Trinity Faust modeling for Annawear at the High Style Fashion Show.
Words by Emily Davis | Photography and Videography by Courtney Snyder
Culture vultures descended upon downtown Highlands, North Carolina, from May 17-19 to savor the varied delights of the town’s inaugural High Style event. Described as “a celebration of art, cuisine, fashion, and music,” the weekend of cultural indulgence kicked off with aplomb and set the stage for future High Style fests in years to come.
Festivities began on Friday evening with the Meet and Greet cocktail reception, as participating Highlands business owners, artists, presenters, and ticket holders raised their glasses in expectation of a successful weekend. Guests mingled, shared their talents, and became acquainted with the diverse schedule of exhibits planned for the following day.
The Inaugural High Style Fashion Show Presented by Visit Highlands. Video by Courtney Snyder.
On Saturday, the fête kicked off at 10 AM with the High Style Fashion Show, held on the terrace at The Bascom and surrounded by the art center’s verdant campus. Under near-perfect weather conditions, as cool mountain breezes refreshed spectators, the show featured models elegantly representing numerous Highlands boutiques. The stylish extravaganza was free and open to all, providing a preview of the latest spring and summer styles, and participants were encouraged to dress to impress.
VIP ticketholders sipped champagne as they enjoyed front-row views of the runway, showcasing many of their friends and neighbors and popular local business owners. Adorable young models Statten and Haven Barden opened the show and stole hearts as they paraded the runway in outfits by Highlands Kids.
Participating models also included:
- Vivian Bryson and Hannah McCall, representing Allison Diane Clothing
- Tracy Roman and Trinity Faust, representing Annawear
- Kyle Galloway and Skylar Messer, representing Bear Mountain Outfitters
- Cindy Clayton and Katherine Williamson, representing Elevation
- Myra Lewis and Haley Hays, representing Haley’s Fine Lingerie
- Claire Worley, Hilary Wilkes, Chris Wilkes, and Alastair Lamont, representing Highland Hiker
- Louisa Madill, representing TJ Bailey’s
- Gwyn Hardin and Copeland Hardin, representing Wit’s End
With such an array of chic attire from a variety of trusted brands, the audience left inspired to refresh their wardrobes. Later in the afternoon, those who attended the hat styling event at Highlands Hatter learned how to top off their new ‘fits with flair.
What an exciting diversion for Highlands residents and visitors! While our idyllic mountain town has long been lauded as an upscale shopping destination, fashion shows have historically been few and far between on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. With High Style spotlighting local boutique offerings, may we all feel more inspired to cultivate our distinct styles this season and beyond.
Left to right: Louisa Madill with TJ Bailey's | Chris Wilkes of Highland Hiker | Haley Hays of Haley's Fine Lingerie
Beyond fashion, High Style presented an array of opportunities for participants to immerse themselves in the arts and learn techniques from local experts. Frank Vickery exhibited his ceramics expertise, and a woodturning demonstration by The Western North Carolina Woodturners’ Club enlightened viewers at The Bascom. A meander through Village Square found plein air artist Pauline Marr at her easel, and at Jeanie Edwards Fine Art, Jeanie herself demonstrated painting techniques. Jewelry-making demos rounded out the weekend, with Laurel Parham-Martinez at Bijou “Little Jewel” of Highlands and Marci Sherwood at High Country Wine + Provisions teaching the value of skilled construction within their craft.
Live painting with Jeanie at Jeanie Edwards Fine Art.
Plein air artist Pauline Marr painted in Village Square.
Marci Sherwood of Isabelle Ambrose held a jewelry-making demonstration at High Country Wine + Provisions.
After wandering through town, shopping up a storm, and delighting their senses, attendees surely worked up voracious appetites. Recognizing that cuisine can also be an art form, High Style organizers wisely offered a cocktail class at Highlands Smokehouse and a charcuterie board class by Chef Suzanne. As always in Highlands, the numerous fine dining establishments scattered throughout town also threw open their doors to welcome arts aficionados to their tables.
And what is a celebration of arts and style without a proper soundtrack? Shoppers were serenaded by Zorki in Village Square, Charles Wood in Town Square, and Lisa Rankin and Kettle on Maple Street. Diners at The Ugly Dog were treated to live music by Byrds and Crows, while those at Highlands Smokehouse enjoyed the sounds of Southern Highlands. As festival attendees stopped into High Dive for liquid refreshment, they found ABC Combo entertaining the crowds while Doug Ramsey crooned his tunes at Highlands Wine Shoppe. A trip to Brookings brought dual treats of music by Curtis Blackwell and a fly-tying demonstration by the shop’s staff.
It was a wrap Saturday evening, as the crowd gathered at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park to toast a successful weekend of arts and fashion. Enjoying live music by Continental Divide at the town’s regular Saturdays on Pine Concert, Highlands residents and visitors recounted the day’s adventures and shared their inspirations.
Fly tying demonstration at Brookings.
Live music was set up throughout downtown Highlands, creating a soothing soundtrack to the day's festivities.
“We were delighted with the inaugural High Style Fashion Show,” said Kaye McHan, executive director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. “We take great pride in hosting an event that not only showcases the styles of Highlands' fabulous boutiques but also fosters a sense of community and connection among participants and attendees.”
While it is likely to grow in future years as news of the event spreads throughout the Plateau and down the mountain, this year’s High Style weekend established what is certain to become a beloved springtime tradition. In the meantime, be sure to strut your stuff down Main Street while enjoying the fine boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries that make Highlands a uniquely stylish Southern town.