Mackenzie Daugherty Debuts on the HighBall Halloween Fashion Stage
For the first time, Hops on High and HighBall Halloween are being celebrated together as a grand, festive kickoff to the fall season in the Short North Arts District. Coming up on Saturday, Oct. 3, the open streets event will bring elements of both highly-anticipated event series together for a full day of free and festive fun. The legendary HighBall Halloween Costume Couture Fashion Show will make the finale of the day’s entertainment, bringing five acclaimed designers to the Main Stage for the couture component of what has come to be known as the “nation’s most elaborate costume party.” Mackenzie Daugherty is making her debut to the HighBall Halloween stage as a recent fashion design graduate from CCAD. Mackenzie brings a knack for intricate details and a tendency toward historical references and gothic influences to her work.
Nicole: You shared that you enjoy incorporating historical references into your designs. What era do you draw the most inspiration from?
Mackenzie: My favorite era is the Edwardian era! I’ve always been drawn to exaggerated silhouettes, romantic dreariness and ornate lace, all three are pillars of Edwardian fashion. My favorite part of design is adding as many details as possible with intention and function, and the Edwardians did it so well!
Nicole: The costumes on the HighBall Halloween stage are always kept somewhat secret, but what can you tell us about your inspiration for your Costume Couture theme?
Mackenzie: If you already couldn’t guess, my theme is Edwardian Halloween! I wanted to combine the creepily cute, handmade Halloween costumes of the era with the traditional styles of the time. My collection features historical Halloween iconography with many ruffles and delicate details, perfect for a night of trick-or-treating or a grand outing on the town.
Nicole: Without giving away too much, what should audiences look forward to when your models come together on the HighBall Halloween catwalk?
Mackenzie: If you’re a fan of historical fashion, look for all of the references and details. I’ve researched the era extensively through CCAD’s amazing historical fashion archive and the Ohio History Center during my time in college. After taking in the silhouettes, take a second to focus on the appliqués and trims that complete my collection.
Nicole: Your interests and abilities extend across the practices of fashion, film and illustration. Tell us a bit about your creative process as a multidisciplinary artist.
Mackenzie: As an artist and designer, the first thing I have to do when I come up with an idea is sketch. I gather inspiration images and references and collage them in my sketchbook, making them tangible. Then I draw detailed illustrations to relay what’s in my head and how to create it into an actual garment. I thoroughly enjoy the design process, specifically sorting through inspiration, ideation and creating my final sketches!
Nicole: HighBall is as much about spectacle as it is about fashion. When audiences see your collection under the stage lights, what kind of emotional reaction do you hope they walk away with?
Mackenzie: As a fan of horror and all things spooky, I hope the audience gets a little fright. I always aim to include an innate creepiness in my work to reflect my interests and upbringing. My goal is to create a beautifully eerie atmosphere as my models walk the stage.
See Mackenzie’s designs take center stage at Hops on High featuring HighBall Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 3 in Columbus’ Short North Arts District. Mackenzie will compete with four additional talented designers in the Costume Couture Fashion Show for a $1,000 grand prize.
About the author
Nicole Kaunitz is senior director of marketing and creative services for the Short North Alliance.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database, artist-curated public art tours and stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.