Meet the six talented designers who will compete for a cash prize in the Costume Couture Fashion Show. Don’t miss your chance to see these out-of-this-world costume couture creations during HighBall Halloween 2025.
MEET THE DESIGNERS
Be part of the spectacle at HighBall Halloween 2025!
AARON JAMES
A COSTUME CRAFTS AFICIONADO, AARON JAMES BRINGS CHARACTERS TO LIFE THROUGH FABRIC AND FLAIR. HE IS ALWAYS LOOKING TO TELL A GREAT STORY IN STITCHES.
Aaron James is a seasoned costume designer and crafts person with a passion for storytelling through fabric, texture, and silhouette. Self-taught with over 15+ years experience, from 5th Ave windows to broadway stages, Aaron James has brought characters to life with distinctive, expressive costumes that resonate with audiences and performers alike.
ANDREW SHIELDS
ANDREW SHEILDS’ COLLECTION DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM ALIEN SEA LIFE, BIOLUMINESCENCE, DEEP-SEA SQUIDS, AND MYTHICAL MERMAIDS.
This year, Andrew is incorporating robotics and dynamic lighting effects into the fabrics and details to create a dramatic presentation on stage—especially when all the models come together in motion. Andrew super excited about this year!
MACY CLOER
MACY CLOER RECENTLY GRADUATED FROM CCAD STUDYING FASHION DESIGN, SHE LOVES GARMENT CONSTRUCTION, HISTORICAL FASHION, AND SHE HOPES TO BE A COUTURE PATTERN MAKER ONE DAY.
Macy Cloer recently graduated from CCAD studying fashion design. She loves garment construction, historical fashion, and recycling, She showcases this love in her senior collection “Anthurium”, a 5 piece collection featuring Denim corsets, wavy jeans, and a dress with a spiral bullet bra. She uses interesting embellishments and hardware, exaggerated silhouettes, and unique draping techniques throughout the collection. Macy challenges the notions of art and beauty and what fashion can be in her designs.
QUE JONES + STEVE PUHL JR.
THIS DREAM TEAM HAS BEEN WORKING TOGETHER FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS, AND HAVE BEEN FINALISTS AT HIGHBALL HALLOWEEN TWICE BEFORE. YOU CAN CATCH THEIR WORK ALL OVER THE COLUMBUS THEATER SCENE.
Que Jones is a local drag artist and designer specializing in larger than life creations for both drag queens and the stage world of opera. Steve Puhl Jr. is a scenic designer, and master carpenter, who’s extensive experience makes the magic happen all around Columbus. Together Steve grounds Que, and Que pushes the box of what Steve believes is technically possible; together they are unstoppable.
SHELLY TEED
SHELLY TEED IS A COSTUME DESIGNER KNOWN FOR HER CONCEPTUAL, STRUCTURAL, AND HIGHLY DETAILED CREATIONS.
With a background rooted in imaginative design and a sharp eye for form and function, her work brings bold narratives to life through wearable art. Shelly has been involved with Highball Halloween for three years, and 2025 marks her debut as a solo designer. Her costumes are a fusion of innovation and craftsmanship, pushing the boundaries of performance and visual storytelling.
SHIREE HOUF
SHIREE HOUF IS A WEARABLE ARTIST AND COSTUME DESIGNER.
Her favorite projects are “one & done” larger than life pieces that elicit big reactions for installations, exhibitions, drag performances, pageants, or costume competitions. She’s a 2023 World of WearableArt finalist & her entry, Captain King Midas, was selected to be featured introducing the Gold Section in the collectable program. Locally, she regularly participates & places in Highball Halloween’s Costume Couture Contest. Her designs are also frequently featured in New Vision Dance Co. productions, with a variety of Columbus Theatrical companies, & in a myriad of fun ways around the city as a Greater Columbus Arts Council grant recipient. Shiree has her MFA in Design from The Ohio State University & a BA in Theatre from Miami University. She is passionate about using her theatrical background to create memorable pieces.