Schön! presents Haute Wheels, a three-minute fashion short that brings together more than 50 Chicago artists, filmmakers, designers, and performers. Directed by Jess Batson, co-produced by Batson and Mark Capapas, executive produced by Casey Lock, and edited by Patrick Burke of Method & Madness, the film explores excess, impermanence, and spectacle through a collision of couture, roller skating, performance, and architecture.
Set inside the historic Avalon Regal Theatre, Haute Wheels transforms the landmark into a dreamlike backdrop for custom couture, wigs, grillz, sculptural nails, elaborate props, and other work created specifically for the film. More than a fashion film, the project is a testament to Chicago’s creative community—built through collaboration, volunteerism, and a shared desire to create something ambitious together. “From the beginning, this project was bigger than the film itself,” said Batson. “Haute Wheels became a reflection of that collective imagination.” The film also shines a spotlight on the Avalon Regal Theatre and ongoing conversations surrounding the preservation of one of Chicago’s most significant historic spaces.
full look. Veronica Sheaffer
opposite
full look. Veronica Sheaffer
full look. Veronica Sheaffer
full look. Veronica Sheaffer
opposite
full look. Veronica Sheaffer
full look. Veronica Sheaffer
full look. Veronica Sheaffer
opposite
full look. Veronica Sheaffer
full look. Veronica Sheaffer
full look. Veronica Sheaffer
opposite
full look. Veronica Sheaffer
full look. Veronica Sheaffer
direction. Jess Batson
photography. Luciana Salinas
fashion. Veronica Sheaffer
talents. Elizabeth Price, Alannie Melendez, Kayla Bylon, Myesha McCaskill, Chris Ross,
Charles Green, Davis Cameron Chu, Lindsey Coleman + Jules Morales
key hair. Igor Shashkin
key make up. Ashley Z
nails, grillz + glam. Esther Han
styling. Taylor Zielinski
set dresser. Alexis Verga
production company. Method & Madness
executive production. Casey Lock
production. Jess Batson + Mark Capapas
director of photography. TJ Clounie
b camera operation. Guillaume Le Mezo
steadicam operation. Ian McAvoy
media management + editor. Patrick Burke
production design. Rachel Cole
custom cakes + sweets. Ally Flannery
gaffer. Trent Miloserny
best boy electric. Thomas Schroeder
electric. Griffin Carlson
key grip. Donavan Price
best boy grip. Jamezz Hampton
grip. Mike Cho, Stephen P. Brown II, Steffen Garcia, Andreas Brimmer
truck drivers. Shayne Scott + Quentin Taylor
set management. Gabrielle Cuillier
security. Richie Fern + Joel Vern
post production editor. Patrick Burke
visual effects. Ben Tull
creative lead + titles. Davis Cameron Chu
cell animation. Lena Rush
sound design. Harrison Gill
color studio. Royal Muster
senior colorist. Maria Carretero
color executive production. Alexandra Lubrano
color production. Ryan Moncrief
color associate production. Alex Ponce
music supervision. Sydney Ferleger
“LIVIN’ NO LIE” written by Cheyenne Jolene Melton, Neely Dinkins Jr., and Vito A. Colapietro,
performed by BodaciousThang and Royal Bait,
“Flossy Riddim” written by Neely Dinkins Jr. and Vito A. Colapietro, performed by Royal Bait
wardrobe pa. César Gradilla
hair assistant. Krystyn Johnson
make up assistant. Bel Ayrosa
nails assistant. Nhi Van
1st camera assistant. Doug Birch
1st camera assistant (b camera). Matt Bette
production assistants. Rebeca Robles Rodríguez (Craft Services), Alyssa Canales + Kris Kopac
color assistants. Zack Wilpon, Patrick Badescu + Amonnie Nicolas
key pa + driver. Ashley North
special thanks. Camp Nitz, Essanay Lighting, Keslow Camera, Miyus Productions LLC, Victor’s Catering, Dodd Camera, Chicagoland Trucks, Eleven04, Camera Ambassador, 10MGMT Talent, Service Sanitation, Pirrello Digital Imaging + DuoTone Audio
location. Avalon Regal Theater
