Ready for this, Girls? Guys in Girdles!

Dip me in oil and call me "Slick" if I ever get so out of shape, or so vain, that buying undies like these become a viable option.
When I first saw the recent WWD.com report on the 2xist label's plans to launch a new line of "shapewear" for men, I had to stifle a laugh. As a fan of the prestige brand, I'm put off from 2xist's "Form" collection even though I see the logic of it.
Medical researchers estimate that nearly one-third of American men (regardless of race) is overweight. So it stands to reason that there’s probably a market for “shapewear”, among appearance-conscious men at least.
“It targets an area that most men typically have trouble with and can whittle the waist two whole inches,” Jason Scarlatti, 2xist’s creative director, told WWD.
“Not everyone is shaped like the guy on the box,” Scarlatti explained. “This is for an aspirational customer; it’s a stepping stone.”
For all we know, 2xist might tap into the sort of astounding cash flow fountain that the Oprah-endorsed Spanx company did.
Still, one has to wonder: how does a man answer when he partially disrobes down to his “Form” skivvies by 2xist and his wife, or his “date” or his child, or the guys in the locker room catch a glimpse and ask, “What are those?”.

WAIST NOT, WANT NOT: On a related note, 2xist is just one of a growing number of brands that encourages guys to let their pants “sag”. What the Calvin Klein company pioneered, according to reports, is now becoming the industry standard.
Men’s underwear waistbands as advertising devices?
“We’ve seen waistbands completely transform since we started,” said Michael Kleinmann, president of Freshpair.com, a leading underwear e-tailer, in a WWD report. “They used to be pretty basic, but now they are like sneakers: their fun colors and patterns say something about the guy that is wearing them.”
Really, though; Do “saggers” need any more encouragement?
Photos: WWD

Dwight Puts "Real Housewives" To Shame

To borrow a phrase from Arthur Herzog, Jr.: “God bless the child that’s got his own.”
Dwight Eubanks (left, with author Tracie Howard) deserves a round of applause for conducting himself in a more gracious and _ dare we say, “ladylike” _ manner than any of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” he stole the show from in the latter episodes of the highly rated Bravo! reality series.
Eubanks’ main claim to fame before “Real Housewives….” hit the airwaves was his operation of the prestigious Purple Door salon. Though he flashed some over-the-top tendencies in Season 1, he was the portrait of decorum Wednesday night while hosting a launch party for Tracie Howard’s latest novel, “Friends and Fauxs.”
The well-dressed turnout for the event at Buckhead’s Eros lounge was afloat with A-Listers: Armani-clad event planner, Warren Huntley; Kosmo Gastro Bistro co-owners Karen and Oswald Morgan; art curators Juan and Judith Service Montier; the Pied Piper of parties, Petey Franklin; Caesars Palace marketing chief Lily Hu; modern jazz publicist Monica Polo; celebrity photographers Jimi Flix and Brian Christian; Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs honcho, Camille Love; effervescent socialite Evelyn Mimms; and Ms. Howard herself in a pretty, pink satin gown.
“All you have to do is look around at this crowd to know I’m totally different from that (reality show) image,” Eubanks said.
“I mean, (the production crew) thought we’d get here late. But we were right on time.”
He insisted that the party was in no way part of a pilot for a spin-off series. Nevertheless, guests were required to sign waivers before entering, video cameras were everywhere, and technicians outfitted Eubanks with a microphone as soon as our chat was through.
The party, where excerpts from Howard’s seventh book were read aloud, was surprisingly tasteful in most details. (An open bar would have been nice.)
Those who’ve read the Random House release repeatedly evoke the word, “sexy” to describe it and some say they recognize people they know among the main characters.
“If people this sophisticated support it,” Eubanks said, “it must be good.”

Streets of Buckhead: Detours Ahead?

If they build it, will you splurge?
That’s the question confronting those determined to finally construct and lease out the luxury retail project dubbed Streets of Buckhead.
According to a recent Women’s Wear Daily report, the $1.5 billion endeavor is set to resume building by July. Work on the massive (seven blocks) project was stopped in the spring; around the time when plans to include expansive suites of offices were called off, hopes to add a boutique hotel were shelved, and the projected date for a grand opening was pushed back by a year.
According to WWD, a fair number of exclusive brands like “Oscar de la Renta, Van Cleef & Arpels, Brioni and Etro” are firmly commited to leasing Streets of Buckhead spaces, once it opens. But other upscale labels who’ve shown strong interest are cooling toward the project, “until the economy improves”.
Assuming Streets of Buckhead (“The Southern Address for Eureopean Style”) succeeds in opening by the Fall of 2010, will the economic conditions in Atlanta be able to sustain it? Or will this turn out to be a market where the most common refrain is, “Just looking, thanks”?

Atlanta Jeweler Mark Edge Salvages the Past

It's one thing to open up your home. It's a whole other thing entirely to open up your heart.
One act's gracious. The latter is honest.
That's what the Atlanta-based jewelry designer, Mark Edge, is being June 4 (7-10 p.m.) at his chic Midtown abode.
In the interest of commerce, of course, Edge will stage a Bill Stallworth-catered trunk show with an "EcoVintage" theme. The jewelry in his spring collection reveals what iconography from the past strikes the artist at his core.
In a departure from the specialization that made him famous _ semi-precious gemstones in industrial metal settings _ Edge has retrenched to the "recycling bin" for inspiration.
His spring collection of men's and women's necklaces, bracelets and earring ($59-$86) are accented with trinkets from bygone eras; like miniature metal "peace" signs and revolvers the size of Cracker Jack box prizes.
For more details about the open house/trunk show, e-mail: info@markedge.com.
The actress/activist Jane Fonda has described Edge's work as "original and beautiful". The CNN Headline News anchor Sophia Choi has gushed to Edge, "You make me sparkle".



Former "Friends" star Courtney Cox Arquette has expressed her "love" for the looks. And it's not uncommon for HLN "Showbiz Tonight" correspondent Brook Anderson to wear Edge pieces on-air.





Jewelry desiger Mark Edge

'Fashion Cares' Enlists Anne Barge Bridal

There'll be no shortage of star power at this year's installment of the Jeffrey Fashion Cares Atlanta fashion show. The event, which serves as the city's unofficial starting gun for the fall style season, will have the celebrated bridal wear designer Anne Barge as its new honorary Co-Chair.
(Fashion phenom Jason Wu,left)
Even more intriguing, the young New York fashion phenom Jason Wu has been announced as the 2009 special guest designer. Wu, 26, gained international acclaim after designing First Lady Michelle Obama's Inaugural ball gown. (A wispy gown from Wu's Fall '09 collection, below left)


Barge's Atlanta-based bridal empire celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and features three distinct lines: Black Label, Couture and La Fleur. She's best known for wedding dresses that combine classic elegance with trendy flourishes. (An Anne Barge spring/summer '09 look, above)

“Anne Barge is a legend in Atlanta and I am so proud to be associated with her and to honor her,” said Jeffrey Kalinsky, owner of the ultra-exclusive Jeffrey boutique in Manhattan and Atlanta. He launched Fashion Cares 17 years ago and has since helped raise multi-millions of dollars for AIDS and breast cancer charities.
(Jeffrey Kalinsky, left)
This year's Fashion Cares Atlanta takes place August 31(7 p.m.-until) at the 55 Allen Plaza downtown. The lavish affair will include a cocktail reception and a full runway show.
For details, tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jeffreyfashioncares.com/atlanta or call 404.745.0293.

Jeweler David Yurman Yanks Atlanta's Chain

It was one of those “too good to be true” evenings.
Just enough people, 150 or so, were assembled around the rooftop pool at the W Hotel-Buckhead as the sun was setting softly and bright white patches of clouds dotted the clear blue sky. Nine out of ten guests gathered for the Atlanta launch of David Yurman’s first foray into sunglasses were dressed divinely.


W Hotel-Buckhead "One Call" sales manager Darius Deavours (above) tries David Yurman's new sunglasses on for size

The wind gusted often, like a series of helicopters landing. The ladies in long, short, clingy or loose summer skirts and frocks seemed, at times, like a parade of flags flying at full mast.
Light and delicious nibbles, and potent cucumber-tequila cocktails flowed from the ground floor Market restaurant like geysers. Although at least one of the oversized beach balls stamped with Yurman’s silver logo did fly out of the pool and down onto someone unsuspecting on Peachtree Street, no one there schmoozing fell in.


David Yurman made a splash (above) with stylish Atlantans during the sunglass collection debut


As the brand’s director of vision, presentation and celebrity styling, Lee Tucker, explained, the venture into sunglasses is an attention-grabbing extension.
“Last year we launched fragrance, and it was well-received,” he said. “This year we’re launching eyewear because it makes sense. This is jewelry for the eyses.”


Atlanta designer/wardrobe consultant Ivy Redd Boston (left) in a signature silk dress





Best of all: any guest who felt bothered by sun glare was welcome to enjoy the scene wearing a courtesy pair of the debut sunglass line. For the most part, it’s a collection of classic styles with signature Yurman touches like knuckle-sized gem stones, braided silver and gold links.
Reality, in one instance, set in near the party’s end, at the elevator.

Atlanta spokesmodel Veronica Webb (above, left) with "Real Housewives..." scene-stealer Tanya Richardson


A short-haired blonde in a fern-green, floor-length halter was approached slick and swiftly by the smoothest “loss prevention” specialist ever..
“Madame,, may I have your glasses?”
The price tag was, tiny, but still attached. Honest mistake. Awkward moment diffused. “Too good to be true” evening kept mainly intact.





A model draped in Yurman jewelry

Playboy Pioneer Plans Atlanta PJ Party

Attention, all you Hugh Hefner wannnabes: start scouring eBay for smoking jackets now!.
There’s a Playboy-themed pajama party coming to the W hotel in Midtown Atlanta that you don’t want to miss.



Playboy's pioneering Playmate, Ida Ljungquist (below)









It’s guaranteed to be historic for one simple fact.
The guest of honor will be Playboy’s first Playmate of the Year of African heritage. And she's the 50th woman to win the annual "honor" for the sexiest bunny to boot!
A meet-and-greet oppprtunity with Ida Ljungquist, among other Playmates? In a swanky lounge? With posh suites upstairs at special “overnight” prices? Talk about your audacity of hopes.

Ljungquist will be accompanied by “World’s Sexiest DJ” and 50th Anniversary Playmate: Colleen Shannon. Late-nighters are welcome to mix and mingle with them June 12 (9 p.m. - 2 a.m.) in their best bedtime attire at the W's sleek Whiskey Park bar and Living Room lounge. Early arrivals will be treated to tastes of authentic French absinthe by Le Tourment Vert. Specialty drinks will flow freely. Tickets are $50 and available at www.playboypajamaparty.com.













The W Hotel Midtown's "Living Room"

It might be wise to consider making this one a sleep-over. In that case, special room packages can be arranged for as little as $159. Call 877-822-0000 and mention code Pboy.

Eau De WHAT?: Akon's Producing Perfume!

Would you buy perfume from this man?
Well, some fragments of the fragrance industry think you might. A most reliable source, WWD.com, recently reported that the reggae-tinged R&B/rap star Akon is launnching a set of scents based on his unique personna.
In spite of Akon's previous scrapes with the law as chronicled by The Smoking Gun and numerous other sources, the music mogul=to=be could very well enjoy the sweet smell of success with online sales. And one expert surmised that Akon's scents (Konvict and Aliaune) could make cash registers ring to the tune of $25 million or more in their first year; supposing they drop on schedule, as early as August '09.
So... what? Twenty-five people worldwide are going to spend a million each to smell like Akon thinks they should?

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Image: Mowgil Man

"Modern Art": For Atlantans Who CARE

Anyone who’s doubted Atlanta’s status as an international city should think again.
For a third year, the collaborative known as Modern Atlanta (MA) is hosting a string of events (May 12-17) to showcase all the elements of good taste gathered here.
For ’09, the theme is “Design is Human”.

Draw your own conclusions. And remember: your contributions go to CARE.
The high point of all the hoopla over Italian-inspired architecture, clothing, art and home décor will surely be the (Wednesday, May 13) runway show staged by the Jeffrey Atlanta boutique and The Atlantan magazine to showcase Marni’s spring/summer ’09 collection.
To err is “human”. To delve so courageously into color and pattern combinations the way Marni does in this “play it safe” economy is divine.

Guests at the (7:30-10 p.m.) gala taking place at the West Side’s White Provisions are encouraged to dress “arty”. Whatever that means. What matters is that your $20 donation to attend benefits worldwide efforts to feed and clothe children, empower impoverished women worldwide.
Capice?

Marni runway photos: Style.com

Van Michael Salon Puckers Up and Blows

Can there be such a thing as a “recession-proof” hairstyle?
Find out for yourself Tuesday (May 12, 7-9 p.m.) when the Van Michael Salon in Buckhead teams up with the Sage boutique to stage a champagne-infused “Blow Dry and Bubbly” shopping party.
Guests will receive a complimentary wash by Van Michael’s elite team of stylists, a detailed blow dry lesson, and free-flowing suggestions for creating the salon look at home. Newly coiffed guests can head next door to Sage boutique to shop for summer’s latest looks—all the while sipping bubbly and nibbling on hors d’oeuvres by Whole Foods.
Reeve, one of Van Michael's chief stylists said: “The fool-proof blow dry method is really simple because its gives a straight-out-of-the-salon look from home. It should only take under 20 minutes to do and you can achieve it with a generic volumizer to work through the roots, a smoothing fluid for the ends and a light hair spray to finish.”
Walk-ins are discouraged at the "Blow Dry and Bubbly" bash, given the quality and quantity of services provided. To set an appointment, contact Liz Lapidus PR at 404-688-1466.

"The Sage Girls"

John Rocker Rules Out A Comeback

Former Brave John Rocker (left) with Jennifer Wolff

Everyone knew going into the grand opening of the new H Fitness studio in Buckhead Friday night that flesh would be pushed to the forefront of the evening’s agenda.
After all, a fashion show featuring Atlanta “skimwear” designer Vanessa Vinci’s creations was highlighted on the invitation.









A backless Vanessa Vinci design


And the raven-haired Ms. Vinci certainly delivered: with her own saucy, stark white get-up and the outfits her sinewy assortment of models strutted on a river rock runway.










Designer Vanessa Vinci


H Fitness owner Hansel “Baby Hulk” Little emceed the show wearing a patchwork leather tank top. Most ladies in attendance actually outdid him in the “barely there” apparel department.






Fitness model Michele Eisenlohr Ibelow left) with H. Fitness owner Hansel Little



But the most glaring, baring moment of all came from the former Atlanta Braves pitcher, John Rocker, who showed exactly why his exit from the national pastime is permanent.
Rocker, a hulking specimen with veined biceps the size of a healthy man’s thighs, said he’d come to H Fitness’s bash because his extremely taut girlfriend, Jennifer Wolff, trains there.
Moments later, and without much prodding, Rocker lifted the left sleeve of the V-neck tee the ladies were pawing at to reveal a nine-inch (collar bone to armpit) scar with a rainbow of hash marks around it.




A Vanessa Vinci jersey dress

“I’ve got too many (surgical) zippers. Too many operations. Too many procedures. I’ve lost my desire to pitch,” Rocker said.
The most controversial pitcher in Braves history said he’s focusing now on real estate development and Mexican restaurant franchises while still calling Dunwoody home.




A Vanessa Vinci skirted bikini

Vinci, meanwhile, said her ($250-$1,000) summer collection was dedicated to ladies who seek, "comfort, and clothes that travel well."
"My girls need to transition from upscale to casual in a heartbeat. This collection lets them them do just that."


For a complete gallery of Vanessa Vinci photos, visit: JimiFlix!