Here are some great pictures captured by Rob Manko, taking during the designer couture fashion showdown. Enjoy!!!!!!!!

Above Design by Larissa Boiwka

Above Design by Larissa Boiwka

We hope you had as much fun as we did at HighBall Halloween!! The turn out from the community was amazing, the costumes were dazzling, and YOU made the night so much fun!

The costume contest was also a success! Hundreds of people entered but only few made it past the judges selections, and only ONE was lucky enough to take home the prize as overall best costume.  Sean Sproul, “The Devil,” was the overall costume winner at HighBall. Sproul received gifts from our sponsors but also a $1,000 check from The CW.

We had a couple questions for Sean Sproul about his devil creation and the making of his costume.

1.  What was your inspiration behind the your costume?

This costume actually has a little bit of a history going back to Halloween of 1999.  My partner and I had seen “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and decided to go as satyrs or pans (half goat, half man).  We had purchased some ceramic horns with an elastic band to hold them to your head at the Renaissance Festival earlier that Summer, so those got us started.  We then picked up a Simplicity pattern for a Halloween costume which made the furry goat’s legs, but the feet weren’t quite dramatic enough.  We painted our upper bodies with glitter paint and exaggerated our facial features with makeup.  We entered the Halloween costume contest at the Eagle but left disappointed.  So, the costumes were put into storage, sigh.  Then in 2001 a friend of mine who is a hairdresser decided we should enter as a different team.  We decided to go as dark angel (Satan) and white angel (Michael).  We started with the face of Satan which wasn’t a full mask but exaggerated features made of latex to be adhered to the face with spirit gum.  This included horns, cheeks, nose, ears, and chin.  We were just going to fill in the remaining exposed skin with some sort of face paint.  Then I had my first revelation.  What about using liquid latex to pain over the skin instead?  I didn’t want to shave my head, so we got a skull cap to cover my hair.  I knew I would have to shave any remaining exposed body hair, but that was okay.  We hadn’t considered the lower body yet, and then it came to us.  Why not use the legs we had used two years prior as part of the satyr outfits?  They needed to look more sinister though, so I spray painted them with some black paint, but didn’t expect or want them to be solid black, just charred looking.  So, I shaved my upper body, used spirit gum to adhere the facial features and skull cap, then Glenn started painting away with the red liquid latex.  He put on several layers letting each dry before adding the next.  He used black liquid latex for accents.  Then I just slipped into the legs and put the hooves on when we got to the bar.  I added the chain harness, spiked collar, spiked wrist bands, and bicep bands as finishing touches.  My hands are covered with rubber devil hands and held on by the spiked wrist bands.

2.  How did you come up with the idea?

The evolution of this costume is in answer #1.  Back in 2001 it took second place at the Eagle, and first place at Tradewinds.  It didn’t garner any attention at Union Station, sigh.

3.  What materials did you use to make your pants and shoes?

The pants are made out of faux fur, dark brown for the most part, light brown for the inner portions.  I then painted them with black to give them a burnt, more sinister look.  In my opinion it’s the shoes that really make the costume.  It’s a pair of tennis shoes screwed into a plank of wood about 3 inches in diameter with a notch taken out of the front to make it appear to be a cloven hoof.  The plank is about 6 1/2 inches on the back and 5 1/2″ on the front so the shoe sits on the top at a one inch decline.  The shoes are attached with screws and washers through the balls of the soul.  The result causes you to walk on your tippy toes, sort of a reverse high heel.  It’s as if you’re wearing high heels, but there is not heel support.  The support is under the balls of your feet, so it’s like you’re walking on your tippy toes.  The shoes were then covered in the dark brown fur with velcro strips to hold the fur in place over the top of the shoe as any visual sign of tennis shoes would definitely take away from the visual effect.  I credit my background in roller and ice skating for my balance.  I credit training for and running two marathons per year for my endurance.

4.  Which shops were you able to find your costume accessories?

The liquid latex came from The Garden.  Everything else was either from JoAnn Fabrics or Halloween costume shop close by.  The harness, wrist bands, collar, and bicep bands came from The Garden as well.

5.  Were you surprised you won the entire contest?

Most definitely.  I honestly didn’t even know what the prize was and didn’t expect to win.  I just asked my partner and friend if it was time for the Devil to come out of the closet yet again.  I had unveiled him a few times at private parties, and he always seemed to impress, so I figured why not?  It’ll be fun.  When we got to the Highball Halloween crowd it started to sink in to my partner just how effective the costume was based on how folks were reacting to it.  There literally were some who backed away and were sincerely creeped out by it, and others who seemed impressed and wanted pictures of or with the Devil.  To me that’s the real fun of it since I’m usually a shy and withdrawn person especially in crowds, but a costume allows you to shed that and just enjoy the attention.

6. How did you find out about HighBall Halloween?

My co-worker and friend Lori told me about it.  I’m ashamed to say I didn’t even know it was a scheduled event.

7.  What did you enjoy most about HighBall?

The interactions with the crowd and other contestants.  In my opinion the group I was in, Cirque Fantasy, was the best of all.  There were so many great costumes that I wouldn’t have wanted to be the one choosing.  I tried to interact with other contestants on stage and was cheering on the #18 group of black/white zombies.  I thought they looked great as did many others.

8.  Will you dress up for HighBall again next year?

My partner was initially saying not for a few years, but I think I might be able to convince him to give it another go.  He was so shocked that we won.  It was a great evening for us, one we won’t forget.

9. What costume tips would you recommended to other HighBall attendees?

I think the homemade inventions are the best, so try to be as creative as you can.  Some of the masks were awesome, but it was apparent that they were store bought.  Also, have fun with it, enjoy the moment.  If you’re approaching it as a task/job it will show.  Don’t take yourself so seriously.  As for my costume it was challenging to walk in, but I think that added to the effect.  Perhaps I could come up with an improvement in that regard.

Barb Wallace is one of 17 designers participating in this year’s High Ball Halloween Costume Couture Fashion Showdown.  I spoke with a very enthusiastic Barb Wallace about her many inspirations for this year’s four garments.  The crafty Wallace gathers mainly clothing from thrift stores around Columbus as a base for a garment.

“I have always used this style,” Wallace said.  “I see so much potential in every story!”  Wallace also searches for inspiration in magazines and incorporates them into her one of a kind thrifty design’s.  Wallace’s four pieces are designed around rocker yet feminine look incorporating studs, embellishments, chains, black skinny pants, ruffles, and other unique accessories.
Each designer is also creating a garment for the High Ball Costume Contest, which is open to the public.  Last year thousands of people created one of kind costumes that shocked even the most professional designers.

“It is so fun to see what everyone comes up with!” Wallace added.  “The costume I created for the costume contest is a juxtaposition of an industrial/organic look.  The look is inspired by a rooftop garden, a steel background with flowers cascading down the dress.” Wallace said.
Halloween is that time when you can let it all go! We are excited to see Barb’s designs, as well as the costumes from the rest of the designers.

Last week we interviewed HighBall host Nina West on various Halloween “things”

What was your favorite part of HighBall last year?

Nina West: The people and the amount of people was my favorite part. The energy last year was amazing and unexpected how crazy the crowd got, crazy in a good way! But the people are amazing and it’s really a huge melting pot of different types of people at HighBall, which makes this event so unique.

What do you think the judges are looking for in a winner for the Costume Couture Fashion Show?

N.W: After last year, I think the judges are looking for decadency & creativity.  Last year the judges looked for the most creative costume.  A costume that is jaw dropping and stand outs out should win the attention from the judges.   Halloween has always been a place where you can go the extra mile

What are you planning on asking Althea Harper?

N.W: I would ask her if she ever thought she would make it that far on Project Runway? Since she has never done a reality show, which is something very stressful, and thinking should would go so far?

What are you doing to prepare for HighBall this year?

N.W: I am trying to keep an even head while keeping in mind the size and scope of the event, as well as the large crowd.  This is the largest event I have ever hosted, which I am very excited about!   I want to make sure I do the community proud, I love this area. I have lived in Short North for almost 10 years and I am really excited to be a part of HighBall Halloween.

What are you planning on wearing?

N.W: It is a surprise of course!

What was Nina’s favorite outfit that she wore last year?

N.W: The Short North arches, people loved it.  Everyone wanted pictures with me! I loved it because we were in Short North under the arches, it was very fun.

What performances do we have to look forward to from Nina West?

N.W: This is Thriller! Thriller night…

What was your favorite performance you did last year?

N.W: My favorite thing, other than the crowd, is the community of the neighborhood, the business owners helping out and volunteers.  I didn’t have one favorite performance, I just wanted to make sure everyone was entertained.  But I love the whole atmosphere and of course the overwhelming sense of community is always so fun.

Does Nina have any tips for the Kings and Queens Costume Contestants?

N.W: GO BIG!! If your going to go in drag, which is common, you have to GO big, big hair, crazy makeup, outlandish drag costume. Don’t buy something at forever 21 and call it a day.  What is lost about drag is that it is an art form in itself. Going big is the theme of the event, being noticed! Don’t hesitate to do what you want to do, because the theme is masquerade!

Are you used to performing in front of predominantly gay audiences?

N.W: I usually perform large scale rehearsed productions that are very theatrical. But what makes Short North very special is that drag has become more mainstream..the transition in the last four years has really taken over.

How does this audience differ from other venues?

N.W: I have to take into consideration who is in the crowd and maintain a strong filter. This is not a small crowd! This event brings in a diverse group of people and…I am character, I am a man in a dress and there are people who have not always been around a drag queen, so I cannot be a threatening character.  But I have always been about entertaining people and I know how to do that.  I want to make everyone feel comfortable and engaged into the show.

What would you say the biggest difference is between HighBall Halloween and a typical Halloween Party?

N.W: This is an event that is open to anybody yet geared towards a specific clientele. This is a night you can be whoever you want to be! HBH is for everyone and what they feel Halloween means to them.

Are the costumes different at HighBall Halloween?

N.W: The costumes are mixed… some are very scary. What makes HBH so awesome are the costumes… they are decadent, gorgeous, grotesque, yet all somehow beautiful, but it is expected, it’s Halloween!

Is the event amplifed by being in the Short North District?

N.W: This event is embraced in a neighborhood marked by difference.  This is the gay center of the city & the arts center of the city.  Short North & HighBall give people a creative license to try something new.  People come in from the suburbs might go all out, in the spirit of the season.  The Short North District is truly an amazing cross section.

How did people react to you off stage?

N.W: Last year I walked around a lot and talked with people. Their comfort level could really adjust when I got into the mix. People were taking pictures then adding me on Facebook, it was just really fun.  Everyone was so cool.

Anything else?

N.W: I am really excited for this weekend! I cannot wait to see what everyone comes up with.

Kevin Kerr is more than just a local Columbus designer involved in this year’s High Ball Halloween Couture Fashion Showdown.  Kevin is the winner of 2008’s HighBall designer competition. His gorgeous Winter Queen costume wowed the judges and stole the show. What’s he planning for 2009?

Kevin Kerr’s 2008 High Ball Couture Fashion Showdown Winning Design.

For this year’s runway collection…

His inspirations stem from 1960’s models and actresses: Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton, Veruschka.  Kerr’s garments are simple pieces with oversized handmade mod jewelry. Researching fashion and old magazines helped Kerr with his 1960’s inspired theme. “I think these looks might be the next big thing,” Kerr said.

For his Couture Costume…

All Kerr will reveal is: “The piece will be something exotic, bird like. I am currently searching for fabrics. It’s a work in progress!”

Hmmm. Sounds mysterious!

We asked Kevin what he is most excited about for High Ball and he responded: “The creativity is incredible. People who aren’t professionals come up with amazing things! It is so fun to walk around and look at everyone’s creations.”

Check out Kevin’s creations at HighBall Halloween’s, Saturday, October 31^st. The Costume Couture Fashion Showdown begins at 8pm on the Costume Specialties runway at 4th Ave and High Street under the Short North arches. See you there.

Rising Star Althea Harper Will Hit the Runway with Original Designs and Help Judge Costume Contest

Dayton-born clothing designer Althea Harper was drawn to fashion at an early age. And on Saturday, October 31, this 24-year-old “Project Runway 6” contestant will be drawn back to Ohio as celebrity judge and featureddesigner for Columbus’ second annual HighBall Halloween.

This fashion-focused extravaganza will feature an 80-foot runway, professional models, live entertainment and a costume competition for fashion designers. Adults, children and pets will also compete for prizes, bragging rights and a moment in the spotlight. The theme for this year’s festival is “Cirque.”

A Young Designer Hits her Stride

Althea Harper is no stranger to visionary fashion design. “As a student, Althea was always thinking way beyond her skill set and pushing herself,” recalls Margie Voelker-Ferrier, professor and coordinator at University ofCincinnati (College of Design Art Architecture and Planning). “I think Althea has a beautiful aesthetic … she always makes women feel beautiful and elegant.”

The Project Runway judges clearly share Voelker-Ferrier’s view. As of this writing, Harper has edged out nineother contestants to reach Round 9 of the show. She’s won one of the weekly challenges, and she’s never been among the bottom three.

High-Powered Judges at HighBall Halloween ‘09

This year, Harper and her former professor will join a roster of industry professionals to help judge yourHalloween costume at the HighBall Halloween Costume Contest.

Do you have what it takes to make the HighBall runway?

Thousands will try. 40 will make it. One will win HighBall Costume of the Year. Come at 9:30 and show

Contest categories are:

• Best Celebrity Lookalike (sponsored by the Arena Grand Movie Theatre)
• Cirque Fantasy
• Best Tag Team (for teams of two or more people)
• Best King and Queen (drag, that is!)
• Simply Fabulous!

For more information about the costume contest, HighBall Halloween, and Althea Harper, visit HighBallHalloween.com.

blog content provided by Christa Sidman

Althea Harper

Althea Harper

My name is Dawn and I’ve been blogging these intros. I’m a freelance writer (with clips in  Utne, Wondertime, Salon and Bitch: A Feminist Response to Pop Culture) who has a one-woman marketing biz called Open Book Strategies. That’s how I met John. My colleague, Chris Shirer, brought me on board to help John understand the wonders of blogging. One day as we sat discussing tags, categories and other WordPress excitement John said, “Hey, you want to help us put together one hell of a Halloween party?” So I’ve been helping with our web 2.0 marketing including blogging the intros and twittering @HighballHallown. Tonight I’ll be helping staff the beer tents and lending a hand to the tear down. I’m thrilled to have had an inside view on what’s going to be the most exciting event of the year!

What’s your favorite kind of Halloween candy?

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, hands down. The kids know to just hand ‘em over.

Least favorite Halloween candy?

Raisins. Because I never bought into that “they’re nature’s candy” line.

What was your best ever Halloween costume?

The Raggedy Ann costume my mom made me when I was 9. It was impressive.

Which celebrity costume do you hope you DON’T see this year?

I can’t think of one, as long as it’s clever.

What part of the HighBall are you most excited about and why?

I’m excited to see the creativity of the crowds and of the designers. I can’t wait to see the live musicians because I hear they’re swell. And I’m looking forward to checking out the pics on flickr tomorrow!

We’re Angela and Cara with re*dress, your personal shoppers and wardrobe consultants in Columbus, Ohio.  We’ll shop for you for any occasion, or if the economy has you feeling down, we’ll help you clean-up your closet and make it feel new again without stepping foot in a store.  Check out our website at www.redresscolumbus.com.

This week we’ve taken on another challenge - we’re helping coordinate the runway show for HighBall Halloween.  Although we’ve both been involved in the retail industry for years and have attended many runway shows, actually coordinating one is a new experience for us!  And believe us, there is a LOT to coordinate.  After our initial meeting, we hit the ground running: we contacted Dan to discuss the backdrop screen for the runway show (should we project designer names? or images?), we’re in touch with DJ Moxy to discuss the music for the show, and we’re talking to Ryan to find out what designers are committed to the show and how many looks they have going down the runway.  We’re working with the Phia Salon to coordinate times for the models and designers to come in and create hair styles for the models. And don’t forget the make-up!  50 models, 12 designers, 8 hair stylists, 8 make-up artists, countless AV and tech helpers, a DJ and an emcee put on a show that looks effortless and can rival the shows at Fashion Week.  See you on tomorrow!

Anyone can tell you, arranging a glamorous event is anything but glamorous. There’s a lot of drudge work that has to happen — permits to get, beer truck arrangements to be made, figuring out who’s going to pick up all the trash — it’s a thankless job. Sure, people will remember the amazing costumes; they’ll reminisce about their first sip of a Halloween HighBall (the official drink of HighBall); they’ll flash pictures to prove they were there. But do you think partygoers stop to pay tribute to the behind-the-scenes work? No, not if you did your job right. When things go seamlessly well, it’s due to the invisible but vital work of folks like Candice Watkins. She makes amazing events happen for the Hot Times Community Arts & Music Festival, ComFest and The Ohioana Book Festival. We’re damn lucky to have her on HighBall.

What’s your favorite kind of Halloween candy?

Candy Corn

Least favorite Halloween candy?

Candy Corn. I eat way too much of it sending it from a favorite to not a favorite in short order!

What was your best ever Halloween costume?

The blue moon sequined outfit with a beautiful mask.

Which celebrity costume do you hope you DON’T see this year?

Britney.

What part of the HighBall are you most excited about and why?

The whole thing is a unique and unusual experience for us all. I look forward to the whole thing going smoothly!

We know many of you are most excited about the Costume Couture Fashion Showdown — and well you should! This is what’s going to set  our Columbus Halloween celebration apart from all other cities’ celebrations. As you know Columbus is one of THE most creative cities around — don’t let our football reputation fool you! As proof, we had two designers on this season’s round of Project Runway and both Kelli and Terri have agreed to be part of the show. Here’s some of Kelli’s advice about making YOUR Halloween costume memorable!

When choosing a costume for Halloween, I usually try to incorporate my natural design aesthetic into the idea. In my case, the costume ends up looking, “pretty ugly.” Just think— ”vintage doll meets psychotic lunatic!”

Although “pretty” is key, I strive to avoid “sexy”. Being scary is what Halloween is all about, and I LOVE applying the over the top makeup!

Last year, I was interested in painting myself, as well as creating a unique costume that both my boyfriend and I could be a part of.

My initial plan, as always, was to think of something that was pretty, but was also “mean.” My boyfriend was interested in being a witch doctor, so immediately I thought, “VOODOO DOLL!!!!”

Once the idea is in place, there is no stopping me. I started by buying burlap and whipping up a dress. Then I  ripped apart a grass skirt and made straw for the tulle underneath the skirt. The most difficult part was getting the pins to stick in my neck! I did some research, and discovered that I could layer latex and shove the straight pins in BEFORE I glued it to my neck……that REALLY made the outfit complete.

My suggestions for creating YOUR Halloween costume is to find out what kind of image that you want to present. Do you want to be Sexy? Scary? Funny? Next, try and find one key “shock element” that will scream your idea, and you can easily build from there.