Q & A Local Designers Making History
Fashion Week Columbus is just around the corner (September 14th-20th), and designers from all over are prepping their collections. Here’s a quick take on what Columbus means for fashion from 4 local designers we had an exclusive chance to interview (in alphabetical order):
The future is fashion for Columbus, and these four designers are helping make it happen.
ARTICLE BY BRICE BUNNER
Photo by Crimson photography
Candace Walker Jasmine Burton
From grade-school sketches to jaw-dropping outfits, Candace has been supported by the local community. “My mother placed me in youth classes at The Columbus College of Art and Design and in sewing courses at local JoAnn’s stores.” plus local haunts to inspire, “I loved going to the downtown library, and places like The Columbus Museum of Art, the old COSI, and The Ohio History Center.”
Add a strong conviction that, “God has blessed me with this skill and talent.” Candace says. “He is the original Creator, so every bit of creativity was derived from Him.” And you can see why Ms. Walker’s designs are charged with fashion power. Midwest ingenuity drives our fourth designer’s take on Columbus:
Making world-class designs is what Jasmine gains from her community. “The support here (in central Ohio) feels real and raw,” Jasmine explains, “it pushes me to stay true to myself and my vision.”
That support is what makes Columbus so unique. “The people, culture, local shows—they shaped me. Columbus gave me the space to fall, get back up, and push my vision forward.”
The city also helps Jasmine draw inspiration from her circumstances. “After having my daughter,” Jasmine remembers, “I went through a huge emotional and mental shift. My most recent work explores my postpartum experience—moving from darkness into light, pain into power.”
There’s a fashion community ready to accept you here no matter where you’re from, like our next designer:
Photo by Dysheen Davis of 3DM Photography
Photo by Patrice Brown
Photo by William Bartolini
Juan Jose Saenz-Ferreyros
Originally from Peru, Juan’s journey here—and the support he’s gained—shows what this town offers anyone with a vision. “Columbus welcomes the new and different.” Juan says. “Which allows me to include influences from my travels; be free to experiment and try new things.”
Juan has seen many of his dreams come to fruition, from “designing for famous people like Miss Peru Universe or Peruvian performer Daniella Darcourt, and having my designs appear on TV and in magazines…” but there’s still so much he wants to accomplish—now with Columbus as the backdrop.
“In Fashion,” he explains, “one has to be growing and changing—Columbus supports that.”
When inspiration strikes, our town has the means to help you make something of it. Just ask our third designer:
"The future of fashion in Columbus is big. It’s collaborative."
Thomas McClure, Founder of Fashion Week Columbus
Xantha Ward
“While I’ve showcased collections internationally—Milan, Paris, New York—it was Columbus that helped shape my foundation.” Xantha explains. “This place has seen me evolve and expand as a designer, and I pour that journey into every stitch.”
Xantha’s work blends beauty with sustainability. “I come from a place where we had to make something out of nothing.” She says. “That taught me resourcefulness, strength, and imagination. My commitment to sustainability, upcycling, and storytelling through fashion is deeply rooted in my experiences.” She continues, “I’ve endured heartbreak, joy, spiritual growth, and reinvention—all of that shows up in my collections.”
Her advice to young designers echoes that of the other three we interviewed. “If you’re creative and serious about your craft, Columbus can be the launchpad.” Xantha says. “It’s not about the city— it’s about the vision you bring to it.”
Photo by Crimson photography
ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STONE SMITH
Trends to Watch FOR THIS FALL
Fall fashion has arrived in stores, and it’s the perfect time for you to refresh your wardrobes. Planning ahead is essential before the best styles are gone and understanding what's trending now will help you shop smarter.
While big-box sales are tempting, I always recommend starting local first. You’re going to find more unique pieces while also supporting small businesses. Some of my favorite local spots for women are ModeAlise, BettyJo’s Boutique, Evolverie, Birch, Vernacular, Kins Collective, and Peyton & Peppy Boutique. I encourage you to adopt my shopping rule; If you can't think of three different ways you'll wear it, put it back.
At Sur(real) Style with Courtney, I help creative, growthminded individuals reconnect with themselves through intentional fashion. As a personal stylist, I believe getting dressed should feel both inspiring and effortless—especially as the seasons shift. Whether you’re curating a fresh fall wardrobe, craving a closet refresh, or seeking long-term style clarity, I’m here to guide you. My services go beyond trends, blending fashion psychology with personalized styling to help you dress like the main character in your own life. I specialize in helping women over 40 feel relevant and confident through wardrobe alignment, with services tailored to meet you where you are and introduce you to your elevated self. Explore more at surrealstylewithcourtney.com
Here are three trends to watch for along with some self-reflecting questions to guide your personal style.
Elevated Knitwear & Outerwear:
Cozy-chic knits, tactile textures, and outerwear with polish—think quilted coats or faux shearling.
Self-reflection: Can I see myself wearing this knit or coat regularly, or would it sit in the closet?
Modern Western & Utility Influence:
Ranch-inspired style through classic pieces like denim shirts, over-sized plaid jackets, utility vests, and suede boots.
Self-reflection: Do earthy tones, rugged textures, or structured denim align with my current wardrobe?
'70s Boho and Glamour Remix:
Go for one statement piece—think shimmer top or flowy printed dress—and pair it with basics like a denim jacket.
Self-reflection: Do I feel my best in expressive silhouettes or bold textures?
Photo by Christi Cartee
With Every Fiber
How one designer is redefining what it means to create sustainable fashion
As the sun shines down on Bluebird Hills Farm in Springfield, Ohio, a group of cars cross over and park on a lush patch of grass. The attendees of McConnell Arts Center’s Farm to Fashion workshop enter to meet the farm’s resident alpacas, who are tucked away from the sun’s rays in the safety of the barn’s awning. Celeste appears, food in hand, encouraging everyone to feed and pet the herd. “Feel how soft they are,” she chirps happily. You may not immediately associate a farm with the idea of fashion, but this bucolic scene is Celeste’s sphere, where the two ideas are one and the same.
Celeste Malvar-Stewart is more than a fiber artist. Through her distinctive designs and the genuine connection she’s carefully cultivated with farms in the community, Celeste has become a sustainability trailblazer.
A local in every sense, Celeste works primarily from her studio in German Village, and chooses to source her fibers locally as well. Bluebird Hills Farm is local resource that's particularly close to her heart, which shows in her friendship with both the owner Laurel Shouvlin and the sheep and alpacas who live there.
Celeste’s journey into sustainable fashion began in 2003 when she came into possession of salvaged textiles from the 1960’s. She was moved by the history these vintage fabrics
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY LABAKI
held. Since then, she has designed whimsical and inspiring pieces for her collections, incorporating both natural fibers and recycled fabrics. Her designs are hand-dyed and hand-felted, a time-consuming, but mesmerizing technique which makes each otherworldly piece truly unique.
Celeste begins this process by layering wool and alpaca fibers over her fabric, wetted with soapy water. In order to fuse the fibers together, she must scrub them between sheets of bubble wrap until they have become one layer attached to the fabric. Though laborious, it reveals a patchwork of colors and textures that is almost primal in its elegance.
After moving to German Village from New York City, Celeste was worried Columbus would not be able to match the excitement of The Big Apple; however, she soon found herself surprised at its vibrancy.
“I thought, ‘Oh, my god, there’s going to be nothing to do. What will I do?’” Celeste says. “But there was so much to do here!”
Photo by Shiann Banks
When she isn’t working in her studio, Celeste can be found teaching classes on sustainability at the Columbus College of Art and Design, working on collaborations with other local artists, or featuring her work on Columbus runways. In September, she will be appearing on the Inside Northwest Columbus Podcast.
The fashion industry is one of the leading contributors of waste and pollution, but designers like Celeste have shown that this can be changed through thoughtful practices like waste reduction and ethical treatment of animals. Her sincere, almost spiritual connection with the animals is so strong that Celeste knows every creature by name, and who provided the fiber for each piece she creates.
Celeste’s brand Malvar = Stewart features everything from runway-ready couture gowns to ready-to-wear pieces, with a goal of creating zero waste. She hopes her designs will bridge a connection between the wearer, their clothing, and the environment. Pieces can be viewed online at MalvarStewart.com or purchased from airoshowroom.com .
The beauty of her garments, she explains, is that while they’re made with intention, they don’t have to be perfect.
“There's a random aspect you have to be open to and embrace,” Celeste says, her voice radiating delight. “It’s so beautiful.”
The end result is not unlike Celeste herself - something magical and just a little bit wild.
Photo by Shiann Banks
Photo by Galvin Mason
ARTICLE BY PAM REID
OLD WALL, NEW TRICKS
HANG UP THE OLD WAY AND TRY A GALLERY WALL HANGING SYSTEM IN YOUR HOME.
One of my happy places is sitting in front of a museum wall gallery. I can admire art for hours, and if I’m with a friend, there’s no telling how long we’ll sit, reflect, and share our individual perspectives. If you’ve admired gallery wall displays in magazines, catalogs, or on social media and would like to create one in your home, it’s much easier than you might think.
DESIGNING YOUR GALLERY WALL
The first step in creating a gallery wall is planning. Start by selecting a theme or color scheme that complements your space. Themes can be as varied as black-and-white photographs, abstract paintings, or a mix of personal and artistic prints.
MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED:
• A gallery wall hanging system, which typically includes mounting rails, cables or rods, and hooks. You can find them pretty much anywhere, online or at your local home improvement store.
• A collection of frames and artwork.
• A level, measuring tape, and perhaps a laser pointer for precision.
CREATIVE ARRANGEMENTS
• The arrangement of your gallery wall can follow several patterns, depending on your taste:
• Linear: Artworks are hung in a straight line at eye level, creating a clean and orderly appearance.
• Grid: Perfect for a collection of similarly sized frames, this layout emphasizes structure and uniformity.
• Salon Style: This more traditional arrangement involves layering pieces closely together, often extending across the wall. It’s ideal for creating a rich, filled look.
INSTALLATION TIPS:
01 MEASURE YOUR SPACE:
Carefully measure the wall space where you want to install the gallery. Consider the height and width available, keeping in mind furniture and other room features.
02 LAY IT OUT:
Arrange your artwork on the floor to finalize your layout. This “dry run” is crucial to get a feel for how the pieces will interact with one another. I like to use painter’s tape to create a visual of what my display will look like on the walls.
03 INSTALL THE RAILS AND HANG YOUR ART:
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, mount the rails at the top of your wall. Ensure they are level and securely attached. Attach cables or rods to the rails, then use hooks to hang your frames. The beauty of the system is that you can adjust the height and position easily.
04 BALANCE AND SYMMETRY:
Step back to view your layout from different angles. Adjust the spacing and alignment as needed to achieve visual balance.
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Where the Heart Is
Expand your home with a deck or sunroom to breathe new life into familiar spaces.
What started as a simple conversation around the dinner table ultimately became the vision for a business that’s transforming homes and back yards all around Columbus. “With decades of experience in the industry and a shared desire to bring something special to Central Ohio,” begins Mike Chekanoff, Owner of Exterior Living Company (ELC), “we launched with a clear goal: to create custom decks and sunrooms that feel like a true extension of the home.”
ARTICLE BY BRICE BUNNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BERNOT
"It all starts with respect for the architecture. Then we focus on how the new space will interact with surrounding rooms, both with layout and lifestyle. We believe a great deck or sunroom should feel like it’s always been there."
Eat
your heart out, F.L. Wright
Breaking boundaries between in and outdoors, these home features are far more than just for looks. Matching the architecture of the home and the needs of the customer, the material choices and ultimate design is all borne out of the ‘bones’ of the house. “We take time to study the home’s style and finishes, so our work feels cohesive.” Chekanoff says, “—not like an afterthought.”
Not only with the look, but also the materials, ETC prides itself on matching every customer’s unique needs from every aspect of a design. “The families we work with inspire every project.” Mike explains. “Once we know their goals, we select materials that support that vision—whether it’s durability, ease of maintenance, or aesthetics.”
This match can push ETC to use new materials or technology as projects dictate. Like with a “recent Westerville project,” Mike recalls, “—a beautiful sunroom and deck combination with an ActivWall® window that really showcases our ability to integrate structure, style, and functionality.”
A heart beats in Worthington
Another element that keeps the company—and its team— at the top of their game is the willingness to tackle any sized project. Chekanoff considers a recent Worthington deck as “another standout project: over 1,200 square feet of stunning outdoor living space, perched on a ravine.”
“It had everything—” he continues, “multi-level design, curved elements, high-end materials, intricate lighting, and plenty of engineering challenges.” Challenges that are well within the scope of ETC’s extensive capabilities. “It’s the kind of project we live for.” Mike beams.
Worthington Project
The heart of the matter
When it comes to adding ETC’s services to your own expansive plans, there is no one-size -fits-all. But you can “start by asking how you want to use the space.” Chekanoff says. “Will it be year-round or seasonal? Is it for entertaining—big gatherings or cozy dinners for two?”
Most people think of decks and sunrooms as summer spaces, but with the right planning, they can become year-round retreats. “Insulated floors, walls, and ceilings, along with energy-efficient windows and a mini-split HVAC system,” He explains, “all make a huge difference— well beyond summer.”
And as for when to get started, Mike says that “fall is ideal for planning —there’s time to finalize designs, navigate approvals, and order materials so we can break ground early in the spring.” Taking time now to look at what your yard might be lacking could prove to be a great way to start Exterior Living next year.
Westerville Project
EXPRESSIVE
Living
DESIGNING WITH COLOR IN COLUMBUS
ARTICLE BY BRICE BUNNER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAMSEY BAKER
There’s a mantra in real estate: location, location, location . But for interior designers, it could easily be color, color, color. At least, that’s how Jessica Brugger, Founder and Creative Director of Dwell Well Design Co. sees it. And judging by the response she’s getting from clients, it’s clear she’s onto something.
“Oh, color is everywhere right now—and honestly, it’s about time!” Says Brugger. “We’ve moved into a season of spaces that actually feel personal and expressive.” And expressive is what Dwell Well does best. As Jessica says, “Color is such a powerful storytelling tool. It’s how homeowners say, ‘This is our home, and it doesn’t look like anyone else’s’.”
But there’s a deeper current to this line of thinking for Jessica. “I think this trend toward color is really about a bigger shift: people leaning into bold individuality and designing homes that feel uniquely theirs.” And that's exactly the kind of design Dwell Well focuses on.
CULTURAL TRENDING IN COLOR
There will always be timeless color options (like how black goes with everything), but trends do surface every year. As one who keeps her eye on those shifts, Jessica has a lot of insight that she can share with her clientele in this matter. “Culturally, I think we’re still feeling that post-pandemic craving for joy, comfort, and a return to craft and heritage.” A glacial move that has been building for some time, according to Brugger. “You can see it in palates that feel a little vintage, a little global, and full of soul.” Jessica reflects.
“But, for me, it will always be greens. There are endless variations—sage, olive, emerald, you name it—and they play so well with everything from vintage woods to sleek metals.” A warm and inviting color that transcends time. Matching nature can often be a hallmark of color styles. It’s as Jessica says, “Warm, earthy tones—like rich ochres, olive greens, and soft terracottas—are still going strong because they feel timeless and rooted.” Add to those hues a new direction and, like Jessica says, “I’ve been surprised (in the very best way) by how much deep aubergine and chartreuse are sneaking into the spotlight.”
GUSHING ON COLOR IN NEW ALBANY
We can see how Jessica’s affinity toward vibrancy plays out in practice with her recent refresh of a home in New Albany. With her client, the two were treading familiar territory and discovering the joy of color.
“This project was truly a dream.” She begins, “The homeowners had worked with a designer about ten years ago and were pretty hands-off in that process. The result was lovely, but it didn’t feel like them ...” When they met Jessica, it was love at first swatch. “They came to me and said, ‘We want color. We want bold ,’ So, we went for it.”
And ‘going for it’ included massive amounts of pigment and textures. “The result is a vibrant, layered space full of pattern, personality, and color—” Jessica recalls, “but it’s all grounded in classic shapes and thoughtful application, so it still feels cohesive and elevated.”
Jessica treads these color-rich waters with expert understanding of her clients’ wants and needs. “They’re a young, fun family who loves being at home, and now their space truly reflects that energy.”
FINDING COLOR-FILLED INSPIRATION IN THE CITY
Discovering ways to push every clients’ palate, Jessica is always looking for new trends and colors that speak to
her. “I spend a lot of time hunting for treasures right here in Columbus.” She says, “I’m a total sucker for a vintage find, so local boutiques and vintage shows are my happiest places.”
Tapping into the unique Columbus zeitgeist is a way to connect families’ homes to their location as well as to a trend.
“What I truly love about our local scene,” Jessica explains, “is the pride people take in creating homes that are livable, layered, and meaningful. We’re not trying to replicate Brooklyn or LA—we’re making our own thing here. It’s cozy, it’s collected, it’s elevated, and it’s got that unmistakable Midwest charm.”
Jessica's design firm takes translates that Midwest charm aesthetic into a palate of colors for homeowners. This lightning strikes most often while strolling around local neighborhoods “like German Village and my old stomping grounds, Bexley.” She says. “They’re packed with character, charm, and a ton of design inspo if you’re paying attention.”
The intersection of cutting-edge trends and local inspiration is where Jessica lives. “When I started Dwell Well,” she says, “I wanted to help people experience home in a way that feels deeply important—something that’s not just about aesthetics, but about how a space can truly reflect who we are.”
SEPTEMBER 2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 5TH
Columbus Oktoberfest
Ohio Expo Center & State Fair | 5:00 PM
Raise your beer stein and shout "prost" - it's Oktoberfest in Columbus! This event is free to enter and has something for the whole family. You can shop for German goods in the marktplatz, take in some fine entertainment, enjoy games and activities, or taste some of the best wurst around. Runs from September 5 to September 7. Auf geht's!
SEPTEMBER 11TH
Patriot Day
Village Green | 12:00 PM
Gather with your community to recognize the first responders, volunteers, and the lives lost during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. A ceremony with speakers and music will be organized by Leasure-Blackston American Legion Post 239 to honor the memory of those that were lost.
SEPTEMBER 13TH
Global Canvas at High Road Gallery
12 E Stafford Ave, Worthington, OH | 10:00 AM
If you like art, bring the family down to High Road Gallery for this free outdoor event. You'll be surrounded by artwork, pop-up vendor booths, music and more. All ages are welcome.
SEPTEMBER 20TH
Old Worthington Market Day
Streets of Downtown Worthington | 9:00 AM
It's time again for Market Day! The streets of Downtown Worthington will be bustling with music, entertainment and plenty of booths to peruse from crafters and vendors. Don't forget to grab a bite or two from local restaurants while you're there.
SEPTEMBER 25TH
American Inspiration
McConnell Arts Center | 7:00 PM
Join the Worthington Chamber Orchestra for an evening of music by Antonín Dvořák and Ben Shirley inspired by shared experiences of African American and Native American music, Central European folk traditions, and a backyard groundhog named Timmy. Tickets $30 for adults, $15 for students at mcconnellarts.org
SEPTEMBER 28TH
Harvest Festival
Old Historic Worthington | 12:00 PM
Autumn is finally here, and this Sunday Funday is harvest-themed! This event is family friendly with activities, vendors, and shopping available from local businesses. With fall in the air, this is sure to be a fun afternoon.
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Sleek Seamless
Every detail in this kitchen was chosen with care. From the light, natural cabinetry to the clean quartz countertops and playful pop of color on the back wall, the space feels open, warm, and completely livable. But what you don’t see is just as important—behind the scenes, our team brought it all together with a steady hand and clear communication. The layout flows. The finishes make sense. And the result is a kitchen that looks just right and works even better. Easygoing, modern, and built to last.
