Model Casting: Jeffrey Fashion Cares

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"Smooth and pretty. Big smile." That was the instruction given to the six foot, stiletto wearing glamazons bidding for a chance to grace the coveted Jeffrey Fashion Cares runway. Clearly, Jeffrey Kalinsky has a vision. The well-orchestrated casting had models from Atlanta's top agencies give their best walk for Jeffrey Atlanta GM Don Purcell, Jeffrey NY's Philip Manghisi, Catwalk Production's Randi Layne and Jeffrey Fashion Cares Chair Lila Hertz - no pressure!

Photographer Tomas Espinoza captured the excitement and energy with a collection of creative images (so make sure and look through the slideshow).

When I was a young artist in graduate school, I chose art galleries based on whether I could visualize my work on their walls... [For me] it was easy to spot a Jeffrey's Girl based on who could pull off Saint Laurent, Givenchy or Lanvin.

Jeffrey Fashion Cares is the closest Atlanta gets to feeling like NYFW. If you've attended JFC then you know exactly what I mean, but if you haven't, get your tickets and be a part of something truly remarkable. Cocktails, after-parties and the best of Fall 2015 runway fashion all while supporting the Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta and the Atlanta AIDS Fund.

Jeffrey Fashion Cares offers the most exciting and philanthropic evening of the season.

fashionado 

TomorrowWorld's 2015 Main Stage Line-Up!

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tomorrowworld

I've been fortunate to attend TomorrowWorld every year and I'm so excited to see how this amazing music festival continues to evolve. The line -up for the main stage acts are incredible... so much talent crammed into one non-stop weekend! Visit TomorrowWorld for tickets and information.

We have lots of TomorrowWorld video coverage but this one, shot entirely with our new GoPro, is one of my faves. 

fashionado

Fashion Moves: So You Think You Can Dance Episode 12

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"tWitch" sported a pink Ted Baker shirt and Nigel stepped it up in a black Tom Ford shirt but it's Travis who wins most dapper dude in his Moods of Norway suit and Alexander McQueen tie. Paula Abdul was by far the best dressed SYTYCD in a flirty hot pink dress by Michael Costello and matching shoes by YSL. I chatted with Michael at NYFW a couple of years ago and he was as adorable as he is talented. It makes me happy to see this designer evolve and experience so much success. Paula, you look fabulous! That dress is a straight up hit and run...

fashionado

30th Annual PENLAND SCHOOL Benefit Auction Recap

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In 1988 I attended my first Penland Auction. I was a core student and lived at Penland for two incredible, life-shaping years. Twenty-seven years, later I am still blown away with this spectacular event. I just attended the 30th Annual Penland School Benefit Auction which has become a craft collector's dream "gala weekend" in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. But of course, it's much more than that. Beyond the parties, cocktails, dinners and music, the monies raised support Penland's educational programs. The auction weekend is a special time where patrons, sponsors, students, residents and instructors unite to celebrate all that is Penland. Over 500 guests, passionate about Penland School and art education, gathered at the sold out event to support Penland's future. Over $733,000 was raised.

More than 250 works in books, clay, drawing, glass, iron, letterpress, metals, painting, printmaking, photography, textiles, wood, and other media were featured (and auctioned) during the two-day fête. 

Congratulations to Penland School, its devoted Director, Jean McLaughlin, the Penland Staff and most of all, to the large number of truly amazing volunteers who give so much to create a seamless and successful event.

fashionado  

From Baseball Caps to Bowler Hats

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Dress Like A Gent's Brian Hampton

Dress Like A Gent's Brian Hampton

Knowing that the date for my Official Dress Like A Gent ™ Launch Party and 35th Birthday Event was fast approaching, I knew that it was absolutely imperative to not just pull together the right ensemble for the event, but more importantly, the perfect complementing headgear to top it off! I knew I didn't want your run-of-the-mill hat with no voice, but I needed something distinguished, polished and that was all "me".

After browsing images from several custom-hat makers on Instagram, I finally stumbled across the profile of one gentleman I follow by the name of Percy Hicks who was rockin' some very spiffy, yet contemporary classic hats such as the Pork Pie and Top Hat. After further research, I discovered that he had these headpieces custom-made by a genius, experienced milliner out of New York by the name of Ann Morin. Needless to say, I quickly made contact with Ms. Morin virtually and solicited her mastery to create my first idolized, custom-hat, the Bowler. From start to finish, Ms. Morin paced me through the process of bringing the Bowler to life. She inquired about the vision I was shooting for including the color scheme, the type(s) of fabric, embellishments, grosgrain ribbon, my head measurements, etc. 

Being that all of this was so new to me, Ms. Morin very delicately and elaborately provided options, suggestions and even historical facts about the utility of the Bowler hat to help me make an informed decision about how I wanted this hat personalized. Through supplemental research and a previous article I've written for MrRefined.com entitled Style Statement: Hats, I've learned that the art of custom-hat making is one that dates way back in history and was especially common during the 20th century. In fact, during this period, hats were a symbol of individual social status and served as a marker for a particular group of people distinguishing them from the rest. Also, hats during that era were pretty much everything but an accessory. They were used as a head covering from the elements or even as protection for horse riders while riding underneath trees such as the Bowler hat. 

Fast forward, hats today are one of the more bolder fashion statements being re-introduced into the world of haute couture. There is the Fedora, Top Hat, Bowler, Trilby, Homburg, Pork Pie, Ascot, Panama, Beret, Beanie and of course, the common Baseball Cap, along with many more. The right hat communicates personal style, self-value, class and individuality. Of course, you could always just purchase one at your local hat store or online, but I personally have a newfound respect for good ole-fashion millinery. Reason being, I know that the feeling of exclusivity as well as the detail and time that is invested by the milliner will forever be a timeless souvenir.

by Brian Hampton / Dress Like a Gent

for fashionado

Atlanta Welcomes The Frye Company to Ponce City Market

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They're not only a style feast for your feet, The Frye Company is a feast for the senses. Seriously. Upon entering the impressive 4000 square foot showroom located at the new Atlanta "it" spot, Ponce City Market, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Slowly release and enjoy the next few seconds of leather heaven. The intoxicating smell of rich, hand-crafted leather seduces you instantly. Next, pan the space from wall to wall for a visual feast. Don't forget to look up as well! Saving the best for last, touch everything, try everything. Shop!

Stylish Atlantans, I kid you not, you will be obsessed with Frye as much as I am. Not only is the store very inviting and will make you feel comfortable while browsing and shopping, but The Frye Company's collection of covet-worthy men's and women's footwear will WOW you! And let's not even talk about their handbags, leather backpacks and satchels - won't have to - just look at the pics! 

The Frye Company may observe current trends, but when you're 152 years old, you're setting them. You'll find a variety of classic and modern styles for everyone - from iconic motorbike influences to western motifs to dressy wingtips and even sandals. They draw their inspiration from the materials and artistry involved in the fine craftsmanship of their goods This is something The Frye Company takes much pride in which is evident in their product and reflective in the brand.

I'm a sucker for great detailing so I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the amazing stitching, branding, buckles, rings, fringe, studs and distressing in all of The Frye Company's leather work. Truly amazing. Extremely appealing. Perfection. 

Whether you're a Frye fan or just learning about them, Frye Atlanta is a must-stop for your must-haves!

fashionado

 

Project Runway Season 14 Begins TONIGHT

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project runway season 14

Nina Garcia will make you cry warns Heidi Klum to the Project Runway contestants about season 14. Well, I don't know, Heidi can be pretty scary herself! It's all in good fun (and ratings!) And we love it...

Can you believe that Project Runway is entering its fourteenth season? That's amazing. Kudos. I'm sure there will be plenty of drama and one-liners, shockers and stunners, but at the end of the day, it's about the fashion and from the looks of it (watch video) the fashion looks incredible this season!

Project Runway Season 14 begins tonight at 9PM/8c on Lifetime. I'll be watching and tweeting. Join me! 

fashionado