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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Birmingham Live!/C'est Si Bon/Haute off the Press/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen/Scene and Heard

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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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07

Feb

We Admit It

…we’re officially jealous of Beyonce and her post-baby body.  Chick is svelte and undeniably FABULOUS, stepping out last night for hubby Jay-Z’s concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall (one month after giving birth to baby Blue Ivy!).  Check out NY Daily News’ coverage here.  Her curve-hugging ruched “Molina” dress is by Alice  By Temperley, and the killer pumps are by Christian Louboutin.

Images via Joe Marino/NY Daily News

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Haute off the Press/Random Acts of Fashion/Scene and Heard/The Look

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01

Feb

SHOPportunity!

Calling all area shoppers!  If you missed the news that Atlanta’s Bloomingdales (Perimeter Mall location) is closing, now’s the time to drive over (or catch the Mega Bus!) and find some deals.  The store is in the midst of a massive clearance sale which started earlier last month and will last 10 weeks.   It’s being replaced with by Von Maur, the same store reported to be headed to the Riverchase Galleria.

And don’t worry: the Bloomingdales at Lenox Mall will remain in operation.

Thanks to chic reader T. Holloway for the tip!

Image via Bloomingdales

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30

Jan

Darrius Peace Hopes to Redefine ‘Beauty’

The natural hair phenomenon  – which has remained a topic of discussion thanks to enthusiastic transitioners, social media and films such as Good Hair – shows no signs of slowing down.  Birmingham master barber, stylist and instructor and 12 year hair industry veteran Darrius Peace is introducing MyHairAintNappy.Com,  a resource he hopes will “help redefine what we consider, or what we’ve learned to [think of as] beautiful and incorporate organic beauty into that definition, [and to help others learn] to love and embrace themselves in their organic form.”

How did you get into the hair industry?  When I got to UAB [where he received a bachelors degree] I decided I would grow my hair out.  Because it was really difficult for me to find someone to do the styles I wanted – I thought every girl could braid, and was disappointed to find out every girl can’t – it got me into [styling my hair] myself .  [When] people inquired who did my hair,  I told them I did it myself.  Soon I established a small clientele on campus.  Then I decided to legitimize myself and get certified, and there was a barber college close to Rast Hall.  I went there to get proper licensing and certificiation so I could become a professional hair stylist.

What motivated you to launch MyHairAintNappy.com?  At some point I am going to retire from doing hair. When I do that, I want to leave a legacy.  I want to have a mark in the industry so my children can say, ‘Here was my dad’s contribution to the hair industry.’  It’s been beautiful in the four walls of the salon, and now I’m able to [share expertise I’ve only shared in the salon]  with the world.

Peace’s plans for his brand’s footprint extend beyond an online resource; he has also written and published a companion book, My Hair Ain’t Nappy: A Black Man’s Introspective on Natural Hair, which can be purchased on the website and at amazon.com.   

“The book offers information on how to effectively transition – both mentally and physically – into accepting, embracing and loving your natural hair.  It’s a must-read for all those that are transitioning or even have a thought of transitioning to natural hair,” Peace says.

Are you against the use of chemical relaxers?  I don’t want anyone to think I’m opposed to relaxers – I’m not.  I prefer that if you’re going to wear anything that isn’t native to your natural curl pattern, that you don’t wear it because you think your hair is nappy.  I hope that black people begin to employ more positive terminology in reference to our hair textures and omit words like “nappy” and all those other words that are antithetical to our being beautiful.

What’s the biggest mistake you feel naturalistas make with their hair?  I think the biggest mistake I’ve seen is people not seeking professional expertise.  YouTube has been a very valuable resource, but it’s mainly comprised of amateurs who have learned to master their own texture.  But a professional hair stylist has encountered various hair textures and can offer custom solutions to help you optimize your hair growth.

What do men really think about women with natural hair?  To be frank, brothers don’t care.  It ain’t even about your hair; it’s about you.  We love confidence, we love beauty, and we love you when you love you. 

For more information, connect with Darrius Peace via email: dpeace@myhairaintnappy.com.

Image courtesy of Darrius Peace

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17

Jan

It’s Showtime!

Tasha Smith

One of Birmingham’s most elegant and entertaining evenings is almost upon us as  The Sickle Cell Foundation  hosts It’s Showtime at the Apollo – Birmingham Style 2012 on Saturday, January 28th!  Similar to the famed talent show conducted at Harlem’s  legendary Apollo Theater, the event features a local talent showcase and actress Tasha Smith  (For Better or For Worse) will serve as host.  Sharon B. Lewis (Executive Director) speaks passionately about the Foundation’s mission and the necessity of a cure for sickle cell  and gave me a sneak peek into what guests can expect.

“Sickle cell disease affects the red blood cells and it causes extreme pain and can cause major organ damage,” Lewis explains.  “[The Sickle Cell Foundation has] been the advocate for improved medical care and access to social services for affected families. ”  Celebrities like Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins (of TLC fame) have put a face on the disease, which can lead to severe health complications. 

Lewis – who is very optimistic that a cure will be discovered soon – emphasizes the upcoming gala’s impact.

“Funds from this event have gone towards making sure adults have access to comprehensive medical care.   If we are who are working are experiencing tough times, imagine how much tougher it is for families facing tough times [compounded with] sickle cell anemia.  [We] help families obtain prescriptions, as well as dental care and vision care.  We’re able to fill in the gap, even [providing] things like transportation to the doctor.  And there are many complications.  It’s not unusual for a person to have numerous hospitalizations throughout the year, and it’s an ongoing cycle for them.  It’s really a vicious cycle.  In addition to financial needs, I hope that the foundation also offers emotional support to help them weather the storms they find themselves confronted with. We really thank the community for all of their support in the past and hope that they will continue to support us. ”

Lewis promises guests will enjoy “a fabulous evening with incredible food and this year [there will be] an extra special twist for patrons. ”  The black tie event will be held at the Sheraton Hotel, and a limited number of tickets and tables are available for purchase by calling the Foundation’s office at (205) 780-2355 or 1-800-735-0405 (tickets are not available online). 

Image via TSAW.com

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Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen/Scene and Heard

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04

Nov

Best Dressed: The Classic Soiree

Okay, okay…we partied too hard last weekend at the Magic City Classic to take photos, but take our word for it: the hautest party in town was held at the Birmingham Museum of Art last Friday night, where Birmingham’s most fashionable mix, mingled, and enjoyed music from Raheem Devaughn! And while there were simply too many fabulous ensembles to recount, we thought it only fitting to celebrate three socialites who styled this week’s Fashion Flashback in three very distinct, but equally fab ways:

Regan Fisher Liggins chose a long sleeve sweater dress with grommet and lace-up detailing and accessories from Cache.   Mrs. Liggins notes she was “aiming for sophistication with comfort.”  We think she succeeded..and as the temperatures dipped, we know several bare-armed ladies wished they’d followed her lead and worn something with sleeves!

Tia Chestang-Beville chose a black sheath with ruffle detail by Paul Sinclaire.  She accessorized with Valentino’s couture bow d’Orsay pumps in cherry red for a pop of color, and a Kate Spade Pop Art Pearle clutch (which we’re going to “borrow” at the first opportunity!).  Mrs. Beville says she was going for a “back to basics  meets classy chic look”.  

Jamika Kirk shopped the day of the event (!) and came away a winner with a “fun, flirty,  sexy” one-shoulder Jessica Simpson cocktail dress she found at Macy’s/Colonial Brookwood Mall.  She accessorized with Badgley Mischka’s black satin Randall stilettos, jewelry by Guess and Claire’s and a clutch from Express.   Ms. Kirk,  who had never worn a one-shoulder before, was looking for a dress that could easily transition to another nightspot.

Three looks – all chic!

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Birmingham Live!/If We Weren't There It Didn't Happen/Random Acts of Fashion/Scene and Heard/Who Wore What Where

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02

Nov

Dark Girls to Debut in Atlanta on November 19

Last Friday’s Fashion Flashback, School Daze,  dealt with the color complex as played out on a fictitious college campus in the 1980s.  But as Bill Duke and D. Channsin Berry’s latest documentary Dark Girls reveals, this issue is far from closed.  With honest and painful commentary from black women of various ages and complexions, the film “Dark Girls pulls back our country’s curtain to reveal that the deep seated biases and hatreds of racism – within and outside of the Black American culture – remain bitterly entrenched.” 

 Dark Girls will be shown at Atlanta’s fabulous Fox Theater on November 19 at 7:30 PM, and will be followed by a live discussion with Bill Duke and D. Channsin Berry.  For ticket information, click here.

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Scene and Heard

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01

Nov

While you’re in Atlanta checking out the Ken Ford/ Trace Ellington concert this weekend, here’s something else you should see.  Billed as “the only museum in the nation emphasizing art by and about women of the African Diaspora,” the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art is pleased to unveil 15 X 15: The Anniversary Acquisitions Exhibition , on view through December 3, 2011.

From spelmanmuseum.org: “The 15 x 15 Acquisitions Initiative celebrates the Museum’s 15th anniversary and has three components: the acquisition of mission specific works by 15 emerging, mid-career, and established artists; a special 15th anniversary exhibition; and a 15th anniversary catalogue.”

By adding the 15 new works, the Museum will launch a focused collection effort and expand the College’s permanent holdings, which currently includes works by Elizabeth Catlett, Jacob Lawrence, et. al.

Image courtesy of Spelman Museum of Fine Art

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Scene and Heard

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31

Oct

Same Chic Different Day Recommends…

…that you check out Ken Ford‘s upcoming concert at the Henry County Performing Arts Center if you’re in the Atlanta area on November 5.  The electric violinist (who has recently released State of Mind) has made beautiful music with the likes of Chaka Khan, Ledisi, Bruno Mars, and Erykah Badu.  His November appearance will be with Trace Ellington (yes, a member of this Ellington‘s family).

Electric violinist Ken Ford

Tickets are $50/VIP Reserved and $40/General Admission and can be purchased here.

Image courtesy of Rolling Out

14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Scene and Heard

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