Jeffrey Fashion Cares Defines Fall Style

Lazaro Hernandez, Sara Blakely and Jack McCollough
By A. Scott Walton
The panoramic views from atop Atlanta’s new 12th & Midtown plaza are stunning enough. But it’s hard to remember an occasion that transfixed the high-style set as much as the Jeffrey Fashion Cares benefit runway show did Monday night at the stunning venue.
Guests who’d paid premium ticket prices that benefited AIDS and cancer charities for an 18th straight year had more than just the chicest fall styles selected by retail icon Jeffrey Kalinsky. They were also treated to glimpses of what fashion fiends like themselves will be wearing come autumn.
CBS Atlanta News reporter Kim Fettig (above) with marketing guru Liz Lapidus
Major pieces by the acclaimed design duo that helms the Proenza Schouler label were shown prominently, along with apparel from the A-list of brands that Kalinsky cultivates. Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough served as the event’s Special Guest Designers, and their forest-toned, slim-fit outfits seemed most appealing for modern times.

Modern Luxury marketing agents (above) Paige Smith and Jenni Williams

Spanx founder Sara Blakely was hailed as the Honorary Chairperson for the big money benefit. One could only guess how many Fashion Cares patrons wore her body-shapers Monday night; but the abundance of slinky cocktail dresses there hinted that some silhouettes 'help'.
(Above) B-52's lead singer Fred Schneider



Hernandez struck a coy pose when asked what Proenza Schouler will propose for Spring 2011, which will prefer shortly during New York Fashion Week.

Fashion Cares media wrangler Caren West (above left)
“All I can say is we’re going a little softer and more feminine,” he said. “You’ll see things that look a little preppy, like a school girl. There’s an innocence to it, but it’s also sexy. Very sexy.”
Photos: A. Scott Walton

Halle Berry Mending Severed Atlanta Ties

Oscar-winner forges epic links with local heroes

By A. Scott Walton
The picture wasn't so pretty back in 1996, when actress Halle Berry was engaging in a bitter divorce from former Atlanta Braves slugger David Justice. During that period, yours truly was on the receiving end of several surreal calls from Halle and her agent, Vince, to explain their side of the story.
If the historic cover story on Halle Berry in this September's Vogue is any indication, though, the Oscar-winner has withstood all her tests of time. There had not been a Black woman on the cover of Vogue (American) since Naomi Campbell's appearance there in 1990.
Right now, the prospects of Berry aligning her star power with those of other legendary talents with deep Atlanta roots appears bright. The most enlightening news coming out of the revealing Vogue piece is that Halle Berry will soon team with Morehouse College grad Samuel L. Jackson and Alliance Theatre director Kenny Leon for a Broadway production about Martin Luther King, Jr.'s final night alive.
In "The Mountaintop", Berry will play an invisible ghost/servant hovering around the infamous Lorraine Hotel room.
As she jokes with Vogue, filming "Catwoman" was a major career misstep.
But Halle Berry once again proves, there's always the next act.


TAX DELECTABLE: Just when you thought the well of celebrity chef ‘cook-off ‘ concepts had been drained, here comes another. And for once, it’s for a good cause.
The non-profit Atlanta Community Food Bank will benefit greatly from Friday night’s “Food Rave” at the Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery (199 Armour Drive) in Buckhead. At this August 27 (7-11 p.m. )event, an all-star cast of local chefs will serve nibbles to guests who can cast votes for the winner of the 2010 Rave Review award.
Food artisans donating their signature dishes to the event include: Chef/Owner Alex Friedman of P’cheen International Bistro & Pub, Executive Chef Delroy Bowen of the Georgia International Convention Center, Executive Chef Keira Moritz of Pacci Ristorante and AltoRex Rooftop Lounge, Executive Chef Lance Gummere of The Shed at Glenwood, and Personal Chef/Caterer Latoya Starks of Noorish Personal Chef and Catering Services.
A “surprise” roster of entertainers will perform during the proceedings. And a premium liquor-beer-wine open bar will available to ticket-holders as well.
Best of all, a portion of proceeds from the event got directly to the Food Bank; so each $55 ticket qualifies as a tax write-off.
For more details, visit www.atlantafoodrave.com, or call 404-856-0157.

PHAT CHANCE: Just in case you still consider Kimora Lee Simmons a relevant force in the fashion world, it may interest you to know that she is no longer the chief designer for Baby Phat clothing. Since late last week, the reality show diva has been Tweeting about her abrupt exit from her corporate-controlled label.In vague terms, the former wife of rap/streetwear impressario Russell Simmons is telling fans that her departure from the firm boils down to 'limited choices'. What remains to be seen is how much traction Ms. Simmons can maintain in the industry now that she's a figure-head for the label no more.
Washiongton Post: Michelle Obama's 'cleanse' diet
Shine!: Kate Spade devotes new shoe to Halle
Houston Chronicle: Kelly Rowland talks 'power' dressing

MTV: 'Takers' star took wardrobe seriously

AllHipHop: Pharrell Williams wrapped in trademark dispute
New York Mag: Beyonce 'vomited' on Jay-Z's shorts?

Halle Berry Photos: Mario Testino, Vogue.com

New Career 'Twist' for 'Project Runway' Star

Reality show designer brings 'more drama' to Atlanta

By A. Scott Walton
“Project Runway” runner-up Emilio Sosa may soon have Atlantans chanting, “Please sir, I want some more.”
Sosa, who placed second among designers competing in Season 7 of the hit Lifetime reality series, took time away from a hectic work load in New York this week to put the final touches on the wardrobe for the Alliance Theatr’se much-anticipated musical, “Twist”.
“Twist”, which premieres September 1, promises a jazzy revamp of the classic Charles Dickens novel “Oliver Twist”. Instead of 18th Century London, “Twist” is set against a bustling Bourbon Street background, circa 1928.

The story remains the same: an orphan in search of affection. But Sosa was hired by director-choreographer Debbie Allen (of “Fame” fame) to re-create the characters’ overall look .
Sosa seems up to the task. He’s credited with the costume design for the dark romantic comedy “Trust”, starring Zach Braff, that’s now on an extended run off Broadway. He’s also been hired by legendary folk-rocker Paul Simon to wardrobe the cast for “Capeman” during it’s limited (Aug. 14-16) on Broadway.
For “Twist” ticket information, visit: Alliancetheatre.org.

Victoria's Secret Stiff-Arms Atlanta Falcons

Lingerie label's NFL deal evades the 'Dirty Birds'!
By A. Scott Walton
How is it that an NFL franchise with sufficient fire-power to go deep into the playoffs this season gets dismissed this way by Victoria's Secret?
The lingerie label tapped a deal with pro football to produce signature panties and paint-on tops bearing the logos of 13 franchises; but the Atlanta Falcons aren't among them.
This week, the Philadelphia Business Journal can boast that the Eagles - where spurned QB Michael Vick now nests - are included on the roster of teams Victoria's Secret caters to, in stores and online starting August 10.
Rivals from the NFC being embraced include: the Dallas Cowboys, the Carolina Panthers, the Washington Redskins, New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. From the AFC Division, Victoria's Secret hails the New England Patriots, the New Jets, the San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders.
It boggles the mind how the marketing geniuses at the unmentionables conglomerate could have bypassed a market like Atlanta, with a legendary per capita deluge of pro athletes and "shoe modeling" establishments. But maybe those modern-day "Mad Men" know something we don't.
Perhaps the record-setting heat will last through fall here; and female football fans would rather chill, and cheer on their team au naturale.

CBS - Women shop according to 'mating' moods
Yahoo! - Michelle Obama: Spanish Fly?
Esquire - The sex appeal of motorcycles never dies
AP - "Dali" exhibit makes Atlanta the world's art hub
People Magazine - T.I. and Tiny's wedding a stale 'do-over'