Gerardo Enchinas

Captivating • Bold • Elevated

Gerardo Encinas is no stranger to pushing boundaries; his self-taught fashion stylings made him a mainstay of Fashion Week Columbus from 2016 to 2022. He has designed multiple dresses for our internationally known drag queen Nina West. He has been collaborating with Opera Columbus as a costume designer for operas like “The Poppea Project” and “Maria de Buenos Aires”, and their opera singers “Cooper-Bing Competition”. In 2021, Encinas ventured into retail, inaugurating his downtown Columbus boutique, a testament to his unwavering creativity. This is Gerardo’s second year participating in Highball Halloween.

Joann Madison

Captivating • Empowering • Dramatic

Joan Madison is a renowned fashion designer with over 3 decades of experience, known for her sophisticated, modern, high-fashion designs that bring empowering artistry to the runway. As the Proud winner and Reigning Highball Couture Champion, Joan is excited to come back to defend her crown with her newest Collection called the “The H’art of Couture “ so get ready for another unforgettable show!” 

Her journey into fashion commenced in her early years in New York City, where at age 7, she ignited her passion by designing and crafting custom clothing for her Barbie dolls, which she would then sell in the school cafeteria. Although her formal education in fashion design commenced at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Syracuse University, her foundational self-training significantly influenced her unique approach to design. Drawing from enriching experiences at esteemed dress houses such as Ellen Tracy, Liz Claiborne, and Ann Taylor, Joan’s passion for bridal and special occasion apparel culminated in 2006 when she founded her own full-service bridal salon in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in custom couture bridal gowns, prom dresses, and high fashion evening wear. 

Joan’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that the authentic spirit of a designer is reflected in their work. Her exceptional talent and craftsmanship are evident in her designs which are dramatic statement pieces that command attention when you walk in a room. Her high-fashion evening wear has graced the runways of renowned fashion events, including Columbus Fashion Week, Lexus Charleston Fashion Week (Charleston, SC), New York Fashion Week, and London Fashion Week. Joan Madison is a true visionary with an enduring legacy as a designer , and continues to inspire and empower women worldwide leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion

Rachel Katz & Shelly Teed

Whimsical • Theatrical • Dynamic

Rachel Katz is a four-time Highball Halloween participant back to fight for a win. Her experience outside of Highball includes cosplay, theatrical, and drag costuming. In addition to costuming Rachel began her creative journey in photography and still uses that medium to bring the story of her costume work to life.

Shelly has worked in the creative field on and off for over a decade as a model, costume designer, and creative director. The two crossed paths also nearly a decade ago after floating in the same creative circles, and in recent years finally combining their skills to bring exciting concepts to life.

Shiree Houf

Detailed • Whimsical • Theatrical

This is Shiree’s 13th year doing Highball Halloween! She’s a stay-at-home mom & freelances out of Pickerington. Last September Shiree was a finalist in the 2023 World of WearableArt (WOW) competition in Wellington, NZ. She’s 1 of 14 Americans, 120 total global finalists, & 6 to have designs featured (with 2pg spread) in the event’s program. Shiree’s designs have been featured with New Vision Dance Co., local theatre companies, drag artists, pageants, & more as a Greater Columbus Arts Council grant recipient (2020-2024). She has her MFA in Design from The Ohio State University, & a BA in Theatre from Miami University. She is honored to share her art with the community that raised & now continues to support her.

Storm Dolfi

Maximalist • Repurposed • Retro

New to HighBall this year, Storm Dolfi is a theatrical costume designer and artistic jack-of-all-trades. Pittsburgh native and Kent State graduate Storm focuses on using secondhand materials, letting them influence her playful and maximalist design style. Now living in Cincinnati, she designs stage costumes for Ohio’s largest high school three times a year. Her up-cycling and repurposing sensibilities shine through in her colorful wardrobe, quirky interior design, and love of collaging.

Xantha Ward

Urban • Contemporary • Funk

Xantha Ward, an illustrious fashion designer and artist, boasts over three decades of experience in high fashion. Armed with a robust business degree and specialized training in fashion design from the prestigious Columbus College of Art & Design, Xantha stands as a beacon of innovation and trendsetting in the fashion world.

Her genuine passion for design keeps her at the forefront of the industry and consistently places her in the limelight. Xantha’s remarkable talent has been showcased on a grand stage; she has crafted exquisite fashions for the Oprah Winfrey Network’s acclaimed television series, “Queen Sugar.” Her designs have been donned by the lead actress Rutina Wesley, who portrays Nova Bordelon, adding a touch of her unique style to the show’s visual narrative.

In addition to her television success, Xantha’s pioneering approach to fashion has earned her a feature in Forbes magazine, a testament to her creative prowess and entrepreneurial spirit. This feature highlighted her innovative designs and the successful launch of her second boutique, further cementing her status as a luminary in the fashion industry.

Xantha is a paragon of innovation in the fashion industry, passionately intertwining sustainability with creativity. Her ethos is rooted in transforming the old into the new, seeing the world as a boundless canvas where fashion and art converge seamlessly. Beyond her role as a designer, Xantha is deeply committed to nurturing future talents and mentoring young aspirants who dream of making their mark in the fashion world. She believes in sharing her gift, not just possessing it.

As an astute entrepreneur, Xantha owns and operates two exclusive boutiques and a unique Mobile Boutique, offering an exquisite collection of one-of-a-kind clothing, jewelry, and art. Her multifaceted career also spans writing, where she’s recognized as a published author, and motivational speaking, inspiring others through her words and deeds. Xantha’s artistic versatility shines through in her numerous self-produced and choreographed shows, both for her brand and others, displaying an unbridled passion for fashion.

With a career spanning over 30 years, Xantha’s expertise in fashion is vast and varied. Celebrated as a designer to the stars, her work has garnered acclaim in Forbes magazine. Her contributions to sustainable fashion have been recognized with numerous awards, highlighting her commitment to eco-conscious design. Recently, her collection made waves at the London England Fashion Week and Columbus Fashion Week, further cementing her status as an icon in the fashion industry.