united through the desire to express oneself through art, so a music festival can never really just be about music. According to Newton's laws of physics, or at least according to the made up laws in my head, it will always be a parade of peacocking fashionistas who were born to date drummers and inspire trends. A trend in motion stays in motion, or something like that. 

 Anyway, here is a retrospective look on music festivals and the fashion movements they have inspired...

Maybe you've heard of a little concert called Woodstock? The '69 festival touting "Peace & Music" left it's mark in fashion with its rebellious, carefree bohemian styles. And also for a whole lot of nudity. So you know, clothing is optional for this look, but if you want to cover up, loose layers, fringe, and bohemian prints strike the perfect chord.

necklace | top | shoes | skirt | bag

And then there was Live Aid, the massive same-day, dual-continental fundraiser that housed pretty much all of the most massive musical acts of 1985. Style-wise, this was a far cry from Woodstock. Government officials, including the royal family, were in attendance meaning a more laced up vibe overall. Nonetheless, it was the mid-80s so graphic prints, candy colored blazers, and over accessorizing still reigned supreme. 

bag | pants | necklace | blazer | shoes

And as a child of the 90s, my personal favorite- Lollapalooza. Originally created as a farewell tour for Jane's Addiction, it has since warped into a 2-3 day festival that has exposed some of the biggest names in rock music. This look is garage band grunge all the way. A little dark and moody, a little thrift store charm, and a whole lot of DGAF.  

bag | top | sunglasses | shorts | shoes

 It could be said that South by Southwest is the thinking man's festival. Starting off small in 1987, it has since grown to a music, film, and interactive event popular with hipsters everywhere. As well as the standard festival fashion fare, SXSW-goers are often seen in quirky prints, modest silhouettes, and all things vintage. 

hat | dress | glasses | shoes | bag

The Miami-based EDM festival, Ultra, brings out the loudest looks on the list. If a toddler took molly and dressed you up in its rainbow pony dreams, you would basically be all set for Ultra. Light up neons, sparkle unicorns, fur boots, and stacks and stacks of beaded bracelets are the norm. You can incorporate elements of this look into your style through playful graphics and prints, childlike accessories, and hologram accents. 

top | bag | shoes | bracelet | skirt

And the pièce de résistance, one of the largest, most famous, and most profitable music festivals in the United States- Coachella. With countless celebrities flocking to the festival, fashion magazines and blogs cover Coachella like it's Fashion Week's rebellious sister. And the style is the ultimate mash-up. If you took pieces from each of the previous festival looks and put them all on together, you would basically be right on trend for Coachella.

headpiece | top | shoes | shorts | bag

And Columbus fashion and music lovers have something to be really excited about this month with the most buzzed about festival event this city has seen yet!

Fashion Meets Music Festival

Labor Day Weekend, August 29-31

Arena District and Short North, Columbus

The nations largest fusion of fashion and music, FMMF will host over 120 musical acts including NGHBRS, Cold War Kids and Local Natives, to name a few, and a slew of runway shows, most notably for us, an AFM exclusive show as well as private collections by many of the AFW designers.

See you all there!

If you liked this post, let's connect other places, too!

My blog:

StyleOnHigh

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Runway to Reality: Getting the Looks from AFW

Alternative Fashion Week gives designers a chance to express themselves with complete freedom and that's an opportunity that wasn't missed during this year's Grand Finale Runway Show. From hand-felted dresses to those made entirely out of hair, the runway event was a truly spectacular expression through clothing. 

Below are some looks I've put together inspired by some of the noticeable trends from the show and what I took away from the collections...

First things first, when it comes to "alternative" fashion, edgy looks are always on trend. From the dominatrix-style pieces seen at House of Baboski and Isolda Couture to the glam rock styles at Shannon Kelleher Designs and Ryain, tough, sleek, and sexy was a popular combination.

To get the look, think strappy and black, like the dress and heels shown below. 

Edgy metallic accessories, like the handcuff clutch, and bold makeup, like the oxblood lipstick, lend a touch of glam to a tough ensemble. 

 dress | eye shadow | shoe | necklace | lipstick | phone case | bag

Another trend emerged through the use of lace, florals, and ladylike silhouettes at Elizabeth Ashleigh Designs, Carrol + Cleopatra, Anti.Label, and Phlipped Fashions. With nods to 30s and 40s silhouettes, these designers showed how to make vintage look current.

This style is all about an edgier take on femininity. Hourglass silhouettes, like this peplum top and high-waisted shorts, mixed with precious prints, like polka dots, florals, and hearts, lend a classic feminine air. While unexpected twists, like the use of leather, keep the look cool.  

top | shorts | watch | shoes | bag | sunglasses | eyeliner


And some designers said "screw everyday" and showed collections that were complete fantasy. HubbleScope went dark with a steam punk fairy vibe, Synthetic Rebellion went full-on Rapunzel, and Glamazon Jayne told a woodland nymph romance story.

Capture the essence of the fantasy life with layers of silk, lace, and ruffles. Get the braided goddess look with a faux plait headband and golden braided bag. Classic boots lend a steam punk air while rich lipstick and layered metals give some needed toughness to a very pretty look.

skirt | top | bag | headband | lipstick | necklace | boots


Raw edges and layers of hand-crafted fabrics look artistic and casually cool. Asymmetrical pieced layers that focused on draping and hand detailing were seen at Torn Angel, Jefferey Steele Designs, Molvar=Stewart, and Katelyn McClain Designs.

To get this style, either do a lot of DIYing or just look for items that are already distressed, like this tee and boots. Items that look hand-painted or hand-crafted, like the skirt and earrings, help add an artsy feel. Added layers and textures, like a draped fringe scarf and crackle nail polish, provide even more levels of visual interest.

top | shoes | skirt | nail polish | scarf | earrings | bag

Minimalism has been a major fashion movement in recent seasons and the designers at Arlo Menswear, Lydia Hopmann, and Oliver P. Zhang, took the look a step further with futuristic influences. Exaggerated shapes, unexpected materials, and solid color-blocking help add to the out-of-this-world feel.

To get this look, opt for silhouettes that are both simple and exaggerated, graphic elements, metallics, and geometric shapes. Space-age influences, like the moon boot-style sandals and astral ring, help propel your style into the future. 

dress | necklace | bag | ring | bracelets | nail polish | shoes

Now tell me: what's your favorite look?

Thanks for reading, now let's connect elsewhere!

StyleOnHigh.com

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Runway Re-hash: Reliving DRAUMA and the AFM Finale Show

Two grand events made the month of April so awesome that the Alternative Fashion Mob, along with fans all over the city, are still gabbing about it. If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at these larger-than-life events, here's a recap from a model's perspective!

On April 19^th, DRAUMA returned for their annual showcase of head-turning creations. A week later, the Alternative Fashion Week Finale Show gave another sartorial thrill. Having been lucky enough to model for DRAUMA and the AFM Finale two years in a row, I’ve become accustomed to the backstage mania and all it entails. 

Clothing: Trulie Scrumptious (Photo by Zombie Tapdance)

DRAUMA is a fusion of many things. It is a synthesis of art forms and of people. Those who attend DRAUMA wear their identities on their sleeves with every action, from style to behavior. They push the envelope on a daily basis, and one night a year, they celebrate their vastly unique perspectives. From wearable ensembles to avant garde hair and makeup and sometimes minimal fabric –  fashion, music and art came together at DRAUMA for an evening of arresting sights!

One of the most fun things about DRAUMA is that what I view behind the scenes is pretty much what the audience sees once models take to the runway. Girls and guys prancing about in glitter and body paint? Check. Women baring their chests in varying degrees of coverage (i.e. strategically placed waist length hair)? Seen it. Confetti, papier mache, latex, lace, chains, duct tape... Name a material, and chances are it’s been used for some aspect of a DRAUMA look. 

Look 1: Josie Wills (Photo by Shadow Services Photography); Look 2: Josie Wills (Photo by Jim Sanders Photography); Look 3: Green Fashion Designs (Photo by Shadow Services Photography)

But the fun isn’t relegated solely to cat-walkers! Attendees dress to impress in a range of creative get-ups that include stand-out pieces of their own. DRAUMA draws the most diverse pack of humans you’ll ever see and, as a model, I love that people come to the show in anticipation both of what they’ll be entertained with and what they can show off. If I love modeling enough to have had dead butterfly wings glued to my eyes, had my entire body coated in sparkles and laboriously washed out teased hair more times than I can remember, I appreciate when those coming to a show are just as stoked to get fancy, whatever that definition of fancy may be.

This year, DRAUMA also served as the kickoff to Alternative Fashion Week’s second year. Following DRAUMA, a full week of events made up AFW14, culminating in the Grand Finale Show on April 26^th. Highlighting 18 local designers, the show paid homage to the array of aesthetics encompassed in this city’s fashion mavens. A handful of the designers were veterans from last year’s inaugural show, but the majority of the collections stemmed from designers who were new to the Alternative Fashion Mob game. Throwing themselves into the madness, the pieces they toiled over took center stage at the finale show, and it was definitely a show to remember!

My stunning outfits - Look 1: Katelyn McClain Designs (Photo by Sen Bai); Look 2: Malvart = Stewart (Photo by Troy Mueller); Look 3: Lydia Hopmann (Photo by Sen Bai); Look 4: Esther Hall (Photo by Sen Bai)

This time around, I walked for four collections, which allowed me to don a beautiful assortment of looks. Fringe leggings and a hand-knit vest gave way to a painstakingly felted, hand-dyed wool and silk gown. If those looks weren’t a lesson in time-intensity, I was then clothed in a skirt and crop top made of patterned contact paper and super glue. I rounded out my runway time with an asymmetrical lace dress worn over shorts with a long vest.

Seeing AFM’s finale show both this and last year, the growth I witnessed was a sight to behold. This year’s show expanded the number of featured designers, which in turn meant more models, hair and makeup stylists. And though the rooms backstage were a bit tighter, that closeness led me to observe the tremendous talent around me. One collection used hair pieces in lieu of fabric and another used heavy upholstery for the most adorable crop top. A personal favorite of mine used rigid neon fabric to form modern street wear looks. 

Look 1: Synthetic Rebellion (Photo by Kris Misevski); Look 2: Oliver P. Zhang (Photo by Sen Bai); Look 3: Caroll + Cleo (Photo by Kris Misevski)

The pay-off for AFM’s Finale show is tough to put into words. For me, the connections I’ve made with both old and new friends and acquaintances are incomparable. The long hours of rehearsals and the adrenaline of outfit changes – it’s all worth it. There is no bigger satisfaction than commanding everyone’s attention, having cameras flash at the end of the runway, and subsequently being enveloped with kind words and hugs once the show is over.

Anyone involved in these types of events can identify with that odd combination of tired elation. At the end of the night, knowing you helped bring a designer’s vision to life is everything I live for. Energized and exhausted – that’s how I want to leave every show. DRAUMA and the AFM Finale were no exception, and that’s what will keep me coming back for more.

- Michaela Neu

Model and Alt Fashion Blogger

Rock the Vote!: Help Choose a Mobster for FMMF

It's starting to feel a whole lot like summer and you know what that means... festival season! Between the Columbus Arts Festival, Columbus Pride Festival and Parade, and ComFest, the city is packed with awesome events. And this summer is proving to be especially exciting with the newest addition to the summer lineup, the Fashion Meets Music Festival, coming to Columbus this August!

If you haven't heard about it yet, FMMF is a 3-day music festival that merges live music with fashion runway shows. Both the music and fashion lineups are already pretty amazing, but I hear they have a few major announcements still to come! 

One exciting announcement, in particular, is the addition of the Alternative Fashion Mob to the fashion lineup! We've been invited to feature collections from some of our best and brightest Mobsters. And you get to help choose one lucky designer who will be guaranteed a spot on the big stage! All you have to do is check out the collections from the Alternative Fashion Week Grand Finale show and cast YOUR vote for the fan favorite. The designer with the most votes will show their collection on the huge runway at FMMF!

And we should mention... If you vote, you'll be entered to win a KILLER prize pack that includes all sorts of tickets and swag from FMMF and Alternative Fashion Mob. Win-win!

Here's a little preview of the collections, but head to this link to see the full collections and cast your vote. And don't wait too long! The voting officially ends on May 31st!

So tell us, who do you want to see at FMMF?

Ashley is a local fashion blogger at StyleOnHigh.com. You can also follow her through social media:

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Fashion Plus Much More: Meet Brandee Bailous of House of Baboski

3 The Hard Way Media, Photography

Meet Columbus native Brandee Bailous of the House of Baboski (previously Baboski Fashions), who is new to the AFW this year. Her granny was the impetus for her dive into fashion, teaching her at a young age how to sew and use patterns. The fashionista bloomed from there a one year stint at Centenary College in NJ for fashion design and merchandising followed by training at the Ohio State Schools of Cosmetology.

Creativity is a way of life for her 24/7, hearing colors and seeing patterns and letting them flow out onto her mannequin...she very seldom sketches!

Specializing in plus size clothing, Brandee has found her niche creating designs for confident, willing-to-take-a-risk kind of people...everyday folks who want some pizzazz in their look. Inspired by nature and music, she believes that natural designs flow and calm her clientele. Although she is designing mostly for women she does also create menswear. 

Suitable Photography

Selling her clothing at Royal Factory, a boutique in the Short North, is how she got connected to the AFM gang. As she puts it: I felt that this was a great opportunity to give designers and models a shot who aren't considered mainstream. It gives us "crazy/weird" designers and models a platform to showcase our talents.

Suitable Photography

Last year this talented lady won 2013 POSED Fashion Awards Best Plus Size Designer and Best Plus Size Runway Model!! You go, girl!!!! And, in addition to the AFW Finale in April, she will be showing her pieces at the Great Lakes Fashion Showcase in Cleveland, The Full Figured Fashion Weekend in Cincy, and will be participating in the RAW Artist event in June.

This is one busy fashionista!!!

Q&A

What sets you apart from other designers?

I am hands on. I do hair, make up, styling and I am a model, so I also do runway coaching. I also sew 100% of my designs with no team and no assistant.

What is your favorite piece of clothing to wear?

My favorite piece of clothing surprisingly is a pair a sweat pants or lounge pants. I like to be comfortable. Lol. Sometimes I dress like a hobo, but when I clean up I get red carpet ready. 

If you could pick a rock/punk/rap/blues star for a muse who would that be?

I would pick Prince. I feel he is a mix of all those genres. His style of hair, music, and clothing is timeless that's why his career is so long lived. 

What fashion would you not be caught dead in??

I'm not really sure what I wouldn't be caught dead in. I'm a risk taker when it comes to fashion. I like to mix textures, patterns, prints and especially decades.

Contact info for readers:

email: bigbaboski04_99@yahoo.com
ig: baboski0499
twitter: baboski04_99
www.phantumsphantastyapparel.com


~ Vicki Oster

http://loveohiocraftersandartisans.wordpress.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/paperpiecesbyvicki

Meet The Tailored Man: Horacio Nieto of Arlo Menswear

 Hey, you DO know that AFM is not just about women's wear and woman designers, don't you? Well if you didn't, it's high time that you learned that it is also about cutting edge men's fashions and up-and-coming male designers. And we are pretty lucky to have some amazingly talented men on board this year!

We are pleased to announce one of the AFW menswear designers, Horacio Nieto, who was named by Michigan Avenue Magazine in 2012 as one of Chicago's "Top 12 Noteworthy Men" in the fashion industry. Nieto started Arlo Menswear in 2007 as a small line that made custom jackets for private clientele. Since that time, his line has expanded to include shirts, pants, vests and will soon feature underwear and handbags.

All photos courtesy of Dean Paul

Originally from South Texas, Nieto was always the 'arts and crafts' kind of kid, loving to sketch and think outside the box. In middle school, he began watching fashion programs on TV and designing. By high school, the fashion design bug was pretty much entrenched in his psyche. A Chicago design school was his next destination. After graduating in 2004, he worked for 10 years at a number of companies such as 1154 Lill Handbags, Ultimate Bride, and Souldier (they make guitar straps for bands like Dave Matthews Band, Sheryl Crow, and many more). This diverse background is what he believes sets him apart from other designers and has helped him in developing his own line.

His design aesthetic is very tailored and detailed, yet wearable. He loves fabric with texture, pattern and color. He always keeps his customers in mind, wanting to provide them with fashion pieces they'll want to wear on a daily basis.

He describes the man he designs for as:

"A man that wants to express his personality and emotions with his clothing. We have a range of men that purchase the clothing, such as the man that wants the more minimalistic pieces, to the man that is really fashion forward and wants to stand out. We always want to keep our customer in mind yet still stay true to the brand."

Inspiration for his designs come from just about everything: a leaf on the street, fine art, music, food, culture. He also states that making mistakes while creating is inevitable and should be not be viewed as a negative, but rather as a means to improve upon skills to reach the desired end product. 

Q&A:

Why Columbus and AFM?  

I moved for a job opportunity and then found Highball where I met the AFM folks and loved them.

What is your favorite aspect of fashion?

It's never boring...whatever we hate stays and what we love will be transformed!

What's your goal for Arlo Menswear? 

I would like for Arlo Menswear to become a brand that men across the nation will recognize and want to wear.

Considering how innovative and snazzy his clothes are, the fashion-minded man would be crazy not to help him make this dream come true!

~~Vicki Oster

http://loveohiocraftersandartisans.wordpress.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/paperpiecesbyvicki

Contact for readers: 

www.arlomenswear.com         

arlomenswear@gmail.com        

Twitter, Instagram & Tumblr: @ArloMenswear