XANTHA
IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU
MEDIA COVERAGE + LINKS
By Felix Hoover
Photos by Terry Gilliam

For YourNewsColumbus.com

Columbus--Xantha Ward’s latest fashion show included an extra layer of depth that went beyond fabric and models’ flesh.
Social consciousness added an extra dimension to her presentation on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the King Arts Complex .
“I wanted to let people know about Darfur and what’s going on in Sudan,” said Ward, 40, of the East Side.
The program introduced her spring-summer collection for 2009, which incorporates a variety of materials, some of which are recycled.
Ward’s longtime followers have witnessed the evolution of her work.
The last scene, her avant-garde collection, impressed Lisa Scott and Samara Tillman.
“When she first began she was doing denim, but now she’s taking off with different fabrics,” Scott began and Tillman finished.
Scott and Tillman also liked Ward’s inclusion of other young designers in the program, which featured styles for young and mature women of various shapes and sizes.
The show was presented mostly by and for women, but a few men, such as saxophonist Michael Branch, added their presence on stage. Other men were found in the audience.
Camau Lipscomb from South Carolina, with his spiffy attire would have fit in among the models, but he was among the observers. One of his reasons for attending the show was to see his
Aunt Majeedah, one of the models. But he also took note of the fashions worn by other models.
“I like to see new material,” he said.  “A black dress with a button design really caught my eye.”    
Ward’s Web site is www.xanthadesigns.com

Photos by Terry Gilliam
Write up by "YourNewsColumbus.com"
September 16, 2006
Columbus couture
Tracy Turner

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Xantha Ward is hosting her own version of Fashion Week.

But the Columbus designer's show won't be in New York, where scores of international designers this week are showcasing their fashions for Spring 2007, and it won't be held this week.
The intent, however, is the same: "It's all part of an effort to brand my designs and introduce them to a larger market," Ward said.

Consider hers a mini trade show for the fashion industry.

The Columbus designer, known for her small line of couture denims, wraps, jackets, belts, hats and jewelry, isn't likely to make a dent in the growing women's fashion industry, which rang up sales
of $101 billion last year.

But the Xantha line has attracted a loyal following, mostly of professional women.

"Her designs are one-of-a-kind," said Anita Fulton of Bexley, who said she's worn Xantha apparel for four years. "The accessories are fabulous. Having the Xantha line here takes away the need to
go to the East Coast for fabulous designs."

While central Ohio isn't the fashion capital that New York is, its stature is growing in the fashion industry, said Richard Aschenbrand, dean of visual communications at the Columbus College of
Art and Design.

That growth, he said, is fueled by the fact that several national retailers, such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Limited Brands, have made central Ohio their corporate headquarters.

"For so many years, that 'cow-town' label existed, but I don't think it exists anymore," he said. "With the headquarters of such important corporations directly in Columbus now, we'd be
shortchanging ourselves if we didn't consider this an important headquarters for design."

In fact, Limited Brands does some recruiting locally, spokesman Anthony Hebron said. The company, which hosts CCAD's annual spring fashion showcase at its Columbus headquarters, has hired
graduates from the school, Hebron said.

That's just one example of how the $200 billion fashion industry is beginning to take more notice of non-East Coast designers, said Lezley Goldbaum, analyst with the Tobe Report, a fashion and
retail consulting firm in New York.

Designers who aren't based in New York say it's easier to get their designs noticed by heavyweights in the fashion industry, she said.

As a Columbus designer, Ward relies on the Internet to gain a larger market for her designs. She's created an online catalog and has clients throughout Ohio and across the country. Her line,
hand-sewn, ranges from $75 for real and faux fur-lined customized hats to $250 for intricately designed purses.

Several of her clients are eagerly awaiting the Sept. 30 fashion show that Ward will hold at Veterans Memorial.

"She's an up-and-coming designer whose clothes are affordable and accessible," said Audrey Hutchings of Reynoldsburg.

"She puts a lot of herself into each design and is able to create pieces that cater to the client's personality but still manages to maintain the Xantha flair."

tturner@dispatch.com  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Copyright (c) 2006 The Dispatch Printing Co.
Xantha presents “License to Rip the Runway” fashion show

By Karen Perkins

For Your News Columbus.Com

Posted 10-05-09

Xantha Ward began her career as a single mom with a dream of becoming a fashion designer. Her first creations, presented over two decades ago, were one-of-a-kind funky denim skirts, hats, and
bags. Since that time Xantha has been rocking Columbus with her cutting edge clothing designs for women of all ages and sizes.

Xantha’s models range in age from 20-something to over 60, and sizes range from 0 to women’s plus, so there are pieces to complement every woman, every age, every size and every fashion
attitude.

Xantha showcases her designs exclusively twice a year, with fashion shows in the spring and fall. Her upcoming fall show, on October 11, 2009, “License to Rip the Runway” will showcase her
funky-but-elegant one-of-a-kind ensembles, hats, jackets, big bold jewelry, and art work, as well as her trademark jaw dropping leather and fur studded purses and bags.

If you’ve never attended one of Xantha’s fashion shows, you’re in for an evening of entertainment that will be the highlight of your “Ladies Night Out”. Her shows deliver bumping music,
excellent choreography, and this year it’s all about “covert operations” with a “secret agent” theme. Xantha will also include a showing of fall and winter fashions by local retail stores, Deb, and
for full figured women, Ashley Stewart. Live entertainment will include selections by local vocalist, Sabrina Tutstone

“License to Rip the Runway” promises to be her best show yet, with a surprise twist in pure Xantha style that is a definite must see, and is worth the price of admission alone! To take part in
the Xantha X-perience, be at the Lincoln Theatre, 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at 769 E. Long St. Tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, or on line at www.ticketmaster.com. There
will be a limited supply of tickets available at the door, so advance purchase is recommended. For more information, email xanthadesigns@yahoo.com
Renaissance woman of all that is funky and fashionableBy Emily Terbrueggen
 1 Comment

This Columbus based designer might be known around town for her flashy, deconstructed denim pieces (her signature collection called Ghetto Blues) but she does so much more than that. From clothes to
jewelry, her signature “hat wraps” and hand painted hand bags to the way she is using dance and live poetry readings in her fashions shows, Xantha Ward embraces all things artistic. Xantha says her
clothes are for “anyone who wants something different or unique” and she herself defiantly projects that through her style. When I met up with her she had spiced up a black pin stripe pants suit with gold
and beaded jewelry and a beaded belt all of her own design.

How long have you been designing?

About 20 years ago. I’ve really been into it the past 5 years. But I always say that I’ve been doing it forever.

What is your personal style?

Funky, contemporary, jet setter, like rock star clothes, stuff that stands out, beaded, leather, off-beat, unfinished that ragged look.

Who are designers that you look to?

Actually I don’t have any designer that I look to. I get most of my inspiration from lots of prayer and meditation and just being close to nature and outside and see what comes to me. From dreams...it’s just
that simple. I do have a favorite designer though. Fendi. I love Fendi’s bags.

You have a show coming up. How will this one be different from your previous shows?

The theme for the show is Truth and Freedom and there is going to be live poetry readings and this show I’m not holding back anything that’s inside of me. Because sometimes I tone myself down for
people. I’m really elaborate and out there and I know my stuff is not for everyone. There’s lots of set design and painting and just being totally free and true to myself, doing my own thing. This show is
more intimate. I usually do a big open room and this one is going to be outdoors.

What are your goals for the future?

To travel outside of Columbus and do shows, take my show on the road, get my Masters degree in Business, write a book on consumer theory, expand my internet business and reach for customers outside
of the state and get a new space. A big warehouse space where I can work and customers can come in by appointment and I don’t have to feel stuck because for two years I was stuck on High Street.

How many people are you anticipating to come out and see the show?

Last year is was about 200 but this year with the response...I’m going to be humble and just say 200 again.

Is there anything else that you want people to know about you?

I’m the mother of a 19 year old daughter. This is what I do. I’m a woman with a business who has raised a 19 year old daughter. You can do both. Oh, and I don’t have models. I have average women and I’
m trying to be more multi-cultural. They tried to label me as a black designer or an African designer because I have locks in my hair and I was like...no. I have white clients and I have black clients. My
models are all ages too. The oldest lady is 64 and you would NOT know it. This woman is HOT!

Xantha’s Truth & Freedom fashion show will be held at 5 p.m. Sept. 30 at Veteran’s Memorial, 300 W. Broad St. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. To buyy tickets in advance call 614-774-
9310


Originally Published: September 27, 2006