If you thought that Columbus nightlife went to sleep in the summer months, think again.
Many Columbus residents are familiar with the whirlwind of Columbus Fashion Week or have at least heard of iconic Columbus designers like Joan Madison and Kevin Holley, and if not, they’ve definitely strutted their stuff up and down High Street.
There is no doubt that fashion is an integral piece of Columbus’ local art scene, with hundreds of events every year devoted to new trends, sustainability, networking and designer spotlights within the industry.
This is exactly why FACE 614 — an organization dedicated to sharing everything related to fashion, art, culture and entertainment in Columbus — created the annual Color of Summer event.
The Color of Summer Weekend kicks off Friday with events at both Jackie O’s On Fourth — located at 171 N. 4th St. — and The Kee — located at 225 Neilston St — quickly followed by the fashion show and the art and culinary showcase at the Columbus Museum of Art on July 6. The weekend will wrap up with the afterparty of all afterparties, The After-Glow, which will be held at The Bluestone — a church-turned-concert venue located at 583 E. Broad St. — and will include five DJs, a cigar lounge and a VIP area.
A variety of ticket options are available — ranging from $35-$80 for general admission and between $125-$900 for "all access" and VIP tickets — and can be purchased on eventbrite.
A mix of music, art and food, the highly anticipated Color of Summer weekend event is not only a celebration of fashion, but more specifically is a celebration of Black artists and designers — what FACE 614 is calling “Ohio’s ultimate Black art and culture event.”
Chandler James, a director, promoter and writer for FACE 614, said this year’s Color of Summer is not one to miss.
Aside from silent auctions, music and amazing food from renowned chefs around the area, James said that this is the very first year the event will span an entire weekend, rather than just a single day.
Although First Fridays — a facet of FACE 614 designed to provide monthly live experiences that bring together Black creators across Columbus — does its best to host multiple events throughout the year, James said that Color of Summer — which is going on its fifth year — is the organization’s largest event of the season.
The main goal, James said, is to “bring something bright and exciting and colorful to the city.”
Already gearing up for an upcoming partnership with the Columbus Museum of Art, James said that it was a no-brainer to host the event there, largely due to the size of the venue which is equipped to house the artists, models, designers, musicians, chefs and nearly 3,000 guests that are likely to attend this year's event.
Tomi Jones, a local makeup artist and the mastermind behind Truly Faces LLC, said she first joined the Color of Summer team in 2023, knowing it would be a great opportunity to connect with others in the local community.
“This event is an opportunity for people to pop out,” Jones said. “You’re pulling your best out of your closet, or you’re getting your best design from one of the designers.”
Jones said that she is always willing to help others who are just entering the modeling industry, given her 10-year modeling career — which began in 2014 when she was signed to Elite Model Management in Miami, Florida and has continued through today.
“They’ll come to me for advice or they may need help with their walk,” Jones said. “They can always turn to me.”
Whether Jones is putting the finishing touches on a model’s makeup or giving someone the courage they need to strut down the catwalk with pride, she said she understands the ins and outs of fashion shows like the back of her hand.
“I love having a successful show,” Jones said. “Just seeing everybody having a good time and enjoying themselves, dressed up to the nines — it’s a whole experience for me. It’s just amazing.”
With her modeling and makeup experience — not to mention her time spent in the music industry — Jones said she didn’t hesitate when given the opportunity to participate in the Color of Summer weekend for another year.
Having participated in Color of Summer for years now, Zuri Greer, Columbus designer and co-owner of Persona Custom Clothiers, said he is very familiar with the event.
Greer said he and his business partner, Derek Robinson, know how to work collaboratively with others given their brand’s focus on designing and creating custom suits for its clients.
The art of building trust and conviction in yourself and others is no easy feat, but Greer said he understands that this is what makes Color of Summer such a beautiful affair. Rather than being as stressful as the many Fashion Weeks he has participated in across America, he said that Color of Summer is an amazing source of “camaraderie” between designers.
Greer said he feels the connection “particularly with the designers who are participating, but also [with] the designers who are just there, showing [their] support.” He also said that even if he isn’t showing any designs, he attends every year to support the community.
Greer emphasized the excitement that stems from the event, saying, “I’m not doing Color of Summer and toning it down.”
James, Jones and Greer all agreed on one thing, Color of Summer is not an event to miss.
For more information and to purchase tickets for this year's Color of Summer events visit FACE 614's website.
