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Friday March 2
Au Courant :: The Tasty Edition
The Midnight Socialite has been killing the ATL fashion and event scene this past year. His paparazzi website appropriately titled www.themidnightsocialite.com has been evidence of every fresh party going down in the ATL. He has been flown everywhere from LAS VEGAS to MIAMI to capture the nightlife all the hottest industry events and parties. A few months ago, he started his own monthly bash in his hometown... Au Courant happens every 1st Friday based around Midnight's love for fashion photography. This is a serious bash with the right DJ's and DESIGNERS. Midnight's forward themed fashion installations have been nothing but a true success and a breath of fresh air. (Every 1st Friday)9:00 PM - 3:00 AM, 21+ FREE BEFORE 11pm / $10 after. The Mark. 70 Poplar , Atlanta, GA 30303
Saturday March 3
Nikita Masters Trunk Show, designer and owner of Nikita Lynn Handbags, will be hosting a trunk show for her 2007 Collection this Saturday, March 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Vino Libro in Glenwood Park, Atlanta. There will also be a small selection of one-of-a-kind, handbags from past seasons available. Bags will be sold at cost or below! As with every collection, each bag fits Nikita’s signature “modern vintage” style and is uniquely individualistic. Balancing pretty with practical, and matched style with sensibility, each charming bag exudes its own personality. To take sneak a peek of Nikita’s 2007 collection, visit www.nikitalynndesigns.com. Vino Libro, 933 Garrett Street, Glenwood Park
Thursday March 8
3 DAYS ONLY! Mark your Calendars!
Designer Days, Thursday, March 8; Friday, March 9 9 am – 5 pm. Open to the Public Saturday, March 10 9 am – 2 pm. Pierce Martin 99 Armour Dr. Atlanta, GA 30324. Save on items including: Tables and Chairs, Sofas, Occasional Seating, Antiques, Lamps, Overstocked Inventory, and much, much more…. Come explore!
Thursday March 15
Design Thursdays @ ADAC. Please join Schumacher as they welcome Susan North, vice president of design, for a presentation of Schumacher’s Spring 2007 collection. This collection continues the company’s emphasis on updated, luxurious design and for the first time ever, all of these new fabrics will be offered exclusively under the Schumacher brand. Be among the first to see new fabrics from Schumacher Classic, Schumacher Modern and Schumacher Elements. Immediately following, a light lunch will be served in the Schumacher Showroom, Suite 503A. Please RSVP to Therese Birkbeck at 404-261-2742. 11:00 a.m.
Thursday March 22
Tie The Knot. A boutique bridal experience on Thursday, March 22nd from 6-9pm at the Biltmore Ballrooms in Midtown. The evening will be full of inspiring ideas, fresh looks and new twists for engaged couples to discover. Guests will enjoy complimentary wine, champagne, a cocktail buffet from Affairs to Remember and can register to win giveaways from some of Atlanta's top wedding professionals. Advance tickets are $10 with the promotional code "earlybird" at checkout.
Friday March 23
J Nelson Presents:Ann Getty.
Special Keynote Presentation at 10:00 a.m. ADAC Conference Center, Suite 214. As founder of the Ann Getty House collection, Ann Getty is an interior designer fluent in many styles and periods. She is known for sourcing her vast array of objects and opulent materials from across the globe. Her strong interest in anthropology and archaeology has led her to engage in the development and recognition of craftsmen as well as the preservation of their skills. Her furniture collection features original designs and authentic reproductions inspired by the world-renowned Getty collection. Ann Getty’s line of furnishings and her interior design business have been featured in Architectural Digest, House & Garden, Veranda, Town & Country and W magazine. The Ann Getty House collection is represented by J Nelson - Florida. Mrs. Getty looks forward to working with J Nelson - Atlanta as well. Please RSVP to J Nelson, 404-477-2225.
The Getaway Gala, the third annual benefit for The Marcus Institute, will be held on Friday, March 23, 2007 from 7:30pm-11pm at the Biltmore Ballrooms. The fun- filled evening will feature beer and wine, terrific hors d’oeuvres from Divine Events Catering, music by the Bradley Cole Smith Band plus a silent auction packed with travel, dining, spa temptations and more. Tickets for the event, priced $75 in advance, $90 at the door and $250 for patron packages, are on sale at www.marcusgetawaygala.org.
Saturday March 24
welcomes you and your entourage to an afternoon trunk show filled with exclusive offerings in beauty, designer apparel, jewelry and accessories. Gather your girlfriends to join other successful, upscale professionals for a girls outing of shopping and "Big Girl" treats like massages, pedicure/manicure while dining on savory and exotic East African food and tempting wine and martinis. Come and indulge in the boutique shopping at BB (bargain basement) prices. To best accommodate vendors cash is preferred. Complimentary goody bags will go to guests who invite ten+ friends and bring a minimum of five girlfriends to the Style Scene Trunk Show. To reserve your goody bag, please cc us (stylescene@yahoo.com) and to pick up your goody bag, bring a printed copy of the e-mail with you.
Friday April 27
2007 ATL:MODERN HOME TOUR. ATL:Modern, Atlanta’s thought leader in the promotion of modern design, announces their first annual modern home tour scheduled to commence on Friday evening, April 27, with tour dates set for Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29. The program aims to promote a wide variety of contemporary architecture in Atlanta—all with a modernist’s point of view. The 2007 ATL:Modern Home Tour will focus on showcasing exemplary examples for living modern through lifestyle, architecture, interior design, and landscaping. Homes range from the classic postmodern to the state-of-the-art contemporary. Opening Night Social Mixer: Friday, April 27, 7:30-9:30pm at Context showroom in Downtown. Tour Days: The tour itself will take place on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29. 11:00-4:00 p.m. on each day. For ticket and general information including sponsors list, visit www.atlmodern.com/home tour or email bernard@atlmodern.com.
Sunday May 6
Designs of Hope, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s annual fashion show fundraiser in Atlanta, will be held at the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead on Sunday, May 6, at 6 p.m. This year’s co-chairs, Mohammed Akbar, Charlene Crusoe-Ingram and Jada Loveless, have partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue to host an event filled with entertainment, silent and live auctions, and signature fashion shows presented by prestigious designers and retailers. All proceeds from the Designs of Hope event will benefit UNICEF programs which provide care and support for children orphaned and left vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. Launched in 2002, this program has raised more than $1.8 million to support the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Sadly, more than 15 million children have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS.
Friday June 8
23rd Annual March of Dimes Dining Out. “Dining Out is one of the best culinary events in this city,” said event Chair Bert Weiss. “In addition to the great food and awesome people involved, the event is also special because it benefits the March of Dimes. When my son Hayden was born prematurely four years ago, the March of Dimes worked to ensure that he would have a healthy outcome. What better reason to party than to help save more of Georgia’s babies that are born too soon?” Filled with first class dining and endless fun, the evening begins with dinner – including food, wine and service – for a party of 10 guests donated and hosted at one of dozens of Atlanta’s finest restaurants. Each restaurant’s chef creates a special meal just for the table’s host and guests. To ensure a table at one of the city’s finest restaurants, it is best to make reservations early when the restaurants are announced and the tables go on sale Thursday, February 15, 2007! After dinner, guests will continue the celebration by getting lost in the exotic atmosphere of Lotus Lounge, this year’s after-party location for entertainment and cocktails. The party will include an evening of exciting entertainment, dancing, food and much more with event Chair Bert Weiss of the All the Hits Q100’s The Bert Show! After-party tickets are included with the table purchase and individual ticket sales to the after-party will be announced soon. Chair: Bert Weiss, host of All the Hits Q100’s The Bert Show. Vice Chair: Ginair McKerrow, Social Worker/Philanthropist
Honorary Chair: Sean McGinnis, Publisher Atlanta Magazine.
7:00 pm: Dinner at Participating Restaurants (To Be Announced Soon). 9:00-11:00pm: After Party at Lotus Lounge.
Tables for ten are either $1,000 or $1,500 depending on the restaurant selection. For information on hosting a table or purchasing tickets visit http://www.marchofdimes.com/georgia or contact Natalie Holloway at 404-350-9800 x 203.
The
Avant Guardian.
By The Avant Guardian.
(03.05.07)
This morning I woke to a news report that began something like this ... "a woman sustained second and third degree burns at a fast food restaurant when a cashier threw hot grease on her". Surely, you jest, I thought. But as it turns out, the woman's daughter spat upon the cashier which initially resulted in the clerk throwing a fountain drink on the woman. Apparently the woman's rant continued and THEN the cashier returned to finish the job with, well... you know the rest.
So, "how", might you ask, "does this pertain to fashion?" Patience, grasshopper... I'm getting there. The corrolary betwixt the two is simply that no matter where you go- be it the grocery store, the bank, a clothing store or, in this case a fast food restaurant- it is important that you treat the people working there with respect. Your service depends on it.
Case in point, some time ago I had a customer who behaved so badly that I ultimately refused her my service and differed to the store owner. The customer then proceeded to annoy the owner so badly that he, too, wound up in a heated altercation with her. So, while I don't advocate the use of scalding hot petroleum products in conflict resolution, I certainly understand being pushed to the limit by an overzealous patron. I only wondered how this woman navigated her way through the rest of her comings and goings- and I speculate that she most likely behaves this way everywhere she goes.
So here are a few tips to keep you from sustaining a "hot oil treatment" of your own:
FIRST AND FOREMOST, FORGET YOU EVER HEARD THE EXPRESSION, "THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT." I tried to do some research on this one, but the most I could assume is that this was a strategy used by store management to foster good treatment towards patrons of a business. It is NOT, however, a mantra to be taken literally and wielded when you are not getting your way. The very premiss that there is some mystical vortex where you will ALWAYS be right is erroneous at best. Simply put, if you're a nutcase outside in the "real world", you will most likely continue to be one on the other side of a store threshold. For instance, if you believe that 1+2=5, you are incorrect... and if you step inside a store and this continues to be your belief... then you will, in turn, continue to be WRONG! See how that works, Sparky?
SPEAK WHEN SPOKEN TO. This, too, seems utterly rediculous to have to say, but trust me, some of you don't get it. You see, those "greeters" that you ever so hastily thwarted when you entered the store, are surprisingly the same people whom you will end up asking, "do you have this in a size ten?", some two minutes after you feigned their welcome! How would you assist someone when you've just said hello to them and they looked at you blankly and wouldn't even muster a smile? Not everyone who says hello to you is trying to get into your pants, Stella... heck, for some of you, there's barely enough room for YOU in there! People think that because a clerk is "working" that it is their obligation to give them good service, when in fact, it is YOUR demeanor that will determine the type of service you will receive. Being kind to a sales clerk costs you nothing, while not being kind could cost you a good bit. Salespeople know all of the inside info, and your courtesy might prompt them to tip you off about the sale next week on that expensive skirt you've been eying. I've even had clerks apply "two for" coupons that I wouldn't have known about, simply because I took the time to ask "how are YOU doin' today?"
DON'T WASTE OUR TIME. Only you know if you are prepared to make a purchase or if you're simply browsing with no intent to buy. Are you allowed... well, yeah... but tying up a salesperson with lots of questions, trying on garments, and laboring over a purchase decision that your wallet has already made for you is really not appropriate. It's kinda like walking into Waffle House during lunch hour, sitting alone at a table for four, and proceeding to write your thesis while ordering only coffee and feeling no inclination to tip. You have just tied up restaurant real estate that probably would have generated a fair amount of tips in the three arduous hours that you sat there holding it hostage! Likewise, if your salesperson works on commission, you could be keeping them from assisting someone that IS actually going to make a purchase...TODAY!
DON'T THINK YOU'RE SLICK. You know full well that the garment that you spritzed in bad cologne, sweated through on the dance floor and then snagged on the girl-at-the bar's engagement ring when she flicked you off, was not damaged when you bought it! So don't try to convince us that your elaborate tale of how you "got it home and were shocked to find", is true. Nevermind that you have waited five months since your purchase to attempt your return, and we are now selling garments for an entirely different season! You would be better off just eating the loss, or simply asking what dry cleaner will be best at removing your stench from the garment. We've heard it all... and if you recall your fourth grade teacher's response to the ever famed "my dog ate my homework" cliche, then you should recall the look that we're giving you.
CLEAN UP YOUR MESS. Let's assume that you actually did need to try on fourteen pairs of jeans to find "just the right fit". Question is, was it necessary for you to leave the remaining thirteen pair balled in a pile on the dressing room floor? You've seen the signs in kitschy venues that say "your mother doesn't work here". Imagine that applies everywhere you go. Truthfully, it's no one's "responsibility" to tidy up after you. It comes as a hazard from doing the job, and whether you believe it or not, "cleaning up after slovenly customers" doesn't appear on the job description. If you can't re-hang them, at least fold them neatly and hand them to someone who can. Oh, and when you return to your office in your nifty new jeans... that pile of paperwork that will take you until lunch tomorrow to finish...is from us!
KEEP YOUR CHILD WITH YOU. So often I've seen people enter a store and release their children into the wild as if they were hounds after prey. There should never come a time when your salesperson should have to discipline YOUR child. Stores are like playgrounds for children. They want to explore and see what's there just as much as you do. The difference is (or at least the hope is) that you know that the $600 silk chiffon gown isn't a swingset. As cute as it may appear when your little one clomps over to you in a pair of Manolos that are several sizes too large, we cringe because the potential for damaging those shoes is eminent. Keeping watch over your children is, I'm sure, a never ending task. Just be sure that it doesn't end in my store, lest they be returned to you sauteed with a side of fava beans.
At the risk of sounding( if not being) completely politically
incorrect, I've concluded that we Americans have a problem of exponential
proportions. Strangely enough this seems to have a direct correlation
to our exponential portions...of food that is. Suffice to say that,
in a word, we are a "fat" society. And I'm not just spouting
some unfounded gibberish here. The good folks over at the Centers
for Disease Control (yes, Sparky, they've termed obesism a "disease")
support my suspicions with hard, cold, blubbery facts.
The harsh reality is that Americans are disproportionately larger
than our counterparts in other countries. Despite the fact that
some of them are quite literally starving, our consumption rates
are alarming in comparison to countries where rich foods and leisurely
lifestyles are quite common. One in every five Americans is considered
"overweight." Even our children are overweight. Our supposed
obliviousness to their caloric intake, fueled by junk food and paired
with a marked decrease in physical activity, has left them outweighing
foreign children throughout the world.
So what, might you ask, does any of this have to do with current
fashion? Ah, there's the rub between your heavily dimpled thighs!
I'm quite certain that this will provolk many of you to run (perhaps
even wobble) over to your PC and pen an email of in defense of your
billowing bodies...but I will defer to my first column, in which
I issue my disclaimer "I am neither friend nor foe." I'm
simply stating the facts...and that is that THE LARGER YOU BECOME,
THE HARDER IT BECOMES TO CLOTH YOU (FASIONABLY).
As a connoisseur of clothing, a buyer, and salesman, I feel fairly
confident in saying that fashion becomes harder to attain, more
costly and less appealing when fitting a person of larger proportions.
It's almost as if designers throw up their hands at the sight of
an obese person. Fit, proportion and style are abandoned for mere
coverage.
So what should we do about this problem, you ask? Well, the solution
begins and ends with you. Let me appeal to your sense of sheer narciscism
alone...the body you put your clothes on is the foundation for how
your clothes will appear. It stands to reason that if your body
is disproportionate, unfit and slovenly that your clothes will have
to be modified to accommodate your features and will likewise take
on a similar appearance. For instance, how many times have you seen
this image...picture someone who carries their weight around their
middle, but their extremities (arms & legs) are still somewhat
slender. This person's slacks will have to be cut larger in the
waist to accommodate their girth, but seldom do you see it done
well. Instead, they wind up looking like one of the Ooompa Loompas
from Willy Wonka's factory, with flab overhanging their belts and
tiny little appendages that seem misplaced on their bodies.
Come on folks, it's really not rocket science! I'm not here to "fat
bash", but somebody has to be real with you! Your bellies protruding
over your low-rise jeans is not cute! Nor should we be subjected
to the blubber of those of you who will shamelessly beach yourselves
on some sandy shoreline this Summer. You remember what it feels
like to don your bathing suit and KNOW that it looks good on you,
don't you? Well, the time to get in shape is nigh! Even our esteemed
editor himself has heard the call to get in shape... and he, too,
has found out what I've known for the better part of ten years now.
You just feel better when you commit to some type of physical regimen
in your life! Be it walking, jogging, skiing, tennis, aerobics,
spinning, yoga, or just plain old bodybuilding...the true benefit
is one of health. But, looking good is one heck of an incentive.
I, personally, have abandoned the weighing scale for the mirror
instead. Your clothes are the perfect gauge for how well your workout
is progressing. The fit is always the tell-tale sign of what you
need you spend a little more time doing (crunches) and NOT doing
(bingeing).
In the interim, let me suggest a few tips for those of you fighting
the battle of the bulge:
-Stay away from form fitted clothing- things containing lycra or
spandex should only be worn to the gym. Otherwise you call more
attention to your weight problem by looking as if someone stuffed
you into a sausage casing.
-Avoid fluffy clothes that add poundage to your frame. That goose
filled jacket you just bought is more prone to make you look like
the Michelin man (not to mention the sound it makes when you walk)
-Stay away from large patterns in clothing (stripes, polka dots,
plaids, etc.). They only call more attention to your size and you
probably look like some kid tagged you while you were sleeping.
-Seek clothes that ACTUALLY fit you. Don't walk into Bloomingdale's
and tell the salesman that you normally wear a 36 waist if you know
that's not the case. Allow them to size you...chances are, if they've
done this awhile they knew you weren't telling the truth anyway!
Besides, accuracy in sizing will eliminate things like pleats that
pull open and buttons that look as if they're ready to pop off (how
embarrassing).
-Wear proper foundation garments. Your boobs need not dangle at
your waistline if there's a good bra to be found! Trust me, the
results are well worth the agony of finding the one that fits!
Lastly, I'd just like to say that obesity is no laughing matter.
Things like heart disease, diabetes, bad joints and even certain
types of cancer can result from this condition. Begin to consider
your health when you sit down to consume that deep fried delicacy
you'll undoubtedly have for lunch tomorrow. Remember, "an ounce
of prevention, is worth a pound of cure."
Imagine yourself well attired, well groomed and totally in tune
with current fashion while observing complete dedication to your
own sense of style. This is a task much easier said than done to
more than a few. The good news is that from this moment forward
you will have a resource to reference in your time of need (i.e.,
me).
It probably wouldn't hurt for me to introduce myself...insofar as
I will henceforth and forevermore be your personal style guru. My
knowledge of style is avant guard at best. It is predicated on years
of service in the retail industry, watching trends ebb and flow.
In this time, I've learned what most of you over the age of sixteen
have long since ascertained, and that is... fashion is cyclical.
The trick is maintaining a sense of self and appropriateness in
a world of ever changing looks and adaptations.
For example...my body type is ectomorphic-meaning slender and lean.
For years, I steered clear of fitted, body conscious tailoring and
opted for baggier, loose fitting garb. My thought was that I was
somehow camouflaging my slim build with the ambiguity of the fuller
fit. Not so. In fact, I probably drew more attention to my thinness
by looking as if I were swimming in some older siblings hand-me-downs
that I had not quite grown into. I have since learned to own my
narrow limbs (particularly in the advent that Dr Atkins is making
a fortune off the people trying desperately to get to where I seemingly
reside). Now I buy my pants to actually fit my waist, shirts that
won't allow me to gain an additional person, and I confidently walk
amongst the rest of the "baggy boys" without the slightest
apprehension of how I look in comparison.
But in my jaunt down the local catwalks of society, I witness so
many who are still in a quandry about finding their fashion niche.
Burly boys who have forgotten their fullness, bustier babes who
have gone braless, even skinny-minis who have given new meaning
to the term "scantily clad." Which brings me to my next
observation...some of you just don't know when a look doesn't suit
you. Just because they sell low-rise jeans at every boutique in
town does not mean that we all have the bootys that belong in them.
In a strange parallel, some people are like those poor tone-deaf
troubadores who shamelessly audition for American Idol, only to
be notified promptly by Simon that they could not carry a tune in
a humvee. Moreover, their "friends and family" plan has
apparently expired, because no friends of mine would dare let me
walk in close proximity without telling me how tired my threads
were. Nor should they have to if I reside with a mirror in sight.
So, first and foremost, understand that I am not friend or foe.
I am solely sworn to the notion of a more style savvy society (try
saying that three times, fast). Sometimes, no doubt, you will find
my reparte somewhat scathing, but I assure you that it is simply
a means to an end...more importantly, an end to plumber butt in
low-rise Levi's. I will try, as best I can, to provide parameters
to those of you seeking solace with your wardrobe. But, here too,
my guidelines may or may not adhere to traditional standards of
dress. Quite frankly, some of the stodgy standards have become outdated
and and need to be abandoned along with your acid-washed Z. Cavaricci
jeans...yes, this means you, Sparky.
That said, let the games begin! We welcome your questions and comments
here at the Hushbox (INSERT EMAIL ADDRESS WITH DESIGNATION SUFFIX
HERE), but until we gain the confidence of your query, I'll simply
continue to comment on your fashion fauxpas as they are witnessed...heaven
knows, we'll have no shortage of material to write about!
While shaving and washing my face this morning, I thought back
to when I could wash my face with soap and water and I'd be set
for the day. I had about five different products in front of me
today. Went into a drugstore downtown to pick up some shaving cream,
and noticed a linebacker-sized brotha, bubble jacket, skullcap and
all, take 3 minutes to pick out a bottle of lotion. This morning,
a friend and me had a 15-minute debate about what shirts would highlight
the light gray color of a pair of jeans.
It seems that the majority of men are finally able to admit that
they like to indulge and take care of their bodies, like women have
been free to do since time began. Since the late 90's, there's been
a huge reawakening of men's open interest in fitness, fashion and
style that hadn't been seen since the dot-com vibe almost killed
it off. Men want to look good again, and are taking major steps
to do so.
Really, this is nothing new. Ancient Egyptian men and women wore
the same amount of cosmetics. In Northern Nigeria, Wodaabe tribesman
court wives by making up their faces to compete in beauty contests.
The women judge and then choose their lovers and husbands. In the
1700's, gentlemen of the European royal houses and aristocracy wore
wigs and powdered their faces ghostly white. Mods in the 60's wore
mascara and lacquered hair to complement their tailored suits as
they buzzed through London on their scooters. And fans of Glam Rock
and New Romantic Disco went makeup crazy in the 1970's and 80's.
Traditionally, Western society's opinion of a man who cared about
his appearance beyond a shower and shave was that he was vain at
best, and effeminate at worst. Fly-Guys have as many enemies as
admirers. But gender roles are so fluid now that many men feel free
to indulge in spoiling themselves without having their masculinity
challenged. Although the image of leisure-class fops and gay club
kids indulging in vanity still lingers, more than likely the male
cosmetics user will be the aging corporate exec looking to project
the image of a sleek Alpha male in the boardroom, the baby boomer
looking to reaffirm his youthfulness, and 20 to 30-something singles
not afraid to spend money on looking good on dates and in clubs.
Europe, especially the UK, is far ahead of the rest of the world
on this trend. British men spent £585 Million in 1999 on cosmetics.
Several companies like MAC, Clinique and Aramis have full product
lines for their male European consumers. The market is definitely
there, and US manufacturers are watching. Last year, American men
spent $3.5 Billion on personal hygiene and grooming supplies. L'Oreal
Shiseido has a men's hair color line, Estee Lauder is developing
a male "self improvement kit" that looks very much like
a makeup case. And Nair just came out with a new hair removal cream,
for men. All these products have been sufficiently butched-up to
appeal to male sensibilities.
Another trend, that most women are probably high-fiving themselves
over, is that the media's image of the ideal male has finally caught
up with its ideas of the ideal woman. Flip through any men's magazine
and you'll see clothing ads peopled by dandified, waifish male models.
MTV, BET, & VH-1 is a parade of photogenic boy bands, thugged-out
rappers, and angry hard rockers, all perfectly stylized for your
viewing pleasure. Even the CEOs on the covers of Fortune and Inc.
have a veteran Hollywood actor vibe going on in their pictures.
So now men have to compete with women, and each other in the narcissism
contests. The message, as always, is:
For most of the 20th century, men defined their self-image, and
self-worth, by their trophies: Their jobs, cars, big homes and breadwinner
status. By the 80's, the sexual revolution had leveled most of these
formerly male strongholds. Those trophies don't hold the clout they
once had now that women can acquire them too. Now even trophy wives
are trading in their older men for younger ones.
Maybe the male body is the last trophy.
By Torraine Walker
11/29.01
After 2 months of WTC footage and war reports, everyone seems to
want a sense of normalcy. People are starting to go out again and
enjoy themselves, but some things have changed. The attacks, coupled
with a recession, have sent many people back to a basic, almost
minimalist style of dressing, reflected in the black and slate gray
being worn everywhere. It's almost like people are subconsciously
still going through a collective mourning period. Women are pulling
out their ankle length hooded wool shawls from last year, and these
seem to be the unofficial uniform for them to wear while sightseeing
and shopping. A lot of working people are rediscovering their suits
and dressing up again for the office. The decline has put an end
to the ''whatever" dress code of the dot-coms. With the uncertain
economy, companies are into displaying their professionalism and
stability.
People are getting more subdued in their use of the flag. You
don't see as many of them sticking out of baseball caps and backpacks.
Now you're more likely to see someone wearing a Ralph Lauren or
Hilfiger T-shirt with flag logos or as some women do in clubs, wearing
black T's with glitter flag designs tied in front or cut into a
half-shirt. Senior execs and CEO's are sporting Stars and Stripes
pins on their jacket lapels. One thing I see is that advertisers
are using a wider variety of people to sell their products, and
reinforce the fact that America is a multicultural society. Perrier,
Jaguar, and practically every magazine issue since October have
more Black, Latin, Asian and biracial people in their ads. There's
also been a rise in the use of different body types. Lee Blalock,
fashion stylist and owner of SPI Clothing, told me, "If you watched
the Victoria's Secret fashion show, the models used were a wider
spectrum. The use of models minus voluptuous bodies and tattoos
was an attempt to appeal to all types of women." Hopefully these
trends will continue.
Glamour is slowly trying to reassert itself. But glamour is found
more in details and material combinations than in ostentation. Leather,
silk and velvet are having studs and embroidered designs added to
them, along with brighter colors to give them different flavors
than the usual black and brown. The Victoria's Secret show on ABC
pulled in 12.4 million viewers, and even a scaled-down and relatively
sober New York Fashion Week had plenty of sex appeal and innovation
to accompany the patriotism. These may be signs that people are
ready to rediscover high fashion, but with everyone still trying
to find their way after so many successive traumas, and public taste
in limbo the way it is, the only thing certain is that the rules
have changed. It'll be interesting to see how designers plan to
mix creative vision with the economic and social realities of post-attack
America. "We're renewing out appreciation for our basic rights and
privileges," said Blalock, "among them, the right to express ourselves
through art and fashion."
Not every 1 who strolls in the VIP entrance is famous or tragically
hip for that matter...", they just carry themselves in a certain
way.
SO STRAIGHT FROM THE BOX TO YOU... A FEW COPYCAT TIPS OR TIPPETTES:>>>
U know sistas when you call in for a sick day and end up feeling
better after u make the call ?>>> U decide to take a stroll down
to your fav mall, be it Lenox or Phipps or Lil 5 Pts. or boutiques
up and down the strip. U see some young chic chick, dressed to the
nines, with her baby ....having lunch with the rest of her friends
and u wonder, wow... must be nice not to work and do this type of
stuff everyday...Well here is how to look the part:
2. Bed-Head Hair: toss your mane, let it flow lightly,
no over curling or over processed looks, be free and confident.
4. Ostentatiously simple clothing: how about a ABS
cashmere tank top & red tab levi's say " Notice how unnoticeable
I am?"
5. Prada bowling bag: The Daytime who's she is cheap
by no means! Fill the bag with a bottle of extra oxygenated water
and a Motorola V-series silver cell phone and say: " My agents
swore I'd get this video or part in that flick. (hee, hee)
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