'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.

"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

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