Adore: February 2023

Publisher Jeanne Exnicios

Editor Michaela Bechler

Senior Graphic Designer Emily Sucherman

Advertising Director Sandy Stein

Sales Paige Koritz

Contributors Khayla Gaston, Jenny Peterson

New Year New Look

During the magazine’s annual winter hiatus, the Adore team was hard at work preparing for a busy 2023. In our first issue of the year, we’re introducing new designs and fresh voices from contributors. We’re excited to continue featuring gorgeous homes and weddings alongside the shopping stories you know and love. Additional profiles on creatives, businesses, and happenings will also be a regular part of our content.

In this issue, we cover all things Mardi Gras including festive and parade route-worthy items to some of the makers behind the Carnival magic. For Valentine’s Day, we leaned into the holiday’s signature colors and sourced gorgeous clothing, accessories, and gifts. Sticking with the theme of love, we considered new types of dates — especially those with your friends, your dog, and yourself — and gave recommendations across town. You’ll also learn more about four Black business owners who are enhancing the city’s retail space through their distinctive brands.

Adore is known for its local take on national trends and I love that each item in this issue can be found in New Orleans. I’m excited for the magazine’s robust and exciting year ahead. Thanks for being a part of the fun!

Michaela Bechler

Things Michaela Adores

Currently reading: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. Pick up the bestseller at your favorite local bookstore or library!

Currently listening to: Maggie Rogers on repeat. The singer/songwriter is performing at the Orpheum on Friday, February 24 and I can’t wait!

of Penguin Random House

Must try: The Salmon Mi-Cuit at MaMou (942 N. Rampart Street) is so unique and delicious. Read more about this cute new restaurant in "It’s a Date" on page 20.

Must visit: Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition at The Historic New Orleans Collection (520 Royal Street) shouldn’t be missed. Using a HistoPad™ (a special touch-screen tablet), you can see the cathedral at its various stages as well as real-time updates on the ongoing massive restoration. It’s been such a hit that the exhibition has been extended to Sunday, March 19. Be sure to also stop at The Shop at The Historic New Orleans Collection for adorable Parisian-themed products. hnoc.org

Courtesy

Photo by Sam Hanna

What I’m giving up for Lent: Sweets. Wish me luck!

Courtesy of THNOC

Mardi Gras Style

Makers Behind the Mambo

By Jenny Peterson

Julia wears a headdress by Kate McNee and "Alandra" by Greta Constantine ($1,645) from Sosusu

Photographed by Chris Granger

Mardi Gras has long been about the "makers" — the float makers, the Mardi Gras Indian costume makers, the parade costume makers, and the theme makers for walking parades. It’s a wildly creative time of year that often uses unexpected materials to create fantastic traditional and not-so-traditional characters and alter egos. With so many facets of the Mardi Gras season, you can find these innovators in every corner. These are just a few of the many local artists who are continuing storied traditions and shaking up the season with colorful, locally made Mardi Gras treasures.

KATE MCNEE

The show stopping headdresses by Kate McNee, a Londoner who moved to New Orleans over three decades ago, have quite humble beginnings.

"My daughter needed a mini top hat for a costume, so I made one from an empty yogurt container," she recalled. "I turned it upside down, glued it onto cardboard, covered it in sparkly fabrics, feathers, and sequins, and attached it to a headband. I started making and selling tiny top hats. And then, I just went bigger."

She now makes elaborate headdresses in a Cleopatra-style that covers the whole crown and ears with a dangling flap of fringe on either end. The base is a sturdy visor and McNee regularly travels to New York City’s garment district to purchase appliques like faux flowers, feathers, jewels, and more.

"What I love best is seeing them worn," Kate said. "It makes me so happy to see people so happy in a headdress, having such a great time dancing in the streets."

Follow @mcneekate on Instagram for headdresses galore

"One client has a room in her house just filled with shelves and Styrofoam heads with headdresses."

Staff Photo

SUZANNE PERRON ST. PAUL

Suzanne Perron St. Paul started her career designing custom bridal gowns, but each year she pivots to designing and creating one-of-a-kind gowns for Mardi Gras royalty — from all-white gowns for maids to custom hand-beaded and glittery gowns for the queens of the balls.

"The queen's gown process is so unique and specific to New Orleans," she explained. "Support structures worn under the gown are needed to support the collar and mantle." The Louisiana native, who worked in bridal design with the Vera Wang team in New York, was first approached to create a custom Mardi Gras ball gown 10 years ago.

Today, Suzanne works almost a year in advance in her New Orleans studio to make between 8-10 queen's gowns and at least two dozen white debutante/maids gowns for over a dozen krewes — including Hermes, Rex, and Proteus — keeping the storied tradition and pageantry of Mardi Gras royalty alive. "Clients and I have often found inspiration from gowns worn by previous generations," she said.

Follow along on Instagram @suzanneperronstpaul or suzanneperron.com

"The demand for big, white, and elaborate gowns in New Orleans extends far beyond bridal."

Photo by Chris Granger

Courtesy of Suzanne Perron St. Paul

EPIPHANY THROWS

The mission of Epiphany Throws is to shift what gets thrown from parade floats from imported plastic beads that never break down in landfills to keepsake Mardi Gras throws made from upcycled, biodegradable materials. Think handmade felt toys, cotton bracelets, and locally made silk braided necklaces.

"The idea is to throw less, but more meaningful things," said Penn Iarocci, one of three co-founders of Epiphany Throws, which was created in 2019.

The company works with individual riders and entire floats to supply sustainable bulk items, which have made appearances in parades like Iris, Cleopatra, Rex, King Arthur, Thoth, and Hermes. Epiphany Throws has also partnered with local artist La Adorna to create handbags made from upcycled Mardi Gras costumes.

"It's fun to think outside the box of what a throw can be," Penn said. "We want to convey that sustainability can be colorful and alive and just as much fun as the traditional throws."

"The idea that we can create a throw that benefits people living in New Orleans is super rewarding."

Photo by Chris Granger

Courtesy of Epiphany Throws

WHERE TO SHOP

1. Whereable Art Crewneck, $56, Little Miss Muffin, shoplittlemissmuffin.com 2. Gaby & Grace Bracelets, $44 Each, Hazelnut, hazelnutneworleans.com 3. Mardi Gras Tee, $38, Pronto, shopitpronto.com 4. Majorette Boot Beaded Earrings, $15, Sparkle & Swag, sparkleandswag.com 5. Gaston Frames, $350, Art & Eyes, artandeyesneworleansla.com 6. Gold Fanny Pack, $125, Cool Your Fannies, @coolyourfannies

Shop this fanny pack and more during the Mardi Gras Market at The Chloe (4125 St. Charles Avenue) from February 10-19th.

WHERE TO SHOP

1. Staud Burke Top, $175, and Avalanche Pants, $225, Sosusu, sosusuboutique.com

2. Anais Top, $99, Wildflower Nola, wildflowernola.com

3. Mardi Gras Gingham Shirt, $125, Perlis Clothing, perlis.com

4. Meri Meri Gold Cape, $132, Peony, peonynola.com

5. Balmain Fixe Sunglasses, $854, Eye Wares, eyewaresnola.com

6. Ilaria Wedges, $70, Wildflower Nola, wildflowernola.com

WHERE TO SHOP

1. The Little Book of King Cake, $21.95, Mignon, mignonnola.com 2. Mini Snoball Canvas, $18, Bella Gifts to Geaux, bellagiftstogeaux.com 3. Western Fringe Skirt, $65, Pronto, shopitpronto.com 4. Mardi Gras Umbrella Earrings, $10.95, Plush Appeal, mardigrasspot.com 5. Mardi Gras Zippy, $46, Peony, peonynola.com 6. TASC Half Zip, $78, Perlis Clothing, perlis.com 7. Oscar Mamooi Iceland Series Sunglasses, $675, Art & Eyes, artandeyesneworleansla.com 8. Manu Atelier Mini Prism Bag, $338, Sosusu, sosusuboutique.com 9. Glitter Go Cup, $35, Estella’s Home, @estellasmetairie 10. Murano Champagne Flute, $37.95 Each, Forever New Orleans, shopforeverneworleans.com

WHERE TO SHOP

1. Queen of Sparkles Stripe Sweater, $150, Perlis Clothing, perlis.com 2. Swig Reusable Straws, $9.95, Judy at the Rink, judyattherink.com

3. Sequin Confetti Bomber Jacket, $100, Alice & Amelia, shopaliceandamelia.com

4. Mod Vase Set, $420, Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net

5. Mardi Gras Sequin Joggers, $44.95, Forever New Orleans, shopforeverneworleans.com

6. Mardi Gras LS Rugby Dress, $46, Mignon, mignonnola.com

7. Beaded Mask Earrings, $20, Bella Gifts to Geaux, bellagiftstogeaux.com

WHERE TO SHOP

1. Polka Dot Socks, $6.95, Plush Appeal, mardigrasspot.com 2. Mario Luca Giusti Novella Glass, $25, Hilltop Shoppe, hilltopshoppe.com 3. Beaded King Cake Crossbody, $195, Hazelnut, hazelnutneworleans.com 4. Mardi Gras Banner, $12, Sparkle & Swag, sparkleandswag.com 5. King Cake Cufflinks, $46, The Shop at The Historic New Orleans Collection, shophnoc.com

6. King Cake Bracelet, $38, The Shop at The Historic New Orleans Collection shophnoc.com 7. Gaston Frames, $350, Art & Eyes, artandeyesneworleansla.com

WHERE TO SHOP

1. Miller Vest, $128, Monomin, monomin.com 2. Mardi Gras Dog Door Hanger, $55, Estella’s Home, @estellasmetairie 3. Edible Cocktail Confetti, $12, Little Miss Muffin, shoplittlemissmuffin.com 4. Pearl Pendant, $2,016, Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net 5. Happy Raptor 504 King Cake Rum, $32.99, Martin Wine & Spirits, martinwine.com 6. Mardi Gras Mambo Placemat, $12, Judy at the Rink, judyattherink.com 7. Randazzle Earrings, $25, ResiNola, @resinola.art 8. l.a.Eyeworks Blakey Frames, $426, Eye Wares, eyewaresnola.com 9. Locally Made Wall Flowers, $150, Alice & Amelia, shopaliceandamelia.com 10. Mardi Gras Glitter Sneakers, $54, Little Miss Muffin, shoplittlemissmuffin.com 11. Wine Freeze Cooling Cup, $18, Judy at the Rink, judyattherink.com

It's a Date

By Michaela Bechler

Valentine’s Day isn’t the only time to step up the creativity or fun. Think outside of the heart-shaped chocolate box when planning your next date, no matter who you’re spending it with.

With Your Significant Other

Impress your date with a reservation at MaMou (942 N. Rampart Street), the French Quarter’s cozy new brasserie. Executive Chef/Partner Tom Branighan’s seasonal menu is a delightful mix of Louisiana flavor and French technique with ingredients sourced from local farmers. Sommelier/Partner Molly Wismeier will know just what wine will complement the meal. Feel like splurging? Ask to see the curated list of deep vintage and rare wines. mamounola.com

With Your Dog

Treat yourself and your best pup to a staycation that both of you will love. Hotel Monteleone (214 Royal Street) will make any dog feel at home with Monte’s Pet Package – treats, toys, and all of the essentials for a great stay – and its special in-kennel dining menu. The hotel also has pet-friendly floors which gives your companion the perfect opportunity to mingle with the other furry guests.

hotelmonteleone.com

Take your dog to the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge Trail (17160 Chef Menteur Highway) for swamp-seeing, bird watching, and a scenic walk on the boardwalk. Open daily, the refuge offers opportunities to connect with nature without traveling far. Be sure to bring plenty of water for you and Fido!

fws.gov/refuge/bayou-sauvage-urban

Reset from the Mardi Gras marathon together at Vibrant Market (3811 Magazine Street). The shop offers an array of wellness services including hot and cold plunge, red light therapy, and the infrared sauna. To make the most of all the biohacking services, owner Lauren Trostorff recommends the three-hour Detox and Revitalize Package ($250 per person). Couples will feel refreshed and energized on a cellular level. thevibrantmarket.com

A delicious daytime date awaits this weekend on the Westbank. Start with a pushcart style dim sum brunch at Panda King (925 Behrman Highway), before hopping next door to Hong Kong Market for a vast selection of produce, meat, fish, and imported (and often hard-to-find) goods.

pandakinggretna.com, facebook.com/hkmfnola/

Looking for a music-filled evening? For a snug French Quarter experience, head to Mahogany Jazz Hall (125 Chartres Street) for nightly concerts and cabaret performances. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra has several upcoming events including an evening with Andrea Bocelli (Saturday, 2/11), The Music of John Williams (Saturday, 2/25) and Orpheum Sessions (Thursday 3/2, 3/16, and 3/30).

mjhnola.com, lpomusic.com

Head north to Getaway House’s nearby outpost in Meadville, Mississippi for a nature-filled reset. The dog-friendly tiny cabins are equipped with all of the essentials including AC and heat, kitchen basics, and a fire pit. Hike the several nearby trails with your four-legged friend or rest easy at the campsite and enjoy the views of the Homochitto River.

getaway.house/new-orleans

Photo by Sam Hanna

Owner Lauren Trostorff and Tyler Robinson enjoy Vibrant Market’s infrared sauna

Courtesy of Getaway House

With Your Besties

Have a progressive dinner around town and support some of the city’s delicious pop-ups and food stands. Seafood lovers are in for a treat with Joel’s Lobster Rolls (@joelslobsterrolls), Greta’s Sushi (@gretassushi), and Los Crudos BBQ & Seafood (@loscrudosbbq). Other tasty options include Kusina (@kusinanola), Get Your Mom & Dim Sum (@geturdimsum), and The Campfryer (@thecampfryer).

With Yourself

Put your best and most hydrated skin forward this season with the Venn Winter Hydration Facial ($195) at Glasskin (4025 Magazine Street). The face workout includes deep cleansing, microdermabrasion, microcurrent, and massage before luxurious Venn serums and masks are applied with an oxygen infusion. The ultimate winter treatment is available through March. getglasskin.com

Add a little luxury into your week and catch up with your besties at the recently renovated spa inside The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans (921 Canal Street). Locals with a Louisiana ID enjoy 20% savings on all treatments Monday-Thursday.

ritzcarlton.com/neworleans

After a robust Mardi Gras season, spend a rejuvenating day with yourself at Spyre (1172 Prytania Street). The beautiful wellness center, located inside the former Scandinavian Jazz Church, boasts many restorative activities including meditation classes and a labyrinth, a dry floating experience, and massage. Finish your date at the on-site café with a nutrient-dense meal or snack crafted by Chef Amelie Kindler. spyrecenter.com

Switch up your usual happy hour plans and take a class instead! Concoct cocktails at Happy Raptor Distilling (1512 Carondelet Street), bring out your creativity during a class at The Shard Shop NOLA (3950 Magazine Street), and make candles with a custom scents at Bella Gifts to Geaux (4721 Magazine Street). For a weekly rendez-vous, explore the clay medium together during a ceramics course at The New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts (5256 Magazine Street). 504rum.com, nola.shardshop.com, bellagiftstogeaux.com, noafa.com

Enjoy a leisurely day in City Park Stroll through the Couturie Forest and Arboretum and the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Spend some time with the New Orleans Museum of Art’s newest exhibition, Black Orpheus: Jacob Lawrence and the Mbari Club, before satisfying your sweet tooth at Café du Monde. For a limited time, enjoy a free 30-minute ride to or from NOMA on Blue Bikes by using promo code NOMA23 while booking.

neworleanscitypark.org, noma.org

Branch out and meet fellow romance readers at the Happily Ever After Book Club. The group reads and discusses books from multiple sub-genres each month at Blue Cypress Books (8123 Oak Street). Upcoming novels include Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert (Tuesday, 2/28 at 6:30 p.m.) and The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics: Feminine Pursuits by Olivia Waite (Tuesday, 3/28 at 6:30 p.m.). bluecypressbooks.com

Courtesy of Glasskin

Photo by Marianna Massey

Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

Sister Shades

Red and Pink Make the Perfect Pair

WHERE TO SHOP

1. Juno Top, $78, Wildflower Nola, wildflowernola.com 2. Magenta Carryall Tote, $25, Estella’s Home, @estellasmetairie 3. XOXO Headband, $22, Mignon, mignonnola.com 4. Gaby & Grace Bow Earrings, $48, Hazelnut, hazelnutneworleans.com 5. Raffia Coasters, $34/Set of 4, Judy at the Rink, judyattherink.com 6. Chain Heart Earrings, $42, Pronto, shopitpronto.com

7. E. Frances Notepad, $22, Hazelnut, hazelnutneworleans.com 8. Vieux Carré Champagne Door Hanger, $60, Little Miss Muffin, shoplittlemissmuffin.com

WHERE TO SHOP

1. Tara Jarmon Poplin Shirt, $292, Peony, peonynola.com

2. Monroe Cigarette Crop Jeans, $148, Pronto, shopitpronto.com

3. Arianna Guitar Strap Saddle Bag, $38, Alice & Amelia, shopaliceandamelia.com

4. Impressio Sunglasses, $640, Art & Eyes, artandeyesneworleansla.com

5. Stolpman Vineyards Rosé, $17.99, Martin Wine & Spirits, martinwine.com 6. Vietri Lastra Dish, $31, Hilltop Shoppe, hilltopshoppe.com

WHERE TO SHOP

1. Alice Polo, $79, Wildflower Nola, wildflowernola.com

2. IL/LA Renata Frames, $381, Eye Wares, eyewaresnola.com

3. Roland Mouret Wool Jumpsuit, $1,100, Sosusu, sosusuboutique.com

4. Maria Flor Dahlia Bowl, $34, Hilltop Shoppe, hilltopshoppe.com

5. Beaded Clutch, $56.95, The Ground Floor, @thegroundfloornola

6. Ditched the Boyfriend Candle, $30, The Little Miss Muffin, shoplittlemissmuffin.com

WHERE TO SHOP

1. Rosé Bubbles Pants, $248, West London Boutique, westlondonboutique.com

2. Brandon Maxwell Sheath Dress, $2,195, Sosusu, sosusuboutique.com

3. Dior Wilde Sunglasses, $484, Eye Wares, eyewaresnola.com

4. Hearts and Flowers Headband, $30, Bella Gifts to Geaux, bellagiftstogeaux.com 5. Joy Susan Flamingo Clutch, $38, Alice & Amelia, shopaliceandamelia.com

6. Wolf & Willa Beaded Handbag, $270, Hazelnut, hazelnutneworleans.com 7. Tizo Heart Vase, $120, Judy at the Rink, judyattherink.com

WHERE TO SHOP

1. Libby Dress, $66, Mignon, mignonnola.com 2. Kimono Rose Bubble Bath, $35, Estella’s Home, @estellasmetairie 3. Meri Meri Heart Plates, $12/Set of 8, Sparkle & Swag, sparkleandswag.com 4. Especia Alejandra Dress, $320, Peony, peonynola.com 5. Swan Booties, $72, Peony, peonynola.com 6. Kamari Top, $98, Pronto, shopitpronto.com 7. Mini Bamboo Handle Bag, $28, Monomini, shopmonomini.com 8. Z Supply Alita Dress, $119, Perlis Clothing, perlis.com 9. Lorelei Dress, $89, Wildflower Nola, wildflowernola.com 10. Francis Klein Glasses, $1,090, Art & Eyes, artandeyesneworleansla.com

11. Beaded Coin Purse, $19.95, The Ground Floor, @thegroundfloornola

to Watch

Share in the city’s vibrant culture with a visit to these Black-owned businesses.

By Khayla Gaston

odAOMO, a global luxury fashion brand, is the manifestation of owner and designer Dr. Sophia Aomo Omoro. Growing up in Kenya, she imagined a life that intertwined medicine with fashion. With her father’s utmost support, Sophia excelled academically, leading to her success today as a practicing otolaryngologist. Next came her fashion label. odAOMO was established in 2014 — "od" translating to "house of" in Luo, her tribal language, and "Aomo" being her name, which means "born during harvest." The line, which often contains vibrant prints inspired by nature, is crafted in Kenya with the intention of giving back to Sophia’s childhood home and to highlight the beauty of her culture.

With her flagship showroom in the French Quarter, Sophia has enjoyed sharing her creations in New Orleans and introducing customers to pieces that celebrate unity and radiance. To her, the diversity of the city produces a gumbo pot of numerous beliefs and ideas. She cherishes its ability to bring people together from all walks of the globe. "New Orleans is special," she said. "Especially in the sense that it is so open minded."

839 Chartres Street, odaomo.com

Wicks Nola

Take a trip into Tiffany Brown’s nostalgic New Orleans memories through Wicks Nola’s aromas. Founded in 2018, the luxurious yet accessible collection of candles aims to serve as a guide through the city’s culture and diversity. Locals and visitors alike are transported with unique scents like After the Storm, Down the Bayou, Uptown Stroll, and French Quarter Beignet.

Always an avid candle lover, she saw an opportunity to provide the market with cost effective and family-friendly options while also highlighting the uniqueness of the city. The 60-plus scents are paraben- and additive-free and are crafted with all-natural and vegan-friendly ingredients. To Tiffany, Wicks Nola’s success serves as an example that time and age shouldn’t restrict anyone from pursuing a goal. "I'm 46. You can raise your children and work 9-to-5 while you're still funding your dream. It’s never too late to step out there and make it happen."

Unfortunately, the Magazine Street storefront experienced extensive damage from an electrical fire in April 2022. As the business rebuilds, her products are available online and can be found across town at The Shop at The Historic New Orleans Collection and the New Orleans Museum of Art’s retail shop.

Photos courtesy of odAOMO

1. Photo by Quentin Alexander (previous page)

2. Photo by Augusta Sagnelli

3. Photo by Mishael Nduhi

Dr. Sophia Aomo

Photos courtesy of Wicks Nola 2.,3. Photos by Felicia Simpson (previous page)

4. Photo by Pep Holman

Tiffany Brown

West London Boutique

For the dreamer who dares to romanticize life, West London Boutique is the place to fulfill those fantasies. From its origin as a rolling rack in a Las Vegas home office to a gorgeous Magazine Street shop, founder Mariah Walton Bencik continues to captivate the hearts of customers with debonair pieces from around the world. Fashion wasn’t always in the cards for the owner. Initially starting her career with an interest in healthcare, Mariah shifted industries and began to pursue her passion. Fond memories of her time as a fashion student across the pond exploring business and style inspired the name and aesthetic of her store today. The current location was a "divine design situation" which she stumbled upon while driving down the historic street in 2017. "You’re just minding your business and bam, it’s there. It’s right in front of you and you’re wise to grab that opportunity."

For Mariah, it’s never about pushing the sale of an item. She focuses on establishing a relationship with the client and believing in her product. West London Boutique’s collections are instinctively curated by Mariah and are decidedly feminine, romantic, and dramatic, just like New Orleans.

3952 Magazine Street, westlondonboutique.com

Grimaldi Official

Grimaldi Official brings a taste of Italy to the Crescent City with its luxury handbags, apparel, and accessories for both women and men. Brandi Grimaldi, a New Orleans native with Italian roots, created her eponymous brand for the cutting-edge shopper searching for versatile fashion. Throughout the line, the color green is prominently featured for its association with money, nature, and health as well as the brand’s mascot, an Italian Mastiff wearing Mardi Gras beads. She credits the brand’s non-traditional look and flair to the unique culture of her hometown.

Before starting Grimaldi Official, Brandi specialized in information technology and was a local radio personality. After purchasing numerous designer bags on a shopping trip with her daughter, she saw a need for women of color in the luxury handbag space. "Our mission is to be one of the top luxury brands in the world," she said. "When I bought all of those bags, I researched every designer and owner who started [the brands], and they did not look like us."

Already equipped with a love for the fashion industry and a strong sense of style, she enrolled in graduate school to study business and manufacturing. She opened a storefront on Lake Forest Boulevard and takes joy in seeing her customers’ excitement from Grimaldi products.

10555 Lake Forest Boulevard, 9A, grimaldiofficial.com

Photos courtesy of West London Boutique

1. Photo by Stacy Marks

Mariah Walton Bencik

Photos courtesy of Grimaldi Official

3.,4. Photos by Marlon Winn at Winn Studios (previous page)

Brandi Grimaldi

By Michaela Bechler

Home Tour // Uptown Apartment

When Amelia Rosso and Henry Shortess found their recently restored St. Charles Avenue apartment, they were drawn to the ample natural light, its spacious living room, and a galley kitchen fit for a chef (Amelia happens to be a professional). The couple, originally from Baton Rouge, recruited Hattie Collins via social media to find unique and sophisticated furnishings, incorporate vintage pieces, and implement design details that were rental-friendly in the 1,000 square foot unit. "I saw this as a really fun challenge to put my signature design fingerprint on a space that wasn’t a ‘forever’ home," Hattie said.

With much of the budget allocated towards more substantial pieces, the interior designer sourced from local vintage shops like Dop Antiques for the entry table and bedroom mirror alongside unexpected places like Home Depot. For window treatments, Hattie saved by pairing woven wood Roman shades with custom drapes from Amazon. She turned to Sunday Shop for cozy accents, bedding, and pillows throughout and repurposed remnants of a Cole & Son wallpaper from another project for new bedroom art. "We had them mounted onto plywood and custom framed. Now they have two beautiful panels that they can take with them when they move out!" The result is a warm and welcoming abode, ready for hosting and plenty of chefapproved meals at home.

WELCOME HOME

CONVERSATION PIECE

"We incorporated a really special travertine and glass coffee table that the clients found at Merchant House."

– Hattie Collins

Photos by Jacqueline Marque

COZY UP

The CB2 couch sits under the couple’s art collection and next to the Bungalow 5 credenza. For plants, Hattie turned to Magazine Street’s FAIT for big and small varieties.

The Dop Antiques table, outfitted with Modern Matter hardware, greets guests in the entryway.

TAKE A SEAT

Lulu & Georgia chairs bring warmth and additional seating to the large living

room.

TABLE FOR TWO

The dining nook, Hattie’s favorite room, houses a Home Depot dining table. The chairs and chaise — ideal for after-dinner lounging — are by Studio McGee for Target.

BLAST OFF

Art featuring an astronaut by RC Hagans, an Alabama artist, sits atop a glass table by CB2 and across from the green velvet bench by One Kings Lane.

PILLOW TALK

The Kathy Kuo bed, with bedding and pillows from Sunday Shop and West Elm, is flanked by two nightstands from Austin-based Four Hands. The custom Rosi de Ruig lampshades pair well with the framed Cole & Son wallpaper.

Hattie’s Tips on Making a Rental Feel like a Home:

About the Designer

After years in the retail space, Hattie Collins launched her design firm Hattie Sparks Interiors in 2019. Since its start, the team has completed stunning projects across the city and beyond and recently introduced The Concept Studio, a design experience for clients needing help with 1-3 rooms. Clients receive two complete design schemes per room, full floor plans, and a budget spreadsheet with links to purchase all items. For more information on HSI’s services or The Concept Studio, email hattie@hattiesparks.com.

Let's Celebrate

By Michaela Bechler

Claire + Stanton 10.7.22

After graduating from LSU, Claire Brown moved to Austin in 2015 for her first advertising job. Within months, she was dating her future husband, Stanton Cagle. The two became engaged after nearly six years together and chose the historic Marigny Opera House for their nuptials. "I love being from New Orleans and able to share its hospitality, uniqueness, and charm with people," Claire said. "I knew once I was engaged that I wanted to get married here but that I wanted to do it my way, in ways that reflect who Stanton and I are as a couple." The venue proved to be the perfect blank slate that allowed the couple to curate their dream wedding.

With planning underway, Claire set her sights on New York to find the perfect dress. Accompanied by her mom and

Photos by Hannah Pickle

Planning: Mint Julep Productions

Flowers: Pick-a-Petal

Hair: Flawless Bride

Makeup: Viet Le Artistry

Pepper served as the flower girl

brother, she found the elegant and tailored dress she was envisioning at Jenny Yoo’s flagship. Romantic yet modern, the long-sleeved dress was originally designed with a low scoop in the back, but with the help of a tailor, Claire had it altered to mimic the front. To finish the look, she wore Mateo pearl and diamond drop earrings, handmade shoes from Greece (found via Etsy), and a blue ring gifted to her by her mom.

Claire and Stanton were intentional with each detail. Uninspired while trying to find a reading for the ceremony, Stanton wrote a poem that he felt suited the occasion. "I was the only one in the room who knew the words were written by Stanton. That was the only time I cried during the ceremony." Other special touches included Claire’s aunt officiating, carrying a handkerchief embroidered by Claire’s great-grandmother, having framed photos of each set of grandparents, and handmade programs.

Surrounded by loved ones, the couple danced the night away to the sounds of BRW (Claire even switched into cowboy boots). Out-of-town guests experienced a taste of the Crescent City with Black Pearl Catering Co.’s take on classic local favorites. The couple also set aside 10 Kodak cameras designated for particular friends so that they could see the night through their eyes. The next morning, guests gathered for a jazz brunch at Galerie de Galatoire to continue the celebrations. "It was the cherry on top to an amazing weekend. We were able to party in the French Quarter with all our guests and show them how we do things in New Orleans."

Stanton wore a blue Vera Wang suit and black Calvin Klein tie

Guests sipped on specialty cocktails: dirty martinis for the bride and palomas for the groom.

Claire’s pear-shaped ring was her maternal grandmother’s cocktail ring purchased at Adler’s on Canal by her grandfather in 1968. "It’s exactly as my grandmother wore it."

Invitations by Scriptura and vow books from Etsy

The bridesmaids also wore Jenny Yoo. Mejuri earrings, a gift from the bride, completed the look.

Claire, Stanton, and their parents

"I knew I wanted to be on the dance floor the entire reception…I even did a split in my dress."

- Claire Cagle

Each tier of the Bywater Bakery cake featured a different flavor, and in lieu of a groom’s cake, the couple served sugar cookies in the shape of Louisiana and Texas.

By Michaela Bechler

Shop Dog

Before Lekha opened its Magazine Street shop in December 2022, founder and designer Trishala Bhansali spent years popping up around town with the brand’s handcrafted clothing, accessories, and homewares. The new permanent space allows for the entire collection to breathe and be on display, plus the opportunity for Trishala to interact with the community and customers on a regular basis. "I love that folks know they can pop-by to say hi, and there is a consistency with the space that really allows me to feel more settled and at home with the brand."

Shopping at Lekha also means visiting Archie. The pup takes his job very seriously and always looks sharp in his uniform: a single Lekha napkin folded into a bandana. "He diligently waits for me to dress him in his shop bandana before we leave the house," Trishala explains. His duties include greeting customers, guarding the doors, and occupying and entertaining

the children, partners, and friends during shopping and trying on sessions. Archie is very professional at work and maintains a relaxed and subdued demeanor. Once he’s home, he likes to unwind with five minutes of "zoomies" before settling down for cuddles and chewing his toys. Work isn’t the only thing he’s passionate about – other interests include playing tug of war, hand holding, and squirrel watching. While out and about in New Orleans, he enjoys tagging along to Hotel Saint Vincent, Levee Baking Co., and The Chloe, where Lekha robes are found in each guestroom.

In store, browse the racks of gorgeous pieces including the new Anju dress ("simultaneously dramatic and effortless") or the Milli jumpsuit for a more utilitarian staple. Shoppers will also find shoes, jewelry, table linens, and children’s pieces in stock. And if a napkin/bandana is on your list, I’m sure Archie would be more than happy to model it for you.

Staff Photos

Trishala and Archie