NBA Blocks Wade's Band-Aid Ploy

During his weekend stop in Atlanta to face the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat star Dwayne Wade got a stark warning from the NBA to cool his heels.
Perhaps Wade turned in a sub-par performance in a 91-83 losing effort against the Hawks because he felt wounded by the NBA’s warning to stop wearing Band-Aid strips bearing self-promotional logos during games.



The day before the Hawks game, the All-Star performer’s official web site ran a banner ad stating that his signature adhesive bandages were “coming soon”, and that fans would have the chance to buy them in customized bulk (with some proceeds going to charity).
The morning of the Atlanta-Miami game, Wade’s site blasted an alert that his new penchant for wearing decorative bandages under his left eye had sparked a trend of “epidemic” proportions.
Hours before the game, however, the league informed Wade that his decorative Band-Aids were “banned”.
Chalk up another win for the NBA in its quest to maintain conformity.
But what’s to stop a player _ if the money’s right _ from getting a brand’s name tattooed on his hands or forehead for all the world to see when he’s shooting a crucial free throw?

Halo Runs Rings Around Competition

With Thursday night's grand re-opening of the Halo Lounge (beneath the Biltmore Hotel), owner James Sullivan finally soothed a seven-itch.

WGCL "Better Mornings Atlanta" reporter Corinna Allen hugs it up with Halo owner James Sullivan and GM Orlando Ramirez

"We've been around long enough now to prove that we're not just here for two or three year, and then moving on to whatever's next," he barked above the din of groovy music selected by the house deejay, Dr Katz.

"We remodeled because our customers demand change, and we're not going anywhere.



CWPR's Kate Thacker and Caren West sandwhich Halo owner James Sullivan

Halo still has an "underground" feel: its got no neon signage to announce its side-street entrance at Sixth and West Peachtree; and many patrons dress as if they were all suddenly transported from Manhattan's Lower East Side.



"Sunday Paper" advice columnists Blaine Bachelor and Lisa Baron ring in Halo's return

But Halo has softened some of its rougher edges. There's a sleek and curvy new bar in the upper loft. And a cutting-edge ceramic wall of lights now undulates above the broad and inviting main lounge.


Halo patrons bask beneath the club's new wall of light

Though its located in the still-gritty heart of the city, it's obviously a spot that well-heeled ladies gravitate to.


A Halo bartender prepares to whip an egg white for the house's signature "Biltmore" cocktail

Besides the management staff of J'Adore magazine, the former NBA and college hoops great Joe Barry Carroll and a slew of those "reporting from (bum-f@#k) County...I'm (fill-in-the-blank)" TV guys, there was also: the Sunday Paper advice columnists Blaine Bachelor and Lisa Baron; Marie Claire magazine correspondent Colleen Oakley; and the leggy blonde "Better Mornings Atlanta" reporter, Corinna Allen.
All Images: JimiFlix Photography

Not Your "Standard" VIP Gathering

Atlanta's media elite _ and a fair number of posturing politicos _ gathered at Grant Park's Standard bistro Wednesday night for an "eat, drink and be wary" at the scene of the crime where bartender, John Henderson, was slain.



Henderson, 27, died from gunshot wounds during an early-morning robbery of the popular neighborhood destination; patrons and area residents are outraged that nearly two months have passed without an arrest in the case.

There remains a substantial reward outstanding leading to the capture of Henderson's assailants. Further contributions to the fund can be donated by visiting: The Atlanta Police Foundation's web site.

There was heavy APD presence on this occasion...and one aspirant to the seat Mayor Shirley Franklin will vacate (too soon) virtually guaranteed a plan to put hundreds more police officers on intown patrol, if elected.



Okay, okay...on with the name-dropping: Olympic hurdling hero Edwin Moses;


micro-marketing whiz Michael Larkin; "The Real Fashionistas of the ATL" Tiffany Davis and Nedra Rhone J'Adore Magazine Executive Editor Dennis Byron and his chief writer, Andrea Janise;

financial planners Martina Jimenez and Ana Maria Encean; the Atlanta Press Club's Executive Director, Lauri Strauss; the tireless advocates of fabulous intown living, Caren West and Kate Thacker of CWPR;

digital branding manager Adrienne Large; event organizer Tom Houck; photo-journalist John Glenn; a slew of Delta Airlines media execs including Susan Elliott, Betsy Talton, Kent Landers and Ed Stewart; immigration attorney Skeeter-Jo Francois; and the legendary local business chronicler, Maria Saporta.

1: A cadre of Delta communications execs
2: Tom Houck hugging Edwin Moses
3: J'Adore magazine's brain-trust
4: Market forecasters Jiminez and Encean
5: Kate and Caren from CWPR
ALL PHOTOS: jimiflixphotography

DEKA Athletics Flexes its Muscle

DEKA Athletics owner, Jim Whitlow, just shared a secret with me that seemed sensible, if somewhat startling.
The spry, 40-something father of four girls divulged, "I wear the women's in size extra large," as we gazed admiringly at the assortment of basic black, blue, brown and tan Adidas track suits in the upper loft of his Buckhead boutique.




DEKA Athletics owner, Jim Whitlow _ once a Jeffrey Kalinsky protege _ makes his inventory list and checks it twice.

Whitlow _ a former cornerstone of Jeffrey Kalinsky's retail franchises _ has no qualms when it comes to taking full advantage of quality, cutting-edge sports wear. His shop _ which soon turns 2 _ specializes in sleek, chic and unique labels fit for the devout runner or yoga practiciouner, and well-suited for the woman who actively segues between work and play.

And he dresses the part: typically arriving for work in something like a uni-sexy hooded cotton Tee by Ever, paint-slotched cargo pants and sleek, slate grey Adidas trainers.











A DEKA customer "from East Cobb" tempted by strands of "Zen" gemstones; Michelle the cashier (background) gives her her space.


Whitlow envisions DEKA as a store where performance meets fashion (with prices in the range of $36 to $350).
"We wait on the athlete obviously," he says, "then again we wait on the girl who leads sort of a ‘cool’, ‘California’ lifestyle. My girl’s not really matchy-match. She might wear our Nike Tempo (running) shorts with one of our rock ‘n roll Project T tops."
This explains the mad mix of labels carried in the two-story, semi-circular store with oversized windows overlooking Pharr Road. Hard Tail and High Gear meld with Young Fabulous & Broke and We The Free. Parajumpers clubwear blends with Planet Body.
"I learned from Jeffrey (Kalinsky)," Whitlow says. "What did Jeffrey do? He took chances on lines you couldn’t otherwise get in Atlanta. I really try to concentrate on lines that are either exclusive (Y-3, Puma-Dassler) or unique. We probably have 10 lines here that no one else in Atlanta carries."












A shoe wall at DEKA Athletics: with Asics models displayed _ in keeping with the "salvaged" decor _ on brings strung together with construction rebar.

Whitlow's not satisfied with his success so far with DEKA, which takes its name from the Greek word for "Ten". He's got plans in place for a men's store with a similar concept, and a Greek God-like name that's sure to entice.
"It'll be easy for me to merchandise that store, because I am that customer!"
Which, of course, will mean more extra large styles in stock at DEKA for you ladies.



For more information: DEKA Athletics, 375 Pharr Road • Suite 501 • Atlanta, GA 30305 • 404.869.9600 • fax 404.869.9680 • dekaathletics@gmail.com




photos: a. scott walton

Oscar Fashion Numbs Down for '09

It didn't hit me until Best Actor Nominee Mickey Rourke graced the red carpet at the 81st Annual Academy Awards...someone must have choked off the route to Harry Winston's this week in Hollywood.
The throats dripping in diamonds that we normally see on Oscar night were almost no where to be found.
Necklines were fully exposed, with strapless or single-strapped goddess gowns being the most common choice among actresses Sunday night. But it appeared as if most leading ladies Twittered each other on their way to the Pavilion and agreed to ditch the gaudy necklaces.

From Beyonce to Alicia Keyes to Sarah Jessica Parker to Angelina Jolie to Meryl Streep to Penelope Cruz (mentioned on a scale of talent, if not stylishness) it was evident that there was a nod to the catastrophic economy when the starlets' stylists plotted their outfits.



That's where Mickey Rourke comes in. Rourke accessorized his milk-white Jean Paul Gaultier tux with a leather-strung pendant dedicated to his 18-year-old Chihuahua Loki, who passed away in the week leading up to Oscar night.

"The Wrestler" star may have made the most outlandish fashion statement of the night, as it turns out.



Photos: Yahoo/wireimage

National Black Arts Fest Brings 'Sexy' Back!

Atlanta got a taste of the “stimulus package” it’s starving for Thursday night at the Fine Art + Fashion gala Saks Fifth Avenue-Phipps Plaza staged in support of the National Black Arts Festival.

All Photos: JimiFlix Photography

This year, the NABF’s 20th, is being billed as a “year-round cultural celebration”. That’s good if you’re up to partying any time and any where (and dressing the part)as guests at this gathering evidently were. But since it’s hard to find a set-in-stone calendar of events for the NABF this year (I’ve tried, doggedly), devotees may need to hone their quick-change skills.


The goodie bags Saks gave out for the ($200 to $400 per seat) runway show included delightful faux-crocodile laptop satchels. Unfortunately, there was no “run-of-show” list include: it would have been nice to know exactly what our favorite models like Annie and Veronica were wearing. Out of about 75 full outfits shown, only about 8 of which looked “odd”.



And half of those could be blamed on the male models.


Here are the early-spring trends I noted (while trying to ignore seat-mates’ whispers) in the well-done Saks presentation: silk, shimmer, sequins, satin, skins, shoulders, midi-skirts, tulips and pearls.
But, like any good “guaranteed drama” fashion event, this affair truly sizzled because of what the attendees were wearing.
The fundraiser/fashion fiend, Angela Karatassos, in her aqua-shaded Lela Rose lotus gown, was one among several well-heeled ladies there who’d ‘just bought whatever’ that day, ‘like wherever’, on a whim for the NBAF occasion.
(Private as it’s kept: they say the ‘kickoff party’ the night before was even crazier. Who knew?)



Event co-chair _ the very statuesque Tamara Kimble _ drew very high marks from her hubby (forgot his name) as she took the stage to honor Tony Award-winner Sheryl Lee Ralph with the ’09 Model Citizen Award. Tamara had on a Zac Posen glittery halter, a slit skirt by Derek Lam and YSL stilettos.



The list goes on and on…which is what I love about this town!





SEEN! Tanya Rodriguez (Mrs. Frank Ski) in a mint greet shearling coat with a (faux?) fox collar she’d just shrugged on because “it felt cold when I stepped outside”…Karen Harper Morgan out celebrating her family’s opening of the KOZMO gastropub in Johns Creek, and sipping wine the shade of her Gucci halter… luxury hotel decorator Aida Flamm in an oyster shell silk top by Rhanna Gill over Chloe tweed slacks (and hubby, Alan in a nubby tan tweed suit by Canali)…reality show designer Mykal Knight (in a random-prep ensemble) accompanied by a muse clad in one of his ‘couture’ party dresses…

a demure blonde named ‘Cathy’ in an ankle length tapestry coat by Tuleh ( a favorite of Mrs. Obama’s, reportedly)…the vintage devotee Cynthia Craig in a smock-dress and a coat that were both quilted….and the globe-trotting novelist/jeweler Tracie Howard, in a vintage veiled beret to cap off a strapless Jessica McClintock mourning gown.


PART(Y)ING THOUGHTS: Funny thing about this party was that people kept mentioning in passing that they really should leave. But no one did. Fine Art + Fashion had some serious ‘static cling’ going on.
GLAD TO SEE THERE: The towering intellect Joe Barry Carroll, the visionary Anthony Liggins, the bespoke suit makers from StricklandDesign, Modern Luxury's ad whiz Paige Smith, branding agent Jesse Mills, commercial space artist Ralph Phillips and communications strategist DeNatalie Phillips.

Atlanta's Superb New Restaurant: Serpas

Chef/owner Scott Serpa (above center) final-touching dishes in his airy new restaurant

I'm no "dining critic".
I just know what I like.
And falling upon the very new Serpas True Food restaurant in Atlanta's old Fourth Ward (a stone's throw from the historic MLK home on Auburn Avenue) was as close to love-at-first-sight as it gets.






The Serpa "true food" take on crispy duck rolls ($8) and chopped caesar oning ring tower ($8)
Based strictly on "the calamari test" alone, Serpas True Food is delicious.









Sam Gris (the bachelor) on his maiden Serpa sortee
I only wound up at Serpas in the first place because an old chum (found on FaceBook) thought the Studioplex Art Walk (every second Wednesday) would be a good way to reunite and chug free drinks. (Kudos to former mayoral spokesman Nick Gold for rallying the Studioplex troops.)














The unknown, "imposing" Serpa greeter

I can barely spell "ambience"; but Serpas True Food's got it. Dim lighting. Bright fixtures. Stacked slate wall. Massive window installations. "Arena" seating overlooking the kitchen. Genteel clientele that looks like it should be dining north of Sidney Marcus. Etc.















Serpa bartender "Lauren"; keeper of the lost phone


Best of all, someone happened upon my new BlackBerry on the floor (I'd dropped it in my haste to get home and watch the premiere of "Uneven Fairways" on The Golf Channel), and it was cheerfully handed back over to me when I rushed back (after the show).
I know hip urban restaurants tend to come and go. But, trust me, Serpas is the truth.

Etta James Proves EyeSeeStyle Right!

Now, I ask you: Whose version of "At Last" should the First Couple really have danced to at the Inaugural: Etta James' or (ugh) Beyonce's.



Faithful readers of EyeSeeStyle will recall that it was declared here on December 9, 2008 that Ms. Knowles (-Z?) had no business emulating Etta James on film in "Cadillac Records", in the first place.

EyeSeeStyle takes solace in knowing that Etta, deep down, feels the same way.

For the first time, ever, read below (and then comment liberally) on an EyeSeeStyle review of the play...

BEYONCE'S NOT FIERCE ENOUGH TO PLAY ETTA

(12/09/08)
The critics are weighing in on vastly different sides on how well Beyonce portrays a character based on R&B priestess Etta James in the film, "Cadillac Records".

VIDEO: YOUTUBE/

Some scathingly report that Ms. Knowles (-Carter) lacks any genuine spirit to bring to the role. Your thoughts?

Something Old, Something New at Dragonfly

How would you rate the looks that EyeSeeStyle found most appealing Thursday night at the Dragonfly Salon's grand opening in West Midtown?



Dragonfly Salon co-owner Kyoko, sitting pretty in red satin heels, black Spandex and an Asian tabloid-print dress


From the ESS perspective, it was intriguing how the sartorial standouts mixed modern sensilibies, classic silhouettes and whimsical flourishes to celebrate a spot that's already earned _ and proudly wearing _ the "anti-Buckhead" label...




CWPR creative partner Chad Shearer in a new twist on blazers by Marc Ecko Cut & Sew




"Head to toe" vintage vixen Cynthia Craig, in repose at Dragonfly's Grand Opening.





Feel free to grade them on a 1-to-10 scale, if you wish, or offer a brief critique of what they've got on if you're in the mood...




Atlanta property manager D.E. Edmond (DHE1 Inc.) doing his dapper best in finds from Ebay and Stefan's Vintage Clothing in L5P.


PHOTOS: A. SCOTT WALTON/ESS

Letter From Rome: Yes We Caftan!

How do you like this look, shown last week at the Fall '09 couture previews in Rome?


(FLICKR/MashGet)

The Reuters news service reports that Guillermo Mariotto designed a free-flowing gown stamped with newly elected U.S. President Barack Obama's visage for the house of Gattinoni because witnessing Obama's inauguration via satellite in Times Square gave him "the sensation of flying".

Mariotto went on to gush to Reuters that Obama's "definitely a fashion icon".

The winds of "change" also breezed through the couture collection of Fausto Sarli, who reportedly produced a "made for one person, for one occasion" gown devoted to the luminous new First Lady.


(FLICKR/Soriansky)

Sarli's spokesperson told Reuters said the frilly frock was a testament to Michelle Obama's "audacity of hope and youth."

If you could afford them, would you ever wear either of these gowns? And which do you think is the better fitting tribute to the President and his First Lady?