Farm-to-Fashion Workshops with Celeste Malvar-Stewart in Columbus, Ohio
For every luxurious high-end gown that comes out of the Malvar-Stewart studio in Columbus, Ohio, there’s an in-depth answer to the go-to red carpet question, “Who are you wearing?” But it’s one that goes far beyond the name Celeste Malvar-Stewart, the designer behind this eco-friendly atelier.
Depending on the piece, the answer could be RayRay, Poppy, or Bart – the names of some of the alpacas, Angora goats, and Lincoln Longwool sheep from which Celeste sources the fibers that go into her couture creations. She gets to know the animals personally, and they are the inspiration behind many of her creations, which also include ready-to-wear pieces and home décor.
Engaging Workshops in Columbus
Visitors to Columbus, Ohio can get a glimpse into Celeste’s creative process as she leads day-long farm-to-fashion workshops. These unique experiences start in the country and end at Hangar 391, her two-story atelier in the city’s historic German Village neighborhood. It’s there that participants learn skills like wool-felting techniques to create one-of-a-kind scarves.
A Trip to Fairie Haven Farm
We stop at Fairie Haven Farm, far removed from the runways and red carpets of major fashion capitals. The owner, Rachel Najjar, self-described shepherdess, admits she doesn’t fit the typical fashionista mold as she pulls on mud-covered work boots over her practical outfit.
Najjar was the only Ohio farmer to respond when Malvar-Stewart sought raw wool for her haute couture pieces. Their relationship blossomed, leading to an understanding of the fashion and fiber process that emphasizes sustainability and creativity.
“I remember listening to Celeste’s message and going, ‘What?!'” Najjar laughs. “I didn’t quite understand, but I was intrigued because I am interested in fashion and how it’s produced. She immediately had my interest, so I invited her out to meet the flock.”
Columbus, Ohio: A Hidden Gem for Fashion
Several years on, Celeste Malvar-Stewart has found her place in Columbus, transitioning from a quintessential city girl from San Francisco and New York City to a key player in the Midwest’s thriving arts and fashion scene. Columbus boasts the third-largest concentration of fashion designers in the United States, largely due to its proximity to retail clothing brand headquarters.
Moreover, Malvar-Stewart discovered the agricultural, 4-H focused Midwest offers proximity to local fiber farms, inspiring her to pursue sustainable fashion design. Her goal became to reduce waste while maximizing creativity in her work.
“I started off as a conventional designer and realized how much waste I was creating,” she explains. “Then it hit me. I decided to study fiber in New York so I could understand how I can make zero waste. But I didn’t start working with the raw wool until I came to Columbus.”
Meet Gandalf, the Inspiration
Among the animals in the barnyard is Gandalf, the first-ever fiber donor for Malvar-Stewart’s designs. With his curly locks, Gandalf’s wool transforms into stunning materials for custom-made wedding dresses.
“I put Gandalf on every single wedding gown,” Malvar-Stewart says, “even if it’s just a little bit.”
Crafting One-of-a-Kind Fashions at Hangar 391
Back at her studio, surrounded by inspiring pieces, Malvar-Stewart’s pupils gather around a table ready to learn how to transform raw fiber into ethereal works of art. The technique called nuno felting combines wool fibers with sheer fabrics to create lightweight, flowing garments.
Participants have the opportunity to select from a variety of soft, luxurious fibers like alpaca, which offers warmth similar to wool but with cashmere-like softness. This hands-on experience not only promotes creativity but engages individuals in sustainable fashion practices.
Completing this workshop leaves participants with a sense of fulfillment, knowing they’ve contributed to the creation process while celebrating the artistry of sustainable fashion.
Malvar-Stewart’s farm-to-fashion workshops can be arranged by appointment, with a half-day session priced at $185, and a full-day tour including Fairie Haven Farm at $350 per person. These workshops offer a unique opportunity to connect with the origins of fashion while embracing eco-friendly practices.
