In Atlanta: Chic to 'Recycle'

You really can't expect to visit an edgy side of downtown Atlanta on a frigid Wednesday night and expect to find great fashion inspiration, right?
Wrong!
I learned this much from local jewelry designer Mark Edge at The Bureau on Edgewood: "Green is the new bling".



Jewelry designer Mark Edge (left) and art director Yu-Kai Lin (right) Wednesday night at Bureau.


Edge went on to explain that what retailers crave for the foreseeable future are relics from the past re-worked for modern tastes. Expect to see antique charms ("pistols", even) in his upcoming collections.






Sneaker savante turned 'serious artiste' "Michi" putting the final touches on a piece Wednesday night at Bureau.


"Michi", the featured artist at the Bureau, stayed true to his extensive roots as a custom sneaker designer; improvising on the fly at a king-sized canvas.




(And the mood of reclamation wasn't restricted to The Bureau: at her boutique's "Style Star" party in Grant Park Wednesday night, NV-U wore what she called an "old" velvet and leather corset dress. See? Gothic can go green too!





NV-U Boutique owner Nikki Vigilance sets a mannequin straight Wednesday night at her "Style Star" event in Grant Park.








CWPR "sidekick" Kate Thacker (left) and the "it" interior designer Michael Habachy at Bureau Wednesday night.


Fittingly, on a frigid night and a hard-scrabble street, stilettos with the scuff marks left unbuffed for spite's sake appeared prominently. The girls there wore clothes that screamed "vintage", "borrowed" and "thrift". By some strange coincidence, snap-brimmed hats that brought Sinatra and Crosby to mind appeared on many men's heads.



It's almost like the trendy people sense something so foreboding about the future that it's all they can do to grasp backward for relief. Not that I'm knocking it...

More of the "edgy" artwork shown at Bureau Wednesday night.

PHOTOS: ascottwalton/lumix

Sexual Chocolate: Atlanta's "Sweet Relief"

It's not what it sounds like ... is it?
Without a doubt, the debut "Celebrity Chocolate Night" this Friday at the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown will be a first-class affair. But it won't have any overt, pre-Valentine's, whacka-whacka-bow-bow connutations...will it?


YOUTUBE: 'Sexual Chocolate!'

Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson (easy, ladies) will host this 9-to-midnight affair; sharing his personal favorite mocha recipe and encouraging guests to sample sweet treats provided by the 4's more "seasoned" staff. (The $20 fee includes valet parking.)

"Celebrity Chocolate Night" is planned as a weekly event with a new master (or mistress) of ceremonies each time. Go to info@msquaredpr.com for more details.

DEDICATED TO THE ONE I LUV... If you've got novel and affordable ideas for cheering up your Sweetie/Boo/Snookums (whatever) this Valentine's Day, share them in the comment space below this post. The best will be highlighted soon at ESS...

SHORT NOTICE: ATLANTA PARTIES WITH A PURPOSE

Haven't found time to go out and see "The Wrestler"?



Why not opt for the next best thing, when prestige labels like Dallas Austin's Rowdy Clothing, Mizzae and Poppy Sam go on sale for up to ninety (count 'em 90) percent off Jan 30-31 at the Intown Boutique Warehouse (280 Elizabeth Street, 30307) across from Fritti in Inman Park?
Bill Hallman, Market, Blue Sky and Demure are among the shops participating in the sell-off that runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days. Hit up cwpr.com for details .... (Photo: rowdyclothing.com)

WISHING ON A STAR
Don't let the dire parking scenario stop you from attending the Wednesday, Sept. 28 "Style Star" soiree (7-10 p.m.) at Grant Park's NV-U boutique (465 Boulevard, 30312). This shop's steadily drawn a VIP list of clients seeking styles as unique as Atlanta has to offer. Drinks, eats and a short, savory "runway" presentation. For details: 770-990-3997.




It's not what you think...is it?

MIXED MESSAGE: Bureau, the new destination for downtown hipsters presents "Mixed Media" this Wednesday (Jan. 28, 7:30) to introduce the art of TindelMichi, debut culinary delights by chef Shaun Doty and raise memorial funds for the slain Standard barkeep John Henderson. It should be one stoic and celebratory occasion.

CHOP SHOP

If "going Native" is more your speed, there's always Insider Night at Midtown's Beleza lounge, where jewelry and accessories by Joxasa designer John Sanders will be showcased runway style along with portraits by esteemed photographer Lou Freeman Thursday, Jan. 29 (9-until). E-mail ullio@mindspring.com for details or call 678-904-4582 (Photo (above left: Lou Freeman)...

If you're Friday night dance card's already full, don't forget the birthday party for Atlanta's self-proclaimed "King of Clubs", Pablo Henderson, at Midtown's Bar at Trois (14th Street). No doubt the event will encompass all three levels of the luxuriant club, and don't even ask how late it will last.

The "King of Clubs"




LONG RANGE FORECAST...
Willing to share some "love" this Valentine's Day? If so, contribute to the "Have A Heart" campaign to provide AIDS/HIV battlers with outwear and running shoes Feb. 12 at Buckhead's Core Fitness Gym (3763 Roswell Road, 30342). The latest styles


(like this "parajump" vest) from Deka Athletics will be featured, among other enticements. Visit Deka on Facebook for updates...

Black Designers Diss Michelle Obama

It was only a matter of time...


FLICKR/wumpiewoo/"Giving Eyes"

...As soon as the world got wind of "who Michelle Obama was wearing" for the Inaugural festivities of President Barack Obama, her husband, any designers who thought themselves deserving of the honor and felt snubbed by the First Lady would get their collective noses out of joint.

Unfortunately, a cadre of African-American fashion designers may join the whiney chorus before Mrs. Obama's Inaugural gown has time to be pressed and shipped to its rightful place at the Smithsonian.

According to a post-Inaugural report by Women's Wear Daily, black designers feel slighted by Mrs. Obama's choice of daywear by Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo for the swearing-in festivities, and a shimmering silk chiffon gown by Asian-American designer Jason Wu for the galas that lasted late into the evening.

They couldn't even take the higher ground and compliment her on her choices; not even for a day.

My feeling is that the former model, Amnau Eele, who's said to be leading the Black Artists Association protest against Mrs. Obama needs a reality check: none of the black designers she referenced in her assertions to WWD were any more deserving than the ones so chicly selected.

Am I wrong?

Michelle Obama: Isn't She Lovely? UPDATE!!!!

HOLY TOLEDO!!!



AP VIA YAHOO

THE BIG NEWS just broke that our new First Lady, Michelle Obama, is wearing a lovely gold ensemble by Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo.

Apparently, Toledo and her husband-partner Ruben, are darlings of New York's artsy elite.

Like the look on Mrs. O? (And how darling do the daughters look?)

To me, it's a refreshing way to dress for one of the brightest moments in American history. And doesn't President Barack Hussein Obama look proud of the First Lady on his arm? Who can blame him...
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS BELOW!!












Carioti/WASHINGTONPOST.COM

The Washington Post has just released for the world to see one of the first glittering images of First Lady Michelle Obama on the morning of her husband Barack's inauguration.
Any thoughts on her look for this historical day?
EyeSeeStyle can't wait to discern who designed Michelle's look...

Will Jackie O. Meet 'Jackie Brown'?

As soon as the news that everyone's aching to learn breaks, every media outlet in the world will focus on what Michelle Obama wears to the inauguration of her husband. The Washington Post's Pulitzer Prize winning scribe Robin Givhan is likely to get the first word.
But that won't keep EyeSeeStyle from speculating on who designed the next First Lady's attire as soon as it's glimpsed.

It could be argued that our fascination with First Lady fashion is pointless.

But that doesn't keep ESS from wondering what a spectacle it would be if Mrs. O somehow managed to combine all the assets of Soul Sister No. 1 (Pam Grier, for argument's sake) with (arguably) the most stylist First Lady of all time, Jackie Kennedy.







"Jackie Brown" star Pam Grier in her hey-day: CULTSIRENS.COM





Our new First Lady, Michelle Obama, who'll soon be the fashion's 'most-watched woman' of all time. FLICKR/Tim Llewellyn/NHForWomen





Iconic First Lady Jackie Kennedy: LIBRARISING.COM

The clock's ticking...click back to EyeSeeStyle for the discussion to ensue.

Taylor Means 'Business' in Atlanta

This is the 20-year-old multi-media artist who was Atlanta's "toast of the town" Thursday night. At least 100 people braved record cold temperatures to attend the "coming out" party at Inman Park's P'Cheen bistro for the humble, Keanu-esque Taylor Means.

The artist Taylor Means at his Atlanta Preview








Yours Truly (right) and renowned Chef Shawn Doty, who has a hand in the P'Cheen menu, among other major pieces of pie.





I'm no art authority, but I liked what I saw. Others did as well: Attendees had no qualms about whipping their checkbooks out on the spot and purchasing Means' pieces (priced at $240 each for the occasion) at first glance.














Money Bags: This Gucci-clutching chick was among 100 offered the first shot at buying Taylor Means originals for $240 apiece.









Austin: The visionary behind the Taylor Means show at P'Cheen.


I'd really only ventured to P'Cheen (at social sherpa Caren West's last-minute request) out of curiosity. What goes on at this much-discussed hot spot just a stone's throw from my house? And what would people be wearing on such a frigid night?

Turns out: it was a dressed-down crowd. Props to Richard Shropshire for his Prada peacoat.








This cat's "Adult Swim" ski cap comes in handy.













An example of Taylor Means' artwork

What Are You Wearing to Obama's Inauguration?

This household already has its fair share of Obama memorabilia. And we'll likely acquire more.
Most of it never gets worn. Just horded.



But we are proud to possess an authentic (??) formal invitation from Obama's committee to his Inauguration. A gold leaf frame's been bought for it. We just can't decide where to hang it; ostentatiously or not?
Can there be such a thing as too much Obama merch? I mean, how long before someone starts peddling his image painted on black velvet?

Reading that top New York designers were banding together to help finance the Inaugural by marketing limited-edition apparel got me wondering: Is this all in good taste or not?

Donna Karan, Juicy Couture, Zac Posen and Tory Burch are among the labels engaged in the "Runway to Change" venture reported on by WWD Wednesday. Somehow, Beyonce attached herself to the effort through her House of Dereon facade. (See WWD's Slide Show Here)

Items in the $45-$100 range are available for the time being at the Presidential Inaugural Store at 625 E Street Northwest in Washington, D.C., WDD reported, or through the inaugural collectible web site.

Out of the souvenir items I've seen so far, Zac Posen's seems the chicest. It's a t-shirt, but it's got an ironic "black tie" motif.

Beyond clothes, though, there are innumerable ways to demonstrate your fascination with this historic occasion. I like the suggestion by my friend, the author/socialite Tracie Howard, who wants everyone to put Obama up as the signature photo on their FaceBook pages on January 20.

Since I plan on being riveted to the TV that day, I mentioned to my better half the day that we should hold a "Bagels With Obama" gathering starting at 10 a.m. (Recipes to come.) Call it a shmeer campaign.





What will you be doing on Inauguration Day? Have any special plans or ideas for absorbing the spectacle?

What's the best way to savor it? Feel free to comment below...







Photos: WWD/Donna Karan, Zac Posen, Diane von Furstenberg

Golden Globes Fashion Forum

Anything in particular strike you about the way the stars dressed for the Golden Globes?



Don't you just love the way J-Lo (Jennifer Lopez) bounced back from birthing twins and enduring a rumored-to-be troubled marriage to strike an absolutely stunning pose on the red carpet?

It's late, and all the photos and designers clamoring for credit aren't in yet. But feel free to lob comments this way until ESS can offer fuller updates.
mashgetsphotostream / flickr

Ken Barber: Sheer Genius

The party never stops in Atlanta. So it's no surprise two "births" were celebrated at once Sunday night at the new Ken Barber Clothing store in West Midtown.





Atlanta bon vivante and birthday boy Warren Huntley (center) with art aficianado Uri Vaknin (right) and Uri's beau Sunday night at Ken Barber Clothing.


Barber, a well-known name in the upscale fashion scene, offered his brand new shop up as the setting for the (??th) birthday party for the tireless socialisto Warren Huntley.
For months, Barber had been teasing ESS with hints about the "fashion gallery" he'd be opening. In fact, KBC lived up to expectations. Mr. Huntley didn't look bad in an pinstriped Armani suit plucked from the shop's revolving floor-to-ceiling racks either.




Ken Barber offering a newly-printed business card to one of his shop's early patrons.

Standouts from the arts, philanthropic and retail communities merged for the occasion. They seemed to savor Barber's well-edited collection of menswear (private label, Armani and the like), bed linens and grooming aids.




The grooming and bed linen nook at Ken Barber Clothing


Commissioned art work will rotate in and out; ensuring KBC's place as a destination to frequent.



The private label dress shirt stall at Ken Barber Clothing.

Time and trends will tell if the shop is well suited to the description Barber affixed to it: "It's a mantique," he said. "We're trying to deliver all the things guys want at the right prices."



A courteous server measures himself against a mannequin at Ken Barber Clothing.
Photos: A. Scott Walton for ESS


Attracting a bevy of (camera shy)high-heeled beauties Sunday didn't hurt in that regard. Keep up the good work KBC.

Louboutin tweaks Barbie

Is this sick...







or WHAT???

"Sick" can be interpreted as good or bad.

It's up to you to decide whether the notion of the shoe fetishists' shoe fetishist, Christian Louboutin, designing stiletto's for a new series of Barbie dolls is a good thing, or not. Louboutin, incidently, told Women's Wear Daily that one of his resolutions for 2009 was to refuse any requests to serve as someone's godfather, other than Barbie's.

It's common knowledge now that dozens of designers will engage in the next great marketing ploy known as the Barbie runway show coming next month at New York Fashion Week. It remains to be seen whether outrage will ensue when real-life models walk out as sexed-up versions of the dress-up dolls most American girls grow up idealizing.

Louboutin _ whose shoes commonly sell for as much as $700 per pair on sites like eBay _ will reportedly design his Barbie pumps in the Pantone-registered shade of Pink No: 219.

We're blushing already...
Photo: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN'S FACEBOOK PAGE

"Real Housewives" Hangover

If "fifteen minutes of fame" is all you get, "Real Housewives of Atlanta" co-star Sheree Whitfield has her stint in the spotlight set on stop-action.



"Real Housewives of Atlanta" co-star Sheree Whitfield in her birthday dress.

A birthday party was thrown in Whitfield's honor Wednesday night at Atlanta's downtown nightclub Utopia. The event drew about 200 guests; most of whom dressed down in jeans and sweaters for the wintry night occassion.

Whitfield certainly gave the paparazzi (a dozen photogs in all) an eyeful upon her arrival at the stroke of midnight; two hours after the event got underway.

I was too polite to ask how many years young she was turning. But I had to inquire about the slinky emerald lace dress she wore atop the exact same gold Gucci "gladiator" sandals Sarah Jessica Parker wore in the "Sex and the City" film for the occasion.

"Zac Posen," she gushed with a caressing brush of the fabric.

Alas, the chance to see and touch one of her own She by Sheree clothing designs remains in the offing...





Birthday girl Sheree Whitfield greeting a "Real Housewives" fan on the red carpet.









A club Utopia hostess in a typical look for the night: a knit mesh dress










The A-Town modeling agent "Cypher" with threads of hair matching her top.







Strappy shoe-boots were all the rage on the Utopia red carpet Wednesday night.

Sid's Vicious

Would you buy a suit from this man?



A time-share on Hilton Head, maybe. Or, perhaps, an XK Series Jaguar.
But a suit?
Affirmative.
This is Sid Mashburn: A name you need to know if you have precious little time to waste on shopping, a healthy wardrobe budget and a "classic" sense of style.
His self-named haberdashery in the West Side Provisions District (14th and Howell Mill) is arguably the best menswear resource to open in Atlanta in the past five years or more.
Note how he dresses. More on that lately.
It literally took me less than ten minutes to fully browse this 14-month-old shop and grasp its appeal: a single-minded pointed view focused on private label sportswear and custom clothing made by a select few resources in Britain, Italy and Japan; two, and only two, brands of jeans to choose from; an expert tailor posted prominently at his workbench near the front door; complimentary cocktails; and an unwavering insistence that thin is in.
You might call the mannerly, rosey-cheeked salesman at Sid's the Stepford Salesmen. But there uniform manner of dress stresses what Sid's all about.
Note his emblematic skinny white slacks that are hemmed daringly high above his sockless, cap-toed feet. The buttons of his Oxford shirt are undone, allowing his inch-wide rep tie room to swing. Sid's only sign of submission to the blustering winds on this January day was his cashmere tweed blazer.
"The higher (pant) leg actually makes sense," he told me after I paid a fair sum for a rare pair of "raw green" Levi's and paused to chat. "It makes you look taller, and thinner. It makes you look smarter. Like you're going places."
Here's hoping Sid's isn't.

Michelle Obama's Inaugural Look

No matter which designer labels Michelle Obama chooses to wear to her the inaugural galas honoring her husband, Barack, she's guaranteed to send shock waves through the fashion world.














Mickalene Thomas' "Michelle O" Photo: Libby Rosof/Flickr

That's why the suspense among we, the armchair stylists, is so palpable.
That's why her gowns for the occasions are destined already for The Smithsonian.
Let's just pray the dresses don't wear her.
The First Lady In Waiting is always at her most dazzling when she boldly embraces what feels right.
Stay tuned for a great gathering of news (speculative, or not) about the designers on Mrs. Obama's short list. Meanwhile, dig into the fascinating collection of sketches Women's Wear Daily (wwd.com) has gathered from prestige labels willing to pitch a look Michelle might grasp.
The best among them (Mizrahi, De La Renta, Herrera, and Lagerfeld) seem to proudly strike similar chords for the brands, while leaving the woman room for self-expression.
The least likely to be picked (Betsey Johnson's "Old Glory" broomstick dress, and Badgley Mischka's cocktail send-ups) confer improper caricatures; as if the next First Lady is not a woman of substance.
Often, there are radical hairstyle changes proposed that mock Mrs. Obama's level of maturity and accomplishment. (Blonde streaks, indeed.) Remarkably, not one of the designers submitting sketches is black.
What great statement would Michelle make if she stepped out in Tracy Reese?
That's just my take. You view the 40 looks WWD.com's assembled so far (as well as other renderings as the ESS team compiles them) and decide for yourself. If not for Michelle.