How to Prepare for the 2015 Harlem Renaissance Ball
Making preparations for the Harlem Renaissance Charity Ball on September 26, 2015, there are certainly a few things to consider in order to put together the right era-appropriate look. With so many guests engaged in the theme of this event, it is important to thoroughly think through your personal look for the night as it is perfectly acceptable to showcase your individual style. To do so, let us examine a few historical elements of men's fashion during the time of the Harlem Renaissance.
During this period, men's styles were defined and elegant. African American men typically wore suits made of wool or linen fabrics tailored to fit the individual. Some of the suits they wore were more formal incorporating tails on their jacket such as seen with the tuxedo, while others were less formal and paired with baggy-fitting slacks. Suits of this nature were known as “Zoot Suits”. Zoot Suits were were typically high-waisted, with wide legs, a long coat and wide lapels and shoulders. They were originally affiliated with African-American musicians and even mobsters immersed in this culture.
Along with suits and well-tailored garments, men during the Harlem Renaissance wore pin stripes, silk shirts, pocket squares, Fedora hats, suspenders, bow ties, patent leather shoes, black and white brogues, etc. There was a true sense of pride and ownership that these men and women took not only in their city but also in their attire. To date, the styles of this period have transcended into modern-day fashion couture and can be seen recreated on major catwalks throughout America.
For a real life Harlem Renaissance experience, don’t miss out on the upcoming Harlem Rensaissance Charity Ball on September 26, 2015 from 6 – 10PM. See details on www.harlemrenaissanceball.info. Also, check out these examples of classic Harlem Renaissance styles to use as a reference point.
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The 8th Annual Kingdomwood Christian Film Festival - Buckhead, Atlanta
Just a little over two months away and The Kingdomwood Christian Film Festival returns! On October 1 - 4, 2015 in Buckhead, Atlanta, The Kingdomwood Christian Film Festival (KCFF) will showcase an array of Christian-based films from independent filmmakers that demonstrate and inspire Christian morals and way of life. KCFF screens a mix of short-films, full-length features, documentaries and offers interactive workshops regarding industry trends in faith-based film-making and production. Their aim along with spreading the message of hope and faith through relevant film-making, also is to help to “give back to the Christian community, in hopes to grown local and state-wide congregations.” With the growing number of Christian films in this industry, it is absolutely amazing to have an outlet by which these indie artists and their actors can have their movies celebrated on a larger scale.
Not only do guests of the KCFF event get an opportunity to learn more about the importance of these new discoveries with Christian film production, but more importantly, this will provide an opportunity to network and build a community of like-minded professionals for greater impact in the world. The lineup for the KCFF week of events includes a Red Carpet Premiere featuring 4 of this year’s movie winner selections, a meet and greet celebrity panel, and networking meet and greets with the official KCFF musicians, gMovies team and more. All events will be held at the Buckhead Embassy Suites.
For more information, please visit www.kingdomwood.com
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Prelude to Jeffrey Fashion Cares 2015 - Atlanta, Georgia
Photo courtesy: Tomas Espinoza Photography
Just two weeks away, the annual and most celebrated fashion event in Atlanta takes place: Jeffrey Fashion Cares 2015! This highly anticipated event marks the 25th Anniversary of Jeffrey Atlanta | New York and will be held on the evening of Monday, August 31, 2015 at Phipps Plaza.
Jeffrey Fashion Cares founded by renown Fashion Retailer Jeffrey Kalinsky, will again focus its fundraising efforts for the benefit of Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta and the Atlanta AIDS Fund (AAF). A recent press release by the 2015 co-chairs, Lila Hertz, Jeffrey McQuithy and Louise Sams previews further details into the high-energy event. Details of which include a sneak peek into some of the luxurious items that will be featured in the silent and live auction, the location, after-party and more. On the runway, guests will see high-end looks from a plethora of the stated top designers:
photo courtesy: Ben Rose Photography
Balenciaga
Manolo Blahnik
Celine
Christian Dior
Givenchy
Landon
Christian Louboutin
Saint Laurent Paris
Valentino
Dries Van Noten
From the growing success of Jeffrey Fashion Cares over the years, we can undoubtedly expect yet another successful turn-out at this year's event. The vision and execution of merging high fashion with the breast cancer and AIDS benefit is one that everyone simply wants to be a part of. The proof is in the pudding! Last year, $700,000 was raised in this effort. People both local and otherwise take great pride in sharing this prime moment and anniversary with such an influential gentleman of style, Mr. Jeffrey Kalinsky.
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Spotlight Feature: Young Gent, Tony Betton aka T-Rep
On Thursday, July 23, 2015, Dress Like A Gent (DLAG) had the opportunity to attend the Usher’s New Look Foundation's (UNL) United to Ignite Awards and Sweet 16 Celebration as a media affiliate on behalf of Urban Lux Magazine. The event as a whole was simply brilliant from start to finish and left no time for a dull moment. This event celebrated 16 years for Usher's organization and awarded key players and sponsors who have made a major impact on the company's success. Among some of these individuals included celebrity Ludacris who was the main emcee along with many other pivotal persons including Georgia Lieutenant Governor, Casey Cagle who was one of the 2015 UNL Honorees for Education.
Following the silent auction in the main lobby of The St. Regis Hotel, the guests were directed into the ballroom where the ceremony was scheduled to take place. The sea of elegant round dining tables were numbered strategically and delegated to a mixture of sponsors, media personnel, family members of UNL students and alumni as well as one youth member of UNL as a direct point of reference. Mother to Tony Betton aka T-Rep, Ms. Sheryl Brown, was seated at the same table as DLAG. Ms. Brown explained how her son was the co-emcee for the ceremony and is one of the many success stories that went through Usher’s New Look Foundation.
T-Rep is definitely a young gentleman to watch and one who is a natural leader in his own right. Since the age of 9, Tony has been immersed in both entertainment and public speaking, his mother expounds. To date, he continues to seize great opportunities in the realm of public speaking, community youth building, music, business and the arts. Needless to say, his presentation in front of a mass of business professionals and celebrity personalities was flawless. He didn’t miss a beat!
This young leader is a gent of character, poise and great ambition. There is no doubt that he will continue to see magnificent doors of engagement open up to him wherever he goes. He currently is a sophomore at Georgia State University majoring in Broadcasting.
For more details in reference to this event and The UNL Foundation, please visit DLAG’s Urban Lux Magazine Contribution entitled A Very Sweet 16 to
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The Inside on Joe's Custom Clothier - Fine Bespoke Suits & Haberdashery
So who would have ever figured that such an elite and well-traveled connoisseur of fine men's garments and I worked in the same building? To my surprise, Mr. Joseph Hinton AKA Joe, a native of Sierra Leone, haberdasher and creative bespoke tailor was just 3 floors away from me! One day at work, a colleague casually mentioned to me that there was a gentleman in the building whom she thought Dress Like A Gent ™ should definitely spotlight on the blog. She briefed me on many of his accomplishments in the world of custom suit-making, tailoring and fashion merchandising. Without hesitation, I knew that I needed to meet him to find out more.
Upon entering into his shop and workspace, I was instantly drawn to this standing mannequin just ahead of me dressed in a well-fitted, heather grey, black & cream plaid 2-button blazer. The blazer was complimented by a custom-made orange and white checkered dress shirt with a solid orange flower lapel and royal blue necktie with polo-style stripes. Oh! And not to forget the contrasting lavender pocket square trimmed in fuchsia! Joe mentioned that he planned to wear this custom ensemble to the upcoming MAGIC event in New York. MAGIC is the world's largest fashion marketplace and trade show showcasing the latest in apparel, footwear, accessories and manufacturing.
Not only has Joe participated in MAGIC for years, but he also brings to fashion couture a wealth of experience including but not limited to nationwide fashion panel discussions, as well as experience in trade shows, fashion events, showrooms and more. Since youth, Joe has been diligent to cultivate his passion for tailoring and bespoke designs as he apprenticed under a major tailor in Sierra Leone who endorsed his gift; leading into the launching of his own brand, Joe's Custom Clothiers. In regards to tailoring, Joe very modestly has a wide range of regular clients who visit his business location throughout the week inluding trending celebrity personalities Jidenna and Janelle Monae. The level of detail, elegance and choice fabrics combined with contrasting patterns and textures is Joe's speciality. As a result, he has become one of the most sought after tailors for inumerous special events, Red Carpet events, weddings, and VIP soirées.
With over 30 years of business experience and international exposure, Joe has received several notable accolades including the 1992 Best Designer Award in Atlanta. Joe's Custom Clothiers also offers custom neckties, bowties, lapels, brooches, underwear, dress socks and more.
Here are three key reasons Joe lists on his site that you should own your own custom suit:
Distinctive choices of style and design that separate you from others.
Body measurements are taken, where the end result is customized fit beyond compare.
Exceptional fabric quality provides timeless endurance that lasts for over ten years.
For more info, please visit http://www.joescustomclothier.com/
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The Power of Creativity - A Recap from the Dance Crucifixion Worship, Arts & Business Conference
Photo Courtesy: Rhema Word Enterprises, LLC
On the weekend of August 7 - 9, 2015, Ministers Jeremy and Onisha Goldsmith of Greenville, South Carolina hosted their 4th Annual Dance Crucifixion Conference at the Rock Church of Atlanta in Forest Park, Georgia.
The Goldsmiths are definitely no newbies where it concerns the ministry of dance and the various expressions of dance that exist. These two are professional and versed artists in mime, liturgical, modern, hip-hop, and even African dance styles. In fact, Minister Onisha Goldsmith, the visionary for Dance Crucifixion and native of Greenville, South Carolina along with her husband Minister Jeremy Goldsmith, have for nearly 8 years been dancing collaboratively and traveling throughout the country to instruct and train dancers as to how to incorporate these different expressions as an act of worship and dedication to God. The vision behind the Dance Crucifixion Conference is "to serve as a training ground for artists of all genres to be skillfully trained and equipped to evangelize the Word of God effectively through all manners of craftsmanship including but not limited to dance, mime, cooking, fashion, music, and more.”
This year’s theme at Dance Crucifixion was “The Power of Creativity” with an emphasis on Worship Arts and Business. The conference commenced that Friday night with Elder Brian Hampton from the Rock Church of Atlanta as the guest speaker teaching on the subject, “Success is in your Hands”. We explored the fact that God endows us with talents and creative abilities to be used in order to gain us wealth as well as to expand the Kingdom of God in an unconventional, yet effective way. The following morning, the attendees to Dance Crucifixion participated in a series of interactive workshops throughout the course of the day taught by specialized instructors and anointed business professionals.
An example of some of these courses offered were “Creative Hospitality” taught by Pastor Velinda Simmons where she demonstrated quick, affordable ways to make healthy and wholesome meals that serve as a conversation piece and ideal addition to fellowship gatherings. Minister Jeremy Goldsmith taught a session entitled H3 which provided the attendees with practical, biblical ways to bring their dreams and visions to reality. Minister Jeremy is Founder of Push Brokers, a coaching and consulting brand which assists its clients in attaining personal and professional success. Also, there were supplemental courses taught in mime, pageantry, prophetic dance, Christian Rap and production.
PHOTO COURTESY: RHEMA WORD ENTERPRISES, LLC
Dance Crucifixion was also graced to have a special session taught by Dr. Teresa Gardner of Charlotte, North Carolina who is a phenomenal teacher of Biblical dance and Jewish tradition. Dr. Teresa is Founder of Zion Center for Worship & The Arts where she is used nationally and internationally along with her team to lead and train other creative worship artists at churches, conferences and at their leader facility. Dr. Teresa shared with us through a very unique and interactive teaching based out of Exodus Chapter 35 on how God's spirit comes to endow us with ability, understanding, skill, knowledge and wisdom to “create” in a manner that brings Him glory. The conclusion of this amazing conference climaxed with an anointed dance concert by various dance artists including two original Christian Rap selections by Devares Roberts of 6:33 Music.
Photo Courtesy: Rhema Word Enterprises, LLC
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Atlanta Gears Up for The 4th Annual Culture Shock Show 2015
Living in a metropolitan city that is by no means an amateur where it concerns modern fashions and major fashion events, there is sometimes a gradual loss of enthusiasm where it concerns fashion shows and designer previews. The key for those immersed in the word of fashion is to strategically facilitate a substantial gathering with a theme that engages its followers and fosters an anticipation for more.
The Annual Culture Shock Show held in Atlanta, Georgia is just that! On October 17th, 2015, the Pop Productions Network will showcase the highly anticipated 4th Annual Culture Shock Show at the Georgia World Congress Center in Downtown, Atlanta.
The Culture Shock Show highlights fashion, art and talent from different cultures by “creating a positive reflection of cultural appreciation in the diaspora.” Their mission is to promote cultural appreciation by blending theatrical choreography and fashion all in a 1-night event. This year’s theme is a very interesting concept - “Africa Meets Asia” and will spotlight similarities between Africa and Asia on the catwalk. The Culture Shock is the ideal platform for opportunistic small businesses, musicians and of course, gifted designers.
For more information, please contact the producers at Thecultureshockshow@gmail.com
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