(panel discussion)
SUZANNE KASLER the Atlanta based award winning interior designer who is well known for her clean lines and elegant rooms and is the author of "Inspired Interiors". She has been twice named in the "Top 100 Designers", by House Beautiful Magazine.
MYCHAEL KNIGHT is the Atlanta based fashion designer with his own label and fragrance line titled, "MajK". His garments invoke a provocative aesthetic and have been worn by celebrities. He has appeared on Project Runway and BET's Rip The Runway.
JADA LOVELESS is the luxury handbag designer who began her career at Celine and LVMH and Drysdale Design Associates in Washington D.C. She has had her animal skin handbags featuring semi-precious stone clasps grace the hands and arms of celebrities such as Candace Bushnell and Kate Hudson.
SID MASHBURN is the Atlanta based style concierge with the retail store and label by the same name. His expertise is a result of his experience as design director for J. Crew and design stints for Ralph Lauren, Land's End and Tommy Hilfiger.
Tonight I had the great pleasure of listening to these creative interesting influential designers at SCAD for the REVEAL series of panel discussions. This panel was engaging and knowledgable. They shared their knowledge and insight. A very valuable night, indeed.
The moderator for the evening was Amy Flurry. She is a writer and stylist whose works have appeared in InStyle, Conde Nast Traveler,Atlanta Peach, O @Home, The Atlantan and Refinery 29. She was the regional editor for Lucky Magazine and is a style correspondent for eBay's online store magazine, "The Inside Source".
There was much talk and emphasis on collaboration and the importance of creating relationships. Atlanta is still compartmentalized with pockets of fashion centers. The Atlanta Beltline project should make this less of an issue once completed. The panel agreed that the talent pool is just as big here as anywhere else.
Sid Mashburn told us the wonderful quirky story of how he ended here in Atlanta from Mississippi with a stop in NY along the way. He has this really easy going persona that makes you feel at ease.
Mychael Knight mentioned that NYC calls him now and it's not so much about choosing as it is about doing. He has a great sense of humor.
John Lineweaver spoke of strategic branding and how vital it is to have that "identity" to succeed in a global market.
Suzanne Kasler commented on the foundation of tradition found here in Atlanta. People in the south love their homes, which then translates into a lifestyle. It gives southern style an edge.
Jada Loveless said Atlanta might be a little more engaging than other cities for a writer or designer.
After all, good design is good design. Each of the panelists were asked to describe their personal style in one or two words;
Suzanne Kasler replied ,"Fresh and Clean".
Sid Mashburn replied, "Hippie Prep".
Mychael Knight replied, "Haphazard".
Jada Loveless replied, "Classic with a Lemon Twist".
John Lineweaver replied, "Mix and Match".
I recommend looking online for the schedule of SCADstyle events at http://www.scad.edu/. The events are scheduled through May 6 and it really is a wonderful opportunity to inspire and get inspired.
