For one weekend each year, Hilton Head Island is inundated with unique automobiles. Hundreds of car enthusiasts flock to the island with their prized vehicles in tow, literally. However, some are bringing more than just their ride. They are bringing the clothing, accessories, and fashion trends that expertly nod to their vehicle’s era.
The Hilton Head Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, sponsored by Lowcountry GT, kicks off October 29 for three days of elevated automobile excellence on the greens and fairways of Port Royal Golf Club’s Robbers Row golf course. Dressing up has become so popular during Sunday’s Concours that event organizers added fashion awards to the show field.
Garrett Reed, an automotive content creator with more than 2.5 million social media followers, serves as a fashion judge for the event. His love for cars and fashion started at a young age. “I don’t even know how old I was but as my interest grew, I started to learn more and started to read more, it became more of an ingrained passion,” he said. “It’s like breathing. Cars just became a part of my life.”
Automobile owners often have such a strong attachment to their rides that dressing the part allows them to strengthen that bond. From selecting period pieces, to researching fashions of the era of their cars, the clothing selection is another way to connect historic storytelling with the vehicle. “Fashion is taken seriously in this arena with the Concours,” Reed said. “It’s the elegance, the stature, and the culture. People just take it very seriously.”
Katherine and Edgar Rhee bring the party with their 1990’s cars and looks.
2025 Concours Fashion Notes
Linda and James Farris from Milton, Georgia, showcased their 1909 Cadillac Model 30 at last year’s Concours. Their outfits were inspired by a photo that Linda found from 1915 of a couple riding down the road in their model Cadillac. “She has on the hat with a scarf and uses one hand to hold it on while also holding on to her husband’s hand,” Linda said. “You can tell that the wind is ruffling things. It looks like she has this look of fear.”
Linda’s look was so compelling that she was awarded the Best Female Fashion award by the judges. Her clothing selections were created out of necessity, since the 1909 Cadillac does not have a windshield. The look required wearing a duster over her dress to protect it from dirt and road debris and a wide brimmed hat to help shield her face from the sun. James was sporting goggles to protect his eyes from bugs and mud while driving. “They both look like pilots,” Reed said. “Because their car was open, they had to dress like that.”
Last fall, the Concours hosted a special showcase featuring classic cars of the 1980s and 1990s. Katherine and Edgar Rhee, car enthusiasts from Fort Mill, brought energy and fun to the show field while displaying her 1991 Honda Beat along with his 1993 Honda NSX JDM/RHD. Together, they brought the party in their bright tracksuits and headbands with a big boom box nearby.
Jim and Kay Ellis from Chocowinity, NC, pose with their 1956 Austin Healy.
“What’s nice about Hilton Hilton Concours is they’re doing a really good job of trying to be inclusive with modern, more recent collectible cars,” Reed said. “For a long time, these big automotive events have alienated cars up until recent time (periods) like the late ’70s and early ’80s.”
Natalie and Scott Bluestein from Sullivan’s Island showcased their bright red 1968 AC 428 Frua Spyder at last year’s Concours. They both wore attire from 1960s fashion designers. “They were super impressive because they were overly excited about their looks and how it paired with the car,” Reed said.
Motorcycle owners also brought the looks and history to the event. John Landstrom, owner of Blue Moon Cycle in Norcross, Georgia, and his friend Nancy Glass paired Landstrom’s 1934 Harley Davidson motorcycle with original fashions from the 1930s.
Nancy Glass and John Landstrom exhibit John’s 1934 Harley Davidson motorcycle at the 2025 Concours.
Glass’ look was an homage to Dot Robinson, co-founder of the Motor Maids, a female motorcycle rider’s club that started in the 1930s and still exists today. “Every year, we honor a female that was historically in the motorcycle industry for the period of the motorcycle that John’s going to display,” Glass said.
Landstrom also easily embraces the era’s fashion selections. “He’s a collector of all of these pieces,” she said. “His uniform, if you will, is actually from a motorcycle club and it’s authentic. It is the real deal, including the moth holes that are in it.”
Both Landstrom and Glass prominently wore embellished kidney belts around their waists for function and fashion purposes. “These types of reflectors were used on license plates but also to adorn the kidney belt,” she said. “All of these things were handmade back in the day and they are quite the collectors’ pieces.”
Even the motorcycle’s paint job is a nod to the challenging times of the 1930s. “That was the depression era so they used bright colors to try to brighten things up a little bit,” Landstrom said.
Bob Constantine models his Concours hat with collectible pins. He has been volunteering at the event for the past 17 years.
What to Expect at This Year’s Concours
The Lowcountry Driving Tour kicks off the festivities on Friday, October 30, as a group of car enthusiasts experience scenic views, legendary landmarks, and a shared lunch while touring Hilton Head Island. Friday night offers a special concert featuring Taylor Hicks, American Idol winner and popular recording artist, on the 18th fairway of Robbers Row.
On Saturday, members of more than two dozen car clubs were invited to participate in the Car Club Showcase on the course. Each club selects member’s automobiles to exhibit during this day-long event. A special showcase will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Ford Bronco, with vintage and modern models on display. Motorcycles, vintage boats, and educational exhibits will also be part of the show field.
1938 Cadillac Brunn Bodied Roadster owned by Steve Plunkett, Pinnacle Collector at the 2025 Concours.
Sunday shines with the weekend’s main event, the Concours d’Elegance, featuring fully restored, ageless automobiles vying for the Best of Show award. More than 200 of the world’s most spectacular vehicles will proudly be displayed while 75 judges meander throughout the show field, seeking visual and mechanical perfection. Jaguar is the featured automobile manufacturer at this year’s event. Fashion fun and judging will also be in full effect, with three judges making their way around the event.
Proceeds generated from the weekend of events help support a wide range of local nonprofit organizations. “When someone purchases a ticket to the Concours, they are doing much more than attending a world-class automotive event,” said Rick Sabol, executive director of the motoring festival. “They are investing in our community. They are supporting local organizations that educate, inspire, serve, and enrich the lives of our neighbors. Every ticket truly makes a difference.”
One goal of the event is to encourage future generations of car enthusiasts and automotive professionals. Admission is complimentary for children and students ages 18 and younger and for college students with a valid school ID.
Linda and James Farris from Milton, GA, match their outfits with their 1909 Cadillac Model 30.
“We want young people to fall in love with these automobiles, but we also want them to discover the countless opportunities behind them,” Sabol said. “Whether that’s engineering, design, mechanics, manufacturing, hospitality, or entrepreneurship, exposure matters. The future of this hobby depends on welcoming the next generation.”
New in 2026, Promenade seating is available for those who want reserved access close to the stage, awards presentation, and show field. The Locals Lane Access Pass is back for a second year, offering special perks to Beaufort County residents, including discounted VIP parking and merchandise.
Visit HHIConcours.com for tickets and additional event information.