NHL Party

What?

So apparently the National Hockey League hosted their all star game here in Columbus, OH & I suppose this is quite a big deal.  I am not a big sports girl, much less a hockey girl nor much less someone who would even be aware of this at all... except for: 

The Stage Pre Party

There was an AWESOME after party featuring Columbus themed decor & entertainment! There was an area for Octoberfest, an area for Italian Village (complete with Bocce Ball), an area for the Short North, an area for the Arts, much more areas featuring festivals & experiences (I think by Experience Columbus?)... but the reason I am aware that any of this happened is because they had designers showcase their designs from HighBall Halloween on a runway & then mingle in the crowd throughout the evening.

My Official Wrist Band
Had to put one on our models too!

I was VERY excited that Ashley & I's winning costume & one of our ready-wear looks were selected, however, I do have to mention I'm getting a little more anxious each time the costume is requested just because it seems that a 6 foot sphere (YES this costume is a 6ft in diameter circle with two 6ft + models in it) is a little hard to anticipate. Needless to say our costume did not grace the official "runway" each hour, but rather mingled. I actually LOVED this way more! 

Picture Break Backstage!
Jessica Rose & Abby Bowman

So after the awesome Annah Ijams Davis from Phia Salon worked her magic on the hair & Rahela Akasha Williams did so with makeup, I got our lovelies geared up & we went a wassailing among the crowds. Not gonna lie I got a little emotional:

Twins & Ragdoll
Jessica Rose & Abby Bowman
Note New Model for Ragdoll: Lexie Demyan
She was AWESOME... Came last minute, Improvised with some spiffy boots (hers)

Everyone who saw the costume had a reaction to it. Sometimes it was "whoa!", "creepy", "crazy", "what IS that" but so many people seemed generally impressed or in awe/wonder & so many wanted to have their picture taken with the models. The fact that I was part of a team (a small team of two with Ashley Wills of StyleOnHigh) who created something that people wanted to have their picture taken with (like it was some sort of monument/tourist attraction) felt pretty darn good. I got all sorts of feels, I felt proud, humbled, excited, protective, honored & just generally like wow... I guess I did something pretty cool. 

My Favorite shot of the twins from the evening
Jessica Rose & Abby Bowman

As a woman who has gone from being so passionate about making art to a woman so passionate about leaving the work force to be a mom... it feels good to know that I'm still relevant. I'm still making something. I haven't lost it all. I've still got some skill & creativity to share with the world and hey look... some people really like it. 

With the HighBall Logo on the Stage in the Background
Jessica Rose & Abby Bowman

 I'm just feeling really thankful for being a part of HighBall... it is so crazy fun! VERY thankful for an amazing co-designer, Ashley Wills. Also thank you to Stephanie Stein for making us a part of this event!

It was a long evening but we have the best two models who kept positive attitudes & smiles throughout the night.
Jessica Rose & Abby Bowman

Photos by me & my Iphone :)