Nfocus March 2021 by FW Publishing

MARCH 2021

In Full Bloom

The prettiest new trends for spring

Get to know six of the city's top fashion designers

Virtual La Bella Notte earns a standing ovation

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Contents March 2021 | Vol. xxviii, No. 3

parties 10

Hitting the High C’s The Nashville Opera Guild celebrates 40 years of opera at La Bella Notte

features 13

In Full Bloom Let your style blossom this spring with these chic and memorable new trends

A Cut Above Inside the stylish minds of six local fashion designers

34 36 38 40 42 44

Eric Adler Bornhop Van Hoang Manuel Cuevas Laura Citron Andrew Clancey Christopher Lester

Fresh Picks Spring accessories to freshen up your wardrobe

Delighting in the city’s most whimsical restaurants and dishes

departments

Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

Presenting a year’s worth of workfrom-home issues

Reflecting on the dazzling career of couturier Manuel Cuevas

A peek at the busy life of Soles4Souls’ Nancy Youssef

Pretty in Pink

In Our Words

Step Inside The Grand Hyatt Nashville offers elegance and luxury with historical design and seven dining options

Taking Vows Emmy Weikert marries Kyle Smith

Best Behavior

Nretrospect

Behind the Scenes

ON THE COVER

India Sampson (AMAX) in Acler Alston trench coat and Rachel Comey mini tote from Modiste and Echo scarf from Gus Mayer. Photographed by Alex Berger at Stormlight Pictures. Styled by Courtney Geree Jones. Hair by Ryin Overton. Makeup by Emily Gray. Florals by Kara Jamison. For more spring fashion, check out In Full Bloom on page 13.

4 >> MARCH 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

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Editorial

Herbert Fox, Jr. Nancy Floyd managing editor Jonathan Sims associate editor Holly Hoffman social correspondent Gloria Houghland contributors Beth Alexander, John Bridges, Whitney Clay, Chris Chamberlain, Geert De Lombaerde, Carrington Fox, Laura Hutson Hunter, Sandy Nelson, Ellen Pryor, Jennifer Puryear, Megan Seling, Varina Willse founding editor editor-in-chief

Art

Heather Pierce Eric England staff photographer Daniel Meigs contributing photographers Michael W. Bunch, Steve Lowry, Jen McDonald art director

senior photographer

Production

graphic designers

Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck Christie Passarello

graphic designer /production coordinator

Marketing

events and marketing director

Olivia Moye Britton Caroline Poole

promotions and marketing coordinator

An Arrangement for Every Occasion

Advertising

publisher

Jennifer Trsinar

Jeremy Aparicio, Olivia Bellon, Maggie Bond, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins, William Shutes, Mike Smith, Niki Tyree, Keith Wright sales operations manager Chelon Hasty advertising solutions associates Aya Robinson, Price Waltman advertising solutions consultants

Circulation Business

Owner

circulation manager

Gary Minnis

president Frank Daniels III chief financial officer Todd Patton IT director John Schaeffer FW Publishing, LLC

Bill Freeman

Nfocus is published monthly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Tuesday, March 23, 2021. A limited number of free copies, one per reader, are available at select retail establishments, listed on the website: nfocusnashville.com. First-class subscriptions are available for $99 per year. Send your name and address along with a check or credit card number and expiration date to: GARY MINNIS, FW PUBLISHING, 210 12th Ave. S., Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203 or call Gary at 615-844-9307. For advertising information, call JENNIFER TRSINAR at 615-844-9261. Copyright ©2021 FW Publishing, LLC.

IN O UR WO RD S

Full Circle Presenting a year’s worth of work-from-home issues Last spring, before the pandemic sent us all into work-from-home mode, the last issue we completed as a staff in our office was our March 2020 spring fashion issue. That means, with the release of this year’s spring fashion issue, we have now produced an entire year’s worth of magazines from our homes. I don’t even know how to process that. Like most people, when the Safer at Home orders went into place, we assumed they’d be relatively short-lived. The most wishful thinking among us were hoping to be back at work within a few weeks; the more pragmatic of us were expecting a few months. None of us anticipated a full year of socially distanced photo shoots, virtual events or writing stories from our kitchen tables. But here we are.

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To say it’s been a challening year would be a massive understatement, but it’s been incredibly encouraging too. Our team has worked very hard to continue covering the city’s nonprofit community — as well as art, fashion, food and wine, and yes, even those virtual events — and our readers have remained as loyal and enthusiastic as ever. Thank you for that! So yet again, we present a produced-from-home issue of Nfocus. We’ve got a beautiful spring fashion spread (page 13) that was nearly derailed by a snowstorm; profiles on local fashion designers (page 34); our favorite spring accessories for when you finally get out of the house (page 47); and even some coverage of La Bella Notte (page 10). Thanks for sticking with us! We wouldn’t be here without you. BY NANCY FLOYD

Nancy is a reader of books, rider of bikes and lover of all things local. She lives in East Nashville with her husband, Kyle, and beagle, Gus. Email her at nfloyd@nfocusmagazine.com.

THROUGH MAY 2

Advance timed tickets are required and can be reserved at FristArtMuseum.org/tickets. Downtown Nashville, 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 · FristArtMuseum.org · @FristArtMuseum · #TheFrist · #FristPicasso

Platinum sponsor

Exhibition organized in partnership with Musée national Picasso-Paris. Hospitality sponsor

Gold sponsors

Bronze sponsor

Lynn, Ken, and Lauren Melkus

Education and community engagement supporters

Supported in part by our Frist Patrons and Portrait of Dora Maar, 1937. Oil on canvas. Musée National Picasso-Paris, Gift of Pablo Picasso, 1979. MP166. Photo © RMN-Grand Palais (Musée National Picasso-Paris) / Mathieu Rabeau. © 2021 Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

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BEHIND THE SCENES

The Basics Name: Nancy Youssef Profession/Title: Chief Business Development Officer, Soles4Souls Hometown: Livingston, New Jersey (born). I claim Philly! Zip Code: 37212 Years in Nashville: 12 Number of local partnerships: 70+ Number global partnerships: 1,200

Force for Good

What’s your favorite locally made product? The Nashville Blanket project. I love the purpose behind it and the work they do.

A peek at the busy life of Soles4Souls’ Nancy Youssef Nancy Youssef is involved in the fashion industry in almost every way imaginable and uses her marketing degree and international diploma in fashion design to improve the lives of countless people. She came to Nashville a little more than 10 years ago to work for Genesco as head of international business development, where she expanded operations for the retailer’s brands outside the U.S. During that time, she served on the board of Soles4Souls, including as its chair, before joining full time as chief business development officer of the locally based global nonprofit that turns unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunity through its microenterprise, disaster relief and direct assistance programs. Nancy is also founder and president of Curves With Purpose, an ecommerce marketplace offering quality clothing for all women, which she describes as “a cross between Anthropologie and Nordstrom — fashionable and elevated.” The company donates products, proceeds and time to Soles4Souls. Additionally, she is an adjunct instructor in fashion entrepreneurship and retail management at Belmont University’s O’More College, and some students have gone on to turn their class projects into real-life businesses. She sees her three careers as intertwined, each supporting the other. A self-described “global wanderer,” Nancy has lived in six countries and speaks five languages, so it’s no surprise that she’s looking forward to traveling again. When she’s not working at one of her professions or serving on nonprofit and city advisory boards, she can be found at home with her husband, two sons, two cats and a dog. Fortunately, Nancy carved time out of her busy schedule to tell us a bit about her work and then some. BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

What’s the most important thing you want people to know about Soles4Souls? Soles4Souls is an incredible organization that touches the lives of people in our neighborhoods, our communities, our nation and globally. Most people don’t realize that so many children can’t get to school because they don’t have a decent pair of shoes. They cannot participate in school activities or even get jobs because they don’t have access to shoes. When did you realize people needed a store like Curves With Purpose? Curves With Purpose was born out of a need for self-expression in a market segment that was insanely underserved. Women of all sizes should have the option to wear anything they want and have it readily available. Curves With Purpose was born while I was in fashion design school at Istituto Marangoni in Milan, Italy (circa 2000). When you can safely travel again, where’s the first place you want to go? So many places. I am a wanderer. Israel/Holy Land and Galapagos (before we can’t go any more!) are two places that were on my itinerary pre-COVID. What’s one thing you want to cross off your bucket list? Short term, I really want to write a book. It has been on my list for many years. Longer term: attend and participate in the World Economic Forum’s annual Davos Agenda.

8 >> MARCH 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

For some peace and quiet, where do you go? Radnor Lake. It is serene, my cell service doesn’t work well there, and I love losing myself looking at the water. What’s been your most frequent meal during the pandemic? So many meals! We have suddenly decided to create multi-course meals on a daily basis; yes, [the] quarantine 15 is real! We eat quite a bit of Indian takeout. What local event have you missed most? Music, for sure. Just getting out and listening to anything anywhere. What’s the best advice you ever received? As a mother, wife and career-focused woman, you will not be able to do it all 100 percent each day. Pick one a day, and make that your focus. What’s the most interesting thing you learned about Nashville after moving here? How dynamic it really is. There is so much subculture; you can find an activity or organization for any interest. And if it doesn’t exist, you can start it. What’s the one thing you hope never changes in Nashville? I genuinely hope Nashville never loses its welcoming vibe. It is the most warm and friendly city I’ve lived in, and I’ve moved a lot!

For the full interview with Nancy, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

LBN21AdNFocusFULLthanks.qxp_LBN20AdNfocus 2/23/21 3:36 PM Page 1

LA BELLA NOTTE 2O21

T hanks

to all who supported this year’s virtual gala celebrating Courage, Collaboration, and Congratulations

Nashville Opera’s Fortieth Anniversary and John Hoomes’ Twenty-fifth Anniversary as Artistic Director

You have helped Nashville Opera magnify its efforts amid unique challenges this year— creating new programs and expanding its reach further than ever before. You help the Opera keep hitting the High C’s!

ANN AND FRANK BUMSTEAD

ELIZABETH OAKLEY WALLER

JUDY AND JOE BARKER

ANN AND GORDON GETTY FOUNDATION

MIDDLE TENNESSEE OPERA SUPPORT FUND

Chairs Emily Weiss

and Barbara Warren

Francis Robinson and Marion Couch Award Recipients Ann Marie and Martin McNamara

and

Guild President Stacy Widelitz

OPERAGuild NASHVILLE

nfocusmagazine.com

| MARCH 2021 <<

PA R T I E S

Hitting the High C’s The Nashville Opera Guild celebrates 40 years of opera at La Bella Notte Ann and Joe Gilbert

Co-chair Emily Weiss

John Lewis, Greg Polzin

Patrick Dailey

Co-chair Barbara Warren

Kathy Grier, Ann Marie and Martin McNamara

Stacy Widelitz

Geary Leathers, Morel Enoch

10 >> MARCH 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

o celebrate its 40th year, the Nashville Opera presented an outstanding online La Bella Notte featuring stunning new recordings filmed in the Noah Liff Opera Center and clips from past beloved performances. Opera Creative Director and Mistress of Ceremonies Cara Schneider presented each segment of the theme “Hitting the High C’s,” which outlined the event’s major movements: Celebration, Courage, Collaboration and Congratulations. In “Celebration,” co-chairs Emily Weiss and Barbara Warren and CEO and Artistic Director John Hoomes remembered the last four decades of Nashville Opera. In “Courage,” Tracey Pearson, president of the board of directors, expressed pride in the Opera’s fearless efforts to keep working to provide educational programming during the pandemic. In “Collaboration,” Nathan Green of Vanderbilt University and Patrick Dailey of Tennessee State University thanked the Opera for their enduring partnerships in education and fostering diverse talents in Nashville. And in “Congratulations,” Nashville Opera Guild President Stacy Widelitz praised John Hoomes for his 25 years as artistic director. To celebrate John’s silver anniversary, members of the Nashville Opera family, both near and far, sent in their own video wishes of congratulations and appreciation for the impact he has made on their lives and in the community. Stacy also presented The Francis Robinson and Marion Couch Award to Ann Marie and Martin McNamara for their unfailing and enthusiastic support for the opera and their instrumental roles in the founding of La Bella Notte. The rapt audience enjoyed renditions of classic and modern favorites from soprano Jessie Neilson, tenor Tyler Nelson and contraltos Valerie Nelson and Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva accompanied by pianist Amy Tate Williams. To make the evening even more exciting, Bacon & Caviar created boxes filled with delectable snacks and appetizers that attendees picked up from the Liff Center earlier in the day. From the opening “red carpet” spotlighting attendees through the years to the grand finale, this year’s event deserved a standing ovation. BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND AND CARA SCHNEIDER

Ben Maslyn, Libby Moore

Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva

THROUGH MAY 2

Platinum sponsor

Exhibition organized in partnership with Musée national Picasso-Paris. Hospitality sponsor

Gold sponsors

Bronze sponsor

Lynn, Ken, and Lauren Melkus

Education and community engagement supporters

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FASHION

In Full Bloom A closer look at the prettiest new trends for spring

Let your style blossom this spring with these chic and memorable new trends. From feminine florals to statement shoulders, these fashions will suit your every need, whether day or night, at work or at play. And better yet, they’re all available at local boutiques and retailers. What better time to spring for a whole new wardrobe?

Photographer and creative director: Alex Berger Wardrobe stylist: Courtney Geree Jones, AMAX Models: India Sampson and Sinclaire Stoll, AMAX Hair stylist: Ryin Overton Makeup artist: Emily Gray, AMAX Photography assistant: Lily Lee Pickering Wardrobe assistant: Cassidy Preston Flowers and floral design: Kara Jamison, Blooming Joy Flower Company Furniture: Spark Vintage + Rentals

Manicurist: Shannon Rayne

Photographed on location at Stormlight Pictures

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FASHION

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LAN D C O M PAN Y

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2 1

L U X U R Y

L O T S

9 2 3 0 O L D S M Y R N A R D . B R E N T W O O D , T N

$4-15

M I L L I O N

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>> MARCH 2021

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A CUT ABOVE

Eric Adler Bornhop If there’s one thing people know about Eric Adler Bornhop, it’s that he can tailor a suit. He learned from the best, after all. After living and teaching abroad in Spain in 2012 and finding inspiration in the stylish street fashions of the region, Eric returned to Nashville and began training under iconic designer and master tailor Manuel Cuevas. A fashion legend, Manuel taught Eric the art and craftsmanship of tailoring. In 2014, Eric launched his own menswear collection, Eric Adler Clothing, at Nashville Fashion Week (NFW). Over the past eight years, Eric has honed his craft and garnered both industry attention — he was named the NFW’s Fashion Forward Fund Recipient in 2015 and Nashville Fashion Alliance’s Menswear Designer of the Year in 2017 — and recognition from celebrity clients, including Alan Jackson, Post Malone, The Brothers Osborne, Jason Isbell and more. In early 2020, he began designing and creating custom womenswear, as well. Eric opens up about his style philosophy, design process and more.

PERSONAL STYLE My personal style has evolved since I began my career in fashion. It’s a distilled version of both the avant-garde and classic. I would describe my overall personal style and design philosophy as “tastefully bold.” I love to mix patterns and off-match colors. The clothes speak for themselves; you don’t have to. DREAM CLIENT In no particular order: Andre 3000, Prince, Anderson .Paak and Donald Glover because they are extremely talented and fascinating individuals that are style icons and have the ability to make anything they wear look good. DESIGN PROCESS I am inspired by the colors and textures of the natural world. There is so much beauty around us in Middle Tennessee that I feel it’s natural to reflect what I see in my work. Inspiration comes at the most arbitrary moments, and my collections are inspired by memorable people or places I’ve visited. JOB PERKS I had the chance to make and deliver a star-studded suit to Little Richard at the Hilton Hotel, where he was living at the time, when I was a tailor at Manuel. It was uncanny because, within minutes of meeting him, he was reading my mind and acknowledging my personal traits. It was remarkably special because he told me he saw potential in me, and as a young designer, that meant a lot. JOB CHALLENGES The hardest, most rewarding part of my job is creating an incredibly well-fitting bespoke three-piece suit from scratch. I think the obstacle that has been personally most difficult to overcome is coming out of my introverted shell. BIGGEST INFLUENCE Tom Ford for his edgy, sexy, sharp, effortlessly striking designs; Thom Browne for his well-tailored, avant-garde designs and his unique take on menswear; [and] Tommy Nutter for his bold sartorial traditions that made waves on Savile Row and have outlasted his life. BEST ADVICE My advice for anyone that wants to get into fashion is to gain as much experience from every possible source you can before you decide what you want to do. I wish that I had worked for a larger design house that produced seasonal collections before I started my own business. THE ERIC ADLER CLIENT Lewis Lazare comes to mind because he is a well-read, daring dresser who is effortlessly gregarious. In general, unique individuals of all types that love to express themselves through fashion.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS The first thing I ever created was a skirt for my sister. It was a bohemian, floor-length skirt that had a floral/polka-dot pattern underneath a translucent coral cover. A more remarkable early design was a suit jacket that incorporated a combination of black and white pinstripes of different sizes with grey embroidery on the chest, back yoke and cuffs. It turned out to be one of my favorite creations that I designed and constructed when I was a tailors’ apprentice at Manuel. CAREER PATH I moved abroad for a year to do some soul-searching, and I was doing laundry in my apartment in southern Spain when I experienced a moment of enlightenment and realized that I wanted to be a designer. Living in such a fashion-forward culture definitely inspired my decision to get into the industry. IN THE WORKS To be honest, I haven’t had the most creative past year. Our shop in East Nashville was among the strip of homes and businesses that got hit by the March 2020 tornado, and [we] have been working from home ever since. In the meantime though, I have proudly been working with a lot of exceptional gentlemen and women making custom suits, which is very rewarding. There’s nothing like a sharp-dressed gent in a well-tailored suit. FAVORITE DESIGNER My all-time favorite designer is my mentor and friend Manuel, who gave me my start in the industry. He is a legendary man who has the creativity and vision to only make one-of-a-kind couture garments. His career has spanned over seven decades, where [he] has dressed some of the most iconic stars of the 20 th and 21st centuries, including John Lennon, Johnny Cash and Elton John. Other than his immense wisdom and philosophical banter, I most enjoy his Old World process and the larger-than-life essence of his creations. STYLE ICONS Jeff Goldblum because he’s upscale fashion-forward. A$AP Rocky because the guy can pull off any look and is always so colorfully dressed. He’s a chameleon. Ryan Gosling always looks debonair on the red carpet. Locally, Alan Fry is a person that has never repeated an outfit twice. I would wager that he and Big Kenny have some of the most impressive and distinctive clothing collections in Nashville. These two are style icons. FUTURE PLANS I’m dreaming of finding a permanent home for Eric Adler Clothing. Right now, I love where we are, but I would love to settle in somewhere indefinitely and really create a unique customer experience.

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

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Van Hoang

Sustainability was at the core of Van Hoang’s designs before she became aware of her desire to make it the foundation of her line. As an 8-year-old, she used leftover fabric to craft a gown for her Ariel doll, and her interest in design never waned. After earning her bachelor’s degree in fashion design and merchandising at O’More College of Design, she became aware of the waste and oppressive labor practices in the fashion industry. This prompted her to pursue a master’s in design for sustainability at The Savannah College of Art and Design and, later, attend the Copenhagen Fashion Summit, providing her with the knowledge to do what she loves in a more responsible and ethical way. Van’s understanding of sustainability, fashion and technology and how they can work together allows her to approach the whole system in a holistic way and see where positive changes can be made in the process. She also believes clothing is a powerful tool that can make the wearer feel empowered, happy, confident or anything she wants. The result is pieces that are modern, yet timeless, versatile and functional, while revolutionizing the fashion industry one small step at a time.

PERSONAL STYLE I would say my style is classic with an eclectic twist thrown in every once in a while. I like to have at least one interesting, standout piece for an outfit, whether it’s a shoe or a coat. I think fashion is something everyone should be able to have fun with and not take too seriously. Trends come and go, so wear whatever makes you feel good! DREAM CLIENT I don’t think I have a particular dream client in mind; it’s just cool to see anyone wearing my designs! My goal isn’t to design for celebrities or superstars. I want my clothes to be able to be worn by anyone and in everyday life, as well as special occasions. The more people are able to invest in sustainable clothing and turn away from fast fashion is a win for me. JOB PERKS Going to the Copenhagen Fashion Summit had been on my bucket list, so when I was able to go using my Nashville Fashion Forward Fund award, it was super-exciting! I wanted to go and learn more about sustainability in the fashion industry from leaders in the field, whether they were part of huge companies or small startups. It was really inspiring to hear others in the industry discuss the issues and proposed solutions and to meet with like-minded [people] in the industry. JOB CHALLENGES The hardest part of my job is probably balancing business needs with creative needs. Sometimes, I struggle with what I want to design and create but then thinking about it from the business perspective. I have to ask myself, “Is this an item that people will buy and want to wear, or do I just want to make it for my own sake?” I started out very idealistic, thinking I could just be creative and everything would work out, but realistically, you have to find a balance between the two because you can’t run a business if no one is buying your product. THE VAN HOANG CLIENT Our dream customer is a creative, a dreamer, an activist, a mother, a daughter, a leader. They are an independent and free spirit with a fearless sense of adventure. They have a strong

sense of self, big dreams and conviction to achieve them. They don’t let barriers stand in their way; they overcome them and use them to make them stronger. They follow their own path and don’t follow trends. They appreciate quality over quantity and value craftsmanship. They view clothing as an extension of themselves, as well as a form of expression and empowerment. IN THE WORKS I’m currently working on a capsule collection called the Comfort Collection, and it is what it sounds like. It’ll be a couple pieces that can be worn at home or running errands but still look presentable for a Zoom call. I think, after the past year, we’ve all started looking for and seen the need for those items. FAVORITE DESIGNER I really love Alabama Chanin. Natalie Chanin is the designer who really inspired me to look more into sustainable fashion and see that things can be done differently. She was able to revive craftsmanship, tap into local talent and bring a boost to the local economy. That’s something I’d like to do here in Nashville. I also love Christian Siriano for his body positive [and] inclusive designs, Brandon Maxwell for his clean but interesting silhouettes, and Valentino for the incredible creativity and craftsmanship in each collection for the past couple of years. STYLE ICON I think Kacey Musgraves kills it every time on the red carpet. Elaine Welteroth always looks polished, but she has fun with fashion. Harry Styles wears what he wants and has fun with it, regardless of society’s expectations. Michelle Obama always dresses perfectly for any occasion while also supporting U.S. designers. FUTURE PLANS I’d like to expand my brand to be a lifestyle brand. Last year, I dipped my toe into that by offering reusable masks and reusable grocery bags. So this year, I’m also looking to see what other items I can offer to create a sustainable lifestyle brand and exploring collaborations with other like-minded people.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

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Manuel Cuevas

For Manuel Cuevas, fashion isn’t a career; it’s a calling. From the moment his older brother taught him to sew at the age of 7, he never looked back. He began making his own clothes at 7 and launched his own atelier at the age of 12. By the time the Mexican-born designer moved to America in his late teens, he was designing and selling hundreds of one-of-a-kind dresses and gowns each year. He trained with some of the greatest tailors and costumers in the world, including Edith Head, Sy Devore and Nudie Cohn, before eventually striking out on his own. A legendary designer with a staggering career, Manuel has worked with some of the biggest names in the world, including Michael Jackson, Prince, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Dolly Parton. He’s responsible for putting Johnny Cash in black and for creating Elvis Presley’s iconic gold lamé jumpsuit. After seven decades as a designer, Manuel isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. He continues to produce one-of-a-kind creations for a new crop of stars from his Nashville-based studio. The Rhinestone Rembrandt reflects back on his outstanding career, his notable clients and his humble beginnings.

STYLE PHILOSOPHY I’m not very fashion-inclined. I am more style-inclined, so I make one-of-a-kind [pieces] since the age of 12. I’m almost 83 years old, so I’ve been at it for years and years and years. Only one of a kind. I don’t do two of anything, and that could be the reason I don’t like socks. I do make boots, but I make a different one to the other. Not very noticeable, but I make them different just to keep the originality going. DREAM CLIENT I haven’t made a suit for Obama, and I would like to. Just to make him a nice Western suit. I could show him a couple things. FIRST CLIENT First famous [client], it could’ve been Frank Sinatra, I guess. I didn’t know who Frank Sinatra was, but he gave me a $1,000 tip, and in those years, that was a lot of money. I stuck it in my coat, and later, I had to find out who Frank Sinatra was. DESIGN PROCESS It all depends on the character of the person. I really never know what to do for anybody unless I really talk to them, I measure them, I find them in my next outfit. I say, “This is what this guy needs.” I really do what I think they need. They all have opinions, but the right thing comes along eventually. JOB PERKS Things that I have enjoyed or people I have enjoyed dressing were probably great friends like John Lennon, like Bob Dylan, like Mick Jagger, like Johnny Cash. Like Ronald Reagan — that was a fun guy to dress. LBJ too. And Mr. George Walker Bush, I loved his ways. I dressed people like Pablo Picasso, Norman Mailer, Marlon Brando. But I’m proud, proud, proud of what I’m doing and what will be made today in my studio. I’m looking forward to the best piece. BIGGEST INFLUENCE Edith Head sure inspired me because she was daring. And Coco Chanel. I’ve known all of the designers forever, but what I like about them is they have their own style. It’s not my thing, but I love what they do. So many innovations all the time. They inspire me. Really, they do.

BEST ADVICE Money doesn’t mean anything, that’s what I learned. I know because everybody dreams of money. There is nothing better than health and love, and you can’t buy them. They’re free. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS At the age of 7, I started making shirts and pants and jackets, but then, dresses fascinated me and the girls didn’t have that much fashion going. Their fashion was so repeated. I wasn’t happy with that. Why not make one of a kind? So, I started with 77 dresses the first year of my so-called atelier when I was 12 years old. CAREER PATH When I started working for Sy Devore, I met Frank Sinatra — you name it, the whole Rat Pack — and I was making clothes for them, but it was really boring for me to make that kind of stuff. I saw something in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, and I just wanted to do something with more glitter, with more flamboyance, with more class, so I’m doing that today. IN THE WORKS There’s a lot of clients that I’m working on. You have to see it when they wear the stuff, and then, if you like it, you ask them and they’ll tell you it’s a Manuel piece. I love that. But I don’t really like to talk about my pieces until the day they wear it, and then, I can brag about it. JOB SATISFACTION I have never worked really an hour in my life. I just do what I love to do. My place is like a candy store. My studio. It’s just fun. It is what you see, and you can touch whatever you want. Put it on. THE MANUEL CLIENT I do love when people have a great sense of appreciation for the pieces they’ve ordered. And when they receive them, they’re so happy. That’s all I care about. FUTURE PLANS In the very near future, I’m working on a fashion show in Nashville. I’ve got to talk to the bigwigs and see what they think, and if they don’t have mentality for it, I’ll just walk away. But I think they might walk away and say, “Let’s do this.” I want to make a fashion parade in Nashville. BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

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Laura Citron

From her mother’s closet in rural Louisiana to the runway and magazine covers, Laura Citron’s path to a life in fashion was winding but inevitable. After nearly finishing a degree in broadcast journalism, she swiftly switched schools when she discovered that it was actually possible to pursue her true passion. With a more fitting degree in apparel merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Laura worked with some of the top luxury vintage retailers in New York City and, later, opened her own edited vintage shop, OPIUMvintage, in Nashville. Now, Laura Citron is a label. She makes her own vintage-inspired, maximalist glamour pieces that harken back to the treasures in her mother’s closet. Her creations have been worn by country stars, including Jennifer Nettles, Amanda Shires and Margo Price, and have graced the covers of Rolling Stone and Southwest and the stages of Good Morning America and Live with Kelly and Ryan. Laura discusses her humble beginnings, her inspirations and what’s next.

PERSONAL STYLE My personal style mantra is “Fashion is fantasy!” My clothing line is a modern vintage inspiration that celebrates maximalist glamour and instantly transports the wearer to a world of fun. It gives me great joy to juxtapose big colors and unique prints with elegant silhouettes and lines. I was heavily influenced by the ’70s aesthetic — Diana Ross, Cher and Bob Mackie. DREAM CLIENT I would love to dress Diana Ross’ incredible daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross. She’s been a fashion superhero for a while and is known for sporting bold colors and dramatic silhouettes and for her authenticity and humor. After her mother’s performances ended and the curtains closed, Tracee would run onto the stage and gather the sequins and beads off the floor from her mother’s costumes as keepsakes. JOB PERKS I still consider myself relatively new to designing, since I’ve only had my line for about six years. I had no idea how my early collections were going to be received, and I’ll never forget the feeling when Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland wore multiple pieces for the iHeart Country Festival, Good Morning America, Live with Kelly and Ryan and for her tour. Another exciting moment was having my suit on the cover of Southwest on the talented Amanda Shires of The Highwomen. Natalie Hemby, also of The Highwomen, wore my dress for a photo shoot that ended up in Rolling Stone. And Little Big Town and Margo Price have worn a thing or two, also. I still pinch myself that I’m able to do what I love every day. JOB CHALLENGES One of the hardest parts of my job is making sure my brand voice is consistent. There are many designs and ideas that float around in my head, but you have to filter and say, “Does that sit with the other pieces in my collection?” Another part that I agonize over is choosing fabrics. I am very particular about fabrics. I’ll spend three to four hours in a fabric district before I decide on that one perfect fabric, but it’s worth it in the end. BIGGEST INFLUENCE My mother has been my biggest influence. She always encouraged me to take risks and have fun with fashion. She held onto her ’70s polyester jumpsuits, sequined gowns and metallic cocktail dresses.

For fun, I would play dress-up in her closet and invite my friends over for fashion shows. There was, and still is, nothing more thrilling to me than having a good dress-up moment. BEST ADVICE If you want something bad enough, just go for it! I moved from Louisiana to New York City to study fashion, and many thought I was insane. I knew no one in New York and no one in fashion. It was a sink-or-swim moment. To me, taking a risk has always outweighed the fear of not taking a risk and missing out on an opportunity. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Ah, the corset. I was terrible at sewing when I enrolled in my first-ever sewing class in college. It was embarrassing. We started with simple garments, but our final project was to create a corset. By the end of the semester, I was not great, but I worked my tail off and proudly submitted a complete corset. Lingerie is not for the faint of fashion designers. CAREER PATH Since the young days of dressing up in my mother’s closet, fashion has always been my great love. I was close to graduating with a degree in broadcast journalism from LSU, when I ended up working with the wardrobe department of The Tyra Banks Show and realized firsthand that it was possible to have a career in fashion. I knew I could have a future in a fashion, yet I was graduating in another [field]. I did the unthinkable and applied to [the Fashion Institute of Technology] in New York City, just to see what would happen. I was accepted, [and I] transferred and moved as fast as I could. FAVORITE DESIGNER My three all-time favorite designers are Bob Mackie for the shine, Halston for the draping and Elsa Schiaparelli for the avant-garde. I also love what Alessandro Michele has done for Gucci. He’s brought fun back into designer fashion with his whimsical, vintage-inspired designs. FUTURE PLANS I’m just dreaming of the day when I’m able to have a runway show with an in-person audience again. I’m grateful that many of the fashion weeks I participate in went virtual in 2020. However, there is no replacement for real-life interaction. BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

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Andrew Clancey Since his childhood in Yorkshire, England, Andrew Clancey has always been a peacock and a rebel. When he was a teenager, he took inspiration from punk culture and music and now incorporates those ideas into his life and his fashion philosophy. He still wears whatever he likes and refuses to follow trends. With his label, Any Old Iron — a name that was inspired by an old English music hall song and his family’s scrap metal business dating all the way back to 1872 — Andrew starts with skulls, stars and lightning bolts and then adds a bit (or a lot) of sparkle. His signature style has become a favorite of rock stars and pop stars alike, including Ozzy Osborne, Cher, Elton John, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and the Jonas Brothers, but with a new shop on Music Row, his fashions are accessible to everyone. He shares a bit about his design process and how he fell in love with fashion.

DREAM CLIENT My dream client was Elton John, and I managed to get a jacket and some trousers in his last video. When I was a stylist in the U.K., I styled the TV idents for his 70 th birthday party, and I thought, “This is as close as I’m going to get.” Luckily, I was wrong. I always say I wanted to dress Elvis, but thinking about it, Liberace would have been more fun. I sometimes describe my brand as Punk Liberace. That’s my happy place. DESIGN PROCESS I’ll start collating Pinterest boards then work with my illustrator (I draw like a 6-year-old) to come up with new shapes and designs. I do a lot of tailoring, and rather than try and reinvent the suit, I work on the textile. I now design the sequins to create our unique fabrics, and we also do a lot of hand-beading, which has opened the door to limitless ideas. I manufacture all across the world, so my second workday starts at 9 p.m. If you ever see a dodgy design from me, you can blame it on the wine. JOB CHALLENGES The hardest part, aside from trying to open a store in a pandemic, is running a store in a pandemic. It was a long eight months getting open, but a lot of people have suffered a whole lot more, so I think we’re lucky to be in the position that we are. Pre-pandemic, the hardest part of the job was trying to get a Nashville man into sequins. The times are a-changin’. Bring on those roaring ’20s! BIGGEST INFLUENCE The biggest influence for me was punk — the music, the fashion and just the individualism of the whole movement. I was born a little after I was able to properly be in the moment of the movement, but I soon picked it up in my early teens. It made me want to be different and revolt against the norm. My best fashion friend was, and still is, the safety pin. THE ANY OLD IRON CLIENT We don’t have a quintessential customer. We have an eclectic range of customers. Drag queens to Queen B,

12-years-olds to 72-year-olds, rock stars to groupies. Sparkle knows no boundary. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS The first piece I ever made was a T-shirt with a bra design made of pink ribbons that symbolized breast cancer. The next one was a T-shirt with a large love heart made up of the love heart candies I had glued to the front of it. I went to a nightclub where, throughout the evening, people pulled them off and ate them, despite my warning about the glue. CAREER PATH I decided to get into fashion when I assisted my sister, the designer Julia Clancey, on a video shoot for U.K. pop star Adam Rickitt. I had a budget of 600 pounds, and I had to buy and make T-shirt designs for him. I got to keep all the tees, so I got paid and kept the tees. I thought, “This is the life for me! Free fashion and getting paid for it!” FAVORITE DESIGNER My all-time favorite designer is Lee [Alexander] McQueen. I think you can see that in some of my work and [my] love for the skull. He took it to new levels, and I still love watching his runway collections that, if they were shown today for the first time, would still be wow! I was lucky enough to have been on a night out or two with him in London, though alI I can remember was the male go-go bar. I once had a 10-minute conversation with Vivienne Westwood. Well, I spoke at her for 10 minutes to which she replied, “Pardon,” before walking off. It was a noisy bar! STYLE ICON Impeccable style would be Laura Citron — always well thought-out and put-together. We’ve been together 10 years this month, and she has an eye for these kinds of things, don’t you know! Caroline Vreeland, Diana Vreeland’s granddaughter, is a close second. Check out her Instagram. Also, you’ve gotta love Iris Apfel. That will be Laura at 80.

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

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Christopher Lester Christopher Lester may be a new name in the world of fashion, but he’s already claiming his seat at the table of Nashville’s great designers. The Cincinnati native started accessories label Clifton + Leopold after years of ruminating on and working toward a dream of creating his own line of textiles. He put in his time in other industries — costume production, marketing, sales, retail — and got a degree in marketing and organizational communications. Each new adventure added more threads to the tapestry of skills needed to start and succeed in the fashion industry. With this eclectic experience and knowledge and a philosophy of style influenced by ’80s pop musicians, Christopher is now using a cerebral approach to fashion to create ties, bow ties, pocket squares, kerchiefs and twilly scarves that are helping Nashville’s dapper residents express themselves in new ways. Christopher talks about his influences, design philosophy and starting a new brand during the pandemic.

PERSONAL STYLE I think finding your personal style is much like defining your personal brand — it’s all about highlighting the things you love about yourself in a way that shares them with others. It’s something you grow into, and most importantly, it’s authentic. Personally, that means wearing clothing and accessories that start a conversation. This approach allows me to wear a wide range of looks while still being true to my personal style. If I’m stepping out of my comfort zone, what I wear can serve as armor. When I travel, I like to infuse a little Nashville flair to encourage a conversation about my amazing city. And when the stars are aligned and I’m feeling it, it’s all about a little peacocking, because let’s face it: A little peacocking never hurt anyone. DREAM CLIENT This is easy — Miley Cyrus. Miley represents everything I love about fashion and aligns with my philosophy on how a person’s stylistic approach can change but you can always find them in their looks. Miley is a reminder that music and fashion are never far apart. Great music artists move fashion forward in a way that isn’t possible without them. JOB PERKS We’re still a pretty young brand, only launching in May 2020, mid-pandemic. And while we’ve been really lucky to partner with some amazing people and brands, if I’m honest, the most remarkable moment for me was the first time I saw someone I didn’t know wearing Clifton + Leopold at the grocery store. There I was, minding my own business in frozen foods, when I noticed the person walking toward me was wearing one of our ties and pocket squares. It was the most surreal moment. Here was someone I didn’t know wearing one of my pieces. I must have been staring, because he mustered an awkward “Hey there,” and I returned a “Nice tie.” He then proceeded to tell me who made it, that they were local, how much he loved it and that I should check them out. For what it’s worth, the second [time], third time and any time after that are just as brilliant. BIGGEST INFLUENCE It would be a collection of the ’80s pop stars I grew up with. When you look back on the impact [that] artists like David Bowie, Grace Jones, Prince, Sheila E., George Michael and Madonna had on fashion, it’s no surprise to find their influences still alive today. These artists all shared a sense of individualism, a bold

quality that wasn’t afraid to be too much and explored genderless boundaries in a way that felt empowering and alive. And best of all, they did it by paying homage to classic pieces — they just made them their own. THE CLIFTON + LEOPOLD CLIENT Clifton + Leopold has always been bigger than selling a tie or scarf. It’s about building a community of people who aren’t afraid to try something new. Our target audience is dapper humans everywhere. Clifton + Leopold is meant to represent the full spectrum of incredible folks we engage with every day. A woman who has always wanted to sport a power suit and tie (we make our ties in multiple lengths), a man who thought himself too serious for a bow tie or, even better, a kerchief or twilly, a non-binary person who is thrilled to find their pronouns included in product stories and everyone in between. IN THE WORKS I am stoked about the project currently on the design wall: a spring concept capsule named Re-emergence. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but this capsule is all about the belief that tomorrow will be a brighter day and the joy of stepping boldly into the world. We’ll tell that story through color, playful pattern combinations, shape, musical influences and the thought of traveling again. This collection will drop in April and help walk us to our one-year anniversary. FAVORITE DESIGNER Alexander McQueen was a brilliant mind who helped reshape how fashion thought of itself. He challenged norms and broke some rules. All the while, forcing his contemporaries to appreciate him because he didn’t just break the rules, he rewrote them. McQueen’s influence is still seen today. His androgenous styling and ability to play with shape and form was simply amazing. His legendary fearlessness when he picked up scissors and just hacked at a dress still on the model, right before she headed out on the runway. STYLE ICON This feels like asking me to pick my favorite kid. Impeccable style comes from within. It’s about finding a look that makes you feel confident and building a bit of quirk and interest around it. Style is timeless, but fashion is constantly changing. I am a fan of anyone who is willing to blur the two. BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

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NASHVILLE

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Crap Eyewear Zen Patrol (H. Audrey); Electric Mixtape, Electric Indio (e.Allen); Krewe Paseo in matte Sunday tortoise, Krewe Monroe in mystic 24-karat gold, Krewe Franklin in champagne (Oak Hall)

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DeMellier mini Florence bag in teal, Cult Gaia Celine shoulder bag in natural, Vintage Chanel quilted envelope-flap bag in taupe (Gus Mayer); MABYL Catherine mini tote in python (H. Audrey); Ilse mini tote in bone croco (ABLE)

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Vintage Chanel lambskin half-flap bag (Gus Mayer); Rachel wristlet in fawn (ABLE); GiGi New York All in One bag in pink (The French Shoppe); MABYL Olivia clutch in lizard, MABYL Sadie clutch in rainbow python (H. Audrey)

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Matisse Girl Crush sneakers in fawn suede (e.Allen); Golden Goose Jungle Ball Star sneakers in pony skin, Golden Goose Francy sneakers in zebra horsy (H. Audrey); Philippe Model Prsx Glitter Animalier sneakers in blanc beige, Philippe Model Prsx Python Glitter sneakers in beige vert (Gus Mayer)

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Beach by Matisse Cabana sandals in rose suede (e.Allen); Jen block heel in bone croco, Elisa sandals in blonde cheetah and black suede (ABLE); AGL Millicent block heel in multi rosa, AGL Summer kitten heel in nude (Gus Mayer)

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INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

Call 615.649.5023 today to schedule a tour • HarmonyatBellevue.com 8234 Highway 100 | Nashville | TN | 37221

LOCAL FLAVOR

Pretty in Pink

Whimsical restaurants and dishes to sample this spring Spring is coming and bringing with it a bright burst of color we could all use after a dreary winter. Fortunately, the stunning shades of the season aren't just limited to your garden. We've rounded up the dreamiest dishes, drinks and décor inspired by spring's signature hue so you can immerse yourself in the prettiest shades of pink, wherever you are. After a long, dark year, it's time to add a little color back into your life!

White Limozeen

GRADUATE NASHVILLE

PHOTOGRAPH BY DIGITAL LOVE

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Circus Freak Shake

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

THE LEGENDAIRY MILKSHAKE BAR

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LOCAL FLAVOR

Open-Faced Bagel PROPER

BAGEL

Frozé

PHOTOGRAPHS BY L.A. JACKSON, ASHTIN PAIGE, RICH WYSOCKEY PHOTOGRAPHY AND ERIC ENGLAND

L.A. JACKSON

Strawberry Meringues POPPY & PEEP

Honalee

E3 CHOPHOUSE

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LO CA L F LAVOR

Beet Cured Salmon on Rye

PHOTOGRAPH BY EMILY DORIO

ROZE PONY

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E.P.C.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MAYTER SCOTT

L.A. JACKSON

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LO CA L F LAVOR

Raspberry White Chocolate Brioche Donuts EAST PARK DONUTS & COFFEE

Clover Club PEARL DIVER

Chirashi Ichiban

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

O-KU

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Artfully Uniting Extraordinary Homes With Extraordinary Lives

ON SOCIAL MEDIA

DANA BATTAGLIA | REALTOR®, ABR, GRI, CRS c. 615.504.9792 o. 615.202.7777 | dana.battaglia@zeitlin.com

With an artist’s spirit, a strong business background and over 25 years of experience in the real estate world, Dana has the ability to guide you through the most challenging sale or purchase of a home. Responsive and knowledgable, she is ready to help!

N F O C U S M AG A Z I N E

14 MIDDLETON PARK LANE Elegant, Sophisticated French Country design 4 Beds, 4 1/2 Baths, 5,147 Sq. Ft.

$1,590,000

2122 OLD HICKORY BLVD. Grand Estate in the French Tradition. 4 Beds, 4/2 Baths, 10,008 Sq. Ft.

$2,795,000

SUSAN JAMES, BROKER, CRS, GRI, ABR Viva Properties, LLC | License #209472 615-300-6838 (m) | 615.371.9007 (o) nfocusmagazine.com

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STEP INSIDE

On the Old L&N The Grand Hyatt Nashville offers elegance and luxury with historical design and seven dining options The décor of the Grand Hyatt Nashville pays tribute to the legendary Louisville & Nashville Railroad that once ran through downtown. Just don’t expect a model train or vintage caboose. There is, however, an abstract art piece behind the front desk, which gives a nod to old railroad switches. There’s also a hotel library designed to be reminiscent of a luxury boxcar, as well as stained and polished wooden railroad ties creatively arranged to provide extra seating in the lobby. “The idea behind all of this is we’re being referential to those things without being obvious,” says Joe Bucher, director of strategic design for Southwest Value Partners, which owns the hotel and is developing Nashville Yards on Broadway. “It doesn’t smack you in the face. We didn’t hang a train on the wall. All of this is very subtle and beautiful and elegant and references the thing that came here before.” The Grand Hyatt is a cornerstone of Nashville Yards, an 18-acre project that will also include an urban park, a renovated Union Station Hotel, shops, restaurants, a concert venue and office space anchored by an Amazon operations center. The 25-floor, 591-room hotel, which opened in October, has seven food and beverage options, highlighted by The Continental restaurant, helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock of Husk fame. The restaurant, which hasn't yet announced an opening date, will serve classic American fare, including prime rib with horseradish cream and autumn vegetable tarte Tatin with onion soubise and vegetable demi-glace. The Nashville Grange offers Southern, vegetable-driven cuisine, taking inspiration from nearby farms in the area. There is Aurum, an elevated lobby bar offering craft cocktails and tapas; Solstice at the pool lounge offering healthy fare; and the Grand Club Lounge serving breakfast, snacks all day and evening cocktails and appetizers. Hummingbird Coffee Market highlights locally roasted Stay Golden coffee and offers grab-and-go sandwiches and salads. It has a separate entrance to encourage locals to stop in. “Rather than being tucked up inside the building like you would typically do in a hotel coffee shop,” says Joe, “it’s engaging out on the boardwalk and [with] the new spaces we’re creating.” A rooftop restaurant and bar called Lou|Na owes its spelling to the Louisville & Nashville Railroad and its pronunciation to the moon that doesn’t feel so far away from the hotel’s 25th floor. Lou|Na offers craft cocktails and small plates, such as local cheeses served with fig jam, steamed clams and shrimp and grits. BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF GRAND HYATT NASHVILLE

SUITE SPOT The Grand Hyatt Nashville has 53 suites, including a massive presidential suite on the 24th floor with panoramic views of the city. The décor is “textured modern” throughout the hotel, says Joe, and the rooms continue that theme with leather headboards, luxe linens and velvet loveseats in some suites. There are marble baths with walk-in showers and soaking tubs in larger suites. There is smart technology throughout, which, during COVID, is particularly convenient. Guests can order room service using their smart phones.

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HIT THE PAUSE BUTTON At R+R Wellness on the fifth floor of the Grand Hyatt Nashville, visitors can enjoy facials, massages and assorted spa services. Designed for individuals, as well as groups such as bridal parties, the spa is the perfect getaway. On the same floor as the fitness center and the pool, the spa allows clients to enjoy those amenities even if they aren’t guests of the hotel. Nashvillians are encouraged to make a day of it — lounge by the pool and enjoy lunch at Solstice.

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TA K I N G V O W S

PHOTOGRAPHS BY AUSTIN GROS

eikert W y m m E Marries K yle Smith

Emmy Weikert and Kyle Smith met at Vanderbilt University, where she was a cheerleader and he was on the baseball team. After five years of dating, they became engaged on a ski trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. “Kyle skied around the mountain for three days with the ring in his backpack before finding the perfect spot to ask the important question,” said Emmy. The moment came after a gondola ride to the top of Corbet’s Couloir with a snowy vista in the background. All Emmy remembers is telling Kyle, “Don’t drop it!” They married in November at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Ryan Moore officiating. A special feature of the ceremony was a family tradition of planting a tree. The couple chose a camellia tree —

an evergreen with white blossoms — which is said to symbolize love, devotion and faithfulness. The bride wore a couture gown by Ines Di Santo and carried a delicate bouquet of white peonies by Melissa Broadwell with Vintage Florals. Owners Kyle Brougham and Andrew Pentecost of Bea Rose Salon blew Emmy away with an Old Hollywood glamour-inspired look better than she could have even envisioned. The reception was at Richland Country Club, where guests dined on coconut shrimp, short rib empanadas, roasted tomato tarts, herbed chicken and beef filet before enjoying lemon and hallelujah bundt cakes created by Dessert Designs. Emerald Empire Band played, and Brandy Lester helped plan

the event. Signature drinks were a French 75 called The Emmy and an old fashioned dubbed The Kyle. The couple drove away in a white 1959 Bentley. “We had to downsize the wedding considerably due to COVID-19 regulations in Davidson County and out of concern for guests’ safety,” said Emmy. “While we would have loved to celebrate with everyone as originally planned, we were grateful to be able to go forward with the wedding on our original date.” Emmy and Kyle live in Nashville, where she is the director of events at Wellspire and head cheerleading coach for Montgomery Bell Academy, and he is a sales representative for Stryker. Their parents are Becky and Doug Weikert of Nashville and Rondy and Bobby Smith of Old Hickory. BY SANDY NELSON

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BEST B E H AV I O R

Say It to Them Now Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

AVAILABLE FOR WORK My husband left his job this past fall, and I supported him for doing it. He’d been there for a couple of years, but he’d never been happy. Through the coronavirus isolation, having him around the house has been good, since neither of us likes to be alone. It’s been good to have him handy, especially during the holidays. But now, it’s time for him to get a job. The truth is, we’ve got a little money, so it’s not just a cash flow thing. Frankly, he’s getting on my nerves. I just need a little space, and I think both of us do. But I don’t know how to tell him. What can I say? — Anonymous, Hillwood

Luxury. Social. Lifestyle.

You and your husband are married. Let’s hope you plan to stay that way after you’ve had all your shots. But tempers, if not temperatures, seem to be rising. For good or ill, money is not a problem for the two of you, so you can’t use your checking account balance as a reason to send him to work. If he’s getting on your nerves, you may be making him a little frazzled too. He chose to quit his unhappy job, but he may be frozen in the job search process, as it looks just now. Be direct, and clear the air. You might even ask him to do you a favor and find a job. And don’t laugh when you say it. However, that may not solve your problem. He may be working from home once he goes back to work. If he’s handy, he can start building an office in the back yard. That should keep him busy, out from under your feet and out of your hair.

ENFORCED ATTENDANCE My girlfriend’s parents are evangelical Christians. When it comes to religion, I don’t really care what anybody believes, so it’s never made any real difference to me. Over the course of the pandemic, we’ve gone to their place every Sunday. Her parents want us to pray with them, and I’m not just talking about at dinnertime. It makes me really uncomfortable, and I’ve told my girlfriend. She says there’s nothing she can do, so she joins in. This wasn’t in the agreement when she and I got together. I love her, and she loves her parents. Help me get through this. — Anonymous, Brentwood You can bow your head and fold your hands. If you’re forming them into fists, and everybody’s eyes are closed, nobody will notice. They’re her parents, not yours. You owe them respect for their beliefs, but they need to understand yours too. Start by having a conversation with your girlfriend. Then sit down with the three of them, and explain that you’re not a praying person and that you’d like to spend prayer-free time with them. If there’s going to be a devotional, let her visit them on her own. If you’re clear, calm and kind, there should be no reason for any confusion. If they’re your in-laws-to-be, it will be wise to address this matter for everybody’s good long before the final amen.

Delivered to your door:

SHOPNFOCUS.COM

BY JOHN BRIDGES

John is the author of How To Be a Gentleman and the co-author, with Bryan Curtis, of other books in the GentlemannersTM series. Send your Best Behavior questions to jbridges@nfocusmagazine.com, and check out his up-to-theminute advice on life’s puzzling problems every Friday at nfocusmagazine.com.

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NRETROSPECT

ESY OF MA

PHS COURT

PHOTOGRA

RE AND NUEL COUTU

TENNESSEE

U STATE MUSE

The Rhinestone Rembrandt Reflecting on the dazzling career of couturier Manuel Cuevas

Known to all simply as Manuel, the couturier rightfully earned his nickname as The Rhinestone Rembrandt for the intricately embroidered and rhinestone-laden designs that he made for numerous famous entertainers. He’s outfitted everyone from Elvis to Michael Jackson to The Man in Black himself, Johnny Cash, a longtime friend who owed his signature hue to Manuel. Back in the mid-’80s, Manuel began an ambitious project to create custom jackets representing the character and history of all 50 states. This Tennessee-inspired white gabardine jacket, along with its 49 counterparts, was part of the 2005 Frist exhibit, Manuel: StarSpangled Couture, which also included noteworthy pieces from his impressive career. The Tennessee jacket depicts Elvis, Jack Daniel’s bottles, an iris and more, with the Grand Ole Opry stage and state flag on the back. In keeping with Manuel’s wishes that the jackets, which were intended as a gift for the United States, would be donated to each state’s museum, the Tennessee creation was acquired by the Tennessee State Museum in 2016, where it remains in the permanent collection, along with the other important preserved objects that relate to the social, political, economic and cultural history of the state and its residents.

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FOLLOW YOUR DREAM, HOME.

112 Lee Cir. | Franklin SOLD Tom Murray Katherine Johns Murray

1609 Harding Pl. | Forest Hills SOLD 615-598-4126 615-973-7424

John Clayton

615-294-6065

615-504-9935

John Clayton

615-305-1426 770-500-7933

615-294-6065

Marie Young Grace Clayton

770-500-7933 615-305-1426

105 Leake Ave. #93 | Belle Meade Tower SOLD

4225 Harding Pk. #202 | Wellington Arms $249,000 Chip Wilkison

Grace Clayton Marie Young

320 Old Hickory Blvd. #905 | Eagle Ridge SOLD

301 Demonbreun St. #1309 | Encore SOLD

2137 14th Ave. N. | North Nashville SOLD Chip Wilkison

138 Generals Retreat Pl. | Franklin SOLD

615-504-9935

Murray Clayton

615-812-1831

Engel & Völkers Nashville 20 Burton Hills Blvd. Suite #450 . Nashville . TN, 37215 . 615-297-8543 Learn more at nashville.evrealestate.com ©2020 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

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EXCLUSIVELY AT

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