Runway Preview: 25th Annual Jeffrey Fashion Cares

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DIOR. 25th annual Jeffrey Fashion Cares August, 28, 2017

DIOR. 25th annual Jeffrey Fashion Cares August, 28, 2017

There will be fireworks at Jeffrey Fashion Cares this season through an explosive runway of designer sequins, sparkle and shine! Givenchy, Balenciaga, Dior, Louboutin, YSL, Dries van Noten and Michael Halpern were just some of the labels I was fortunate to get a peek at this week. It's a thrill (for me) to sit in on the fittings and as the only invited media to do so, it's also an honor. For the most part, I sit quietly and simply observe, having conversation with Jeffrey Kalinsky only between fittings.

It's absolutely mesmerizing watching Jeffrey at work: "Is there another bag? Let's try the sheer stockings. Did we like the hat? We should go with the drama..." He has such a defined vision of glamour and elegance that is as timeless as it is modern.

Accompanying the runway bling, expect to see velvets, plaids, structured blazers and suits. Lots of color and lots of volume too. And let's not forget the gowns! There will be 60 looks gracing the Jeffrey Fashion Cares runway and I can attest that you'll lose count of how many showstoppers are in the show. Good luck choosing faves. Grab your sneak peek with the slideshow above - photos by Tomas Espinoza.

The 25th annual Jeffrey Fashion Cares is Monday, August 28th at Phipps Plaza. *Purchase your tickets below.

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Jeffrey Fashion Cares: 25 Years of Fashion & Philanthropy

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Jeffrey Fashion Cares. (photos by Ben Rose)

Jeffrey Fashion Cares. (photos by Ben Rose)

Paris Fashion Week, Milan and New York jet-set their way to Atlanta every year. The last Monday in August has become one of the most anticipated dates of the year because of Jeffrey Fashion Cares. Many view the high-end runway show, live auction and philanthropic event as the kick-off to the Fall fashion season in the city. With designer labels such as Gucci, Celine, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Valentino, Dries van Noten, Saint Laurent Paris, Balenciaga, Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik, Jeffrey Fashion Cares is most definitely the hottest ticket in town.

Jeffrey Kalinsky

Jeffrey Kalinsky

The visionary behind Jeffrey Fashion Cares is its founder, fashion icon and philanthropist, Jeffrey Kalinsky. He has two namesake boutiques, one in New York’s meatpacking district and the other in Atlanta at Phipps Plaza. Jeffrey Fashion Cares, which showcases the latest looks of the season, occurs twice a year - in NYC at the US Intrepid as a menswear show and the other runway is in Atlanta and is celebrating twenty-five stylish years. While the NYC event brings out the likes of Vogue's Anna Wintour and celebrities such as Chloe Sevingy and Zachary Quinto, it is the Atlanta event that got everything started. Jeffrey Kalinsky spoke with us about the early years, when Jeffrey Fashion Cares was called “Shoe Cares.” Kalinsky got his start in the shoe business so his charity fundraiser was naturally all about shoes - fabulous shoes, of course. He pointed out that one of the greatest challenges in those early years was figuring out how to create an entertaining and engaging fashion show with shoes. Well, anyone who knows Jeffrey knows he’s always one step ahead - no pun intended - and he figured “it” out. 

I once asked Jeffrey how he keeps the show fresh year after year and he humbly turned it back to his amazing team and their hard work, but modesty aside, it’s Jeffrey Kalinsky’s vision, aesthetic and drive that keep him and his endeavors on the forefront of fashion. “Our job is to travel the world and be shoppers for our shoppers,” says Jeffrey. “We try every single season to buy the most beautiful things in the world,” he added. [And] on that last Monday in August, you can see all those “beautiful things” parade onto a 140ft+ runway. One of my favorite moments of the show, besides all the to-die-for looks, bags and shoes, comes at the finale walk where Jeffrey makes a runway stop to kiss his mother while she hands him a bouquet of roses. 

Jeffrey Fashion Cares CO-CHAIRS: Jeffrey McQuithy, Louise Sams, Lila Hertz & Jeffrey Kalinsky

Jeffrey Fashion Cares CO-CHAIRS: Jeffrey McQuithy, Louise Sams, Lila Hertz & Jeffrey Kalinsky

Jeffrey acknowledges that breast cancer and AIDS have affected so many lives and that by coming to Jeffrey Fashion Cares, you are participating in something good. In its history, Jeffrey Fashion Cares has become the largest combined AIDS and breast cancer benefit in the country. Lila Hertz, who has chaired the event for fifteen of its twenty-five years, shared an optimistic and inspiring message, "We are so proud of the contribution we have made to the breast cancer and AIDS charities over the years. However, our work is not done—there is still much to do for these two diseases.  So, we want everyone to join us to celebrate our silver anniversary and contribute to help us reach our goal of one million dollars. Together we can do it!!” 

Jeffrey Fashion Cares benefits Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta, the Atlanta AIDS Fund (AAF), and the Medical University of South Carolina. For more information and tickets, visit jeffreyfashioncares.com

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House of Z - The Zac Posen Documentary

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zac posen

I think it's a fair assessment to say that Zac Posen has become a household name. If you don't know his brand of elegant and sophisticated womenswear, then surely you know him as a permanent judge with Project Runway.

As a young and extremely talented twenty-one year old, Zac Posen rocketed to stardom within the fashion industry - one of fashion's golden boys. His red carpet looks were showstoppers and graced A-list celebs like Gywneth Paltrow and Kate Winslet. But as we all know, what goes up, eventually must come down and golden Zac was not exempt. 

This documentary, directed by Sandy Chronopoulos, will premiere on Vogue.com on September 6 and will take us through the highs and lows of Zac Posen's career. 

Watch the House of Z trailer above.

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BIBHU MOHAPATRA RESORT 2018

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bibhu mohapatra resort 2018 fashionado

This collection celebrates the 21st Century young female leaders who have a unique voice that inspires their own generation and the generations to come.

Bibhu Mohapatra Resort 2018 collection celebrates the 21st Century young female leaders who have a unique voice that inspires their own generation and the generations to come. Mohapatra hopes to inspire the leaders of tomorrow with inner strength, confidence, courage and drive to make a difference by rising above all differences. The inspiration is very much present through the collection with strong, sleek architectural silhouettes.

BIBHU MOHAPATRA RESORT 2018

From the first look a white crepe day dress with cut crystal embroidery, to the watercress print that is seen in the more playful separate pieces and in an embroidery that cascades down a sleek column skirt. Mohapatra is one that is never afraid to play colors, and we see that with his bright pinks and reds that are accented through out the collection. Photos: Kevin Sturman

BIBHU MOHAPATRA RESORT 2018

Bibhu Mohapatra is a New York based and Indian born luxury women’s-wear designer. Before launching his eponymous label at New York’s Fall 2009 New York Fashion Week, he was the Design Director at J.Mendel for almost a decade. His label is currently sold at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Harvey Nichols, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, and specialty boutiques in North America, Europe, Russia and the Middle East. To date, celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Hilary Swank, Glenn Close, Janelle Monae, Lupita N’youngo, Jennifer Lopez and Taraji P. Henson have all worn Bibhu’s designs, and he has had the honor to dress former US First Lady, Michelle Obama. In January 2010, Bibhu was a finalist in the Women’s Apparel 2010 Rising Star Award presented by the Fashion Group International. In May 2010 he received the Young Innovator Award from the National Arts Club and in June 2010, became a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Bibhu received the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award in January 2011 and was a US finalist in the 2012 International Woolmark prize. In 2014 Bibhu signed his first licensing deal with BCI one the largest fur manufactures in North America. This then led to his 2016 launch of his first ever full fledge diamond collection in collaboration with Forevermark India.  

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Narciso Rodriguez Resort 2018

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Narciso Rodriguez Resort 2018

Narciso Rodriguez Resort 2018 - See collection.

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Emerging Designer Take-over at Doggies on the Catwalk

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doggies on the catwalk art institute fashionado

Runway & Photo Shoots

The Art Institute of Atlanta

For the second year in a row, the Art Institute of Atlanta has commanded the 'catwalk' at the annual Doggies on the Catwalk hosted at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. These emerging designers continue to demonstrate their talent and creativity. They wowed guests with their edgy, glam and RTW looks. The designers' vision came to fruition through our partnerships with CLICK Models and the Green Room Agency. Nyssa Green and her spectacular team gave life to all looks with the right hair and make-up. [And] because these clever designers know how to make use of the best opportunities, they took the time before the event to shoot editorial photos with their models. 

They make me very proud and it's been a pleasure serving as their professor at the Art Institute of Atlanta. The President and Provost sat in the front row of Doggies on the Catwalk and just gleamed with well-deserved pride. The featured designers were: Haze Devlin, Tyra Hart, Katherine Hillis and Tierra Macon.

Can't get enough?? Join us on June 12th at the AC Hotel in Buckhead for the Art Institute of Atlanta Senior Showcase runway show for more!

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Lexus Charleston Fashion Week Announces Bibhu Mohapatra and Rachel Roy as Featured Designers

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Charleston Fashion Week with Fern Mallis

 Lexus Charleston Fashion Week®, one of the leading fashion weeks in the United States, announced its March 14-18, 2017 schedule, and features internationally known designers Rachel Roy and Bibhu Mohapatra, runway shows from 16 competing Emerging Designer semifinalists, and exciting retailer and local designer shows.  

Bibhu Mohapatra, a New York-based fashion designer, will be featured on Friday March 17, 2017. His creations have been spotlighted in many fashion magazines including VOGUE, Marie Claire, ELLE, New York Magazine, and Harper's Bazaar. Mohapatra has presented many collections of luxury women's ready-to-wear, couture and fur under his name in New York, Mumbai, Zurich, Beijing, and New Delhi. His collections are sold at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, SAKS, and Nordstrom, Lane Crawford in China, and other boutiques around the world.

On Saturday March 18, 2017, Rachel Roy will be the Featured Designer to close Charleston Fashion Week® 2017. Roy is the founder of her eponymous brand and a tireless activist for using your voice to encourage change and design the life you want to live. In addition to running her successful brand, Roy is a sought after speaker on entrepreneurship and philanthropy and has shared her story and experiences at forums ranging from the White House to the Fortune Most Powerful Women conference series to other various women’s empowerment summits. Roy nurtures young design talent globally through her work with the Woolmark Prize, Who’s Next/VOGUE Mexico and CFDA incubator programs. Roy has been recognized by the Accessories Council with an ACE AWARD for best brand launch as well as Mattel’s 10 Women to Watch and numerous best dressed honors including Vanity Fair’s Best Dressed List.

Mohapatra and Roy will also serve on the Fashion Panel under Fern Mallis, who will again lead the effort in determining the 2017 Charleston Fashion Week® Emerging Designer Competition Winner.

Naomi Russell, executive director of Charleston Fashion Week®, says “We are very excited and honored to have such great designers like Rachel Roy and Bibhu Mohapatra during CFW 2017. This continues CFW’s goal of bringing nationally known fashion stars to Charleston, to judge and mentor the competing emerging designers, as well as highlight the strong fashion scene here. Charleston Fashion Week® 2017 promises to be bigger and better than ever, and we look forward to seeing everyone under the tents next month!”

Charleston Fashion Week® will take place from March 14-18, 2017 under the tents in downtown Charleston, S.C., and showcases collections of emerging designers, nationally renowned designer runway shows, glamorous on-site tents such as the Belk Tent, shopping in the hip Style Lounge, happening after-parties and much more. The Friday and Saturday night runway shows will also be live-streamed on the CFW web-site and mobile app. Tickets for Lexus Charleston Fashion Week are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.charlestonfashionweek.com. 

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