Capes Say Confidence In Style
Southerners are remarkably confident in their sense of style. Always choosing the exuberant over the sedate, the bold over the demure, Southern Style reflects not only optimism, but also a certain romanticism wrapped up in tradition, nostalgia and plain old imagination. That’s why anytime I see a cape, one of the season’s sleeper trends, I envision it on one of the many Southern women I know, who would undoubtedly wear it with finesse. Nothing surpasses a cape when the goal is a cinematic silhouette. Just think of Scarlett O’Hara’s green velvet curtain dress: She added a decadent semi-cape to the left shoulder when she had to look like “a queen” to get a loan from Rhett. Capes are just the thing for mild Southern climates, protection against a damp chill but never too heavy. Capes also work well as outerwear for evening, particularly with this season’s popular short skirts.
I recently passed a storefront with a sign that touted “Fully Serviced Capery.” Intrigued and hoping to see the latest looks, I investigated and found myself immersed not in a fashion boutique but amongst shelves stocked with cans of Anti-Matter and grappling hooks. There was indeed a stocked capery, as well as a cape-testing platform with an upward blowing fan to test a cape’s billow factor. I had stumbled upon the Superhero Supply Co., a kind of hardware store for budding Supergirls and Batmen. The brain child of writer Dave Eggers, the shop is actually a front for a kids’ tutoring center located in the back (behind a sliding bookcase). Eggers has launched a series of such tutoring centers across the country, the first one in the guise of a Pirate Supply Store in San Francisco (www.826national.org and www.superherosupplies.com). Talk about imagination.
I was seeking a cape with the defining traits of warmth and style rather than an impressive flutter, so I called a fashion stylist friend and we began to pound the pavement. After an amusing incident in a secondhand clothing store (where a vintage suede Fendi skirt was masquerading as a cape on the men’s coat rack), we turned up some outstanding examples from this seasons’ collections. Ralph Lauren’s woolen cape falls to the hip and looks great with high boots; Stella McCartney’s soft gray knit and wool cape can double as a voluminous dress; and Diane von Furstenberg’s striped knit poncho-style cape makes any outfit a bold statement. Note: a poncho is simply a square piece of fabric or a blanket with a cut-out for the head, but a cape is a tailored garment, usually even at the bottom and fastening in front.
Another popular shape this winter is a pullover capelet, a shorter version of the cape that falls only to the elbow. This length works particularly well on fabric extremes, from heavyweights, like Hermès shearling cape, or lightweights, like Oscar de la Renta’s ethereal evening capelet, perfect over a strapless party dress. Detailing ranges from traditional, like A. P. C.’s military-style wool cape with frog closures, to unexpected, like Imitation of Christ’s capelet of faded cotton sweatshirt material. If a cape seems impractical for everyday wear, the new voluminous cardigans can give the same effect but with the convenience of sleeves. Check out versions from Missoni, Y & Kei and Emporio Armani.
Memorable Fragrances
The perfect partner to a dramatic look is a memorable fragrance. The latest revival by Robert Piguet — (in)famous for the scents Fracas and Bandit — is Baghari, a soft floral first created in 1950. The updated version blends notes of bergamot, violet, neroli, jasmine, Bulgarian rose, rose, iris, vetiver, amber, vanilla and musk, presented in Piguet’s signature sleek, black bottle. At the other end of the spectrum is the latest Calvin Klein fragrance, the futuristic CK One Electric, a neon green concoction that is super fresh, a citrusy-woody scent with warm undertones.
Sure-Fire Style For Men
Men, is there any style territory to call your own? Probably not, but there are some things that will always look better on you. Fishermen’s sweaters, for example. Trovata (a quartet of Southern boys who have risen to fashion fame in the last year) has a heavy cable knit version with leather-covered buttons. The New Zealand-based Ibex has a navy zip-up cable knit sweater perfect for a winter walk on the beach. But a gentleman’s sole province may be the tuxedo. Despite all the complaining, you’re probably aware of the magic of the dinner jacket and that — with apologies to Yves Saint Laurent and his “le smoking” — you look a lot better in it than we do. As the holiday party season approaches, take a cue from the new James Bond, played by the ruggedly handsome Daniel Craig, who graciously accepts a custom-made tuxedo from the woman in his life and looks all the more dashing for it. Custom tailoring is not a thing of the past, as travelers frequenting Asia know. It’s a booming business and surprisingly affordable. But if you need a quicker fix, check out a classic tuxedo from Ermenegildo Zegna with a one-button front and double-pleated front pants with straight legs (www.neimanmarcus.com). For less of an investment and a slimmer cut, try Joseph Abboud’s take on the tuxedo (www.nordstrom.com), or truly channel 007 in a mod cut from Paul Smith. Even if none of your holiday celebrations call for black tie, a Southern gentleman will undoubtedly need a tux in his closet six months from now, when ’tis the season of that other Southern institution: the formal wedding.
CSI: Miami Star Headlines Mannequin Ball
Raleigh-born actress Emily Procter is a television mega-star familiar to global television audiences in her leading part as ballistics expert Calleigh Duquesne on CBS’s hit drama CSI: Miami, the most watched program in the world.
Emily’s career began at East Carolina University after her graduation from Raleigh’s Ravenscroft School. The striking blonde studied journalism and dance and worked as a weather reporter on WNCT-TV in Greenville.
She impressed audiences and producers in her first recurring television role as southern conservative Ainsley Haynes on the Emmy and Golden Globe winning program The West Wing. Her hit television role is a steady companion to her work on the big screen, including big budget blockbuster Big Mama’s House 2 starring Martin Lawrence, and a performance early in her career in the critically acclaimed HBO movie Breast Men starring David Schwimmer and Oscar winner Chris Cooper. Emily also played a role in Cameron Crowe’s hit film Jerry Maguire starring Tom Cruise. Also on her resume is a part in the acclaimed film Leaving Las Vegas starring Nicholas Cage and Elisabeth Shue.
Emily Procter is a shining star in the constellation of North Carolinians in Hollywood. Meet Emily at the second Mannequin Ball by calling 919-831-0999 or go to www.themannequinball.com .
New Exhibit Blends Fashion and History
More than 200 years of clothing history come together in a new exhibit, What We Wore in North Carolina, at the NC Museum of History. The chronological exhibit showcases elegant and everyday trends from the colonial period to the 1990s and gives a glimpse of how changes within the state have influenced styles.
On view until February 2007 and reopening later in the year, What We Wore in North Carolina is perfectly timed to coincide with Metro’s Second Annual Mannequin Ball at NCMH on Jan. 19, 2007.
“We are thrilled that The Mannequin Ball is going to take place while the exhibit is at the museum,” says museum director Betsy Buford. “The exhibit and the ball will truly bring fashion and history together.”
The variety of items in the exhibit ranges from an 18th century woman’s jacket to 20th century men’s colorful “preppy” plaid slacks. Hand-woven, homespun outfits showcase the fabric shortages of the Civil War era, while a blue velvet evening gown illustrates Hollywood’s influence in the 1930s, and an Oscar de la Renta minidress highlights the style of the 1960s. An array of hats, purses and shoes rounds out the exhibit.
The NC Museum of History is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission to the museum and the exhibit are free. For more information, visit www.ncculture.com.
Midnight in Milan:
Area Artists Create Italian Themes for Second Mannequin Ball
by Louis St. Lewis
Oh Italy! Chianti! Prosecco! Versace! Gucci! Ferrari! The names of elegant design and good living fall off the tongue in torrents at the mere thought of the boot-shaped nation. Lucky for us back here in North Carolina, we don’t have to jump a plane to experience an evening of Italian glamour. It will soon be right here in our own back yard on January 19, 2007, when the first floor of the North Carolina Museum of History in downtown Raleigh will be magically transformed into a swank Milan nightclub for the 2nd Annual Mannequin Ball to benefit the Museum’s extensive textile collection.
With the theme “La Dolce Vita” in the back of my mind, I contacted some of the area’s most fabulous artists who graciously agreed to donate a special work of art to be auctioned off the night of the event:
• The Mannequin Ball is truly fortunate to have a work donated by internationally recognized photographer Alex Harris (www.annstewartfineart.com). Harris is the consummate professional. His works are everywhere from the Getty Museum to our own NC Museum of Art. He is written about, talked about and collected more than any other North Carolina photographer. Anyone who has ever stood in front of one of his elegant large-scale photos is immediately intoxicated by his talent.
• The always elegant abstract paintings by noted NC artist Nancy Tuttle May (www.nancytuttlemay.com) will be on display. Since May studied at the University per Stranieri in Perugia, Italy during the ’70s, I have no doubt her Italian experience will be pouring forth.
• Kaola Allen Phoenix has been using technology in her creations for decades, and the effect is always stunning. I first learned of her artwork back in the ’80s when we were both in shows at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art over in Winston- Salem. I have been a fan ever since!
• Ashlyn Browning is a young artist on the rise with a dedication to her craft and a sensitivity to line that rivals the early work of Cy Twombly. I never tire of her creations and you will surely fall in love with them, as well.
• Dianne Rodwell is as much a magician as an artist. One visit to her Web site (www.diannerodwell.com) shows off a myriad of styles and techniques: cityscapes, encaustic-layered glass and abstract. Rodwell has the alchemist’s touch and is well respected by her peers as a true professional. Rodwell maintains a great studio space at Raleigh’s downtown Artspace. You should drop by and see what she’s up to when you get the chance.
• Also at Artspace, make sure to visit another of our great Mannequin Ball artists, Eric McRay (mcraystudios.com). If anybody personifies “La Dolce Vita” in their art it’s McRay. His jazz paintings have been a hit around our area for years, and his artwork has found its way into all the right collections. I have no doubt that McRay will bring in high bids to benefit the museum on party night.
• The very first artist I thought of when I was told of the Italian theme was artist Nicole Kennedy (www.nicolestudio.com). Anyone who has ever been to Luna in Raleigh has seen her colorful Italian landscapes. Kennedy has long been a major presence in the downtown Raleigh art scene, both as artist and catalyst for other creative souls. I can assure you that Kennedy will be treating your eyes with a more than a little bit of Italian style for the Ball.
• With all the buzz recently about photography, I knew I had to go out and find some of the best. My good friend, Diane Amato, (www.dianeamato.com) has been building up a solid and diverse body of work for decades. Her floral images are iconic, pure and clean with bold colors and cropping that only comes from a seasoned eye. Equally impressive are her beachscapes and intimate images of dogs. With plenty of critical acclaim under her belt, Amato is the real deal. Amato gets another grazi. She has also agreed to donate a collaborative photo created with her friend and fellow photographer Lisa Morton. Together, the ladies form Nanny Studios, and the wit and biting social satire they display is a treasure to behold. Nothing is sacred to these ladies, and they skewer social icons with a rapier-like wit in dioramas featuring Barbie and GI Joe in elaborate tableaux. I can’t wait to see what these two come up with.
As you can see, this is going to be a Ball to remember … buy your tickets now at www.themannequinball.com or call 919-831-0999.
Ciao baby.
Ciao Baby!
by Louis St. Lewis
The Triangle is mourning the very recent passing of artist Lloyd Skidmore III. I had spoken to Lloyd just a few weeks ago. He was enthusiastic to be one of this year’s Mannequin Ball artists. The first thing you notice when you go to Lloyd’s Web site (www.lloydskidmore.com) is a definition of the word MAVERICK. It’s the perfect word to describe his life. He was an energetic force unto himself, a talented artist, a creator, a businessman, and he did everything in a style that left men half his age weak in the knees. Of all the artists I have spoken to, none took the theme, “La Dolce Vita,” to heart with as much gusto.
Artworks on Display During December at Mannequin Ball Retail Sponsor Locations
Elaine Miller
With over 40 years of experience in the business, Elaine Miller’s background includes studying at Parsons School of Design, training with some of New York’s finest jewelry designers, and first hand experience with the best international auction houses. Her store, Elaine Miller Collection, in Raleigh’s North Hills offers customers selection and value in both estate and new designer jewelry. Jewelry lines include Elizabeth Locke Jewels, Slane & Slane Designs, and Designs by Konstantino, as well as estate designers Buccellati, Cartier and more. 919.571.8888
Vermillion
Owner Ashley Vermillion Harris combined an entertaining shopping experience with quality clothing lines to create the concept behind her women’s clothing boutique, Vermillion. Harris and her style consultants strive to provide women with friendly, knowledgeable service. The store carries a wide range of clothing items from cutting-edge designers like Zac Posen, Balenciaga, Proenza Schouler, Stella McCartney and Michael Kors. 919.787.9780
Fantasia
Boutique owner Christy Tyre says she opened Fantasia in 1987 because of a love for fashion and social interaction. Nineteen years later, Tyre and store manager Pam Cooper still pride themselves on the clothing lines and customer service they provide for women who visit the North Hills store. Fantasia offers clothes by designers Nelli K, Coursey, Nicole Miller, Trina Turk and Cynthia Steffe. 919.787.0688
Norman Stockton
Since opening its doors in Winston-Salem in 1909, Norman Stockton’s mission has been to offer men quality customer service and quality products at a reasonable price. In November 2001, Norman Stockton opened its Chapel Hill location in Meadowmont Village. The store offers clothing and sportswear that cannot be found at most men’s clothing stores such as Canali, Hickey-Freeman, Oxxford, Burberry and Robert Talbott, Peter Millar. 919.945.0800
Main & Taylor
After Archie and Diane Chinnis bought Main & Taylor in 1993, the store quickly became one of Raleigh’s premiere places to buy handbags, shoes and accessories. The husband and wife team opened another store in 1997 in Greensboro and both locations carry quality shoe lines from designers like Stuart Weitzman, Cole Haan, Salvatore Ferragamo and Donald Pliner. Handbag lines include Francesco Biasia, Longchamp and Cole Haan, and the store also carries unique accessories like SCOJO glasses and locally made jewelry. 919.821.1556
Scout and Molly’s
Since opening her first store in 2002, Scout and Molly’s owner Lisa Disbrow has made it her goal to give customers a personalized shopping experience. With two locations in Raleigh’s North Hills and Chapel Hill’s Meadowmont Village, Scout and Molly’s caters to women of all ages and sizes, carrying lines from designers like BCBG, Trina Turk, Nanette Lepore, Tibi and Joe’s Jeans. 919.881.0303
Hertzberg Furs
Hertzberg Furs has been one of the premiere places to buy furs in North Carolina since 1946. Since opening in Raleigh in 1981, the store’s consistent prices, knowledgeable staff and furs from all over the world have made Hertzberg one of North Carolina’s most trusted furriers. The store’s professional staff has over 200 years of combined experience in the industry and is willing to share their knowledge to help with any fur needs. 919.782.2165
Beanie+Cecil
One of the first boutiques of its kind in Raleigh, Beanie+ Cecil has been keeping women in the Triangle in style for over 14 years. Owner and buyer Alexandra Henriquez creates an amazing shopping experience for her customers, providing them with the latest fashions from designers like Tevrow + Chase, Catherine Malandrino, Tracy Reese, Diane von Furstenberg, Milly and Botkier. 919.821.5455
Cameron Clothing Company
With over 70 years combined experience in the industry, owners Marshall and Jenny Lamb say they look forward to coming to work at Cameron Clothing Company every day. Since opening its doors in 1991, Cameron Clothing has brought designers like Lafayette 148, Zanella, Bernard Zins, Barry Bricken, Ellen Tracy and Marisa Baratelli to women of all ages in the Raleigh area. 919.420.0411
Saks
Since opening its doors at Triangle Town Center in September 2004, Saks Fifth Avenue has offered Triangle residents superlative American and international designer collections. Store manager Teresa Roberson and her team of associates help customers dress from head to toe in lines from designers locally exclusive to Saks such as Valentino, Lida Baday and Jimmy Choo. “Our customers can count on us as a consistent source of fashion, style and quality,” says Saks Incorporated CEO Steve Sadove. An icon in the industry since the 1920s, Saks brings runway trends from the fashion capitals of Milan, Paris and New York to Raleigh. 919.792.9100
Allow a Little Style in Your Life
by Louis St. Lewis
Style. Where does it come from? Who knows? But once you have the bug you are good to go.
I grew up on the NC/SC border in a small town in Anson County with about 3000 souls. I was brought up Southern Baptist and strict. Church every Sunday, Sunday night and Wednesday night, as well. In the spring and in the fall I was allowed to pick out three pairs of pants and three shirts from the Sears and Roebuck catalogue, but my mother could edit for content. I remember sitting in the front yard, watching all the cars zooming up and down the road and imagining the exotic places and exotic lives they were leading. The very first day I showed up for my freshman year in college, I went directly to the local Goodwill store where I bought the funkiest outfits I could find: leather, paisley, pleather and feather, leaving my old boring church clothes on the floor of the dressing room as I strutted out the door. I never looked back.
My first major purchase was a pair of Vivienne Westwood plaid bondage pants, soon followed by Hermès boots and black cashmere sweaters. I started reading Architectural Digest, The New Yorker and, of course, Andy Warhol’s Interview. I bought mismatched sterling flatware, old Chinese export dinner plates, ancient darned damask tablecloths, fresh lilies for the house, incense for the bath. Where did these ideas come from? Who knows? My siblings still look at me with an air of suspicion when I arrive for the yearly feast cloaked in fur, top down on the convertible … to them I am an alien from afar, a black sheep, someone who deviated from the way we had been taught. As for me, I can’t imagine another way of life.
Fine Furs Are Always In Style
FUR! I love it. It always make me think of Dr. Zhivago, sleds and vodka, limousines and champagne. The first one I bought was a floor-length beaver back in the mid-’80s. I still wear it out and it still looks fantastic, long, lush, heavy, silky and seductive on all levels. PLEASE don’t start sending in your anti-fur letters. I love animals as much as anyone on this planet. I feed a hot spaghetti dinner each and every night to a family of foxes that has adopted me, along with two possums and a raccoon. Over the years I have cared for squirrel and crow, hawk and deer, so I do truly appreciate life in all its forms. At the same time I love the luxury, the warmth and the look of fur.
If I am looking for a new piece, I always trot right down to Hertzberg furs (www.hertzbergfurs.com) to see what’s up. These folks know their stuff and they educate me every time I walk in the place. Did you know furs are traditionally cleaned by rubbing them with ground walnut shells? AMAZING! Did you know that the worst thing you can do to a fur is NOT wear it? Think of a pair of leather gloves. If you don’t wear them they become stiff and brittle. With fur it’s the same concept. So if you think you are saving your fur by leaving it in storage, or only wearing it once in a blue moon, get over it: You need to walk that coat on a frequent basis to keep it in excellent supple shape.
I was snooping around the store the other day and the word was out that Lynx is the new hot fur, and Hertzberg had a great selection of the spotted coats — along with the always elegant mink and fox coats they offer. Generous as always, the store is giving away a beautiful fur for the Mannequin Ball, so ladies get ready. If you have wanted a serious fur, this might just be your chance. And just so you know, the folks at Hertzberg’s can take your older fur and work that thing back into a new wrap in a wink of an eye … being frugal can be stylish, as well.
Finding Style Under Your Nose
Speaking of frugal, and speaking of style, I know that sometimes our home environments start showing some age and perhaps looking a little drab. You wish you could make over the room, but you really don’t want to start from scratch or get involved in a major project; you just want your home to have a little rejuvenation. Well ladies and gents, I know of the perfect solution. I immediately think of my good friend Lynda Lankford (www.lankforddesigns.com) who can come to the rescue and save you a bundle of cash at the same time. In a process she refers to as “Room Service,” Lankford will come to your home and use what you have to create a dramatic new interior. With a great eye that comes from natural intuitive style, Lankford will edit your existing furnishings, re-arrange, and perhaps have the walls painted a new color. Sometimes our eyes are just too jaded from living in our houses day in day out to consider the amazing results that a fresh perspective can have in our home décor. Now one thing I can tell you is that you have to give Lankford free reign. You get out of the house, go to work, whatever, but leave her alone to do her magic because she’s not going to put up with someone watching over her shoulder the entire time. The fact of the matter is that if you knew what to do, you would have already done it, so leave the artist alone and let her do her thing! You will be truly amazed with the results. Take a look at the before-and-after shots on her Web page to see what I mean. Lankford recently returned from a glam trip to Paris, so I’m certain she brought back lots of chic French design ideas to spruce up our abodes.
While Lankford is giving your décor a lift, do yourself a favor and drop by Iatria Day Spa (www.iatria.com) and indulge in a facial, a massage, a manicure, a little botox … the works. The environment is soothing and quiet, low lights and exotic aromas are everywhere. As soon as I walked in I was given a plush robe and slippers to change into, and my blood pressure immediately dropped several digits. Healthy snacks were provided, and I relaxed in the lounge drinking herbal tea and reading the latest magazines while waiting for my treatment. After a hard day of living the good life, there is nothing better than a relaxing facial and massage, and the qualified staff at Iatria really knows their stuff. I was so relaxed by the end of my massage I didn’t want to move, I just wanted to stay there in the hedonistic afterglow for as long as humanly possible. When I finally emerged into the daylight, I felt fantastic and my skin looked and felt the best it had in years. Iatria has gift certificates available, and I know you all have a special someone out there you wish to spoil, a spouse, a friend, a talented magazine writer, all will appreciate your largesse.