Fashion Week Columbus Kicks Off With High Tea Runway Show

Polka dots, lace, and embroidered animal designs filled the first floor of Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph, as Fashion Week Columbus officially began Sunday, Nov. 8, with its 17th annual High Fashion Tea Runway Show.

The three-hour event ran from noon to 3 p.m. at the luxury hotel located at 620 N. High St., featuring a sophisticated atmosphere designed to kick off the week’s events. Guests entered the hotel wearing luxurious patterns and vibrant colors while enjoying cocktails served by Soul at The Joseph.

Yiema John, executive director of the Columbus Fashion Council, said the fashion show went better than she could have imagined. The goal was to create a Gilded Wonderland and a whimsical experience, made especially unique by its proximity to the holiday season.

Columbus fashion week kicks off with tea time runway show az — Photo: womanmagazine.com

SadieBaby Sweets provided miniature pastries that accompanied three hand-selected tea varieties—Caramel Cake Rooibos, Lady Marmalade Black, and Orange Blossom Oolong—during the launch event. Henri’s Cloud Nine and Silver Confetti Confections provided decorative backdrops that doubled as photo-ops for attendees.

Four distinct collections featured on the runway. Christopher Widdoes kicked off the presentations with Henri’s Cloud Nine, showcasing a combination of timeless fashion and modern elegance through glamorous silhouettes.

Maison Louiza followed for Louiza Couture, presenting bold statement pieces with detailed embroidery and rich colors intended to show the designer’s love for her heritage and culture. Fiona Rose then presented her brand, Fiona, featuring modernized vintage couture with vibrant colors, neutrals, loose beading, and enhanced silhouettes.

Fashion Week Columbus puts spotlight on talented Ohio designers

The finale spotlighted the Columbus Fashion Academy, marking Fashion Week Columbus’s first collaboration with the youth program. Student designers ranged in age from 4 to 16 years old, creating self-crafted looks using donated or recycled materials such as denim, silk, cotton, and sequins under the guidance of mentors Gwen Hatcher and Sareena Vrar.

“We create meaningful platforms and opportunities for local and emerging fashion designers,” John said, noting that the commitment extends to young and aspiring creatives finding their place in the industry.

Fashion Week Columbus runs through Nov. 14, offering eight distinct events across the city, including a Curve runway, a Recycled runway with a $600 cash prize, and a grand finale headlined by Project Runway alum Joan Madison. Admission costs vary from a price of $0 at the Macy’s Destination Holiday Show up to $161.69 for the final event.