By Janel St. John, Co-Regional Director, FGI Columbus

The Fashion Group International of Columbus, Inc. (FGI) hosted Central Ohio’s biggest night in fashion on Oct. 8, 2009. The 4th annual Cocktails & Catwalk, was held at BOMA and included several presentations: Fall Fashion Trends from New York, London, Milan and Paris, two student scholarships, 5 Style Star awards for best-dressed and special recognition of event founder, Danielle Revish. But it was the avant-garde felt creations of fashion designer TJ Horst, that were the star of the show.

After dinner, Horst took to the stage and ‘wowed’ the audience with his one-of-a-kind gowns, dresses, coats and shrugs. He debuted his new line of Ready to Wear, dusters to the audience of nearly 150 style enthusiasts and benefactors. He explained his process of creating the elaborate designs, by applying heat, moisture, chemicals and pressure to turn wool into felt. Each garment, made of 100-percent Falkland Wool, is heavy enough to keep you warm but light enough to breathe, because of the natural fibers. They have conformity and movement and ‘look good on every body shape.’  Horst studied art education and history at Kent State University where he earned both his bachelors and masters degrees. His garments are featured in galleries and museums throughout the country.

Each year, the FGI Columbus Foundation awards two scholarships. Cocktails & Catwalk is the annual scholarship fundraiser. This year, Joy Fleagle of Mt. Vernon Nazarene Univesity was awarded the Lola Hasson Scholarship. Kelsey Schaefer of the University of Cincinnati received the June Wells Dill Scholarship.

Scenes from Cocktails & Catwalk

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