Founded by Cristina Plinio, fashion stylist and founder of Gas*tronomy, Highest on the Runway is the country’s first fashion show where models consume cannabis on the runway.
This year in Miami, Florida, the Art Capital of the World, artists, designers, models, and fashionistas were involved in and/or witnessed the merging of cannabis + fashion + art through Highest on the Runway.
Highest on the Runway at Terp Basel
Under the Miami night sky in December, guests in attendance at Skatebird Miami for Terp Basel were wowed by the minds of Cristina, Gas*tronomy, Ikonoklasta Co., and Toxicbia. Terp Basel is a 4-night extravaganza within Miami’s Art Week, uniting every facet of cannabis culture. Presented by Sherbinskis and hosted/organized by Certified Baked, Terp Basel had vendors, guests, sponsors, and special appearances from all over the country.
Highest on the Runway was the Friday night event; people showed up, the weather was flawless, and the models showed out. Each one, taking the skateboard park-turned runway as their stage, did nothing short of amaze those of us in attendance enjoying the show. As they slayed the runway while consuming cannabis, we watched in awe while consuming cannabis.
To learn more about Highest on the Runway, I sat down with its founder, Cristina Plinio. Continue reading to learn more in the Q&A below.
Q&A with Highest on the Runway’s, Cristina Plinio
Please tell me about the founder, the team, and the birth of Highest on the Runway.
“Cristina Plinio ‘CRISP’ is the founder of Highest on the Runway, with the involvement of artists in collaboration with Gastronomy Magazine.The idea for the runway show came from my love for fashion involved with Gastronomy Magazine. I have a history working in runway show production and had presented the show on a smaller scale before but wanted to make it an official series this year.”
Please share a little about the first Highest on the Runway show.
“Our first show we had was at Top Tier Smoke Shops. I had made the full 20-look collection on my own and had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with fantastic hair and makeup artists. Autumn Suna Creative directed the hair and makeup for the show and led Michelle Venta, our makeup artist, as well as Latto Method, who has been an amazing part of the hair process. We wanted to emphasize our approach with smoking cannabis on a runway show with impressive fashion direction.”
What did you take from the first one to make the second and third so amazing?
“We’ve done three shows this year. Each show I learn more from the process, the different systems, and talent that make it all run smoothly. I get excited to approach each show with a new theme and idea. From selecting the designer to accessorizing details, each part of the show is a highly necessary process that requires the best talent possible. I am grateful for all the support the vision of the show has been given. Our Reefer Madness show was probably our most impressive to date with featured designer IKONOKLASTA by Reagan Bailey.”
Cannabis consumption on the runway: do you think we will see more merging of cannabis and fashion? And in what ways?
“Absolutely! I think as we open our minds up more to cannabis being a part of actual style and watch it blossom into a huge market in the industry, we will see a lot more artists taking charge to break boundaries with the plant! With the show, we love to keep working with our artists to make more groundbreaking ideas!”
Will Highest on the Runway remain an annual event in Miami, or are there travel plans for the show?
“As for now, it is a Miami event! But who knows? I can’t say for sure that this will be the case in five years; I love watching the show evolve!”
My understanding is that the show has been a partner of Terp Basel. Can you share insight on that?
“Yes, we have worked with amazing partners to bring our shows to life! Certified Baked and Terp Basel have been a part of helping us produce the past two recent shows, and we are so happy to work with like-minded cannabis innovators!”
What’s next, and where can we catch Highest on the Runway in 2024?
“Swim Week is just six months away! So our fans can be ready to catch some updates on our next show soon!”
Final Words
Highest on the Runway was made possible by:
- @highestontherunway
- @ikonoklasta.co
- @toxicbia 🪳
- @terpbasel
- @certifiedbaked
- @skatebird305
- Directed @bycrisp__
- Photos by @auroraphotographybysage
- Art Direction & Casting by @havannaaa
- Shoes & Accessories by @angelique_miami
- Jewelry by @bakedgearllc
- Opening looks by @fiftykarats @haloe.blu
- Key Hair by @lattomethod
- Hair Assisted by @julianmontoyabflab
- Key Makeup Team by @brazil.raine @skinforwardartistry @makeupbylilyclemente
- Makeup Assisted by @creativemakeupbyoliveskies @glamby.ren
- Styling Assisted by @kyr1ta @amberescarza
- Smoking @_bluemystic @mysticthrift
- Set By @southtiphemp @thehearthatter
- Runway Music Produced by @prodbailey
Follow on social media: #travelingcannabiswriter
