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):
Jasmine Burton
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:
Juan 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:
Candace Walker
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:
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.”
"The future of fashion in Columbus is big. It’s collaborative."
Thomas McClure, Founder of Fashion Week Columbus