Winter 2024

O n a balmy September night, Big Sur’s Henry Miller Library stage was transformed into a showcase of bespoke haute couture, but not the sort one might find on the runways of Milan, Paris or New York. No, this is the Big Sur Fashion Show, founded in 2009 by Lisa Goettel and Sara Carr, who were brainstorming ways of helping their community after a devastating fire. They hit upon the idea of a fashion show, but one as quirky, creative and fun as is the local populace. The rules for designers are simple. Creations are constructed of any- thing but traditional clothing materials. No fabric, leather, fur or textiles. Recycled and discarded products are encouraged. Today, Executive Director Elsa Rivera says the show is a project of the Big Sur Food and Wine Foundation. The foundation’s two events pool net proceeds to provide grants to Palo Colorado, Big Sur and South Coast nonprofits and schools in areas of greatest need. This selection of photographs depicts some highlights from 2024, demonstrating the remarkable amount of creativity and hard work that goes into these designs.This year’s theme was “Dancing in the Wind— Resilience with Our Storms.” Fashion With a Twist The Big Sur Fashion Show Spotlights Creativity B Y M I CHA E L CHAT F I E LD 98 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 4 Reija Anne Marie Massey enthralled the crowd with her outfit designed by Marjorie Garcia. Photo: Brian Mack