21

Feb

Chaka Khan & More at the UNCF Masked Gala this Saturday

UNCF Birmingham’s signature masked gala takes place this Saturday at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel with special guest Chaka Khan.  Area development director Walvid King gave me a sneak peek into what guests can expect.  The black-tie evening, which began as a dinner, “switched to a gala concept in 1990 or 1991,” according to King.  With a $400,000 fundraising goal this year, the local office hopes to exceed that goal and raise half a million dollars this year, and King believes they are well on their way.

What first-timers to the gala can expect: “A first-timer can expect to get a complete understanding of the mission of UNCF, a brief overview of the talent on our college campuses and to hear from UNCF administrators.  They will get a complete overview of what UNCF is all about, and its constituents.”

The Gala’s impact:   “That impact is almost [beyond measure].  We’ve raised over [six figures] on average to support young people in the state of Alabama attending our schools.  You can look at that as being one portion of what we do.  Another portion will go to student aid.  Another portion will go to the school administration for development of its educational staff and infrastructure; [funding] not only benefits hundreds of youth, but extends onto the campus.  The impact is tremendous.  Every dollar counts.”  (The local UNCF development office uses 10% of those funds for administrative costs.)

“Everything else goes back to the schools,” according to King.

What sets it apart from other fundraisers?  “I wouldn’t put it in comparison to any other organization, but everything about our organization is [tied to] fundraising, and I’m not sure if that’s everyone else’s mission.  We are still the number one minority assistance fund in America, and I’d say we hold that crown locally as well.”

Are there any surprises in store for guests Saturday night?  “I don’t want to blow the whistle, but yes, there are some surprises planned.  It wouldn’t be a surprise if I blew the whistle.  (Laughs) It will be a star-studded event supporting educational excellence in this state; this is not something you want to get secondhand. You have to be there to see it.”

King also noted that the local UNCF office manages fundraising for two and a half states with a staff of two people, something that may not be well-known. 

“[The gala] is building and we are growing.  And everyone involved is important.  I really want to thank my wife for her patience during this time; she also volunteers in the office.  And I can’t forget Bryna Reid, who holds everything together while I’m out raising money,”  King added.  “It’s on the backbone, sweat and tears of myself and the volunteers who come by to stuff envelopes and make contacts.  [Many attended UNCF schools and just want to give back.]  It’s a big family effort. ”

This year’s co-chairs are Bill Horton of Regions, and Bobbie Knight-Burley of Alabama Power.  King also expressed gratitude to the numerous sponsors who provided monetary support and man-hours, including two new sponsors: BP and Hershey’s.

For tickets, contact 322-8623 or the UNCF event website.  Don’t forget your mask! 

Image via chakakhan.com

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13

Feb

The Last Word on Birmingham Fashion Week 2012

Only for the love of fashion would I stand up for three nights' straight.

One blistered heel. Ten cramped fingers. Three nights in a 40″ by 140″ tent in make-your-teeth-chatter-and-knees-knock weather. 

No,  I didn’t spend the past few nights camping; I covered the second annual Birmingham Fashion Week, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Camp Smile-a-Mile and Alabama Forever.  It was my first fashion week anywhere, EVER and what I learned in the tent is that next year, I’ll make sure we have seats. I didn’t rock shades a la Anna Wintour, and I wasn’t so much of a rube that I held up numbered cards to rate the designs, but every night I was left breathless by the energy, the generosity, and the sheer creativity I witnessed from members of the beauty industry, the models, the designers, and the audience.

It may not be New York, but then why would we want it to be?  Not to get on my soapbox, but I’ve lived here long enough to grow tired of the comparisons between Birmingham and just about every other city.  It was nice to see us step up and (literally) strut our stuff for a change.

“It’s hard to show your inner heart and be judged,” BFW co-founder Heidi Elnora admitted before the finale began.  Although she was referring to the pieces preparing to march down the runway, she could have been talking about any of the million other dreams people have but never follow through on because they’re afraid.  As Hayden High School art teacher Amy Cutcliffe emphasized, “Everybody has something [to share creatively].” BFW gave many – myself included – an opportunity to do that.

Was everything about the event perfect? No.  But that’s not the point.  The show’s mission – to bring together our community – delivered. There was pageantry, there was drama, and for three nights, people from different ages, backgrounds, aesthetics and perspectives commiserated and celebrated in the name of fashion.  Not to be missed: Brandon Wayne giving us FASHION as he emoted down the catwalk, Ashley Davis’ perfected “smize,” and Marcella Bailey’s infectious cheering from the sidelines. I’m no Pollyanna, but I left feeling that some very talented people brought everything they had to give and left it on the catwalk. 

I, for one, feel richer for it…and am already marking my calendar for BFW 2013.

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13

Feb

Menswear and Vintage Looks Close Birmingham Fashion Week

It wasn’t all about the ladies at Birmingham Fashion Week.  After an earlier showing of menswear by Southern Proper and Prophetik, local men’s clothier Shaia’s showcased several looks perfect for gentlemen with made to measure taste.  From their natty three piece and double-breasted suits to the infusion of color in the casualwear, there is no need for the fellows to fall back on blue button-downs and khakis come spring.  I especially  appreciated the purple gingham shirt, deep purple knit tie, and grey suit combination (a similar version was spotted on New York Giant Mario Manningham at the Grammys last night).

Headlining designer  Gerard Maione (one half of What Goes Around Comes Around NYC) gave us vintage chic set to a bossa nova beat of Mais Que Nada.  1970s-era glamour was on display with scarlet caftans and jade green tunics fit for the resort and separates for the office (accented with tasseled belts, silk ascots, and fabrics featuring paisley prints or gold thread).

Project Runway Season 8’s Christopher Collins’ black jumpsuit, Leona Collection’s chain-print, lace-up back, yellow sundress and Gus Mayer’s haute pink one shoulder cocktail dress all would give anyone’s wardrobe an edge.

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Stay tuned for my final word on BFW 2012!

All images courtesy of and copyrighted by Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography

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13

Feb

Straight from the Birmingham Fashion Week Runway: Kaylon Nichole

Kaylon Nichole wearing What Goes Around Comes Around, BFW 2012

Kaylon Nichole Brooks, 16, is from Lilburn, Georgia and has been modeling for 5 months.  We caught up with Kaylon and her mother, Stacey M. Cameron, just after Birmingham Fashion Week’s finale Saturday night.

How did you prepare for BFW?  “[By] asking my mom lots of questions about what I needed to do better [on the runway], practicing in my kitchen, and looking up videos on YouTube [which showed how to walk the catwalk].”

What do you think about as you stroll the runway?  “[Walking] clears my head and soothes me; it’s a relieving feeling.”

Any dream designers you’d like to work with?  “Versace!  Their stuff is so different; you know Versace when you see it.  They’re iconic; [wearing their designs] says that you’ve made it big.”

Do you have an agent?  “My mom! [Laughs]  She’s my ‘momager.’ ”

Okay, Mom, what did you think of the show?  “She did amazing!  I’ve been trying to get her to do it!”  Kaylon cut in, “My mom used to say I wanted to model secretly because I used to watch America’s Next Top Model all the time.  She told me then I’d model one day, but I didn’t believe it.  She finally convinced me, and I love it.”

She had the following advice for aspiring models: “Do your research.  Try to learn from the best, and you have to practice.  And, exercise and take care of your body.” 

How does she balance the demands of schoolwork with her budding career?

“My mom keeps me on track.  It is a struggle at times but she lets me know that school comes first.”

Images courtesy Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography

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11

Feb

Friday Night Fashion at BFW 2012

Following the Emerging Design and Rising Design Star competitions, last night’s Birmingham Fashion Week presentations (hosted by Tara Gray) built on Thursday evening’s momentum and brought us looks from local boutiques Theodora and Stella Blu,  European drama from Iota, Prophetik’s ecochic sensibility, and streamlined sophistication from by SMITH.

Iota Westenburg’s luxurious couture wraps, capes and coats are made of “durable, renewable, recyclable, bio-degradable” skins with fur and shearling accents.  Designed by Machteld Schrameijer, each opulent piece featured special detail – either lace insets, tapestry paneling,  or seaming – in rich colors such as rust, aubergine, chocolate and snowy white.  Her hooded evening coat with lace, eyelet and beading was especially beautiful.  With background music including the Lara’s Theme  from Dr. Zhivago, Schrameijer’s presentation put me in the mind of  being bundled up for an elegant sleigh ride across the snow.

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Next up was Smith Sinrod’s line by SMITH, which I found to be sophisticated and polished.  Sinrod  pairs unexpectedcolors and rich silks together in a lovely way; the woman who wears her line must be bold and confident.  I think her line could be worn by women of various ages without making the wearer look too young or too matronly, which can be difficult for a designer to achieve.  by SMITH featured separates and dresses that would make it easy for one to get dressed quickly and feel very pulled-together.

Headlining designer Jeff Garner of Prophetik closed the evening with a short film on the ethical design process and both fencing and dancers on the runway (although not all at once).   Prior to the show Garner noted that the audience would see “a lot of romance and…dramatic flair” and he definitely delivered.  His hemp silk blends and Civil War-era silhuoettes embody his social conscience and upbringing in Tennessee (Garner does not own a television).   His pieces featured light colors and soft fabrics and he showed multiple looks for both women and men. Prophetik can be purchased locally at Manhattan South and will even be seen on an artist at the Grammy Awards tomorrow night (I’d give away who’ll be wearing his gown but you’ll have to stay tuned for our Grammys coverage on Monday!).

Images courtesy of Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography

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11

Feb

Emerging Designers and Rising Stars Shine at BFW 2012

Last night was another whirlwind of fashion as emerging and established designers and local boutiques took to the stage.  Particularly impressive last night were the creations from the Emerging Design competition (featuring under and post-graduate designers) and the Rising Star Design Challenge (featuring junior high and high school designers).  Sharp tailoring and attention to detail were hallmarks from Elizabeth Singleton’s romantic peplum-waist cocktail looks and fitted evening dress.  We also appreciated the strong perspective shown by Chanelle Clark’s hippie-chic homage to the 1970s. 

The innovative up-and-comers in the Rising Star Design Challenge crafted clothing from items including sheet music, moss, twigs, stretch banadges, and tissue paper.  Hayden High School had several entries from its art department, including a pine needle and pine cone creation by Annie Strong, featuring a fringed skirt and corset top.  Annie was one of the students who moved on tonight’s finals.   Amy Cutcliffe, Hayden High’s art teacher, was extremely proud of her students’ efforts and was excited to participate in BFW 2012.

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“It’s definitely working as a way to get people interested [in design].  All of the teachers have gotten really involved too,” she said, pointing out Hayden’s vice principal, an English teacher and school librarian. 

Judges from last night’s competition included Joe O’Donnell (B-Metro), current Miss Alabama USA Katharine Webb, and public relations maven Krista Conlin (KC Projects). Winners from both contests will be announced this evening.   The 2012 Emerging Designer will receive a $1000 prize sponsored by 90/10.  Three winners will be selected from the Rising Star Design Challenge, with prizes sponsored by Mercedes Benz.

Images courtesy Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography

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11

Feb

Who Wore What Where: Birmingham Fashion Week

From what I’ve seen come down the catwalk, come Spring we will all be wearing (or avoiding) high-low hems, pleated maxi skirts and palazzo pants, romantic sheer blouses (but perhaps not sheer enough to expose our lingerie, as was shown),  and tailored shorts.   But the high fashion isn’t just on the runway at BFW 2012.  I’ve spotted super-chic attendees in colored denim, one shoulder embellished tunics, faux and genuine fur vests and short jackets, at least one fascinator, and amazing footwear: booties, glam platforms, and of course, a Louboutin (or ten).  

Who was the most fashionable?  There were SO many to choose from, but I just had to talk to the very chic Miss Cates Lyman, age 6, who attended Birmingham Fashion Week’s Friday shows with her mother, Elisabeth Lyman.

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Who picked out your outfit?  My mama. [smiles]

Why do you like it?  “Because my mama has a matching one…and because it has pockets!”

What’s your favorite color?  “Pink.  It’s a happy color!”

What do you want to be when you grow up? “A movie star!”

Is this your first fashion show?  “No ma’am.  I’ve been in one.  This is my third,” she informed me.

Cates’ mother provided additional details regarding her outfit: the Milly multicolored striped mini dress is from Village Sportwear, and was purchased so they could match on Palm Sunday.  The silver sequined vest is from SNAP KIDS apparel in Crestline Village; Cates’ red tights are from Target, and her red leather, buckled Mary Janes are from Christine’s in Mountain Brook Village.

Images courtesy Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography

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10

Feb

Lights, Camera, Fashion: BFW 2012

Laura Kathryn for Birmingham Fashion Week 2012

It was standing room only under the white tent and high-wattage lights set up in Pepper Place for the second night of Birmingham Fashion Week.  Lesson number one? Don’t wear four inch, patent leather, pointy-toed mules to a fashion show where you’ll be shifting your weight on what’s basically a toothpick for 2 and half hours.  By 7:10 PM my feet were begging for mercy. Tomorrow night? I’ll be in flats.

The night’s festivities began with a procession of entries from the college-level Emerging Designer and junior high and high school-level Rising Design Star competitions.  Standouts  included Travis Mackey, whose avant garde designs and attention to detail were different from anything else on the runway, featuring corset detailing, mutton sleeves and stark colors.  Mackey advanced to the next phase of the Emerging Designer competition.

The night also featured selections from local women’s boutiques SOCA and Laura Kathryn.  I LOVED the very wearable cheetah-print suit with short bottoms and apricot blouse, which will be perfect for summer date nights and cocktails. 

Finally it was time for the featured designers: William Bradley (last year’s Emerging Design winner), Southern Proper and Annie Griffin.  Bradley’s prairie-chic, flowing creations had  the feel of vintage Ralph Lauren in the fabrication and silhuoettes.  Bradley counts Chanel as a major historical icon and noted, “[I’m trying] to create a story.”  The pieces had a very editorial feel; Bradley should concentrate on fabric choice and fit as he progresses.  This year has been a whirlwind; his spring collection was picked up by Private Gallery and will be in their stores in May.

Southern Proper’s brightly colored, preppy accessories incorporated menswear from Peter Millar.  The line is

Laura Kathryn for Birmingham Fashion Week 2012

available locally at Remon’s and at the Birmingham Country Club, and there are plans to partner with J. Crew on a men’s wedding bow tie line.  [4:07 PM: I have edited this review to remove my previous enthusiasm for the line.  After further reviewing Southern Proper’s website in detail today, I was dismayed to see a Cotton Pickin’-themed print.  I can appreciate the seersucker and bucks look for men but I don’t support anything that harkens to “plantation chic.”]

Annie Griffin closed the show with feminine separates in muted solids and prints.  The line also made use of color-blocking, which is a major Spring 2012 trend.  The line is extremely wearable and appeals to women who appreciate the retro flair, the soft touches and laidback silhuoettes.

More looks from last night:

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Stay tuned for more coverage!

All images via Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography for Birmingham Fashion Week 2012

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10

Feb

Eighth Grader Debuts at Birmingham Fashion Week

Pizitz Middle School student Lucy Bailey walked her first runway like a seasoned pro in Birmingham Fashion Week’s Rising Design Star competition last night. Twenty young fashion designers showcased pieces crafted from materials straight out of a Project Runway challenge, utilizing garbage bags, bubble wrap, coffee filters, feathers, pine cones, doilies and duct tape. Wearing a drop-waist party dress made of pink, yellow, and orange plastic ribbon designed by Greer Micelli, the Cynthia Bailey model search finalist spoke with me about her first foray on the catwalk.  She was accompanied by her mother, Shannon Bailey, and grandmother Marcella Bailey.

How’d it feel to walk the runway?  “It was exciting! The cameras flashing and the [noise of] crowd…I loved it! And I got to meet Miss Alabama [USA 2012; Katherine Webb]!”

How long did hair and make-up take tonight?  “About an hour and a half, ” mom Shannon Bailey shared.

Describe your dress (made of what is commonly used for balloon streamers) in one word: “Curly!” [laughs]

How was the Cynthia Bailey Model Search experience?  “It was really fun.  Being [chosen] as a winner was really surprising.”  Lucy was chosen as the fifth finalist on the last day of the competition last month and will compete in Atlanta in May.  At stake: a one-year modeling contract, photo spread, and $10,000 prize.  This was the second modeling event Lucy has participated in.

Although Miss Micelli’s innovative dress was not selected to advance in the Rising Design Star competition, both Lucy’s mother and grandmother were very pleased with Thursday night’s events.

The Bailey Family after the show. Courtesy Lynsey Weatherspoon

“I thought the whole night was fabulous.  It’s nice they let the young kids get involved,” said Shannon, who also felt the production was good for the city’s image.

“[Everything] was very professional,” added Marcella.  “And we’re very proud of Lucy!”

Stay tuned for more coverage of Birmingham Fashion Week and updated photos courtesy of Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography!

Images courtesy of Shannon Bailey and Lynsey Weatherspoon

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08

Feb

Birmingham Fashion Week Kicks Off Today!

The local catwalk heats up this week as Birmingham Fashion Week descends on the city (specifically, Pepper Place)!  Local and national designers and boutiques, models and members of the fashion and beauty industries will unite for three nights of runway shows as well as design and modeling competitions.  And yes, Same Chic Different Day will be there!  Having reviewed the list of featured designers (including Smith Sinrod’s contemporary yet classic looks and What Goes Around Comes Around NYC’s vintage aesthetic),  I can’t wait to see who rips the runway.  The lineup promises a definite mix of exciting perspectives, capped off with after parties at local nightspots and restaurants each evening, a Bridal Day Saturday and the Mercedes Marathon on Sunday morning.  

Who will be spotted (and what will they be wearing) at the Gus Mayer kick-off party this evening? Who will be the Face of Birmingham Fashion Week 2012?  Which Emerging Designer and which Rising Design Star will take top honors?  Which designer’s line should you be wearing, and why?  Stay tuned!

Image via Birmingham Fashion Week

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