Ohio Against the World

By artist and designer Floyd From Ohio


There is a love/hate relationship between me and this midwestern state. Mostly, it is because of it's homegrown reputation - one that has formulated in my mind and conflicts with my ideal aesthetic of living - and endless monotonous rows of corn and soybeans (and I won't get started on politics). But after discovering some of the charms of Columbus - galleries, boutiques, art bars, charming neighborhoods, and even fashion shows - I keep coming back to the place that boasts a quite unconstitutional motto, "With God All Things Are Possible."

Picks of Columbus:

1. B0MA : Bar of Modern Art
583 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215



"BoMA opened it's doors as a world class nightclub and restaurant in late 2006 after a 5 million dollar renovation to the turn of the century Baptist church located at 583 E. Broad St. "

BoMA was a nightclub/gallery/event space in an old stone church on the near east side of Columbus that hosted the likes of Steve Aoki, Pretty Lights, Benny Benassi, and Tiesto. As of late 2009 BoMA was renovated into "The Bluestone", an event-only venue with five rooms, two bars, and six bars that focuses on private events and catering. On the plus side, Entourage star Adrian Grenier was in attendance at the venue's "Brand" Opening.


2. Milk Bar
765-A North High Street

Columbus Oh 43215


"Established in the winter of 2007. Our approach to design, buying and style incorporates a holistic view of worldly cultures from Harajuko to classic Americana. Our longevity is the direct result of a commitment to remaining relevant amongst the fashionable savages of the world."

Milk Bar Boutique (reference to "A Clockwork Orange") stocks a handful of favorite fashion picks in the city - Hyden Yoo, Maision Martin Margiela, A.P.C, RVCA. They also participate in the Short North's Gallery Hop (which takes place on the first Saturday of every month) and have a pretty constant stream of DJs (again, including Steve Aoki), trunk shows, and parties. Oh, and the occasional tasting of liquors.

3. Galleries of the Short North

There are a ton of galleries on High St. In the Short North that exhibit works from local, established, and emerging artists.

Roy G. Biv
Rivet Toys and Art
Rebecca Ibel Gallery


4. Rowe Boutique
718 North High Street, Columbus, OH















Owned by Maren Roth, Rowe Boutique in the heart of the Short North features up and coming designers from New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles & Europe.



5. Victorian Village
















Located on the northwest side of Columbus, Victorian Village is one of the most attractive neighborhoods in the city and boasts an array of Victorian-style houses, apartment buildings, and mansions (including the Sells mansion that was built in 1895.)


6.. German Village



























German Village " is one of the preeminent historic districts in the United States." The village itself is 233 acres of winding brick roads, cozy taverns, and the Schwartz Castle (above).















German Village is also home to the multi-level city block-long Book Loft, that sells new, used, and rare books and media.

7.. Pistacia Vera
541 South Third St
Columbus, OH 43215




















Down the street from the Book Loft in German Village is the gourmet dessert boutique, Pistacia Vera. They have one of the best french macarons (for only $1.25 each) and pates de fruits in the midwest.


8. The Wexner Center for the Arts
1871 North High Street, Columbus












Part of The Ohio State University, the Wexner Center features contemporary and formal exhibitions, events, and music and dance performances.

9. Ballet Met






















The premiere professional ballet company of Columbus.


10. Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream
714 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215

































Queen City Cayenne ice cream, Red Velvet Whoopie Pies, and Riesling Poached Pear sorbet: enough said.



Also, I first chopped off all my hair in Ohio and brought the hairdresser a photo of Mia Farrow:
















































<3kc
















Mugler Menswear FW11/12 Paris Fashion Week


(via: jakandjill.com, zara.com, http://shopmilkbar.blogspot.com, http://columbus.metromix.com, columbusfoodie.com, http://blog.greenegrape.com)