Photo by Robert Walker
This year’s Highball event is channeling the King of Pop, with Michael Jackson tribute band Who’s Bad and a couture fashion show featuring five returning designers and five new ones.
Who’s Bad will perform at HighBall: On the Rocks MICHAEL JACKSON on Oct. 23, along with The Floorwalkers and Angela Perley & The Howlin’ Moons. On Oct. 24, performers will include MojoFlo and The Girls!
Public costume contests will be both Friday, where attendees are encouraged to in their best Michael Jackson-inspire attire, and Saturday.
The couture fashion show on Oct. 24 will feature 32 designs. Two teams of two and six
Photo by Kris Misevski
individuals will compete. The teams and individuals will create one couture-style costume and three ready-to-wear costumes.
“It truly is a stunning showcase of design talent and ingenuity,” says Betsy Pandora, executive director of the Short North Alliance.
Each individual or team is provided with a $750 budget to design and construct their looks in a period of a bit over three months. The top designer or team will take home $1,000. Second place takes home $500, and third takes home $250.
Event partners Phia Salon and Reverse Vanity provide models’ hair styling and makeup, respectively.
“It’s pretty incredible to see what you can do,” Pandora says.
A call for local and regional designers is always announced in the summer. Applicants have included theatrical costume designers, fashion designers and product designers. Those who enter must submit a portfolio and a vision statement for their Highball looks.
“Their experience transcends many different backgrounds,” Pandora says.
Highball: On the Rocks will take place from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. on Oct. 23 and 24 in the Short North Arts District. For ticket information, visit highballcolumbus.org.
