By Danna Thompson
Jeffrey Fashion Cares Atlanta recently announced Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler as the special guest designers for the 2010 charitable fashion event. McCollough and Hernandez, both at only 31 and in business since 2002, represent one of fashion’s most talked about labels and have enjoyed numerous hit collections, making this year’s event undoubtedly one of Atlanta’s most highly anticipated and prestigious fundraisers.
“I am thrilled that Jack and Lazaro will be our guest designers this year,” says event founder Jeffrey Kalinsky. “Proenza Schouler’s Fall collection was outstanding, and it will be exciting to feature the clothes in our fashion show.”
Hernandez and McCollough met at Parson’s School of Design, partnering on their graduation project. Having won the CFDA’s Perry Ellis Award for Ready-To-Wear in 2003, the CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award in 2007, and the CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year Award in 2009, the Proenza Schouler boys continue to receive rave reviews and are a favorite among critics, stylists and celebrities. Their line is best recognized for tailored coats in lush menswear pattern prints, sleek pencil skirts and color-blocked chiffon evening gowns.
Jeffrey Fashion Cares was started 18 years by Kalinsky to heighten awareness of the plight of people living with HIV/AIDS and members of the LGBTQ community. The event will once again benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate and the Atlanta AIDS Partnership Fund (AAPF).
Over the years, Jeffrey Fashion Cares has grown into one of the largest combined AIDS and breast cancer benefits in the country, having raised approximately $9 million. Last year, 90 cents of every dollar raised went directly to the beneficiaries. The annual event includes a pre-show reception, fashion show, and features a special guest designer and Honorary Chair. Joining event host and chair Kalinsky will be co-chairs Louise Sams, Jeffrey McQuithy and Lila Hertz. Sara Blakely of Spanx is this year’s honorary chair.
Kalinsky was born into a retail family and opened the doors to Jeffrey, a multi-designer boutique located in Phipps Plaza in 1994. He trains his employees in the art of personal service and requires them to attend Saturday-morning style clinics at the boutique, complete with a makeshift runway and models. In 1999, he expanded and opened Jeffrey New York in the Meatpacking District.
The event is being held on Monday, August 30, at 7 p.m. at 12th & Midtown. For sponsorship and ticket information on Jeffrey Fashion Cares 2010, including patron and corporate sponsorship, visit www.jeffreyfashioncares.com/atlanta or call (404) 420-2997.
June Events & Deals
Sunday Morning Bike Ride with luluemon athletica: This is for anyone and everyone. It is an hour long ride. The ride will start at the store at 9:00 am. on June 13. www.luluemon.com
Win a Makeover from Beth Ann Boutique: Enter to win a makeover valued at $175 at www.AtlantaBoutique.com. Winner will be drawn June 22.
Free Pillows at ecoEMPORIUM: The Inman Park shop located in At the Collective is offering two free organic latex standard pillows with the purchase of a Savvy Rest Organic Mattress set. Call Carol Held for an appointment at (404) 875-5224.
Danna Thompson is the founder of AtlantaBoutiques.com, which provides shoppers, fashionistas, and trendsetters with up-to-date information on Atlanta Boutiques. We cover shop events, promotions and profile area boutiques. Contact Thompson atdanna@atlantaboutiques.com.
I would love to win the makeover. I need help – getting older.
Ha! You can enter your name on the site if you haven’t already.
Are they going to have this event again this year? I hope so.