Photos by Matt Rose

Only in Asheville would you find dogs prancing down the runway alongside models decked out in more organic cotton than organza. The scene at the Purple Ball Fashion Show in April, one of the biggest of the year and the prelude to the Purple Ball on June 14, was nothing if not eclectic. A dozen local designers and 14 boutique owners trotted out their latest and greatest garb, from mod Elliott Elephant dresses by Amanda Boekhout to classic ‘60s shifts by The Costume Shoppe.