Bill Hallman Sows Organic Fashion Seeds

"Yeah, yeah, yeah...," you say.
"The notion of fashion clothes out of 'green' materials sounds nice. But no one's really shown how 'hemp' and 'high style' fit in the same sentence."
Well, the ambitious Atlanta retailer Bill Hallman invites you to reconsider.
Hallman's hosting an in-store party and fashion show Friday (March 21, 8-10 p.m.) at his Virginia Highland boutique to pump up the volume of interest stirring over the London-based label, Prophetik

Prophetik's "Alcatraz" ensemble ($102)

"Prophetik defines inspirational sustainable euro street wear that serves purpose and is a visual manifestation of art, love, poetry, and the freedom found from within," according to the Bill Hallman event invite.
What occurs to ESS is how profoundly the label forecasts the future demand for sensible clothes made of sustainable materials.



Prophetik's "Ego Patch" men's tee ($48)

The Prophetik show's slated to start at 9 p.m.; a featured appearance by Austria's My Glorious is scheduled that night as well. The London Examiner can't stop raving about Prophetik's exploits: so let the British Invasion begin.

Jenn Ripley Hits the Reset Button

Believe it or not, Atlanta style fiends: the intrepid retailer Jenn Ripley’s re-invented herself again.

The savvy upscale fashion broker with the A-List actress looks has just relocated to Los Angeles; where she ‘ll have more immediate access to the Left Coast’s top show rooms, and the TV studios that ply them.
“I’m positioning myself as the go-between for the designers who have these people calling them for the clothes they need for a three-day shoot, and the stylists who have all these items to cull through for each character,” said Ripley.
Long known for delivering boutique bargains to clients at her series of Luxe shoppes downtown, in Buckhead and finally in West Midtwon, Ripley now navigates between Manhattan, L.A. and Atlanta in a similar, multi-task role. If she’s not outfitting stars for awards galas like the Grammys or the Emmys, she’s swooping in to help chic boutique owners liquidate their stock before bankruptcy rears its tacky head.
Partnered for the past three years with the former morning radio star and emerging purse maven Leslie Fram, Ripley’s recently struck out on her own. Her latest enterprise is called The Archive Agency: “(an) L.A.-based, in-house wardrobe and styling agency specializing in studio pulls, personal shopping and designer and vintage clothing liquidation. “

She’s a coordinating partner for the Pop-Up Shop sample sale going on this weekend (March 13-15) in the East Atlanta Village’s former Pieces of Adrene space (493 Flat Shoals Road, 30316) , in case you’re interested in deals like shoes that could cost $500 going for $50.

Can Fashion Survive Any More Shrinkage?

If Vogue scaled back from being a monthly publication to a quarterly, would anyone notice?

The latest, discouraging news about cutbacks in magazine staffing and expenditures makes one wonder if definitive voices in fashion coverage are going the way of the dinosaur.
Recently, Conde Nast CEO Chuck Townsend reportedly sent a staff-wide memo saying that the chain of glossies would have to achieve "more with less" until "the recovery" comes.







ESS shudders at the thought. (Good gracious! Who knew they run Golf Digest too?)
As much as top-tier fashion news sources like W, and the New York Times' "T" tend to overshoot the boundaries of common tastes, they at least break through with savory new ideas on occasion?




Wouldn't you miss them if they were gone, or missing in action?
Voice your opinion below...

Atlanta Forgets Recession For a Night

A deejay with a towering burnt orange afro supplied soulful background music for Thursday's Men's LUXE Night at the W Hotel-Buckhead. But he might as well have kept some synthesized version of Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm" on a constant loop.


Bert Weis of "The Bert Show" fame greets a morning radio fan


The 3rd Annual affair hosted by The Atlantan magazine and Jim Ellis Porsche had some of the suavest guys in town scratching their heads, wondering: "Who could ask for anything more."

Munchies from the Market restaurant, sips from the small batch Marques reserves of Crown Royal, a putting green (with a wicked break right) installed by European Autovault, massages from Blue MedSpa, and custom clothes fittings by Guffey's of Atlanta.





Courtney and Krissy

The icing on the cake, of course, was the strong turnout of lovely ladies who seemed not to mind at all as wafts of hand-made cigar smoke wafted from the terrace into the ballroom and men's eyes darted from one beauty to the next.












Models (Jodie Baity, Tonika Davis, Ashley Carson and Brittainy Jefferson) wear private label shirts and ties by Guffey's while sandwiching the Buckhead haberdashery's accessories expert Tim Richey









The '09 Porsche Cayman, waiting for you to test drive









Real estate and music industry execs Venice Brinkley and Lisa McCall













Atlanta's No. 1 Porsche saleswoman, Stacey Frith











Atlanta's perennial "top model" Veronica Best


Noteworthy attendees of the event included: the Reynolds Plantation's golf coordinator, Rob Muggleston; AmericasMart leasing director, Terence Morris; publicity stalwarts, Nick Gold and Lilian Raji; alternative educator Chasity Rosier; lifestyle enhancement guru Chloe Taylor Brown; and Frank Heath, owner of the all-new Sebastian's Closet men's boutique in Buckhead.




Jim Ellis Porsche GM Doug McIntyre posts up by the iconic crest
All Images: JimiFlix Photography

Atlanta Women Wooed By A Different Wang

The name used to be Wang: Vera Wang
The bridal designer’s chokehold on Atlanta bride-to-be wish lists has reached legendary proportions over the years.

But there’s another Wang in town now. And, at the tender, slender age of 25, Alexander Wang is shaping up to be a ready-to-wear scene-stealer.


Just as 2008 was ending, the Council of Fashion Designers of America bestowed the Holy Grail of 'rising star' awards upon Wang (the younger), based on the merits of his Spring ’09 collection. Wang’s “pierced” and fringed black leather platforms drew plenty of attention.

And as the Fall ’09 previews were winding down at New York’s Fashion Week last month, Wang received the following, ringing endorsement for his latest collection: “I am sure he will have a successful shoe business.”

That one came, courtesy of a Women’s Wear Daily interview with Jeffrey Kalinsky. You know…the guy who went from conquering the market with his Bob Ellis Shoes store at Phipps Plaza and then took giant steps further by opening the Jeffrey (Atlanta and New York) upscale shopping meccas. Same guy who’s now Nordstrom’s top buyer.

Anyway, top retailers agree that the defiant, and extremely high-heeled way Wang has with shoes has “winner” written all over it. And since upscale stores rooted in Atlanta like Saks and Nordstrom already support Wang’s apparel rather heavily, his label’s presence here is poised to rise.
Photo: style.com

Calling All Gold-Diggers!

Still waiting on your (ahem) stimulus package?


Well, while your face turns blue, look on the bright side: you can always try and unload some of that gold jewl-ray you now regret buying, receiving or borrowing (but never returning) for cash.

Atlanta's A-List hairstylist, Richie Arpino, is hosting a "Gold Rush" party at his Buckhead Salon Wednesday night (6-9 p.m.) to help you do just that.

There, an anonymous appraiser will offer guests greenbacks on the spot for their not-so-precious metals.

“Maybe some of those guys who should know better will finally part with their gold nugget chains,” Arpino laughed over the phone.



He said the party was inspired by those quirky gold-for-cash infomercials he kept seeing on TV, as word of mouth that gold is becoming something like the new Tupperware.
“Some people I’ve invited tell me that they went to one of these parties a month ago, or two months ago, so they don’t have anything left.”
Comments on Arpino’s Facebook invitation to the “Gold Rush” range from a slew of non-commital “maybes”, to comical accepting comments like “I’ll be there with my Mr. T kit!” to absurd statements of refusal like “Last time you had one of these I woke up afterward pregnant and in Snellville, so, no, I will not be attending....”.
Points of fact, this is Arpino’s first-ever “Gold Rush”. And every effort’s being made to keep this event discreet.

Email the maestro at richiearpino@mac.com to get on the guest list.
And if that doesn't raise your spirits, maybe this selection from Jill Scott will.






As an added bonus just for reading, enjoy this prophetic interlude from Slick Rick...
Eye'll be seeing you!

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?

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.

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?

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?