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Fashion Suite

HIGH Style: Becoming Creative With Natural Hair

Corrine Bailey Rae

With so many African American women opting to forgo the “creamy crack”, aka relaxers and becoming natural, some may find that they are unsure of how to handle a hair texture that they have not seen since childhood. Part of everyone’s hair journey is not only finding out what products work with their hair but what styles as well. This blog shows you an option for the short haired natural divas as well as the longer haired beauties.

For the short-haired girls, don’t be intimidated or bored by short hair. You have plenty of styling options. If you recently did the big chop or are still opting to rock the TWA (teeny weeny afro) and may be in a styling rut, try a chic coil out. A “coil out” involves gently pulling a rat tailed comb through freshly washed, wet strands after applying the styling product of choice and rolling/twisting the comb as you pull it downwards. Once the hair is dry, coat your hands with oil and separate the coils into smaller sections for more volume.

Solange Knowles

For the medium and long-haired girls, by now you may have discovered what works for you and experimented with some of the staple natural hairstyles (twist outs, wash-n-gos, and buns). However, for a night out or if you just want to rock some awesome big hair without waiting 2-3 days for your hair to stretch out, try a twist out on blown out hair. The final look is very “Joan Clayton-ish” from the hit show, Girlfriends. Just be mindful not to do this style too often to lessen the possibility of heat damage from blow dryer usage.

These two styles are only a fraction of what can be done with natural hair. Feel free to search the web for inspiration or even create some styles of your own. Happy styling, natural divas!

⇒Karissa J. Parker for The HIGH UP. Follow @CurlyRissa on Twitter!


WHAT’S NEW: Katy Perry Flashes Back To The 20’s

With her ever-changing style and eye-catching outfits, Katy Perry never ceases to surprise us. In a new hair care ad for GHD at Sephora, shot by David LaChapelle, Katy Perry travels back in time to the “Roaring 20’s.” Perry entices the audience with a pink flapper dress, classic strands of pearls and a feather boa reminiscent of the time period.  The ad portrays the infamous story of a good girl gone bad showing an innocent flapper girl entering the club but leaving as a mysterious, seductive temptress that has bitten into the forbidden apple. The alluring temptress is wearing a black sweetheart bustier dress, fingerless black gloves, and a diamond jewel choker. Her dark look is accented with a pair of red skeleton platform pumps and delicious burgundy lipstick. I’ve always loved the 1920’s and the fashion statements that were introduced throughout that era. Katy Perry has succeeded again at keeping us on our toes.

-Amadi Jae for AOM & The HIGH UP. Follow @AmadiJae on Twitter for the latest in entertainment news!


Fearless Weirdos Celebrates 1.75 Years Of Swag

ATLANTA – Saturday marked the first day of October and the 1.75 year anniversary of Fearless Weirdos – a colorful boutique which showcases Japanese inspired clothing and vintage finds for those who like to keep it playful, funky and original. The approximately 1200 square foot gem is tucked away in the heart of Little Five Points and can easily be overlooked if you’re not on foot while perusing the popular entertainment district in Atlanta. Parking was stupid crazy so it took me a minute to join the spectators who were already entranced by the upbeat sounds of HERO The Band which had set up shop right outside of the trendy store. The four member group is comprised of young brothers who describe their sound as soft rock/alternative. The band’s laid back vibe fused perfectly with the amber sunset and the cool, outdoor temperature that reminded onlookers that fall was officially here.

After taking in the street festivities, I went inside the boutique along with AOM’s Karissa Parker who pointed out some super cute, modestly priced items to include a couple of vintage handbags, denim vests, flats and plaid jackets. The store even carries Japanese candies and sodas. YUM! Fearless Weirdo’s Operations Manager, Juanchella (Chella) Kemp showed us around the hot spot and introduced us to the boutique’s stylist, Tee Mott who was just as prismatic and charming as many of his displays. Chella was really excited about the celebration and is currently promoting “The Last Days” sale where items can be purchased for $35 and under until the end of the month.

Alva Glass and Tee Mott

Fearless Weirdos is owned by Alton Glass and Alva Glass, an accomplished brother and sister duo whose passion for music, art, fashion and entertainment is quite evident when browsing their Atlanta boutique. Alton is a Los Angeles based award winning film producer whose credits include The Confidant starring Boris Kodjoe and Richard Roundtree. Alva is a reputable fashion designer who’s had the opportunity to share her artistry with BCBG Maxazria Group and Elevee. Some of Ms. Glass’ clients include professional athletes, celebrities and business moguls. The boutique will soon carry the Fearless Weirdos private label where Alva will serve as lead designer.

To learn more about the boutique, visit www.fearlessweirdos.com or stop by 426 Seminole Avenue when you’re in Little Five Points. You’re definitely in for a “Weird” treat!

Me, Tee Mott and Karissa

-N. Renee for AOM & The HIGH UP. Photos by  Dreamma Photography.


Comedienne Kim Coles and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed Support ‘Fro Fashion Week

Natural hair community comes out in droves for the weeklong empowerment event!

ATLANTA – ‘Fro Fashion Week is the brainchild of Tarin Boone of Naturally Me! Media, LLC. Created to provide an outlet for trendsetters in the natural hair industry, ‘Fro Fashion Week is  the ultimate celebration of the natural woman. With consumer and professional workshops, natural beauty care bloggers, ‘Fro Fashion Show, penthouse party and unique on-site activations by leading brands, ‘Fro Fashion Week elevates the conversation above the level of trade shows and expos and makes it intimate, intellectual and attentive to the expectations of the sophisticated woman. “No one sets the trends for natural hair, we may get a little monthly column in a magazine but no one says this is what’s hot! I am able to do that by providing an experience that really caters to natural women from all over the world and exposes them to what’s next in the industry,” says Boone.

‘Fro Fashion Week will take place September 17-25, 2011 at the Melia Hotel located at 590 West Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30308. The weeklong event, endorsed by comedienne and natural hair enthusiast Kim Coles, has something for everyone. Those who purchase an all access pass for $125 have access to all workshops and seminars,  ‘Fro Fashion ShowPenthouse ‘Mix and Mingle’ party, ‘The Runway Shopping Arena, Beauty & Bloggers Lounge and Bon Voyage Pool Party, topped with a swag bag filled with goodies from event sponsors. Guests can also opt for $75 one day passes that afford them access to all workshops and seminars for that respective day, “The Runway” shopping Arena, Beauty & Bloggers lounge and a swag bag filled with sponsored products. Those purchasing a one day pass for Saturday, September 24 th will also receive access to the ‘Fro Fashion Show.

Those looking to forgo the workshops and party instead can purchase a la carte tickets to three special events. On Friday, September 23rd, guests can hobnob with Kim Coles and other influencers while indulging in hors d’oeuvres at the Penthouse Party. The event will take place at Hotel Melia Club from 8 PM – 11 PM and is $20 to attend. Those looking for their fashion fix can purchase a $25 ticket to the ‘Fro Fashion Show. The show takes place on Saturday, September 24 from 8 PM – 10 PM at Hotel Melia’s Georgia Ballroom. Guests can bid adieu to ‘Fro Fashion Week at the Kinky Curly Bon Voyage Pool Party at the posh Hotel Melia Sol Deck Pool. This event is from 5PM-8PM and guests will be provided light fare. To purchase tickets, visit  www.frofashionweek.com.

There are a number of free events available throughout the week including the Being Beautiful is Naturally Me! Community outreach project presented in conjunction with the Atlanta Youth Services and For Sisters Only. This day of empowerment, self acceptance, learning, fun and fellowship is limited to fifty young ladies. Visit  www.frofashionweek.com for a full schedule.

‘Fro Fashion Week has garnered the support of a number of partners as well as the City of Atlanta. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta City Council have officially proclaimed September 17-25, 2011 ‘Fro Fashion Week in the City of Atlanta. Mayor Reed also awarded CEO and Founder Tarin Boone with the prestigious Phoenix Award for her “ extraordinary efforts to bring the beauty of natural hair, skin, and body to women all around the world.”

Beauty care partners include: Shea Moisture, Jessicurl, Organic Root Simulator, and Curls. Fall 2011 Sponsors are: Bee Mine Products, Kinky Curly, THECOILREVIEW.com, Thirsty Roots, Tonnae Nicole Cosmetics, and Mhe Magazine.

Those tweeting from the event are encouraged to follow @FroFashionWeek. You can also like ‘Fro Fashion Week on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/frofashionweek.


2011 Fashion’s Night Out Atlanta…So Spectacular!

This past week was simply amazing! September 8th 2011 marked this year’s Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) in Atlanta and the start of Fall shopping. This was celebrated around the city with various events being held, most of the week, to get fashionistas excited about scoping out discounts during after hours shopping – as well as the debut of Fall trends.

Retailers of all kinds participated in FNO, so AOM set out to see how each planned to celebrate this now annual event in Atlanta.

We started at the Sandpiper Boutique located in Vinings. Sandpiper is owned by Melissa Murdock, a member of the planning committee for FNO Atlanta – so it seemed logical to check them out. They have a vast array of styles from a long list of incredible designers. There’s something about being greeted at the door with a smile and offer of a glass of wine that just sits well with me. Melissa was busy with customers, so we spoke with Mendy (the Assistant Manager) and she showed us around the store and talked to us about Fashions Night Out. “FNO started in New York and it works there because of the large fashion market”, she explained. “It only seemed logical to try and get it here in Atlanta and we’re glad to have helped it come back for a second year”. So far, the boutique experience was leading the pack.

Next, we visited Jeffery Atlanta, in Phipps Plaza, where shoppers were again greeted with champagne, wine and hors d’ oeuvres. Select customers received mini-makeovers and enjoyed the pleasure of a mini “Photo Op” with models in the store’s display windows. Unlike the boutique experience we were unable to get still or video coverage – as Jeffrey is owned by retail powerhouse Nordstrom. Media outlets needed to obtain prior clearance before snapping photographs or interviewing customers and employees, due to strict media policies put in place for brand protection purposes. This was a big departure from the boutique stores who would allow coverage relatively easy.

Bebe, another large retailer who participated in the event, actually posted live models in their display windows to showcase their Fall lines. This was quite entertaining, although the concept is not a new one. Monica Barnett, the General Manager of Bebe in Phipps Plaza, revealed that 2011 marked the first year that Bebe actually participated in the FNO experience.

After leaving the store, we ran into local fashion bloggers: Alaina Garrett – creator of bustingouttheseams.blogspot.com, Hazel Obamwonyi, Senitra Morrison, and Charee Lenee – creator of ChareeLenee.com.

AOM's Karissa J. Parker peeking in on some pumps

Our final stop on the night was Atlantic Station. The site of the old Abercrombie and Fitch store, located next to Victoria’s Secret, hosted the multi-tiered event which included pop-up vendor shops. This concept enabled the opportunity to create a diverse mix of fashion related businesses, all within a single space. The place had been transformed into a runway show and party with cocktails, clothes, a DJ, and gift bags. Yes… Gift Bags!

The highlight was the runway show, which featured different designers and companies, such as Yadiyda which retails beautiful African and Afrocentric designs. Yadiyda offered complimentary mini-facials, eyebrow threading and touchups right there on the spot. If that wasn’t impressive enough, they also offered mini-skin consultations.

Among some of the many other vendors present was Sweet Samba, a body waxing and skin care spa. Chastity, one of the estheticians, told us about their brand and what they were bringing to FNO Atlanta. A definite plus for the spa is that they sell clothing which is relatively inexpensive and beautiful, too!

Overall, FNO Atlanta proved to be a great success in the places we visited. Atlanta fashionistas were out in full force and ready to shop ‘til they dropped. The fashion show was amazing and it was clear that retailers were definitely putting forth major effort to bring shoppers back into the stores during this recession.

Fall 2011 is turning out to be one chic season after all…but don’t just take it from me…check out more photos. Video highlights coming soon. Also, read about the Betsey Johnson Fashion Event during FNO week here.

-Karissa J. Parker and Jay Young for AOM & The HIGH UP. Photos by Jay Young.


Betsey Johnson Celebrates Fashion’s Night Out Atlanta

Fashion, models, music, and…pink tutus? What else would you expect to see at a Betsey Johnson runway show? As part of the many events being held in honor of Fashion’s Night Out Atlanta (FNO), the W Buckhead hosted the epic Betsey Johnson Fashion Event, which showcased the veteran designer’s Fall 2011 RTW collection.

Suchita Vadlamani (Event Co-Hostess)

AOM went behind the scenes before the show to capture the VIP reception where cocktails made with Veev Acai spirit were served and excited guests noshed on light fare while mingling. Among the many faces in attendance, Suchita Vadlamani, formerly of Fox 5 Good Day Atlanta, made her own fashion statement while ROCKING a black tube top dress with a ruffled tiered tulle skirt that Betsey actually designed for her own birthday some time ago. The dress was uber fab! Another familiar face spotted at the show was none other than the talented celebrity hair stylist, Derek J from Real Housewives from Atlanta on Bravo and Hair Battle on Oxygen.

After the reception, guests were ushered to a mixer that showcased different vendors and their products, including Iwifresh, a gourmet skin care line that specializes in all natural products using produce grown in the owner’s, Yolanda Owens, garden. Her lime body gloss smelled delish.

After a short delay, the fashion show started off with a bang. Suchita and another stylish young lady hosted the fab event. The music was pumping and the room was packed to capacity, so much so that some attendees had to be turned away! You see where this is going??!

Now, the important stuff…the fashion! The Fall RTW collection featured pieces that included red tartan plaid, velvet, floral prints, and lace. The red, tartan plaid was a beautiful trench coat design that I personally admired. (Yes, I am a fashion snob). Most of the floral prints were featured on mid length flowy dresses that fell right in line with the fall trend of the 70’s inspired working girl dress. All of the looks were topped off with black tights and black pumps. Of course, this is a Betsey Johnson show so it would not have been complete without the infamous, playful, and whimsical party dresses, similar in style to the dress worn by Suchita Vadlamani.  Check out the shocking hot pink one!

Samantha Gunn, the lead hairstylist and creator behind the hair and makeup looks, styled the models with over the top, teased messy bouffant buns and mohawks with gold highlights and gold stencils on the sides. The look was accented with striking makeup – metallic aqua blue eyeshadow with gold and black shading and sparkly ruby red lips. Stunning.

In a single word, Betsey Johnson’s new Fall collection is fabulous!  The runway show was fun, whimsical, and quite entertaining, to say the least. Be sure to drop in her store inside Lenox Mall to pick up some of her latest looks. View more photos from the fashion event here. Video highlights coming soon!

-Karissa J. Parker for AOM & The HIGH UP. Photos by Jay Young and Britt Hutchinson.


Calling All Designers: Charleston Fashion Week 2012 Competition

Charleston Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer Competition: East (EDC:E) seeks and supports a community of up-and-coming and undiscovered talent in the realm of fashion. EDC:E believes in the value of spotlighting a new generation of innovative designers in the multiple genres of fashion.  The mission of the EDC:E is to offer a platform for aspiring designers living in the Eastern United States to showcase their talent on the runway at Charleston Fashion Week® and gain the attention of national press and buyers. Designers chosen by the Fashion Panel as semifinalists will show their Fall 2012 collections at Charleston Fashion Week® the evenings of Tuesday, March 20 through Saturday, March 24, 2012.  A select number of semifinalists will show each night where one (1) designer from each evening will be selected by a panel of judges as a finalist to advance to Saturday evening and have the chance to be named the Grand Prize Winner.  The final schedule will be announced by Charleston Fashion Week® at a later date.

Designers must present collections for Fall 2012 or Swimwear/Resort 2013 and include twelve (12) looks in total.  Semifinalists will be asked to show eight (8) looks the night of their runway presentations (the nights of Tuesday, March 20 – Friday, March 23).  Finalists willbe asked to show their entire collections (the original eight (8) looks plus an additional four (4) looks) on Saturday, March 24, 2012.

pdastage.com

PEOPLE’S CHOICE COMPETITION:

Each evening during Charleston Fashion Week®, Tuesday, March 20 through Saturday, March 24, 2012, event attendees will have a chance to choose their favorite Emerging Designer semifinalist shown on the runway. The People’s Choice winner will be announced at the end of each evening and will receive a $250 cash prize.

2012 Emerging Designer Competition: East Grand Prize Winner will receive the following prize package:

  •  $5,000 cash prize
  •  $10,000 online marketing and promotional package from F22 Designs
  •  Professional hi-quality lookbook images of the Winner’s Fall
  •  Collection will be photographed by J.Balliet: Photographer
  •  Free runway show at Charleston Fashion Week® 2013

To learn more about the competition and application process, click here.


Jeffrey Fashion Cares 2011 Couples High Fashion and Affluence for a Great Cause

Colorful Jeffrey Fashion Cares 2011 display in main reception area

Jeffrey Fashion Cares…and, apparently, so does Atlanta! The event, now in its’ 19th year of service, was an incredible fusion of Fashion, Celebrity and Giving. The fashion fundraiser, benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Greater Atlanta Affiliate) and the  Atlanta AIDS Fund (AAF), was a complete sell out – even at the donation level of $500.00 per ticket. That, in itself, highlights both the loyal following of the JEFFREY brand and the willingness of people to give – in spite of the current economy.

(From R to L) Designer Randolph Duke, Cynthia Bailey (RHOA), April Triggs & Mara Maddox (Lenox Bloomingdales PR Manager)

Creator, Jeffrey Kalinsky, is both a fashion and retail guru. His wildly popular and successful boutiques, located in Atlanta and Manhattan, had a majority interest purchased by Nordstrom’s back in 2005 and soon Kalinsky was brought onboard to ensure the luxury retail chain stayed ahead of the proverbial fashion curve. Those relationships, developed over the years, have helped to make the Jeffrey Fashion Cares fundraiser a major success. Last year’s donations exceeded $600,000.00 and they look to exceed that this year.

Oversized print of the famed Christian Louboutin 8 inch Ballet Fetish Heel which received a winning donation/bid of $2500

The event included looks from the 28 year old design phenom, Jason Wu. Among his many accomplishments, you might remember that he designed First Lady Michelle Obama’s 2009 Presidential Inaugural Ball gown. Additionally, the event included a number of celebrities, to include: Laura Turner-Seydel (philanthropist and daughter of media mogul Ted Turner), Cynthia Bailey and NeNe Leakes from The Real Houswives of Atlanta, Fred Schneider (of the B52’s), Atlanta’s own Rashan Ali and more.

Rashan Ali (NBA TV Social Media Liaison)

Preceding the fashion show was an auction that included everything from trips to international destinations to local luxury spa treatments to fine jewelry. The one departure from the aforementioned actually started the line up of great items to bid on – an oversized framed print of the famed Christian Louboutin 8 inch Ballet Fetish Heel. “Wow!” & “Ouch!” at the same time! The fashion line up included AMAZING styles of short, long, sequined, feathered, see-through, formal, after6 and slightly abstract. There was something for everyone there…

The event was a virtual whirlwind, given within a two hour period this was your schedule:

  • Get through rush hour traffic in Atlanta to be at Midtown and 12th by 7:00 pm – hair, wardrobe, makeup all in check
  • Navigate through the impromptu reception area on the main level of the building
  • Stand in line to take the elevator up 32 floors to the event space
  • Navigate through the misting machine, red carpet area – only to enter the main reception area filled with fellow patrons
  • Find someone to get you a cocktail (the easiest task of all really)
  • Pull yourself away from incredible conversation and networking to find your seat
  • Once in your seat, trying to settle down because the room is electric
  • Once settled, fall in love with all of the fabulous auction items
  • Spill over with excitement as the Jason Wu designs endlessly pour onto the runway – everything is AMAZING
  • Find the right line for an elevator to the main level (min. 10 min wait) so you can make it to the after party at OPERA
  • And the night had merely just begun. You may not see any pictures from the after party here, but I’ll will share that it was a Hawaiian Luau themed party. All I can say is, on that night, whatever happened at Opera, stayed at Opera.

Jeffrey Fashion Cares 2011 Event Chair Lila Hertz (2nd from right) and Jeffrey Kalinsky (creator of JFC)

For more information about Jeffrey Fashion Cares click HERE. To see more photos from the event visit Aspire Online Magazine.

-Article and photos by Jay Young for AOM and The “HIGH UP”.


Fashion Uncorked: An Impressive and Stylish Affair

February 19, 2011 (Atlanta, GA) – ELECTRIC! The only possible way to describe the night… Models, designers, stylists, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and executives – all commingling for a single, worthy cause.

FASHION UNCORKED is an artistic collaboration between Artist Trifecta and A Clothes Encounter to directly benefit Easter Seals Atlanta. The event’s organizers decided to integrate several fashion and art oriented ideas into a central theme based on the popular show Project Runway.

Our night began on the 3rd level of a condo development – adjacent to the evening’s venue – located in the Castleberry Point Development. Within the makeshift “headquarters”, the contestants (and their support staff) work at a frenzied pace to be ready for their call to the stage area. Clothing, shoes, accessories, makeup, models and stylists are literally all over the two preparation rooms.

As we descend to the main venue to prepare for interviews and the competition, we encounter boutique style shops, water works, dazzling architecture, silent auctions, appetizers and, oh yes, WINE– all within the confines of the development. Once in the main area, we are amazed to find that the entire show area is housed within an undeveloped area of the complex. Rocks, bare cement walls, exposed piping all give the event a very raw, edgy and urban feel. Additionally, the runway in is composed of artificial turf, laid directly over the loose rock foundation – apparently the models are being evaluate also. The edgy, yet simplistic, setting was apropos given some of the edgy and simplistic styles we were about to encounter.

En route to their seats, our host and panel of judges stop to speak with us and take advantage of the photo opportunity. Atlanta’s own Monica Kaufman-Pearson, the emcee, is elegant as usual. Our host of judges are no less stunning – Jessica Black (Miss United States 2010), Holly Firfer (CNN Anchor), David Goodrowe (Assoc. Dean SCAD) and Mary Jo Miller (Dept. Chair Fashion and Retail Art Institute of Atlanta). The evening was underway once our host opened with comments and introductions. Additionally, we were greeted by one of the founding partners, Actress Kaira Akita (of Tyler Perry film fame). Shortly thereafter, the show was off and running, as the beautiful models seemed to gracefully traverse the rough terrain set before them. In the end, Designer Angelica Cuervo outpaced the competition and left with the Grand Prize – with Shenelle Evans taking home the People’s Choice Award.

Check out the Spring/Summer Edition of “THE IMPRINT” for the full feature on FASHION UNCORKED.

See exclusive video interviews with Kaira Akita and Monica Kaufman-Pearson at The Spotlight.

– Jay Young


An Effectual Evening of Fashion, Networking and Culture

February 3rd 2011 (Atlanta, GA) – Last night, three relatively important

It’s cold and wet outside, but the styles are “crazy hot” inside 200 Office

milestones occurred within a single space in the heart of Metro Atlanta – and only a few handfuls of people where there to experience it. The impact of each, independently, could be powerful and when you connect the proverbial dots, it could prove to be game changing in how business is done in the city’s center.

The Event was hosted by the Atlanta Fashion Industry Meetup (AFIM), which is an organization that was founded to bring together fashion industry professionals for the improvement of industry professionals, relationships, marketing and regional (Atlanta) awareness. Tonight was a milestone celebration of the membership nearing 900 and was appropriately titled “The Nines.” Designers, models, photographers, media and vendors filled the main room to witness the lines of some of the up and coming designers the Southeast U.S. and Caribbean have to offer. For more information about “The Nines” or AFIM, click HERE.

The event was hosted in a new, yet not so new, space located at 200 Peachtree Street , in Atlanta. The former, long time Macy’s Dept Store has

A couple passing by the event, from the street, can’t but watch in amazement of the activity

been renovated to provide an innovative mixed-use retail and entertainment space. 200 Office, located within the historic building, offers economical access to a mobile office concept perfect for entrepreneurs and mobile workers who don’t need the overhead of a “static” office. The feature set includes high-speed internet, mobile work stations, access to the main room and nearly a dozen “private rooms” you can rent as the need presents itself. To read more about this groundbreaking service and offer, click HERE.

 

Janice Lawrence-Clarke (far right), Founder of CAFÉ 2011 w/ two attendees of the event

The third, and possibly most impactful, of the trio of milestones was the CAFÉ 2011 presentation. This presentation was hosted by JLC Productions – founder of the Caribbean American Fashion Exchange (CAFÉ.) Their primary goal is to facilitate the entry of Caribbean designers, and their lines, into the U.S. Fashion Market via the Atlanta Apparel showings at AmericasMart Atlanta.  This effort should not only showcase the style and creativity of our neighbors to the South, but help to build vital relationships in both Fashion and Business with the talent and resources abroad. A number of the fashions from several of the lines were on display, many of which included the brilliant combination of color and elegance that we’ve come to expect from the region. To learn more about CAFÉ 2011, navigate to HERE.

We arrived with little expectation of the Thursday night event and found ourselves, three hours later, fully engrossed in conversation with people from four different continents. Not bad for a rainy, cold night in the “A”… Maybe the city really is growing up.

-Jay Young