The Frye Company’s Private Preview and Grand Opening – Atlanta, GA.
On Thursday, August 6, 2015, The Frye Company hosted a private preview of their new Atlanta flagship store in the stunning Jamestown-style Ponce City Market. Several guests in the media in collaboration with the Caren West Public Relations Team, gathered to get an inside peek of the majestic 4,000 square foot store and The Frye Company’s latest collection pieces. Dress Like A Gent™ participated in this preview to the store’s grand opening that evening and was instantly amazed at how detailed and classy the store’s set up was. The layout of this store was simply breath taking. My first observation upon walking through the doors was the smell of fresh leather that created a sort of instant appreciation for the brand itself. I mean it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that there is a difference between something called “leather” that is only partially made of leather and something that is 100% authentic genuine leather.
In fact, one of the leather messenger bags that caught my attention in the men’s section was a distressed indigo-blue stained leather. Upon speaking to one of the store rep’s, she informed me that the cool thing about this bag is that it was made of pull-up leather which if scratched, can simply be rubbed out using their signature leather oil and conditioner. This store has it all - From handbags to leather accessories, to camo-style leather sneakers and boots. This is the company’s 5th location to ever open in the U.S. and the level of detail that they put into building this store goes to show that they take no short cuts in making sure that their new home fits the brand’s long-standing reputation and trademark. Even some of the stools that were in the store were made of a thick roll of 100% heather grey felt embodying the brand’s history of fabricating their products in line with pure American artisanship.
My favorite structure in the store was the grand “chandelier” made of 7,000 leather straps holding Frye's signature harness rings. It was an attention grabber that kept engaging my eye while walking throughout the store. Along with a walkthrough of the store, the guests were graced with bites and beverages sponsored by Wild Haven and Farm to Ladie who will soon be featured in Ponce City’s Market’s Central Food Hall. In short, this housewarming preview to the Frye Company’s new location was one that I am glad to have been a part of as we Atlantans gladly celebrate the company’s successful future and growth.
The Frye Company’s Grand Opening commenced this morning and will be opened today from 10AM to 9PM. They are located at The Ponce City Market at 75 Ponce de Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308, Ste. #E178. For more information, call 404.685.FRYE (3793) or visit www.thefryecompany.com.
DRESS LIKE A GENT
Atlanta Welcomes The Frye Company's New Atlanta Flagship Store
The reputable New-York based retailer,The Frye Company is proud to announce the opening of their Atlanta flagship store scheduled this Friday, August 7, 2015 on the main-level of the Ponce City Market. With great anticipation and some serious pre-planning, the time has finally arrived for the company to be showcased at its new home in the Ponce City Market (PCM) at 75 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta 30308, Suite #E178.
According to press release, this particular location will be ideally situated in a 4,000 square foot space with a "storefront that replicates the warehouse windows seen above the main level, and the columns, original to the structure, wrapped in leather referencing the history of the Frye brand." Additionally, this store location will feature a stunning, grand "chandelier", incorporating 7000 leather straps holding Frye's signature harness rings.
PCM is the ideal landing pad for the company's new flagship venture as it appropriately positioned in an enthralling Jamestown-style historic Sears Roebuck distribution center, originally built in 1926. The Frye Company, subsidiary of Global Brands Group, is renown for its traditionally artisan and beautifully crafted footwear, bags and accessories.
More details of the store's grand opening is soon to come.
DRESS LIKE A GENT
Alliance Française Presents... Bastille Day 2015
On the pinnacle of the Nelson Mullins Law building located at Atlantic Station, the Alliance Française d’Atlanta hosted a most unforgettable and elegant Soirée Blanche Bastille Day Celebration and fundraiser with members, invites and business sponsors present.
Every year, in celebration of France’s July 14th Independence Day aka Jour de la Bastille, the Alliance Française d’Atlanta hosts an all white party and fundraiser that, this year, managed to raise over 40K. AF is by no means a rookie when it comes to hosting major cultural events in the city as they have been doing so for over a decade now. This, being my first year participating in the Bastille Day celebration with AF was from beginning to end, an absolute treasure that I will never disremember. Speaking with other guests at the event including one of the volunteers, Mr. Dasef Weems who has participated for many years, he states that this is by far his favorite event and that most everyone's most common reaction of the event always goes reverts to this one thing: "The view is super classy and perfect for a classy event". Classy indeed, it was! The look of everyone dressed uniformly in their fine white ensembles really created an ambiance of anticipation and respect for this annual Bastille Day event.
The first thing that I remember upon getting off the elevator was hearing the sounds of the acoustic instrumentalists resounding in the hallway. Musicians Keith Cooper and Donald Rogers were playing their hearts out on the guitar and provided the perfect background music for this caliber of an event. This year’s Bastille Celebration featured a wide host of sponsors and support including but not limited to: The Atlantan, Dyptique, l'Occitane, UPS, Le Jardin Français, Trinity Productions, Dior and Anne Fontaine. And the food selection absolutely wowed us!
There were two exclusive rooms that quickly filled up with guests. One of which had a king's buffet of some of the most common French cuisine items such as coq at vin, smoked salmon, ratatouille, vegetable crudités and more. The second room held an array of delectable French-Inspired deserts such as Macaroons as well as other creamy, quick-bite sweets. There was also a silent auction that took place during the course of the night, which worked very favorably toward raising funds for the benefit. All proceeds go toward the year-round educational and cultural programs organized and hosted by the Alliance Française d’Atlanta.
As the evening progressed and the announcement came for the guests to move toward the outdoor terrace for the opening of the fashion show, there seemed to be a general sense of anticipation to see these handpicked models strut down the catwalk in their all white elegant Anne Fontaine ensembles. The rooftop stage and seating was lined up flawlessly to accommodate the on-lookers as the music began to play. One by one, these stunning ladies walked down the catwalk with total confidence and poise representing the Anne Fontaine brand as if it were their own. There were applauds and gazes of fascination throughout the course of the show. Needless to say, their makeup was perfectly done by The 2015 Bastille Day Soirée with Alliance Française exclusive Dior events stafffrom out of Phipps Plaza’s Sax 5th Avenue.
As the event came to a closing and people began to wind down, there was a gradual growing of people borrowing that same terrace runway to dance the night away! When you see the LIVE rose gold sunset at a view like the one we saw on the Nelson Mullins rooftop with the amazing skyline of Atlanta, you can't help but want to take advantage of every moment dancing and enjoying each otherspresence. Simply put, this event was nothing less that remarkable! Another huge félicitations to AF for putting together yet another winning event! Soirée Blanche was held on the evening of a beautiful Saturday, July 18, 2015.
DRESS LIKE A GENT
Men of the Cloth Exclusive Screening & Panel Discussion: Atlanta, Georgia
Tonight, Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 7:30pm at Lefont Sandy Springs in Atlanta, Georgia, Atlanta Fashion Incubator (AFI) will host an exclusive screening of Men of the Cloth including followed by a panel discussion.
Men of the Cloth is an invigorating documentary about three Italian tailors who over the course of eleven years, have mastered the artistry of bespoke clothing and design. This highly anticipated international film by Director, Vicki Vasilopoulos is a must-see as she aims to demonstrate the essence of preserving creative bespoke fashion.
Check out the trailer and details below for more:
WHAT: Men of the Cloth, Film Screening and Panel Discussion
WHEN: Thursday, June 25, 2015 (7:30 – 9:35PM)
WHERE: Lefont Sandy Spring - 5920 Roswell Rd, Suite c-103, Atlanta GA 30342
WEBSITE: http://menoftheclothfilm.com/
Tickets are available online at https://www.tugg.com/events/20681
DRESS LIKE A GENT
The 8th Annual Doggies on the Catwalk 2015: A Recap
photo credit: TKO Photographic
On June 13, 2015, the highly anticipated Doggies on the Catwalk Fundraiser was hosted at one of the most ideal venues in the city, Buckhead Atlanta. Now 8 years strong, this event has managed to gain more and more support by big name celebrities, top designers and many other very influential sponsors. The brains behind this amazing vision, Mr. Vincent Martinez aka Fashionado along with a team of witty sponsors successfully raised over 35K for the Atlanta Pet Rescue & Adoption. The evening was extremely engaging from start to finish. Monica Pearson emceed the show and ushered in models who sported brands such as:
Christian Louboutin
Helmut Lang
Alice & Olivia
Bella Bag, Bonobos
Brunello Cucinelli
Theory
Jimmy Choo
Let us not forget the doggies strutting down the catwalk who stole the show accompanied by these celebrity models!
Among some of these amazing pooches were Thaddeus, a 2-year old corgi blend, Maximilian, a cockapoo, Jolene, a terrier blend, Gabbana, a Jack Russell Terrier and many others. These K9s had been recovered, rehabilitated and cared for by Atlanta Pet Rescue & Adoption. The purpose of the event was to showcase pets that need to be adopted, many of which have been since their debut. Additionally, Doggies on the Catwalk sponsored a silent auction to raise funds for Atlanta Pet Rescue & Adoption to assist in furthering their efforts to rescue and restore these abandoned animals.
Buckhead Atlanta supplied the guests with various selections of beverages served from an outdoor bar along with hors d'oeuvres from their on-site restaurants. Some of the foods included scrumptious goat cheese balls sprinkles in almonds, tuna bruschetta, gourmet olives, a plethora of fresh fruit and more. Needless to say, there was not a dull moment at Doggies on the Catwalk! The weather was exceptional and the venue and its players were very accommodating throughout the entire night. This social event was the perfect fundraiser; very entertaining and well-thought-out. A Big thanks goes to Vincent Martinez and his team who have not only exposed us to the needs of the Atlanta Pet Rescue & Adoption but given us greater expectations for Doggies on the Catwalk in 2016!
DRESS LIKE A GENT
Today's Style Inspiration: Mr. Roberto Mararo
Dress Like A Gent™ believes that class and style should speak for itself and strives to provide examples of individuals who have mastered an elite and consistent sense of style for themselves. Personal style is a matter of choice and experiment, whereby the real life model has discovered their most authentic sense of self and is able to display such in their look. This process is one of trial and error, does and don'ts, study, and self-awareness. Mr. Mararo, CEO and designer of the Mararo boutique in Milan, is definitely a one who has very skillfully accomplished this task. His bespoke garments are, in my opinion, impeccable and iconic especially for the man who is fond of European classic styles.
Mr. Mararo knows how to put the whole look together! His bespoke garments are all custom-fitting in a way that both compliments and crowns the gentleman. Personally, I admire the way that his choice of textures and accenting colors gives a very blended finishing touch to the overall ensemble. His creative work is such that by even seeing the visuals of his outfits, engages the viewer into the very moment when the image was captured. Although I've yet to travel to Milan, the pics of Roberto Mararo strolling through beautiful Milan in his royal-looking classic suits and classic hats has a whimsical way of motivating you to plan your next trip to Italy.
Classic style is timeless and defies the need to be trendy. It has the ability to transcend decades and still appear relevant, refined and crisp. To be able to capture these things in the design of a garment consistently is a feat that when accomplished, deserves to be commended. Mr. Mararo has been able to do just that and continues to do so. He is an exemplar of modern classic style that blazes the path for other aspiring classic gents and helps the individual to set realistic guidelines in the process of their individual style journey.
Please visit www.mararo.it for more info on the Mararo brand and Designer. Additionally, Mr. Mararo can be seen on Instagram under the name mararomrraro
Photo Courtesy: Top Right (JPMV), Top Left (ChillaxingROAD Photography)
DRESS LIKE A GENT
A Biblical View on Style and Fashion
You may ask yourself, “What biblical significance is there in the way that I dress?” or “What does God care about what's trending in fashion?” Well, these are some very valid questions that I aim to address in this article.
With the subject of style, fashion and clothing, the Bible seems to put more of an emphasis on the need to develop one’s inner beauty more so than the outer appearance. For example, in First Peter 3: 3-4, the Bible makes mention of this subject speaking to wives in relationship to their husbands. Although the verses focus primarily on the wife, I think it makes a relevant point to both gender in regards to our topic. And it reads, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
Likewise, in another place in scripture, we see that Jesus is rebuking the teachers of the Law because of their hypocrisy. He says in Matthew 23: 27–28, “You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean... On the outside you appear to people as righteous, but on the inside, you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” From these verses, it becomes clear that God is displeased with the nature of the individual's character particularly when it poses evil and especially when the individual masks their true nature by dressing it up in a pretentious manner. This was the thing that Jesus was pinpointing in the scripture. Unfortunately, this is usually the sole place where people land when making mention of style and fashion from a biblical standpoint.
The beauty about God and His creative work is that He has “fashioned” us according to His image and His likeness. Yet, He has instilled within each of us a certain distinction and individuality whereby He intends to get glory from our lives. This is the reason that we must be careful not to limit God’s creativity at work through people in the form of an individual’s sense of style and fashion. In fact, there is a very fitting quote by a renowned social reformer and clergyman of the early 1800s named Henry Ward Beecher that states, “Clothes and manners do not make the man, but when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance.”
My point is, God does not object to what a person wears or the way in which they wear it as long as it is modest and tasteful. The difference in Christiandom as opposed to the world of fashion is that sometimes in modern fashion culture, there is such a pressure to look a certain way, that it often drives people to make drastic physical changes such as by cosmetic surgery or extreme weight loss, etc to try to fit an image that may or may not be applauded by the masses. Fashion is ever changing and one must learn not to take extreme measures just to be relevant or “in” while neglecting that which is most important such as building a valuable and solid relationship with God.
There is a balance in all of this. The scripture says that we should love others according to the love we have for ourselves. So to dress nicely and to focus on developing one’s personal style is not sin, but is an expression of self-respect and self-honor. As believers, there is nothing wrong with dressing like we are the King’s own as we are! In fact, the more that we gain revelation as to who we are representing and the eternal kingdom that we are partakers of, the more attention we will give to modeling the part from the inside out.
Picture young David in First Samuel 16. When the prophet Samuel came into Jesse’s home to choose a candidate as king over Israel, none of Jesse’s other sons fit the description. Though some looked the part, God was more interested in the nature of their hearts, which would determine their ability to undertake such a divine task. In fact, while Samuel considered one of the brothers as being the chosen one, God interrupted and spoke to the prophet, saying: “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16: 7). After all of the sons in the house were presented to the prophet, Samuel concluded that none of them were fit and asked if there were any others left. Jesse responded saying that the only one remaining was his son David who was out tending the sheep.
Progressively, we see that David started out in shepherd's clothing, but eventually was redressed in king's garments according to where his destiny would take him!
In my previous blog entitled My Style and The Way I Wear It Matters, I reference an article written by Eva Rykrsmith called Dress Code or Not, What You Wear Matters. The correlation that I would like to make between the verses we just read and her article is the fact that the things we wear can also have an impact on our overall performance. She writes, “The clothes we wear—specifically, the meaning we have associated with them and the feelings they evoke in us—put us in a different mindset.” The reason that Jesus encouraged them to free Lazarus from his grave clothes when he was resurrected is so that in moving forward with his life, it was important that Lazarus no longer performed as one who was a victim to his past, or to even think as one who was still dead. The whole moral of my article can be summed up in these words: Your inner character is more important than the outer. Work on that first and have your outer mirror the same.
Photos Courtesy of Rashon Carraway (top) and Crystal Lewis (Bottom)
DRESS LIKE A GENT