If you are reading this blog, you may be thinking about attending the latest FASHMOB on September 26th at Sugar Britches (17 Foundy St - Asheville). This meetup has become very popular with models, photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, and designers. No matter if you are a seasoned professional or brand new to your craft, FASHMOB is a fun time. The time of the event will be from 5:30pm to 8pm.

FASHMOB II at Crow and Quill - Asheville, NC

Betsabe Fregoso and Ginger Wilde at FASHMOB III

The history of FASHMOB in Asheville is simple. Years ago, I had a burning interest to get into fashion photography. I realized that is hard to get into it when you don’t know where to start. Who is going to want to shoot with me? How do I meet the right people? Then, local photographer/film maker Rudy Aguilar, made a Facebook post for a meetup of local photographers and models. I jumped at the chance and met him at Wedge brewing. There was one model and four photographers. I couldn’t even stay long enough to shoot, but I thought that was the coolest thing. I kept asking Rudy, “When is the next one?”

The meetup at Wedge in 2013 that inspired FASHMOB. l-r Rudy Aguilar and Joe Longobardi

After about a year, I decided to start a meetup myself. In the fall of 2014. I created an event called Fash-Mob and we met on top of the Civic Center Parking Garage. It was cold and a total of 9 people showed up. It didn’t really matter to me how many people showed up, as long as someone did. The aim was to meet new people and make images. Since 2014, it grew and grew to what it is today.

The very first Fash-Mob 2014. Tommy Propest, Scott Duncan, Craig Burgwardt, and myself.

Amber Victoria at the very first "Fash-Mob"

What is FASHMOB really? The best way to find out is to look at the past FASHMOB events. Look at the photos, read the comments, and read the “about” sections. It started out as a free-for-all where people just show up to mingle and create. It has evolved in such a way, where some people plan with a team weeks in advance for some elaborate shoots.

Eric France getting creative at FASHMOB V

The meetup for FASHMOB XIII: New Beginnings will be at Sugar Britches in the River Arts District.
I chose this place for it's amazing dedication to fashion and local designers. The surrounding area is full of top-notch graffiti for an urban backdrop. Sugar Britches will have a dedicated rack of outfits that can be borrowed for this event! Photographers and models are encouraged to stop in the two weeks leading up to the event to reserve an outfit or available props. Another bit of exciting news is that The Cabaret at Sugar Britches will be available to makeup artists, hair stylist, and models from 4pm onward to prep for the event! This is the spacious area in the back of the store with many couches and chairs. Other businesses may want to participate. I will update everyone on the official Facebook event page with any updates.