On September 20, hundreds of volunteers, models, designers and attendees gathered at the Barnyard for a night of extravagant outfits and annual fun. 

Originally held at the Henry Miller Library in the heart of Big Sur, the fashion show has just celebrated their tenth year up and running. The theme for this year’s show was “Ashes to Art,” a reference to the resilience of the rural community. Elsa Rivera, the director of the show, relates it to the rising phoenix that transforms from dust to a beautiful bird.

“Our inspiration for the theme came from a film that was about Big Sur from a local filmmaker that had been our creative director and was involved with the show,” Rivera explains.

Big Sur has had its fair share of natural disasters, namely the Sobranes Fire in recent years. Not only was it the most expensive fire in California history, but it burnt 57 homes and and killed one. The Big Sur community took the brunt of the disaster, which plays a role in the theme.

First year designer and longtime model, Jayla, was personally affected by the burn.

“The theme really hits home to the community of Big Sur, as we have gone through so much over the years,” the local notes. “Personally, I was a victim of the Sobranes fire and also had to evacuate again that winter of 2017 due to the floods that had been caused. That experience was life changing for me and I think that this show proves that despite devastation, Big Sur always comes out stronger.” 

Each designer of which there are approximately 30 is to interpret the theme however they please, but with one rule that must not be broken: they are not allowed to use traditional fabrics or materials. Rivera cites designers using anything from seaweed to bubble wrap to dryer sheets. 

“Modeling is a blast, but it is most important to me to recycle and bring pollution awareness with my Big Sur family.” 

The show is nearly all run by volunteers, of which there are roughly 300. The director explains that production costs tend to be the most expensive, but that businesses grant a generous discount

Make sure you make time to check out next years Big Sur Fashion Show in September of 2020.