The Fashion Show Fiasco and Triumph: My Unexpected Journey Into the First Hendersonville Fashion Show

Have you ever found yourself in the whirlwind of an unexpected adventure? That’s exactly what happened to me back in 2019. Picture this: a sunny June day, my friend Xavier Eckonen comes to me with a proposal that seemed as exciting as it was daunting. He wanted my help to promote a fashion show. Now, keep in mind, my business, Hendo.Today, was all about bringing stories to life through photography and videography. So, fashion? That was uncharted territory!

Fast forward to August 3rd. The venue? The Chariot, on Church Street. The talent? A young, brilliant designer from Asheville, Gee Gee Palmore, and the maestro of hairstyles, Gene Lyda from Hair On Main. I’ll admit, I had my doubts. When I first saw The Chariot, with its dated look and, believe it or not, a salad bar right in the middle of the room, I couldn’t help but think, “Is this where fashion dreams come to… play bingo?”

Despite the challenges, including a few hiccups with team coordination and a fundraising plan that fell through, the show must go on, right? Well, not quite. After a heart-to-heart with Xavier about his involvement with a model and my own reservations about going solo in this high-stakes world, the show was, unfortunately, a no-go. And yes, leaving Gee Gee in the lurch was a tough pill to swallow.

But wait, the story doesn’t end there! Fast forward to early 2020. Caleb, a genius in managing fashion shows, and I huddled with Renzo about a Spring Fashion Show. The stage was set at Renzo’s Speakeasy – an epitome of elegance. We were on a roll, casting calls, photoshoots… and then, a global pause button was hit by the pandemic.

Now, let’s jump to the fall of 2021. Xavier is back with a new proposal, and this time, the stage was the Continuum Art Gallery. My initial hesitation was quickly turned around by Caleb’s enthusiasm and the involvement of the stunning Brynn Burton, former Miss WNC of 2013. The fashion wheels were in motion once again!

Gee Gee? She was back too, weaving her magic with the styles. And the Continuum, oh, it was nothing short of breathtaking – a cosmopolitan gem with its worn brick walls, high ceilings, and an ambiance that screamed high fashion.

So, there we were, in the heart of this eclectic art space, surrounded by beauty, talent, and a buzz that can only be found in the world of fashion. The event was not just a show; it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the unyielding spirit of the fashion world.

From hesitant beginnings to a triumphant celebration, this journey was a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and ultimately, a dazzling success. It’s a story that I’ll cherish, a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the most extraordinary destinations.

The Second Fashion Show

Coming Soon!