Jeffrey Fashion Cares Just One Week Away!
Courtesy of Lindsay Abarca Photography
Finally, the time for the 24th Annual Jeffrey Fashion Cares is here and will take place just one week from today inside of the elegantly transformed Phipps Plaza! Monday, August 29th at 7PM, this philanthropic fashion charity event will commence with a pre-show cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a high-energy live auction and to top it off, the highly anticipated runway show. 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). As one of the nation's largest combined breast cancer and AIDS benefits, last year's sold out show raised $700,000 toward this end.
Courtesy of Tomas Espinoza Photography.
This year's executive board is facilitated by co-chairs, Lila Hertz, Jeffrey McQuithy and Louise Sams. The 2016 designer showcase will include:
Lanvin
Celine
Christian Dior
Givenchy
Gucci
Valentino
Dries van Noten
Saint Laurent Paris
Balenciaga
Christian Louboutin
and
Manolo Blahnik
Auction lovers can expect items such as a Vogue Fantasy Trip for Two to NYC, a Private Jet Experience + an Atlanta Falcons Game, MONIQUE PÉAN Earrings and more, all awaiting the best bidder. Jeffrey Fashion Cares is absolutely an experience you do not want to skip!
Courtesy of Lindsay Abarca Photography
For more details and to join this amazing event, please visit www.jeffreyfashioncares.com .
DRESS LIKE A GENT
Bronze Lens Film Fest's VIP Media Reception
Last night at the elegant Davidoff of Geneva Cigar Shop in Atlanta, the Bronze Lens Film Festival staff, its key players and media, all met up for a VIP reception. The event took place at the chic Shops of Buckhead Atlanta in the upscale Davidoff of Geneva store. Local media guests, actors, film producers and the executive staff for Bronze Lens all gathered inside to discuss this year's itinerary for the film festival. Executive Producer Kathleen Bertrand facilitated the discussion by letting the public know that they have been working hard year-round to make sure this year's film festival is an absolute success. She also explained the importance of support from the community to keep projects like this thriving and vibrant.
Both she and Board Director Tirrell Whittley, share with us that we as people of color should be intentional about our support. She mentions that they've never had a problem with getting volunteers from the community and this year, have over 800 + volunteers involved. Kathleen says, "Film festivals like Bronze Lens will not survive if we continue to allow everything to be free" and Tirrell also encourages people to support by sponsoring a college student for just $30 to attend the festival this year. Not only does the film festival provide opportunities for people to be exposed to films by people of color, but more importantly, there is a strong educational piece that happens during the festival and amazing networking for people passionate about filmmaking.
This year's Bronze Lens has a lot of exciting events to look forward to including a conversation with Actor David Banner, workshops such as "Becoming a Camera Ready Vendor" and "The Status of Production in Georgia", and more! Also this year, Kathleen has announced that Bronze Lens will be showing the premiere episode of OWN TV's "Queen Sugar". And to top the evening off, we had an opportunity to hear from the talented Actress Terry Vaughn about her new comedy film called #DigitalLivesMatter; a comedy about DC Young Fly with his over 3 million followers who finds that all of his followers are suddenly deleted by a hacker at the time of a major audition he has prepared for. She in conjunction with production company Nina Holiday Entertainment have been diligently working on the film which will be showcased at this year's festival and will be also available via streaming next month.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.bronzelens.com.
*All photos are courtesy of TKO Photographic.
DRESS LIKE A GENT
Dress Like A Gent ™ Collabs with Studio One Afrique
Conversation with Designer Adeola Yunusa of Studio One Afrique
If you've not noticed yet, I have this growing love for modern African fashion. In fact, about 50% of the events I cover annually on the blog revolve around this subject of Ankara fashion and the trends associated with that. Speaking of which, I recently had the privilege to sit down with Adeola Yunusa, the designer of Studio One Afrique and her daughter Alexandria Alli who is also a designer and the proprietor of a very successful brand called F&W Style. Dress Like A Gent ™ is super proud to announce a collab with Studio One Afrique as a brand ambassador with the focus of marketing their beautiful custom designs both online and abroad.
The first time that I came across Adeola's beautiful printed blazers was at last year's Culture Shock Show backstage prior to the show. Immediately, I was enthralled by the detail and tailored look of these blazers. It was like love at first sight! That year, I had an opportunity to interview Adeola regarding Studio One Afrique, but it was not until here recently that I was blessed to secure a relationship with the Adeola as a brand ambassador which will allow me to further market and showcase these amazing designs for men. Adeola, a native of Nigeria, tells us that she has witnessed the evolution of the brand since she first started designing in 1991.
We spoke about how much African fashion has emerged in this country and she shares that when she first got into designing, she would make clothes for her children. She says they loved the print, but weren't really feelin' the designs itself. As for most people who are reluctant about investing in this aesthetic, there seems to be this preconceived notion that African fashion is all tribal-looking and unflattering. However, Adeola shared with us how she was able to hear the cry of her children to start creating pieces that were more modern and youthful. She also says that she wants people to "feel the power within" when they put on her garments and that she even takes time to pray blessings over them before they go out into the public. For me, that's a win win!
Stay tuned to the blog for more info on Studio One Afrique and their upcoming events in the city.
To purchase, please visit www.StudioOneAfrique.com. You can also follow SOA via Instagram at @studiooneafrique.
* Photos Courtesy of Eden Photography XXII
DRESS LIKE A GENT
Introducing Sleek Bold Buttons by Joshua Mathis
So every now and again, I manage to run across some phenomenal brands and emerging designers that I totally admire and become a lifelong fan of. These creatives have executed amazing products in fashion that I feel need the appropriate platform to market their work. And although they have their own network and following, I also think that it is vital to push them beyond their realm of influence with the intent to expand and widen the sphere of what they do. This is where Sleek Bold Buttons comes to play!
I first ran across this young man by the name of Joshua Mathis via Instagram and was instantly blown away by his custom flower lapels centered with a unique button. The button overlaying a very detailed and clean looking fabric flower utilizing contrasting colors and patterns is exactly what makes his stuff both bold and beautiful! Since, I've had the pleasure of "blessing" myself with several of these Sleek Bold Buttons and do plan to collaborate with this young stylish/innovative gentleman to help him get the brand where it deserves to be!
Here is what Joshua had to share with us concerning his style, background and vision for Sleek Bold Buttons:
Me: Joshua, how would you describe your personal style?
Joshua: My personal style is definitely sleek, bold and unique. I love to incorporate colors, designs and patterns which when put together properly makes a statement.
Me: What role do you feel your personal style plays in your work?
Joshua: Working in a professional environment can sometimes seem to be taunting because of the status of others around you. You may feel that you don't belong or that you won't fit it. One thing I have come to realize though is that you are addressed by the way you dress. Therefore, it doesn't matter what type of degree you have or what your background is or what color or nationality you are. I've come to realize that people respect you by the way you dress. So in my place of work despite the different roles people have or seniority or status, I'm in the same category with the best because through my style I'm looked upon as a young intelligent man who has a plan!
Me: What or who inspired your stylishly?
Joshua: I have a lot of inspiration when it comes to style. Mr. Hampton is Definitely one person who inspires me. I don't know much about him but the little I do know and see pushes me to continue to be the best I can be. My family and friends inspire me and I like to stay that I inspire myself. I like to push myself to continue to do more and continue to put out quality products and help others to stay dapper, bold and unique.
Me: Please share with us some of your immediate goals in life and what specifically you are doing to achieve them.
Joshua: Currently my goal is to get to a point where I can work full-time doing what I love to do. Fashion is my Forté and I want everyone to see how beautiful fashion is. It's more then just nice clothes; it's an Art. In order to achieve that goal I'm reaching out to different people who have already achieved that goal to see what they did and trying to follow suit, but do it better. I feel like with the inspiration that I have and the help of family and friends I'll be able to successfully achieve my goals!!
Along with Joshua's flower button lapels, he also curates double-sided pocket squares and coordinating beaded jewelry that add a certain pizzazz to the gentleman's overall look. What we're saying is, just stay tuned to Sleek Bold Buttons as we are certain that he will go extremely far in the business and be a huge inspiration for other creatives out there.
For more information on Joshua Mathis and Sleek Bold Buttons, please visit sleekboldbuttons.bigcartel.com or via www.instagram.com/sleekboldbuttons.
DRESS LIKE A GENT
Bastille Day 2016 with AFATL
Just two days following the horrific shooting and deaths that occurred in Nice, France, Alliance Française d'Atlanta and its supporting community decided to press on with their annual Bastille Day celebration scheduled to be held on the terrace of the magnificent Nelson Mullins Law building in Atlanta. Just a day prior to the event, the patrons of AFA TL (Alliance Française d'Atlanta) received a formal memo from Director Hélène Touré expressing their heart-felt sympathy for the people affected by these events in Nice. She says, "While deeply saddened, we have decided not to give in to fear and allow those who use violence as their weapon of choice to win... We will press on tomorrow, not out of disrespect, but out of respect for liberty, equality, and brotherhood for all. It will also be a time for celebration of the power of people coming together during difficult times."
And with undying support and an overwhelming response from the local community, we all showed up for the festive event that evening to celebrate life, French culture and its influence in Atlanta. For those of you that may not be familiar with this Bastille Day Celebration in Atlanta, let me tell ya', it's an event that you don't want to miss! All guests are decked in white formal wear and the ambiance is filled with local and traveling Francophiles, Francophone Natives, great music, authentic French food and finally, a runway show on the beautiful outdoor terrace of the Nelson Mullins building.
This year, the fashion show was all swimwear featuring the classic French brand Vilebeqruin. This year in particular, the runway show absolutely captivated the crowd because there were not only adult models, but child models accompanying them. This is exactly what the Vilebeqruin promotes, a lifestyle brand stapled for its vibrant, and contrasting pacific patterns for man, woman, boy and girl. Prior to the show facilitated by the renowned Mistress of Ceremony, Theo Tyson of Trinity Productions, we feasted on delectable French foods including various cheeses, stews and other popular dishes related to the country. The Bastille Day Celebration also held a silent auction featuring packages such as brunch/ lunches to local cuisines, travel packages, designer products and more.
Big thanks to all of the sponsors for the event and the public's consistent contributions to AFATL. This year's sponsors included:
Merial
Delta/ KLM/ Air France
Dior
Taste of Lily
Dyptique Paris
The Atlantan
Vilebeqruin
L'Occitane
And more...
For more, please visit www.afatl.com. Photos Courtesy of Lindsay Abarca Photography.
DRESS LIKE A GENT
2 Weeks Til' The 5th Annual Culture Shock Show
The countdown begins! The time for the 5th Annual Culture Shock Show is fast approaching as designers, staff and fans prepare for the exhilarating fashion event which will be held this year at the Rilato Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The Culture Shock Show is definitely more than just your ordinary fashion show! In fact, it is a mélange of African fashion, music, arts, cuisine, emerging talents and more. Their mission, "to promote cultural appreciation and expose artists to empowering altitudes. Culture Shock provides the perfect networking platform not only to designers and musicians, but for small businesses as well.”
One of the key facilitators of The Culture Shock Show is Anita Safo of Pop Productions. Since its origin in 2012, Anita has very passionately planned out the annual event along with her brilliant team of stylists, producers, videographers, industry professionals, designers and more, to assure that people leave with an experience that will only spark a greater anticipation for the event in the future. In celebration of 5 outstanding years in production, this year's theme is "Evolution" and could not be more fitting for how far it has come. The show will commemorate a little of the old and the new by showcasing several variations of styles including, modern African, urban wear, as well as other trendy aesthetics all incoporating vibrant Ankara patterns and contrasting textures.
For anyone who is a fan of African Fashion or even curious about it, be sure to meet us there on Saturday, July 30th at the Rialto from 5 - 9PM! You absolutely have got to see this!
For tickets, please visit www.thecultureshockshow.com and also check out my coverage of last year's show via Urban Lux Magzine.
A SUMMER SUIT GUIDE FOR MEN
Have you ever pulled out your favorite suit to wear when it was blazing hot outside only to realize after drenching the suit in sweat that this may just be the wrong suit to wear this time of year? Truth is, most of us men have experienced this whether it be at a summer wedding, during a business meeting held in the summer or perhaps at a dapper summer party.
Now that the weather has seriously warmed up, it is important for the style-conscious gentleman to pay just as much attention to what he wears now as he would during colder seasons. And plus, with it being so hot and sometimes unbearably humid in certain areas of the country, it's easy to become slack in maintaining season-appropriate personal style. But fret not, I've got that #SummerSuit guide for you brothers who want to do it right!
The key to staying stylish and cool at the same time is to first understand the difference between what suits would be considered appropriate for summer and which are more appropriate for the cooler months. For example, when it's hot out, the idea is to have a suit made of linen or cotton as opposed to suits that are designed to keep you warm like tweed, cashmere or wool suits. You want to be sure to have a suit that is both cool and light-weight; with plenty of ventilation to keep you comfortable and confident. In fact, comfortable, cool and confident is what we want to go for gentlemen! Let's check out a few of my preferred suit types I'd recommend for the summer...
THE LINEN SUIT
So my disclaimer about linen suits before I get into this is to admit that I'm not by far a huge fan of linen anything. As most people feel about linen, I just can't stand the fact that it wrinkles so easily and not to mention the fact that I am utterly terrorized by the memory of men wearing those two-piece linen suits in the bright colors. And yea, I was one of them, but I got delivered! Now, linen suits are definitely cool and light-weight, which make them the iconic choice for summer suit wear. On the other hand, I would suggest that if you want to wear one of these material suits and are concerned about it becoming a distraction for being overly wrinkled, that you seek for a linen blend suit which may include wool or cotton. This is particularly the right direction to take if you choose to wear it for work which will give it a fuller look overall.
THE SEERSUCKER SUIT
My first pair of seersuckers were a pair of Polo Ralph Lauren's I got on sale at Dillard's and still wear proudly to this day! Seersucker is a very distinguished material, which is light-weight and yet commands a certain respect when put together right. Seersucker is such a staple item to own that it makes for the perfect shell to pair with a simple white button down Oxford shirt and nice pair of brogues, monk-straps or loafers. Likewise, you will often see more daring men versed in fashiondom wear seersucker with a pair of chucks or low-top all-white or khaki sneakers. When I see gents decked in seersucker suits, it reminds me of guys and gals dressed up for the Kentucky Derby or some elegant outdoor summer party.
THE COTTON SUIT
Cotton suits are one of the most common suits that men can wear both during the summer seasons as well as the cooler seasons depending on its lining interior. Cotton is a great material for air ventilation and conforms just right on the body. Another thing that I won't spend a lot of time on for this post is the fact that you can get away with wearing more adventurous colors during the summer. As with cotton suits, it's a great idea to step out the box and choose a lighter color such as grey, light blue or pastel shade for starters. And when you've mastered that, give a try to wearing a more vibrant color like red, green, etc.
THE SHORTS SUIT
The last suit selection that I wish to cover is this big trend in shorts suits. If you want to pull this off, you've got to come correct. First, it is important that the suit coat be a tailored and fit as to not look like an experiment gone wrong. The sleeves are to be long just as it would be on a two-piece pants suit. The only difference is, the shorts are supposed to be hemmed just above the knee. Anything else, is a definite fail.
So, if you want to try wearing a shorts suit for the first time, I would definitely recommend looking at some other images of men in this look as seen marketed in upscale men's magazines or runway shows.
In conjunction with the run-down of different summer suits I've mentioned, there are several others out there that time will not permit me to delve into right now. I do recommend however, that you also check out my article on fashionado.net about going sockless in the summer entitled Socks or Not? as this is the perfect opportunity to do so to top off your summer suit ensemble. Again, in fashion, it is always a matter of doing things the right way the reason educating oneself on the subject is most important.
DRESS LIKE A GENT