Issue 56 june july 2015 style issuu

SOUTH'S GREATEST STYLIN' SINGLES 39 RUE DE JEAN Dads 2015 p.54 Why Image is Everything p.96 The Opening...Finally! p.170

THE STYLE ISSUE HOT HOME TRENDS SOUTH'S GREATEST FASHION PHOTOGS FRANK FENTER: SOUTHERN ROCK URBAN TRENDS LIVING SMALL THINKING BIG STAYING YOUNG FORMER MISS SOUTH CAROLINA , KAYLIN RILEY PHOTOGRAPHED

BY TRAVIS TEATE

2015 HOTTEST SOUTHERN BEACHES

STRIPPED?

LESS THAN 24 HOURS AFTER BEING CROWNED MISS SOUTH CAROLINA INTERNATIONAL, WHY WAS KAYLIN RINEY'S CROWN TAKEN AWAY?

BILLY CURRINGTON:

SUMMER FOREVER

116

Features 60

90

110

30

164

146

134 Billy Currington How this country music star chills out when he is off the road and his Lowcountry lifestyle.

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96 140 STRIPPED

The story of how photos of one Miss South Carolina contestant disqualified her from the pageant.

60 URBAN STYLE

The latest decorating trends in urban spaces.

How living with what you love develops personal style.

112 BROUGHTON EXCHANGE

Meet four of the premier designers from the Broughton Exchange and how they are making a name for themselves.

90 SOUTHERN ROCK AND STYLE

Frank Fenter, founder of Southern rock, and his chic wife Kiki. How they glammed up Macon!

146 THE SOUTH’S GREATEST BEACHES

Discover the greatest beaches in our region and hit the road on your summertime adventure.

Contents DEPARTMENTS

GO SOUTH

CHIT CHATS

146 GREATEST BEACHES The ultimate guide to the best beaches in the South

30 ZIA Local fashion celeb

DINE SOUTH

32 CLUB SOUTH Pop Up Art Party, Zia at the Beach 36 MOUTH OF THE SOUTH Fashion icon James Hogan 38 HIGH COTTON Tanger Outlets CEO Steven Tanger

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164 VIRGIL KAINE BOURBON Introducing bourbon from South Carolina 166 IN HOUSE DINING Dining experiences in Savannah’s great houses

42 IN THE STUDIO Gogo Ferguson

170 RUE DE JEAN Introducing the hot new French bistro in Savannah

48 CULTURED Omignome 50 ANDREA SERRANO World-renowned fashion stylist Andrea Serrano

CONTESTS 54 SOUTH'S GREATEST DADS Ten tips from the Greatest Dads

PLAY SOUTH 54

100 SOUTH'S HOTTEST

176 BEST FESTS

Insights on living the single life

178 FOURTH OF JULY Celebrate the Fourth of July at Savannah’s Waterfrontvv Festival!

SINGLES

STORIED SOUTH

182 EVENTS CALENDAR 190 SCENES OF THE SOUTH Rape Crisis Center Gala, Nine Line Run for the Wounded

96 RULES OF BEING SINGLE Young professionals sound of on being single.

195 SECRET SOUTHERNER Our Monthly “Guess Who”

102 SOUTHERN STYLES Ashley Borders intoduces the hottest fashion trends in the South.

116 SOUTHERN FASHION

SPECIAL ADVERTORIALS

Meet three of the best.

74 HOTEST HOUSE TRENDS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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174 LIFE’S A BEACH Martin Parr’s exhibition of beach photography at the Jepson Center

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126 GUIDE TO STAYING YOUNG

PUBLISHER’S LETTER YOU MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THIS, BUT WE’RE FACING A SORT OF CULTURAL CRISIS. IT’S HAPPENING RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES, YET MANY OF US CAN’T PERCEIVE IT. IT’S THE DECLINE OF STYLE. OKAY, NOW YOU’RE PROB ABLY THINKING HE’S COMPLETELY BONKERS. (OR HE’S RUN OUT OF IDEAS FOR THIS COLUMN.)

With all of our wondrous super-gadgets, status updates, micro blogs, selfies an d worrying concepts like “digital identities” and “personal brands,” we’ve never been more concerned, no, obsessed, with style, right? Style is king in a world where we broadcast ourselves unabashedly into the great electromagnetic circus. He’s mad, completely mad, you’re thinking.

Friends, let me explain.

How do we define style? Sure, what we see, the aesthetic, is a large part of style. And today, what we see has never been more important. Conveniently, you can choose a style from a kind of media-powered store shelf. It’s too easy. What we think of as style is commoditized, packaged and distributed to the masses through binary code, movies, TV—and, yes, through publications like this one. Want to express your style? Why bother when you can be stylish?

Style, stylish, it’s the same thing, no? No, it’s definitely not.

This became clear to me when we were shooting this issue’s Publisher Michael Brooks with wife cover with surfer-turned-country-music-star Billy Currington.

Frankie Styling on the Red Carpet You see, Billy’s got style. He definitely has an aesthetic—mostly consisting of t-shirts and his favorite Diesel jacket—but what we see of Billy seems to be an authentic projection of who he is.

“Some makeup for the shoot, Billy?” No-freakin’-way.

Try as we might, Billy wouldn’t allow us to “style” him for the photo session. He was a finished product.

His style comes from within, not just from what he hopes others perceive him to be. He’s just regular guy with an irregular talent.

There’s something to be learned here. Style is really an expression of what we value, what we love, and what we do, and not merely about the kind of shoes we wear. While style is a rich, essential part of culture, it’s at its best when it truly says something about who we are.

I can’t presume to tell you what your personal style should be. That would contradict everything you’ve read so far, but I can give you some things to think about when considering it: HAVE CONFIDENCE IN WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN, EVEN IF IT’S NOT ALWAYS POPULAR. Be true to yourself, not a trend or a celebrity. Take more time to look inward and less time looking outward.

GET PHYSICALLY FIT, not so much because it’ll make you feel better about the way you look (it will, which is no bad thing), but because it’ll simply make you feel better. There’s no downside to feeling more energetic, clear thinking and happier. And others certainly notice.

STAY CLOSE TO THOSE YOU LOVE. They appreciate you for who you are, not some facsimile of what’s hot, or, um, cool. They’ll remind you, through good times and bad, that they like your style—all of it.

Remember, it’s not the suit you put on, but what you put into the suit.

Many, many thanks and keep reading,

ABOUT THE COVERS 2015 HOTTES SOUTHERNT BEACHES

STRIPPED!

LESS THAN 24 HOURS AFTER BEING CROWNED, WHY WAS MISS SOUTH CAROLINA INTERNATIONAL'S CROWN TAKEN AWAY? P. 140

THE LAID-BACK, SURFING, DOWN-TO-EARTH SOUTHERN STYLE OF COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST BILLY CURRINGTON ➽ PAGE 134

Blake Crosby visited country music star Billy Currington at his home (twice) to get the photos we needed. We learned a lot about Billy. One, do not call his well lived-in Land Rover a “Jeep.” Two, he’s not fond of pretense. Ashley Borders was onboard to entice Billy to get styled up. He wasn’t having that. Take it or leave it. So we took it and captured him doing things he loves, which includes using the gardening skills he learned from his beloved grandma. The cover shot features him in his favorite Diesel Jacket. Read more about Billy on page 126.

Photography: Blake Crosby, Stylist: Ashley Borders Art Director/Cover design, Michael Brooks. See page 126

SOUTH'S GREATEST STYLIN' SINGLES 39 RUE DE JEAN Dads 2015 p.54 Why Image is Everything p.96 The Opening...Finally! p.170

THE STYLE ISSUE HOT HOME TRENDS SOUTH'S GREATEST FASHION PHOTOGS FRANK FENTER: SOUTHERN ROCK URBAN TRENDS LIVING SMALL THINKING BIG STAYING YOUNG FORMER MISS SOUTH CAROLINA , KAYLIN RILEY PHOTOGRAPHED

BY TRAVIS TEATE

2015 HOTTES SOUTHERNT BEACHES

STRIPPED?

LESS THAN 24 HOURS AFTER BEING CROWNED MISS SOUTH CAROLINA INTERNATIONAL, WHY WAS KAYLIN RINEY'S CROWN TAKEN AWAY?

BILLY CURRINGTON:

SUMMER FOREVER

On April 18, 2015, Kaylin Riney broke down in tears of joy as she was crowned Miss South Carolina International.

Less than 24 hours later there were more tears -- this time of sadness and disbelief, as her title was taken away. Features editor Robyn Passante investigates what happened before and after the pageant. Photography by by Travis Teate, Design by MB. See page 132

–Michael Brooks, Publisher/Creative Director

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P h o t o g r a p h b y LY N D S E Y C L A R K

EDITOR’S LETTER

PUBLISHER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Michael Brooks EDITOR AT LARGE Paula S. Fogarty

Southern style connotes so many things.

The stereotyped seersucker and pearls image is clichéd for a reason; it is classic, timeless and elegant. I was recently asked by a television producer if I always wear pearls, to which I answered, “I guess so.

I don’t even think about it because I was raised by a Southern mother! Its just what we do.” This issue was such fun to put together because our team mined the concept of Southern style in fashion and interiors and uncovered fertile ground with more than just pearls!

Our world of interiors in the South encompasses many styles, and we have explored three of them. They are all connected by the common thread of individuality. Each interior was put together by the owners who live a collected life: they live with what they love, curate their own collections and as a result, their individual styles emerge. This fierce individuality seems to be a hallmark of Southern style and is also the common current throughout our region. Whether it is Classical Traditional, Bohemian Chic, or Contemporary, the South is replete with its characteristic individualism.

As an art historian, I am personally drawn to the region’s contemporary art scene. We joyfully introduce you to some great artists such as Savannah-based mural artist, Katherine Sandoz, pictured here with me, who provided the stunning backdrop imagery for our fashion spread styled by the world-class fashion stylist, Ashley Borders. We are thrilled to introduce renowned jewelry maker and Cumberland Island native, Gogo Ferguson, and top-class fashion photographers Zoe Christou Welch, Doug Ordway, Cedric Smith and Travis Teate. These artists all have international fame, yet they choose to live and work in the Lowcountry; this is where they find inspiration and the space to create great works. It makes me continue to contemplate what it is about our region that fosters such unique creativity.

The fashion scene is heating up in Savannah, with more young designers choosing to start their careers here with the help of savvy entrepreneurs such as those at the Broughton Exchange.

This incubator serves as a launching pad for many up-and-coming designers, and we introduce you to four of them in this issue. In contrast to this grass-roots approach, the region boasts excellent commercial fashion enterprises as well, such as the Tanger Outlets, which just opened a new location in Pooler. We are proud to introduce you to the CEO Steven Tanger whose leadership style and philanthropic efforts are legendary and serve as great examples of how great Southern businessmen should lead.

Dive into this issue and get inspired to cultivate your own personal style. There is no right or wrong way to look or live in the South. There is, however, the rebel in all of us that shirks sameness and embraces a fierce sense of individuality!

ART DIRECTOR Julius Woodard ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR Jared Jordan CIRCULATION AND OFFICE MANAGER Barbara Barnette FASHION EDITOR Ashley Borders DINING EDITOR Elizabeth Kaiser COPY EDITOR Cameron Spencer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Robyn Passante, Eva Fedderly, Elizabeth Danos, Elizabeth Kaiser, Ashley Borders, Jennifer Crumpton CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Blake Crosby, Kate Blohm, Angela Hopper, Travis Teate, Michaael Hrizuk, Cedric Smith, Elizabeth Rusiecki, Matt Slade, Anna Brody, Lindsey Clark EDITORIAL INTERNS Jennifer Crumpton, Alex Shimalla DESIGN INTERNS Elizabeth Pryor, Cristina Mourao magazine is published bimonthly by bad ink, brooks advertising design, inc. reproduction by any means of the whole or part of bad ink without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. views expressed in the editorial pages do not imply our endorsement. we welcome your product news. include prices, photos and digital files with your press release. please forward product samples and media kits to reviews editor, SOUTH magazine, 116 bull street, savannah, georgia 31401. we cannot be responsible for unsolicited product samples. subscription rates: u.s.: $19 for one year; $28 for two years; single copies: $4.95. change of address notice: six to eight weeks prior to moving, please clip the mailing label from the most recent issue and send it along with your new address to: SOUTH magazine, change of address notice, 116 bull street, savannah, ga 31401, attn: circulation SOUTH

SOUTH MAGAZINE: A Division of Bad Ink 116 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401 phone: 912.236.5501 fax: 912.236.5524 southmagazine.com

–Paula S. Fogarty, Editor at Large

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Photograph by LINDSEY CLARK

CONTRIBUTORS

ROBYN PASSANTE

Robyn is a regular contributor to The Huffingtom Post and NickMom, and her essays have appeared on websites including The Washington Post, Bonbon Break, The Mid and.

She has written the cover stories on Miss South Carolina, “Stripped” (Page 140) amd the feature story on Country music star, Billy Currington (Page 132).

EMILY BARGERON

Emily Bargeron is a music loving, gypsy soul and the creator of the Savannah-based clothing line Mamie Ruth. When she’s not front row at a music festival she is knee deep in fabric designing her next collection at her studio and storefront on Liberty St. in downtown Savannah. Check her styling of the Professional Singles (Page 96).

ASHLEY BORDERS

Ashley Borders is a Savannah native with international experience styling fashion and film celebrities alike. Her accoldaes from major film directors, such as Nick Cassavetes are legion. Borders was the stylist for the Zia at the Beach” Fashion Show at the Jepson Center (Page 34) and has styled Greatest Dads (Page 54), Southern Fashion Trends (Page 102), the feature on internationally renowned jewelry designer Gogo Ferguson (Page 42) and the introduction to “The South’s Hottest Beaches” (Page 146). She has also contributed her views on the South’s rising fashion scene, (Page 110) Ashley runs her own business, Ashley Borders Fashion Stylist. She designs and makes her own fashions and we are thrilled to have her aboard as our Fashion Editor. Visit her website as ashleyborders.com.

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MATT SLADE

Matt Slade is a photographer currently based in Savannah, Ga . He specializes in LGBTQ and fashion photography. His work places an emphasis on what it means to be a member of the gay community in the 21st century and in the subcultures that inspired him and are constant sources of inspiration for the world of fashion that he loves. Using color and hand-crafted sets, his photographs portray a clean and futuristic feel. “Southern Styles & Art” (Page 102). Visit his website at mattslade.com.

JENNIFER CRUMPTON

Jennifer is arecent honors graduate of Armstrong State Univeristy’s writing program and specializes in creative writing. She introduces us to the wonders of the new South Carolinamade bourbon, Virgil Kaine (Page 164) and discovered many great other new Southern-made products. (Page 46).

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THE TRAVEL & ADVENTURE ISSUE

SOUTH'S GREATEST BODIES 2015

TURKEY HUNTING BUCKET LIST 2015 WHAT'S ON YOURS? CULINARY ADVENTURES ADVENTURE RACE SURVIVAL GUIDE GREATEST MOMS SLEEPING WITH THE SPIRITS MAKENNA REEDER RISING SUPERMODEL & ADVENTURE SEEKER

TYBEE ISLAND GOLDEN ISLES CHARLESTON JACKSONVILLE HILTON HEAD

SOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

t

GREATEST

DESTINATIONS

APRIL-MAY 2015

THE TRAVEL & ADVENTURE ISSUE

TWITTER

We’re always out live Tweeting at events. Follow us @south_mag.

Teacher Beth Parsons and May Day Queen Sophia Brooks.

(Right)Sophia with friend Valentino.

May Day Queen

A BEAUTIFUL GESTURE EARNS SOPHIA BROOKS THE TITLE SOPHIA BROOKS WAS NAMED MAY DAY QUEEN 2015 AFTER BEING NOMINATED BY YOUR TEACHER BETH PARSONS. The application read as follows:

Sophia is a student who excels in all she does. When asked if I had a student to represent May Howard Elementary for King or Queen Sophia Brooks’ name immediately came to my mind. Sophia often shows compassion for others and tries to help meet their needs. This year a student whose only transportation to school was by bicycle. The little girl’s bike broke and she had to walk a long way to get to school.

Sophia saw this girl needed help. Sophia offered the little girl her own bike to help her get to school. Whether it is helping with a class assignment, tying a shoe or offering her bike Sophia is always there to help. I am honored to teach such a compassionate student. I know she will do great things in life and will continue to be a leader in compassion for others. – Beth Parsons

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SOUTH'S GREATEST BODIES 2015

GREATEST MOMS, BUCKET LIST 2015 WHAT'S ON YOURS? CULINARY ADVENTURES ADVENTURE RACE SURVIVAL GUIDE TURKEY HUNTING SLEEPING WITH THE SPIRITS DEAN CALDARELLI SOUTH'S GREATEST BODIES 2015

SOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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Follow us at (southmagazine) to see what inspires South.

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@Instasouth is your one-stop handle for Dixie’s coolest pics.

GREATEST

DESTINATIONS APRIL-MAY 2015

TYBEE ISLAND GOLDEN ISLES CHARLESTON JACKSONVILLE HILTON HEAD

ISSUE 55 COVERS All Apologies As hard as we all try, no one bats 1,000 consistently. We like to fess up and own our mistakes and hopefully learn from them!

In the last issue, we experienced a format change to the High Cotton executive profile on Greg Kelly, Chief Executive of The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. This resulted in the incorrect spelling of his name in one instance, and a couple of other typos. We sincerely regret this and issue this formal and public apology.

We forgot to credit the renowned photographer, Jack Leigh, in our article on John Berendt. Leigh created the iconic image that graces the cover of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. It is called “Midnight, Bonaventure Cemetery, 1993.”

The artists gracing the walls of Cohen’s Retreat, the location of our Greatest Mom’s feature, are Dan Smith in the first image, and Souby Bouski behind Biddy Whelan.

ACCOLADES AND DOING GOOD

INSTASOUTH

We won’t sugar-coat it for you here at South, and our Instagram feed is no different. Follow @instasouth for exclusive content, hilarious behind-the-scenes looks at celebrity photo shoots and a little taste of what life is like at the South mag offices. Plus, you’ll get a glimps of what life in the South is truly like, with maybe a few filters.

#NOFILTER

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I just want to let you know that I got a new client from the article you wrote on us in the last issue! Thanks so much for the coverage, and you all really know how to reach my audience. Quote: “I opened South, saw the article and knew I had to place the order immediately.”

—Tony Drockton Creator, Hammitt Handbags

GET IN TOUCH WRITE TO US AT editor@thesouthmag.com or 116-A Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401

ChitChats

CLUB SOUTH MOUTH OF THE SOUTH HIGH COTTON IN THE STUDIO SOUTHERN MADE CULTURED ON THE PORCH

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CHECK OUT OS FROM MORE PHOT NIVERSARY AN R EA -Y ZIA’S 10 PAGE 42.

ON N IO AT CELEBR ON AT TI EC LL CO SEE HIS M CO E. QU ZIABOUTI

ZIA!

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS AS ONE THIS REGIONS TOP JEWELRY DESIGNERS, THIS GLOBAL CITIZEN HAS FOUND HIS STRIDE AND IS REACHING HEIGHTS.

A PIECE FROM ZIA’S 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION. HAIR AND MAKEUP: COURTNEY FLOOD STYLING: ASHLEY BORDERS PHOTOGRAPHY: KELLI BOYD MODEL: SAVANNAH MORRIS

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ZIA SACHEDINA IS A MAN OF THE WORLD. He has roots in an amalgam of cultures, and his jewelry reflects these influences. Zia’s passion for travel and heritage, as well as his commitment to sharing his adventures with his customers, is evident in all of his designs.

Zia’s newest collection celebrates a 10-year anniversary on Broughton Street and in the jewelry business. Recently showcased in a jaw-dropping runway show at the Telfair’s Jepson Museum, these statement pieces brought the house down, turning the night triumphant. This success served as an affirmation for Sachedina; that his mission – to inspire others while infusing Savannah with global influence – is making an impact.

Zia’s new collection serves as an homage to his Japanese (the red cinnabar necklace), African (his Fulani pieces), Indian (the gemstone and gold pieces), and American heritages (the Native American inspired feather pieces).

Sachedina provides each piece with its own spotlight without sacrificing a cohesive feel. While each piece is distinctively gorgeous, the Zia touch unites them all.

Along with making the wearer feel unique, exotic, sexy and sophisticated, Zia hopes his designs will ignite an adventurous spirit in all of his customers. His mission: to make the wearer feel as if they are traveling the world with him, selecting one artifact of worldly splendor at a time.

Each piece in Zia’s store is handmade and reflects an aspect of the culture and spirit of its inspirational origins. From the Amazon to the Kalahari Desert, these pieces really do take you on a beautiful journey. Zia is the modern Silk Road merchant, traveling to distant lands so we don’t have to, returning with inspiration and bountiful treasure. These are those treasures, modeled by the intrepid women who have become a part of his journey. For more information contact ziaboutique.com or 912-233-3237

Wr i t t e n b y A S H L E Y B O R D E R S P h o t o s c o u r t e s y o f K E L L I B OY D

CLUB SOUTH / POP UP POP ART PART Y

Over 500 people attended the PopUp-Party sponsored by South in celebration of the instillation of world-renowned artist, Anne Ferrer’s Hot Pink colossal inflated soft sculpture that currently hangs in the atrium of the colorful Jepson Center. The disco-themed occasion was perfectly fitting to highlight the In Living Color exhibition featuring works by Andy Warhol and other major twentieth century modern artists alongside the showcasing of Ferrer’s work. South also released the Travel and Adventure issue at the festive occasion.

Christina Fugg MaKenna Reeder Breila Williamson & Zack Rozelle

Jules de Jesus Fritz

1. Rose Lane White & Chuck Leavell 2. Anne Ferrer 3. Mark & Kate Haslam 4. Mark Ellis & Ann Lytle 5. Jodi & Michael Clark 6. Michael Power & Kate Dowdel 7. Christopher Blocker 8. Jenna Johnson & Stuart Clay

Shannon James & Rob Cordasco Lynn and Pete Schramm

Zia Sachedina & Ashley Borders

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Maribel & Katherine Gomez

Helen Patella, Courtney Crews, Megan Kramer

Roberto & Laci Leoci

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C L U B S O U T H / Z I A AT T H E B E A C H

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Jennifer Collins, Patti KIng, Sharon Peake-Jones

On Friday, May 15, the Telfair Museum’s Jepson Center celebrated the opening of the photography exhibit Life’s a Beach with a fashion show

by Zia Sachedina, an artist of exotic collections of jewelry and accessories. Art on Tap: Zia at the Beach was sponsored by 40 Volume Salon & Spa, Halo Talent Savannah, South magazine, and Zia himself. The Jepson Center allowed guests to roam the premises and view the galleries on display before the fashion show started at 7:30p.m. The Life’s a Beach exhibit will run through August 30.

1. Cristina Drumm, Carmen DelaRosa 2. Alison Grabowski, Sophie Wagman, Sam Troilo, Tess Graham, Kylee Twarowski 3. Libbie Summers, Erin Wessling 4. Madison Hoover, Natalie Hendrix, Joelle Strickland 5. Ridley Stallings, Melissa Hall, Megan Benson 6. Caroline Keller, Julia Wylly, Dana Sheehan, Paula Duerksen 7. Sergio and Danielle Orozco

7 Betsy Hunter Hughes and Karen Guinn

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Sarah d’Auriel, Erica Jarmin, Zia Sach Larryn Walker, and Abbie Hastings. edina,

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Photography by L I NDSEY C LARK

“

MY REAL DESIGN STUDIO WAS AT STUDIO 54, WHERE ALL THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE WERE. WHILE I WAS A STUDENT, I WOULD MAKE OUTFITS FOR THE MODELS AT THE CLUB AND SOON EVERYONE WANTED ME TO DRESS THEM!

SM: How did you get started in fashion design?

JH: I studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, but my real design studio was at Studio 54, where all the beautiful people were.

While I was a student, I would make outfits for the models at the club and soon everyone wanted me to dress them! As a result, Henri Bendel’s gave me a big order, and orders from Barney’s followed that launch. I went back to school to ask my teachers how I was going to produce all these orders, and they were floored!

SM: How do you make your designs?

JH: All of my products are made in America. I used to have my own shop with lots of people working and sewing, but now it is just so difficult to find people with these skills. We don’t do a very good job at vocational training anymore, so I am outsourcing to the manufacturer, who makes all the products for Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. It is high-quality production, and my designs demand great construction.

My team makes all the patterns, and I oversee the quality control.

National Fashion Icon in Savannah DESIGNER JAMES HOGAN SOUNDS OFF ABOUT THE SOUTH, STYLE AND STUDIO 54

INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED FASHION designer James

Hogan visited Savannah from his hometown of Boston in 1990 and decided to open up his Whittaker Street shop shortly after that. “I just love everything about living here, and Southern women really get classical styles. I also love that people in the South have manners; men open doors and pull up chairs for women; people send thank you notes after dinner parties! It is just so very pleasant,” he said.

Hogan has been dressing women and men for 35 years, but his style has evolved from rock and roll into an eternally classical aesthetic; think Mick Jagger meets Cary Grant!

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SM: Are you a solo practitioner, or do you have a partner?

JH: I never wanted to take on a partner, but I suppose if I did, I may have been much bigger. But I have enjoyed great success over the years.

So many great department stores that carried my lines are sadly no longer with us; Bonwit Teller, Lord & Taylor, I. Magnin, Garfinkles and all the great ones carried my lines, but they are all gone! So now, I have my store in Boston and the one in Savannah.

Many of my clients are private clients for my custom work. I have many private clients at Sea Island and also in Palm Beach, so Savannah is really a perfect location.

SM: Your styles are so classical, what inspires your design aesthetic?

JH: You cannot beat what Givenchy did for Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy! I like a sophisticated, understated look: a look for women

“

MOUTH OF THE SOUTH / JAMES HOGAN

who are confident and elegant.

Growing up, people like you and I emulated the great style icons like C.Z. Guest, so I make clothing suited for that level of sophistication. I pay attention to the classics, but I started out dressing rock stars and hung out a lot with the likes of Grace Slick and Blondie. One former rock star client of mine recently said that I have gone from dressing rockers to dressing ladies who lunch! After all, they are now the ladies who lunch!

SM: What was your favorite era?

JH: The one I grew up in! No era had more fun than the 70s and early 80s in New York. I knew great designers and artists like Andy Warhol—who was a really nice person, despite all the rumors! I’ll always remember what he said to me about fashion: he said, “It’s not about the clothes; it’s about you! Make yourself interesting.” That is timeless truth.

JAMES: THE FACTS ➽ James began his career in fashion in 1979 after attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. ➽ His line has been in multiple retail stores, including Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. ➽ The James Hogan clothing line has been featured in Women’s Wear Daily, W, Vogue, as well as Town & Country. ➽ James opened his first store in 1984 in his home state of Massachusetts. ➽ Today he has two store locations: Worcester, Massachusettes and Savannah, Georgia.

WHERE TO FIND JAMES IN THE SOUTH jameshogan.com 912.234.0374 412 Whitaker Street Savannah, GA

Wr i t t e n b y PAU L A S . F O G A RT Y P h o t o g r a p h y b y C A N DAC E P E R RY

HIGH COTTON / SOUTHERN LEADERS TELL ALL

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HAVING WATCHED TANGER OUTLETS GROW FROM A FOUR-PERSON BUSINESS, I TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN THE COMPANY THAT BEARS MY FAMILY NAME. AS LEADER OF THE ORGANIZATION, I AM INVOLVED IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE BUSINESS. WE STRIVE TO REFLECT THE LOCAL PERSONALITY OF A REGION IN THE ARCHITECTURE OF TANGER OUTLET CENTERS.

“

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ANGER OUTLETS’ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, STEVEN TANGER, characterizes his firm as “a testament to the American entrepreneurial spirit. Founded by his father, Stanley, in 1981, the company opened shop with the country’s first outlet shopping center in Burlington, North Carolina. Tanger reminisces, “At that time, our long-range plan was to make it to Saturday. By 1992, we grew the company to 13 outlet centers. In 1993, we launched our IPO and became the first outlet developer to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:SKT) as a publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). Tanger’s bold move opened new avenues of financing for the entire outlet center industry, and he recalls, “At that time our enterprise value was $200 million. Today that number has grown to $5 billion.” We caught up with him after the opening of the latest Tanger Outlets mall in Pooler, Georgia, in partnership with Ben Carter Enterprises, to find out what makes this CEO tick.

ON H IS MOTI VATION “Having watched Tanger Outlets grow from a four-person business, I take great pride in the company that bears my family name. We grew this company out of a motivation to provide customers with a consistent first-class shopping experience offering a true value to the consumer. Today, we employ over 600 Tanger employees who share our belief in the highest level of customer service, community and engagement.

Their hard work and enthusiasm for this shared belief is what motivates me each day.”

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Steven Tanger

The Tanger Outlets Chief Executive Officer Opens Up About This Region’s Newest Tanger Location and What it Took To Get Here.

THE BRIEF STEVEN TANGER’S ENTERPRISE

BY THE NUMBERS

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600 45 Employees

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450

Shopping Centers

Brand Names

Wr i t t e n b y PAU L A S. FO G A RT Y

ON MOTI VATI NG OTH ERS “I believe in this company, and I believe in the strength of our brand. Our mission is clear and straightforward: provide the highest level of service and value to our customers, be a thoughtful partner to our retail tenants, and provide a goal-oriented vision

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44,000

Enterprise Value

Full and Part Time Jobs Created

BILLION

P h o t o s c o u r t e s y o f TA N G E R O U T L ET S

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Shoppers at the new Tanger Outlets center in Pooler, Georgia

continued on from page 38 of the future to our stakeholders. I think this mission is one that is easily understood. In my role as CEO, I understand that it’s my job first and foremost to personify that mission. It’s a job I take very seriously. At Tanger, we like to promote from within, and we make that known. When you become a part of the Tanger Team, we want you to reach all of your goals. I find that when people know that they have the support to excel, they do.”

M E ASU R I NG SUCCESS “There are a number of ways in which we measure success. Some are more obvious – such as the steady growth of our centers and the increasing diversity of our portfolio – but others are more subtle. People are integral to our business at all levels – our employees, our customers, our investors, our retail partners, and the people living and working in the communities in which we operate. While we track this success with metrics such as employee and tenant retention or customer sales over a time period , I think our

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overall reputation, while a bit more abstract, is one that we observe regularly. One way is the feedback we receive from a community when we announce a new center or the interest for ongoing partnerships from our community and retail partners.”

TH E POW ER OF GI V I NG Being a good corporate citizen is an important part of Tanger Outlet Centers’ philosophy for success. Each year, through donations and fund-raising efforts at its corporate headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina and at its portfolio of shopping centers across the country, Tanger strives to make the communities it serves better places for everyone to live, work and raise their family. Since 1994, Tanger has partnered with and supported a variety of worthwhile charitable organizations and causes in the hope of making a difference. Tanger Outlets has now raised and donated over $16.3 million with a primary focus on battling breast cancer and helping children and schools succeed.

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UNIQUE DESIGNS

➽ The design of the new Pooler, Georgia, center is decidedly in keeping with the Lowcountry and Savannah, down to the lighthouse and fountain feature. We don’t expect CEOs to be involved in such details, yet Tanger proves to be different. ➽ Tanger explained, “As leader of the organization, I am involved in all aspects of the business. We strive to reflect the local personality of a region in the architecture of Tanger Outlet Centers.

We maintain our dedication to providing a unique, world-class shopping experience to our customers – whether they’re in Pittsburgh, Phoenix, Ottawa or Savannah. The consistency in our brand lies in our quality architectural design; customer service; our selection of high-quality, brand name retail partners; the services and amenities available to our shoppers and the feeling that they just had an enjoyable day of shopping.”

Top: Tanger Outlets, Pooler, boasts regional architectural references Above:The Property Brothers at the Pooler grand opening Right: A fountain at the Pooler center echoes the one in Forsyth Park

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POOLER, GA, (912) 348-3125 BLUFFTON, SC, (843) 837-5410 ___________________________ FOR A LOCATION NEAR YOU, GO TOTANGEROUTLET.COM/CENTER

IN THE STUDIO / SOUTHERN ART

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IT’S ALL ABOUT CO-EXISTING WITH THE ISLAND AND ITS NON-HUMAN INHABITANTS. ITS ABOUT MAINTAINING RESPECT FOR NATURE, LIVING AND DEAD.

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lligator toe bones, rattlesnake vertebrae and sea snails may conjure up some morbid thoughts for many, but not for Gogo Ferguson. This woman sees intrinsic beauty in organic forms that are essential to life. Gogo is Cumberland Island. Gogo is a scion of the Carnegie family and grew up on their stunning barrier island off the Georgia coast, which is now a national park.

Just as her grandmother and great-grandmother ruled this island compound, Gogo taps into the energy of the island, its people, its animals and its creatures alive and passed on.

Plant forms such as seaweed and bottle brushes often accompany animal bones as the inspiration for Gogo Jewelry, which is beloved by international superstars such as Carly Simon, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Jimmy Buffet, Goldie Hawn and Wes Anderson. Gogo also designed the wedding rings for John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.

ORGANIC INSPIRATION

Gogo Ferguson’s Designs With Nature CUMBERLAND ISLAND DESIGNER TO THE STARS

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Wr i t t e n b y A S H L E Y B O R D E R S

Jewelry making was Gogo’s way to stay on the island. As a child, she would always adorn herself with treasures found on the Cumberland: bones as earrings and necklace charms. Even during our time with her, she effortlessly made a bracelet from some dry40seaweed she found. The continued on page jewelry was a natural process for her. It was “organic” from the creative process to the elements in the design. “I was always designing adornment as a child, whenever I traversed the island. Shells became pendants on string, feathers in my braids. I have always seen the beauty in nature,” she explained.

Gogo has a strong love for sharing her creativity and instilling others to explore and grow their own creativity. She’s conducted courses for CEOs to inner city children, teaching about the beauty in nature’s design and that everyone is a creative soul. For instance, she’ll walk with them along the beach, helping them see the beauty in shells, leaves, half-

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FUN FACTS ABOUT GOGO FERGUSON ➽ She is now implementing 3-D modeling technology for her designs. ➽ Eating what she finds in nature like fruits and fish keep her healthy and connected to Mother Nature. ➽ Her life is simple and she even cleans her own house! ➽ Her Grandmother, Lucy, was her inspiration.

Lucy had a pet buzzard who followed her around everywhere. ➽ The Bedford Whaling Museum is placing her works in their permanent collection. ➽ Her philanthropic efforts give back to the Department of Natural Resources and Wounded Warriors.

GET GOGO JEWELRY Gogo’s unique designs are available through the following exclusive outlets: ➽ GOGOJEWELRY.COM ➽ THE GREYFIELD INN, CUMBERLAND ISLAND, 4 NORTH 2ND ST, FERNANDINA BEACH, FL, GREYFIELDINN.COM, (904) 261-6408

eaten conch shells, all while encouraging them to design art with these natural “treasures.”

Gogo sees these “treasures” as gifts from nature. “It is all about co-existing with the island and its non-human inhabitants. Its about maintaining respect for nature, living and dead.” She said of her fascination with nature’s designs, “It is the way shells spiral, it is the way the skeletal structure is so perfect in function and design, it is the way the skeletal patterns in a leaf or the pattern on the armadillo shell are so perfect to transform into wearable art. The fact that these treasures lay all over the island if you really look, and that not only were they

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beautiful in their lives but also transformed and beautiful in their next life!” Her designs give life back to something that is no longer living as they are worn by women and men across the globe. Through this process, she believes that people are also educated about the natural design process and the importance of preservation and co-existence with nature.

Her creative process begins with daily explorations of shorelines and the wilderness.

Casting forms from the remains of the creatures or plants honors their spirits and elevates the wonders of nature to high art. The High Museum of Art recognized this art form and

held an exhibition of Gogo’s jewelry in 2013 called” Gogo: Nature Transformed”. She has many new products launching soon about which she said, “I am so excited, I haven’t taken my new megladon sharks tooth off since I got the prototype, and to make it even more special, Kara Cargen, designer and business assistant in Gogo Inc., actually found the real tooth we have had hand pounded in San Miguel de Allende by our metal smith.” gogojewelry.com.

Top left: Gogo working in her studio Top right: Found tortoise shells inspire Bottom: Organic jewelry forms on display

SOUTHERN MADE / LOCAL PRODUCTS

3 WARRIOR CREEK HANDBAGS

Looking for something hot in handbags this season?

Warrior Creek Handbags have the style you need.

Handcrafted in the small town of Lenox in South Georgia, as well as Lake Worth, Florida, these handbags have the ability to be worn eight different ways. The bohemian country-rock style is extremely versatile and can be used for trips to the beach, your favorite festivals, or everyday events. Owners and world travelers John Molenda and Leah Feliciano came up with the idea for these Southernmade carry-ons while traveling through Europe. John insists, “The convenience of the product makes people’s lives better.” warrior-creek.com

13 BRICKS APPAREL

Southern Made

ROCKIN’ HANDBAGS, LOCAL ARTISTRY AND TAILOR MADE TEES.

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Apparel meets Fine Art in this Savannah native, successful clothing and print shop. 13 Bricks takes pride in being an environmentally conscious business; with the focus on exclusive use of organic garments intertwined with the desire to provide a sustainable alternative to the traditional clothes trending on the market, they’ll stop at nothing to promote a positive change in our community through the cultivation of art. Founded in early 2012, the company intends to “become a staple of Savannah” while branching out across the borders. 13bricksclothing.com

TIFFANI TAYLOR

For Tiffani Taylor, inspiration does not come from within but from what she observes in the world. She explains, “Nature is my cathedral. I’m very much inspired by Mother Nature, travel, and divinity. I relish in the deliciousness of this city, and I’ve always said that art is my love letter to humanity and God.” And her locally made artwork and licensed products, both stunning and elegant, reflect just that. Be sure to visit her store located in historic downtown Savannah.

11 Whitaker Street, Savannah, GA, 912.507.7860

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Wr i t t e n b y J E N N I FE R C RU M P T ON a n d E L I Z A B E T H DA NOS P h o t o g r a p h c o u r t e s y o f WA R R I O R C R E E K , 13 B R I C K S , S M O K E C A RT E L & DAU F U S K I E RU M

C U LT U R E D / O U R C R E AT I V E C O A S T

Omingnome SAVANNAH’S OWN PSYCHEDELIC-FUNK BAND

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ust shy of three years ago, Omingnome was formed by a couple of music-loving enthusiasts. Melissa “MothaBug” Hagerty, Tyler Cutitta and Tony Bavaro all ended up in Savannah through a series of events, and they were lucky enough to find each other on stage. Omingnome also performs with Simon Ross of Planetary Projections, who provides the audience with a synchronized liquid light show. Melissa, Tyler, and Tony all started out by playing around town at open mic and jam nights with drummer Eric Braun. By the end of 2012, Omingnome had officially become a band. The name “Omingnome” itself is a combination of two words: oming and gnome. “Om” is in reference to the frequency of the universe; it brings to light the peaceful practice of non-egoist self love and improvement. “Gnome,” on the other hand, refers to the guardians of the forest; these earth-loving, light-hearted creatures are what the members of Omingnome aim to be like on a daily basis.

The band describes their sound as being “as though Sly and the Family Stone, Pink Floyd, Jefferson Airplane, and Bjork climbed

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inside Marty-McFly’s time machine and blended into a sound that reaches one from a place and time unknown.” And we have to agree with that description; their music and vocals are as unique as they are enchanting.

The band goes on to say, “Personable and soulful female vocals weave their way through rich and often affected seasoned guitar tones, all the while carried by groovy and danceable bass-lines and tight drum beats.” For the members of Omingnome, it’s all about providing a one-of-a- kind experience for their audience. They strive to create a lasting experience that will mean something to people.

This past February, the band returned from an 11-week tour that took them as far as California, covering over 11,000 miles. They dubbed this tour “The Caterpillar Tour.” Since the tour ended, Omingnome is now in the “cocoon” phase, which has involved a lot of recording time in the studio as well as training a new drummer. By late summer, the band will be in their next phase: the butterfly. There will be a lot of new songs (as well as a video or two) just in time for them to take off on tour again. In the mean time, keep up with them on Facebook, or visit their omingnome.com.

CONCERT PICKS No matter your taste in music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

SAVANNAH Earth Wind and Fire June 7, 7 p.m.

Johnny Mercer Theatre vividseats.com John Mellencamp June 19, 7:30 p.m.

Johnny Mercer Theatre vividseats.com

CHARLESTON Bryan Adams June 27, 8 p.m.

Family Circle Stadium ticketmaster.com Slightly Stoopid July 18, 6:30 p.m.

Charleston Tea Plantation ticketfly.com

ATLANTA Train, The Fray, and Matt Nathanson June 5, 7 p.m.

Aarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood bigstub.com Imagine Dragons July 14, 7 p.m.

Philips Arena bigstub.com Rod Stewart July 15, 8 p.m.

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park bigstub.com

JACKSONVILLE

Shania Twain July 15, 7 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville ticketmaster.com Barenaked Ladies July 11, 6:30 p.m.

St. Augustine Amphotheatre box-officetickets.com

SEAM BUSTERS BY MARY HOOD Mary Hood’s new novella, Seam Busters, takes place in the rural town of Ready, Georgia. The protagonist, Irene Morgan, works for Frazier Fabrics, to sew top-of-the-line camcam ouflage for U.S. troops. The women are constantly berated by production goals and learning curves, while

continuously striving to please their employers. The characters must confront everything from the mundaneness of everyday life to straddling the line between life and death. Hood is one of the South’s greatest writers, and Seam Busters is a must read.

– Amazon.com

Wr i t t e n b y E L I Z A B ET H DA N O S

Po r t r a i t b y B L A K E C R O S BY

S O U T H E R N C U LT U R E / FA S H I O N

Andrea Surrano HER CLIENT LIST INCLUDES MAYBELLINE, L’OREAL, NAUTICA, GETTY IMAGES, PLAYBOY, SONY, ELEKTRA, AND J RECORDS JUST TO NAME A FEW AND ALSO WAS THE IN-HOUSE STYLIST FOR MAXIM, STUFF, AND BLENDER MAGAZINES. SHE NOW CALLS CHARLESTON HER HOME BUT AS A WIFE AND MOM OF TWO STILL FINDS TIME TO KEEP HER CREATIVE ENTERPRISE ROLLING.

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THE POSSIBITIES IN CHARLESTON ARE INFINITE. THE WORLD HAS ITS EYE ON THE SOUTH RIGHT NOW FROM FASHION, FOOD, ART... EVERYTHING HERE IS SO INSPIRING.

Andrea Serrano is an industry veteran who’s forged her own career path using determination and talent. She has bounced along the East Coast from Miami to New York, but has finally found her perfect fit in the tight-knit fashion community in Charleston, where she juggles fashion blogs, her styling business, and her fulltime gig as a mom.

To get it all done with a smile on her face and all the hairs still on her head, she says she works hard to “be present,” focusing all of her attention on the moment and the task at hand, and then moving on to the next. Beyond that, the key to success, Serrano says, is to “find something you love and make a way to live doing it. Find your avenue and make your creative niche.”

That’s exactly what she has managed to do.

Serrano began her fashion career as an intern in MTV Latino’s wardrobe department in Miami.

Her early work caught the eye of stylist Danny Santiago, who hired her to be his assistant, where she helped him with photo shoots for magazines, catalogs and advertising.

Eventually she was propelled into the everchanging and highly competitive styling business in New York, where she found her way into the magazine world, interning at the famed Harper’s Bazaar under the direction of legendary editor Liz Tilberis and creative director Fabien Baron.

From there she built a solid resume, assisting with ad campaigns for Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Guess and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as magazine editorials for Vibe, Rolling Stone, Premiere and

Wr i t t e n b y A S H L E Y B O R D E R S P h o t o s c o u r t e s y o f A N D R E A S E R R A N O

Photographer - Lauren Sykes, Model - Kaylin Riney, Makeup - Elina Mille at Bellelina Skincare and Makeup Studio, Hairstylist - Mac Does Hair at Studio M Beauty Bar Style Assistant - Reed Sieber, on location at Mixson Bath and Racquet Club

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Photographer - Lauren Sykes, Model Chelsea Rampersant, Makeup - Elina Mille at Bellelina Skincare and Makeup Studio, Hairstylist - Mac Does Hair at Studio M Beauty Bar Style Assistant - Reed Sieber, on location at Mixson Bath and Racquet Club 52

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Photographer - Jonathan Balliet Stylist - Andrea Serrano Models - Venita Aspen and Kyle Victory, Makeup Rebekah Ellie Hairstylist Kalena Doo assisted by Ashley Chanel Dessaure at Stella Nova Charlesto n Style Assistant - Reed Sieber, on location at The Palmer House, all clothing by Dandy Boutique

Photographer - Jonathan Balliet Stylist - Andrea Serrano Models - Venita Aspen and Kyle Victory, Makeup Rebekah Ellie Hairstylist - Kalena Doo assisted by Ashley Chanel Dessaure at Stella Nova Charleston Style Assistant - Reed Sieber, on location at The Palmer House, all clothing by Dandy Boutique

Paper. Over the years she worked with prominent fashion photographers and directors, and she served as a wardrobe stylist for such A-list celebrities as Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Prince, Cindy Crawford, Christy Brinkley, Claudia Schiffer and the cast of “Sex and the City.”

Gradually, Serrano developed her own corporate clientele, working directly for companies including Maybelline, L’oreal, Playboy, Sony and many others. She also served as the in-house stylist for Dennis Publishing, working on editorial spreads for Maxim, Stuff, and Blender magazines.

While she was steadily building her impressive career in the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, Serrano and her husband often jetted to Charleston to visit her brother, who lived there. She was entranced by the magic and seductiveness of the Spanish moss and cobblestone streets, a world apart from the concrete jungle in which she usually thrived. Eventually she and her husband decided to make the move, lured by the loveliness experienced on their many visits to the famed Southern town.

Once in Charleston, they opened two fashionforward boutiques, B’zar and Suite Sole. These were successful ventures and an exciting new territory for the couple, but after five years Serrano and her husband decided to close shop and move in another direction. Serrano worked as the costume shopper for two seasons of the hit show “Army Wives,” which involved sourcing and buying clothing five days a week, six months a year. That job enabled her to discover the hidden retail gems in Charleston, including local boutiques, as well as to study the emerging fashion scene in the coastal South.

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3RD ANNUAL

OUR READERS NOMINATED AND FANS VOTED FOR THE SOUTH’S GREATESTS DADS. WHETHER THEY’RE CRADLING US AS BABIES, SHOWING US THE ROPES OF LIFE OR TEACHING US NEW SKILLS TO MAKE IT IN THIS WORLD, GREAT DADS SHOULD BE CELEBRATED. THESE GREAT DADS SHARE TEN TIPS ON FATHERHOOD. PHOTOGRAPHY/ANGELA HOPPER & STYLED/ASHLEY BORDERS

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Chip Grayson pictured with daughters Lauren and Brooke.

CHIP GRAYSON

GREATEST CHALLENGE TO BEING A DAD

The only challenge I had was to make a good living and to provide for my daughters–private schools, safe cars, make sure they finish college in good standing and have successful careers. I saw my role as one that left my children in better stead than I.

IN THE SHOT: CHIP GRAYSON PCNIC WITH DAUGHTERS: SAVANNAH VINTAGE RENTALS/TRUNKS & BLUE CHAIR; WRIGHT’S SQUARE/SANDWICHES; MATHES LAND & CATTLE /WINE HOLDER, THROW PILLOWS; BLUE DRESS/ PATTERNED DRESS

ADVICE FOR NEW DADS

Learn the value of saying NO. A parent’s job isn’t to be their children’s friend, it’s to be a responsible adult who sticks to making the kids do what’s right.

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➽ TREY DAMPIER

ADVICE FOR NEW DADS

My advice for new fathers is to expect the unexpected and to be flexible. Do not buy too may clothes of one size or 10 cans of one type of formula because they may not tolerate the formula or outgrow the 3 month clothing by one month old. Do not expect to resume life as usual after your child comes home, be ready to spend more nights in, and try to make time for your spouse as it is much harder once you have a child.

IF HE COULD DO IT ALL AGAIN

I would do nothing differently. I married the love of my life and I believe this was part of God’s plan.

There are always things that could go smoother, but it’s the unexpected things that usually bring the most joy.

Trey Dampier pictured with son Evans.

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VAN ARFLIN

IF HE HAD IT TO DO ALL OVER AGAIN

➽ JUSTIN PINCKNEY

GREATEST CHALLENGE TO BEING A DAD I think that today, one of the greatest challenges for dads is the leadership role that fathers have always been called upon to take on. The statistics for the negative effects on children from fatherless homes is staggering. An absent father is a common denominator in 63% of youth suicides, 90% of homeless and runaway children, 71% of high school dropouts, and 85%

If I had the chance to do something differently it would be to work less and put more of my focus on my family. You work to support your family but if you’re never there for them then you’re depriving them of one of the things they need most.

Van pictured with daughters Kadence and Ava, and son William.

GREATEST CHALLENGE IN BEING A DAD I can’t speak for all dads, but my greatest challenge is juggling work, everyday responsibilities, and spending time with my three children. This can be especially difficult with my profession.

of children who show behavioral disorders. 43% of US children today live without their father.

It’s my personal belief that God designed the family unit with both parental roles having their own specific purposes. With the increased absence of fathers in the home today, one can’t really deny the negative effects of these absences. Today, it is more important for men to embrace their father roles than ever.

Justin Pinckney pictured with sons Brodie and Eli. JUNE / JULY 2015

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STEVEN COHEN

WHY HE LOVES BEING A DAD

I love everything about being a dad. It has really brought new meaning to my life. In fact, it’s hard to even reflect on a point in my life when Cole wasn’t in it. I love so many things about our time together: making him smile, listening to his laugh, watching him meet every milestone. It makes you so proud. I love experiencing new things together. The first time he put his little baby toes in the ocean, running through the grass in bare feet, splashing in the bath tub, dancing to music, listening to sirens go by, watching airplanes in the sky, waving at the horse drawn carriages in the squares. I love when he kisses me goodnight and when he reaches for me in the morning when he wakes up. His delight with life is so sweet.

Steve Cohen pictured with son Cole Benjamin

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CHRISTOPHER STRACUZZA

WHY HE LOVES BEING A DAD

For me, the most rewarding part is the feeling my son brings to my life that fills my whole heart. I never knew how much you could love someone until he was born.

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SOU GREATTEHS’ST

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WE AR GREATES E SEEKING SOUTH BARTEND T BOSSES, PETS, C ’S H ER TO SOUTH S, NURSES & KID EFS, S. S MORE INFOGREATEST.COM FO GO R YOU CAN BRMATION ON HOW E SOUTH MFEATURED IN AGAZINE.

ADVICE FOR NEW DADS

Enjoy every second you have with your children. The one thing that really sticks in my mind is how it feels like I was just headed to the hospital with my son’s mom and this year we’ll be taking him to pre-k. It goes quick.

Chris Stracuzza pictured with son Cade James.

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URBAN TRENDS PAULA S. FOGARTY

PHOTOGRAPHY: BLAKE CROSBY / CEDRIC SMITH

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FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS THE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE MOVING BACK INTO CITIES FROM THE SUBURBS HAVE BEEN ON THE RISE. The Census Bureau data shows that in 2013, 2.3 million more people were living in urban areas than in 2012. Brookings Institute demographer, William Frey told USA Today that the exodus away from the suburbs is led by retiring baby boomers and young professionals. People are waiting longer to get married, and the commitment to that big house in the suburbs is big! Plus, the price of gas has made shortening the workday commute to enjoy a cold beer for happy hour on the way home all the more enticing.

Living small, however, does not mean living with less style. Savannah’s downtown is replete with many smaller urban dwellings that pack really big style. One thread that smaller lifestyles share in common is that we are forced to pair down to living with what we really love,and this forces us to develop our own unique style. We showcase three distinct urban spaces owned by three collectors who live with what they love. Their styles have emerged into Bohemian Chic, Transitional Contemporary and Classic Traditional.

1. Heart pine floors and exposed wood beams ground great contemporary original artworks with splashy colors against neutral walls. A custom finished cow hide serves as a magic carpet centering the eclectic comfy upholstery.

2. Ridley Stallings with her beloved dogs below her alltime favorite painting depicting female power, which was passed down from her mother.

BOHEMIAN CHIC One word: Rockstar! This Forsyth Park neighborhood deserves a rockstar, and it certainly found one when artist Ridley Stallings moved in to her new condominium. “The second I walked in, I knew I would be here for a very long time. It has only been a short time now, but I feel like it is home forever. It makes me so happy to wake up here every morning!” she exclaimed. The Albany native is daughter of an antiques dealer and collector.

Stallings definitely caught the bug. She is an artist and is not beyond finding old things and fixing them up herself. Of the silver French chest in her living room, she said, “Oh, that is something Mom and I found and painted together.”

Stallings is unabashed about collecting what she loves, but said, “A lot of the artwork I got from my Mom. My favorite painting from her is the Woman Empowerment piece.” It hangs above her rolled-arm fully upholstered sofa that is often occupied by her dog, Kava—after whom the house is named “Casa de Kava.” The living room is open to the dining room with high ceilings and exposed wooden structural beams.

The crème colored walls are a perfect backdrop (4)

for her art collection, and the painted leather cowhide in front of the sofa softens the wood floors.

Her dining area displays her art collection and own works of art surrounding the eclectic dining set. “It is so much fun to give your guests individual place settings! Matching is overrated,” said Stallings. Painted American ladder-back chairs mix with William and Mary style wood chairs and contemporary upholstered host and hostess chairs. Multicolored hand blown water goblets are paired with stemless wine glasses, and each place is set with a different hand-painted china pattern.

Stallings’ master bedroom features a traditional gold four-poster bed with turquoise finials and a ver de gris painted commode as a bedside table. The mix of blue and gold ads a ton of glamor to the small space, and the paintings add a pop of color to the peaceful room. The acrylic lamp introduces a contemporary twist to her bohemian flair. One gets the feeling of being in a Parisian artist’s loft in Casa de Kava, which, like its owner’s talent, is larger than life! ridleystallingsart.com (5)

3. The dining area with unique individual place settings and chairs. The chandelier was made by an artist friend of Stallings’.

Her own creation of a wood and sea shell flag hangs above the mirror. Buy her work at ridleystallingsart.com 4. The four-poster bed was painted gold and aqua by Stallings. A portrait of her dogs graces the wall and the ostrich patterned pillows add a big pop of color.

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5. Mix it up. Give your guests unique place settings and make each meal memorable.

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TRANSITIONAL CONTEMPORARY The historic 1856 townhouse Lori Judge shares with her husband and nine-year-old son is exemplary of how influential a collector’s passions are to developing a personal style. “I have always thought that if you live with what you love, then everything goes together. I have never thought about whether or not things matched,” said Judge. Judge has sought help from interior designers only to order custom upholstery and to help arrange what she already owns.

The living room is softly colored in warm crèmes, muted grays and plump purples. Textures of glass, wood, acrylic and cowhide mix beautifully, combining masculine and feminine qualities, and turning the room into a visual symphony.

A Midcentury modern acrylic table sits across from African tribal vessels that have been

1. A Jacobean style hutch, original art works by Marcus Kenney and her son, Albert, mid-centurymodern lucite and glass table, and contemporary soft uphostered host and hostess chairs.

2.A menagierie of found objects collected by the young Albert Judge rest atop a capital that serves as a centerpiece to the dining table.

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turned into a pair of cocktail tables. A tightly upholstered sofa invites guests to repose across from the contemporary lounge chairs, one with a stainless steel base. The bookshelves are filled with a menagerie of found objects and other totems of the family’s life. “My son Albert is a finder of all kinds of things. He found these little bones and skulls on our farm in Metter and turned them into sculptures,” Judge beamed with her megawatt smile.

An avid collector of art, the downstairs rooms boast works by great local artists such as Betsy Cain, Marcus Kenney, and Katherine Sandoz. The acrylic and glass dining table was purchased on one of her many trips to Miami, and it is surrounded by Midcentury modern chairs with tubular steel legs and flanked at each end by contemporary upholstered chairs

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3. Judge in the sunroom off the kitchen. Soft greens and geometric patterns add eye appeal to the calm and inviting setting.

4. The master bedroom continues the animal theme in the swan-legged night stands, and the mix of materials and textures echoes Judge’s clean contemporay sensibility.

covered in soft gray fabric. The Jacobean style hutch stands in striking contrast to this set; however, it all works well together, again, mixing a mélange of textures that balance.

Moving up to the master bedroom, the hallways are filled with great paintings she has collected over the years. The room itself embodies a sense of calm and quietude. The mix of steel, vintage throws, Ikat pillows, vintage painted wood nightstands with carved swans signal confidence and a touch of bohemian soul. Judge has created an environment that is at once a perfect showcase for her art collection and a comfortable home for her family, and overall, she has has done so by living with what she and her family love.

5. Contemporary art by Katherine Sandoz, found objects, exotic imports, midcentury modern objects and transitional upholstery in her serene living room. Animal skulls collected by Judge’s son introduce the natural passage of time to the setting. A silvery toned hide serves as a rug on top of the custom sisal-patterned area rug.

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CLASSIC TRADITIONAL The one bedroom apartment Mark Ellis shares with his adorable Pekingese faces the Northwest end of Forsyth Park with breathtaking views of the moss covered live oaks and the skies above. It is drenched with light coming through the Regency windows, which serve also as doors to the ample terrace that he uses as his dining room.

“I have never felt like I live in a small apartment because the setting and the ceilings make it feel so much bigger than it is. It’s about perception,” said Ellis. The soft upholstery is balanced by the gilded Bergere chair covered in gold silk damask, adding a big pop of bling to the sitting area.

The living room is anchored by a traditional Lawson sofa upholstered in gold silk with brush fringe and by a substantial chinoiserie cabinet. “I started collecting chinoiserie items and then collection just grew from there. It is the basis for everything else,” he explained. His collection of paintings is artfully hung in the tradition of a nineteenth-century English gallery, giving the room a grander scale. Ellis’ collection of Chinese export porcelain, blackamoor figurines, tole and other objects grace a hanging étagère, adding height and dimension to the

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return wall by the bedroom door.

“The bedroom is also my office, and sometimes I even serve dinner for two at my desk. I keep the door open when I entertain, and the bed serves as a perch for conversation. People should really use their bedroom spaces for more than just sleeping, don’t you think?” he opined. The four-poster eighteenth-century reproduction bed is not overly dressed, which keeps the space open and balances the heavy mahogany chest of drawers and steamer trunk.

Stepping out onto the terrace, the whole space opens up, and one feels as if one were on a grand European veranda, but it’s better; it is Savannah! “This terrace is absolutely magical in the evening, and there is no place I would rather dine and hang out with friends, or even just with Peeky in the morning for coffee.”

Ellis has certainly mastered the art of creating big style in a small space. His collected life is filled with items he has found all over the country. Locally, he haunts Alex Raskin Antiques, Bull Street Auctions and all manner of flea markets, estate sales and antiques shops.

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1. A traditional four-poster bed mixes with a Chinoiserie tall chest and a Federal desk with French oval-backed chairs that also serve as a setting for dinners for two.

2. A hanging etagere displays a collection of imorted porcelain, tole objects, paintings, figurines and urns.

3. Dining al fresco with garden stools and pillows from Villa, Savannah, and a table set with hand painted Italian dinnerware.

4. Ellis and his beloved Peeky hang out on a traditional lawson style sofa with silk striped fabric and a tufted parlor chair. His collection of paintings are hung in the English gallery style, adding height and grandeur to the small space. A cool green color graces the walls lending an even greater sense of space.

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BOHEMIAN CHIC

OUR EDITORS HIT THE STR EETS OF SAVA NNA H TO COME UP WITH A MIX OF R EA DILY AVA ILA BLE ITEMS FROM LOCA L SOURCES TO HELP YOU CULTIVATE OUR THR EE FEATUR ED UR BA N TR ENDS: BOHEMIA N CHIC, CONTEMPOR A RY TR A NSITIONA L A ND CLASSICA L TR A DITIONA L .

TRENDING PAINT COLOR: Benjamin Moore Kokopelli Teal 648

GET GETTH TH TRENDING PATTERNS Ikat, or Ikkat, is a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles that employs a resist dyeing process on the warp fibres, the weft fibres, or in the rare and costly ‘double ikat’ both warp and weft, prior to dyeing and weaving.

TRENDING PAINT COLOR: Benjamin Moore Golden Bounty 294 COLORFUL COMFY SOFA Add a pop of color and some contrasting welts to your sofa.

Throw pillows in Indian prints add a boho touch. Coral Sofa by Klaussner available at Chatham Furniture. mychathamfurniture.com

FLOOR SEATS TRENDING PAINT COLOR: Sitting on the floor is a great hippie Sherwin Williams Creole Cottage SW 7706 tradition, and these Kilim-covered pillows are the perfect extra seat in front of a cocktail table! Available at Whelan’s Furniture. whelanshome.com

HIDES! They are hot on floors, as throws and as tablecloths.

They are indestructible too!

This Brazilian hide is available at Mathes Land and Cattle Co. matheslandandcattle.com

FUNKY BENCHES AND BEADED PILLOWS Funk it up with a weathered wooden bench and a locally made beaded pillow by Pancho & Lefty. matheslandandcattle.com 68

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HE HE LOOK LOOK MUST LOVE ART Everyman For Himself, by Marcus Kenney. Mixed media on canvas.

The collected life is incomplete without art. Savannah artist Marcus Kenney’s works are available at Florida Mining Gallery in Jacksonville and Shop SCAD in Savannah. floridamininggallery. com, shopscad.com

TRANSITIONAL CONTEMPORARY Custom framing available at Islands Framing Gallery. islandsframing.com

TRENDING PAINT COLOR: Benjamin Moore High Park TUFTED BENCH AND TABLE This cool grey tufted bench by Summer Hill does double duty. Available at Whelan’s Furniture. whelanshome.com

FOR THE BIRDS Introduce some animal themes with this funky egret lamp.

Available at Frieze, 1 W. Jones, Savannah.

HOSTESS CHAIR Mix this chair at the ends of a glass dining table or use it as a pull up chair in the living room. Available at Whelan’s Furniture. whelanshome.com

TRENDING PAINT COLOR: Sherwin Williams Grecian Ivory SW6450 TRENDING PATTERNS Animal prints carry a visual load, so they should be used on specific interior details, such as carpet, upholstery, decorative panels, a small wall and textile pillows. Try subtle Zebra stripes with shades of blue, pale gray, creme and silver.

Geometric patterns add a visual pop to any room.

They can be used on pillows or a chair, a rug in the room, or on tiles in the kitchen or bath.

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CLASSIC TRADITIONAL

CLASSIC GARDEN BENCH Chinese garden benches are great indoors and out for extra seating and even as plant stands.

Available at Frieze, 1 W. Jones Street, Savannah.

TRENDING PATTERNS Damask is a reversible figured fabric of silk, wool, linen, cotton or synthetic fibres, with a pattern formed by weaving. Damasks are woven with one warp yarn and one weft yarn, usually with the pattern in warp-faced satin weave and the ground in weft-faced or sateen weave. Twill damasks include a twill-woven ground or pattern.

DAMASK TABLE RUNNER Hand loomed Italian table runners with classical Damask patterns add softness and elegance to any dinner table. Available at Bottega Bellini. bottegabellini.com

Room decor accessories with stripes make home interiors feel more energetic and stylish. In the world of prints and graphics, stripes are one of the most popular choices for modern interior decorating.

TRENDING PAINT COLOR: Sherwin Williams Red Parrot BAMBOO ETAGERE A nineteenth-century bamboo and chinoiserie étagère is great for hanging hats, displaying objects and holding your personal items on the way in and out of the home. It would even make a cool bar! Available at Alex Raskin Antiques. alexraskinantiques.com HAND PAINTED ITALIAN DINNERWARE Mix in hand-painted Italian dinnerware in traditional colors for both formal and casual dining. Rampini “Renaissance” pattern available at Bottega Bellini. bottegabellini.com

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TRENDING PAINT COLOR: Sherwin Williams Macadamia SW6142 TRENDING PAINT COLOR: Sherwin Williams Easy Green SW6450 CHINOISERIE INSPIRATION CHINESE FOO DOGS Little foo dog figurines are a staple in any traditional environment. These little guys not only ward off bad spirits, but they are also great conversation pieces!

Available at Frieze, 1 W. Jones Street, Savannah

LIVING SMALL BUT THINKING BIG A FASHIONISTA MAKES OVER HER KITCHEN WITH SOME HELP FROM THE PROS.

When Anne Lytle went to make over her downtown Savannah kitchen she wanted something to coordinate with her renowned sense of fashion and personal style. She selected Savannah Kitchen and Bath for this project, and owner Lukejohn Dickson said, “Anne loves coral colors, which is why we created the custom color of the island. The colors and finishes are unique to her exquisite taste in fashion and collectibles and therefore an expression of her personality.”

This compact galley kitchen is packed with all the bells and whistles, proving that just because a space is small doesn’t mean that the design has to be small. The big features include: Custom cabinetry, a four-foot-wide sink with tiered cutting boards, Waterstone Gantry faucet with an 18” articulating arm, custom stainless steel ventilation hood, a concealed Liebherr 30” fridge/freezer, and European Conifer textured wood veneer on the stained cabinets. This kitchen is the prime example of living small but thinking big!

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HOTTEST TRENDS THE LOWCOUNTRY GENERATES UNIQUE TRENDS IN LIVING

BY THE VERY NATURE OF THE TOPOGRAPHY AND THE CLIMATE. Our maritime environment inspires everything from preventing pests and gardening hearty plants to natural colors and relaxed yet elegant interiors. The Savannah region boasts so many resources for living. We are thrilled to present some of the best in this section. From flooring and lighting to furniture, framing and decorative accessories, we have partnered with these great sources to bring you all the ideas you need to enhance your living environments.

The outdoors is a big part of our coastal lifestyle. We present you with options here to maximize your enjoyment of the great outdoors with sun room concepts and tips on what to plant in your garden.

We love our coastal cuisine too and present you with great new products for preparing food at home perhaps better than a world class chef. When it comes to lifestyle options, our region is rich indeed!

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PHOTO BY ALICJA COLON

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Home Kitchens Go Pro with Innovative New Products!

WHY GO OUT TO EAT WHEN BECOMING A GREAT FOODIE AT HOME IS EASIER THAN EVER WITH GREAT NEW PRODUCTS THAT HELP PREPARE AND PRESERVE FOOD FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE? ENJOY BARISTA-STYLE COFFEE with or without a shot or two of espresso – right at home with this Jennair Espresso maker. Whether for yourself or your guests, you can brew robust coffees and incredible cappuccinos or lattes on demand, refined to anyone’s taste. Available at Livingoods, Savannah and Pooler. livingoodsonline.com

GETTING STEAMY

Jenn Air built in Steam Oven uses steam to preserve nutrients in vegetables and tenderness in meats, and convection for evenlybaked pastries and roasts. Available at Livingoods, Savannah and Pooler. livingoodsonline.com

CHILL AND PRESERVE

Jenn Air built in French door refrigerator features the exclusive Jenn-Air® Obsidian interior.

This bottom-freezer refrigerator offers a fully flush, fully integrated design, distinct fresh- frozen-food climates, and Produce Preserver to help keep fruits and vegetables at optimum freshness.

Available at Livingoods, Savannah and Pooler. livingoodsonline.com

About Livingoods

Livingoods is more than a purveyor of the best home appliance brands in the Lowcountry; it is a family tradition. Two generations of the Livingood family have owned and operated the business and their approach to providing their clients with excellent service is a highly personal. Dale and Phyllis Livingood opened a small “Mom and Pop” appliance store in Savannah, GA, in 1976, focusing on new and used appliance sales and service. They really get to know their clients, forging long-term relationships with them so they can advise them on continuously and reasonably improving the quality of their busy lives with new innovative products and professional servics.

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S OU T H M AG A Z I N E ’ S E XC LUS I V E A DV E R T O R I A L S E C T ION

A Small Historic Kitchen Goes Big With a Little Help from the Pros A SMALL HISTORIC KITCHEN GOES BIG WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM EXPERTS WHEN LAURA PFELTZ PURCHASED HER 1860 ROW HOUSE ON PRICE STREET IN SAVANNAH, THE INTERIOR HAD SEEN MANY CHANGES TO ITS FLOOR PLAN OVER THE YEARS—AND IT WAS IN DIRE NEED OF A MAKEOVER. THE SMALL SPACE AND CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGES DEMANDED THE EXPERTISE OF A PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTOR SPECIALIZING IN HISTORIC HOMES. LAURA CALLED UPON TWO COMPANIES AND ENGAGED ELLSWORTH HALLETT AND SAID, “WE JUST CLICKED!” Matthew Hallett, company co-founder, said, “I specialize in space planning and so I presented Laura with several different options.

The challenge is to renovate an existing space to elegantly work for a new client yet still feel authentic. We moved walls, raised floors, and because the house was built in so many phases, it was a big framing surprise!” Hallett kept the vintage feeling with reclaimed heart pine floors, exposed beams and original door sizes.

To achieve a big look in the small space, walls were removed, and a large island anchors the room with a ‘super white’ granite top. White shaker style cabinets, stainless steel appliances and reflective tiles lend to the illusion of a larger kitchen. “Working with Ellsworth Hallett made things so easy for me because I don’t like shopping!” Laura is a busy attorney who competes in roller derbies in her spare time, so doing it herself was not an option! ellsworthhallett.com

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S OU T H M AG A Z I N E ’ S E XC LUS I V E A DV E R T O R I A L S E C T ION

413 Whitaker Street | Savannah, GA 31401 | 912.231.3518 | BottegaBellini.com

Design Your Own Interiors – With a Little Help From the Pros ACT AS YOUR OWN INTERIOR DESIGNER AND SPECIFY TILES, STONE, FLOORING, DOORS, FAUCETS, FIXTURES, DOORS AND MORE AT FLOOR & DÉCOR. LET THEIR DEDICATED PROFESSIONAL DESIGN TEAM GUIDE YOU IN SELECTING GREAT NEW PRODUCTS FOR YOUR INTERIORS. WHAT’S EVEN BETTER IS THAT THEY GUARANTEE THE LOWEST PRICES. flooranddecor.com

SURFACE VALUES The latest trends in tiles and stone surfaces are available for your perusal in abundance at Floor & Décor.

WOOD WISE

Wood flooring adds warmth and practicality to any Lowcountry environment.

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EVERYTHING AND THE KITCHEN SINK!

Bathtubs, sinks, faucets,and fixtures are on veritable parade at Floor & Décor.

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S OU T H M AG A Z I N E ’ S E XC LUS I V E A DV E R T O R I A L S E C T ION

1301 LINCOLN St | 912.308.7553 | EllsworthHallett.com

Lounging, Lowcountry Style At The Patio Place LIVING OUTDOORS IN THE SOUTHEAST REQUIRES WELL MADE OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND WE HAVE FOUND THE BEST PLACE TO GET THIS. SHADE IT

Teak seating is a perfect way for lounging outside without having to worry about it weathering to fast or being destroyed by the sun. epatioplace.com | 912-961-9707

HAVE A SEAT

These outdoor wicker seating has over 150 Sunbrella fabrics to choose from.

The wicker seating by lloyd flanders specializes in quality and design. epatioplace.com | 912-961-9707

LOUNGING LIFE

Chilling out in the Lowcountry is essential to our lifestyle. All weather sectional longues are the best way to go.

Outdoor fabrics from Sunbrella keep your lounging lifestyle in tact all year long. epatioplace.com | 912-961-9707

Relaxed Elegance – The Hallmark of Lowcountry Living WE LOWCOUNTRY DWELLERS UNDERSTAND ELEGANCE AND REFINED LIVING, BUT WE ALSO KNOW HOW TO KICK BACK AND ENJOY OUR SULTRY SOUTHERN LIVING. OUR HOMES TODAY MAY HAVE TRADITIONAL BONES, BUT WE LIKE TO FILL THEM WITH UPDATED, USER-FRIENDLY FURNISHINGS. THERE ARE NO BETTER CONSULTANTS THAN THOSE AT WHELAN’S FURNITURE IN SAVANNAH TO HELP US ACHIEVE THIS RELAXED ELEGANCE. WHELANSHOME.COM

THE REFLECTED LIFE Every room needs a little sparkle and depth, and there is no better vehicle than an understated, elegant mirror.

This one is crafted with a modern two-toned design, including a white and neutral shagreen finish and rich gold accents. whelanshome.com

TEXTURED LIVING Mix it up with an artisan crafted wrought iron cocktail table in an aged bronze finish and an antique herringbone patterned walnut top. whelanshome.com

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LIGHTER LEATHER

These transitional wing chairs

by Bernhardt are covered in a practical yet elegant leather. Mixed here with a contemporary cocktail table in a traditional setting, this image exemplifies the Lowcountry lifestyle. whelanshome.com HO T T E S T HOM E T R E NDS OF 2015

Bringing the Outdoors In THERE IS NO NEED TO SIT INDOORS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER OR SAND GNAT SEASON ANY LONGER. SUN ROOMS FOR ALL SEASONS AND WEATHER EVENTS LET YOU ENJOY MOTHER NATURE IN ALL OF HER MOODS. There’s nothing better than sitting in a sunroom or solarium and enjoying all of the beautiful scenery that the South has to offer. Spaces such as these are almost a necessity when it comes to living in the Lowcountry, and their popularity is growing in leaps.

Since 1975, Four Seasons Sunrooms and Windows has been one of the world’s largest and most successful outdoor room manufacturers in the world. Offering customers everything from sunrooms, pergolas, and lattices to carports, patios and greenhouses.

Whether you’re looking for a simple remodel or an all-new addition, Four Seasons Sunrooms and Windows has the skills and the best products available to create custom sunrooms.

Any style can be adapted to Colonial, Victorian, Modern and Contemporary home designs. The maintenance-free materials of these rooms make it easy to bring the

outdoors in all year round!

Conservatories can house all manner of plant life, including exotic tropical plants such as orchids and bromeliads. Imagine creating and enjoying your own tropical jungle in the middle of winter in the Lowcountry! If you prefer flowing breezes, you can also specify a Screen Room that will let in all the air and keep out all the bugs. sunroomsofthelowcountry.com

Light Up Your Life Custom Framing Adds Style Illuminating life has become more innovative than ever. Chandeliers are not what your grandmother once hung. This six light fixture by Crystorama in antique gold blends a little Hollywood glamor with a little Mad Men sensibility.

Available at Pace Lighting in Savannah. pacelighting.com

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You don’t need to own a Picasso to frame an image like one! The beauty of custom framing has been the hallmark of great art for centuries. Framing can be as decorative or as subtle as you please; it’s a great way to add a lot of style to a room for a great value. Since 1997, Carol Porter

has been framing Savannah with her one-of-a-kind work and says, “Framing can make or break a work of art and can add so much look to a room.” islandsframing.com

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S OU T H M AG A Z I N E ’ S E XC LUS I V E A DV E R T O R I A L S E C T ION

THE PURVEYOR OF THE BEST BRANDS FOR THE ELEGANT LOWCOUNTRY COASTAL LIFESTYLE BERNHARDT • EKORNES • ROWE • SHERRILL • KING HICKORY • UNIVERSAL

Sava nna h’s source for qua lit y outdoor f urniture, The Patio Place Specia lizes in pool, sunroom, patio a nd porch f urniture from the best bra nds including Lloyd Fla nders, Tropitone, Windha m Castings a nd Wooda rd. Qua lit y of ser v ice a nd desig n a re the ha llma rk features the Patio Shop brings to its Lowcountr y customers who enjoy the good life outdoors.

8404 Abercorn | 912.961.9707 | epatioplace.com

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Italian Style - Lowcountry Vibe ITALY AND THE LOWCOUNTRY HAVE MUCH IN COMMON. NOT ONLY ARE WE MARITIME CULTURES, BUT WE ALSO SHARE TEMPERATE CLIMATES AND A LOVE OF THE GOOD LIFE! THE MOTHER-DAUGHTER TEAM, JANET AND ASHLEY KUBISTA, HAVE BROUGHT THE ITALIAN GOOD LIFE TO SAVANNAH AT THEIR NEW BOUTIQUE, BOTTEGA BELLINI, ON WHITAKER STREET IN THE DESIGN DISTRICT. bottegabellini.com

PEACHY KEEN

Renowned Italian artist Giampietro Rampini created this “Pesca Bellini” peach pattern just for Bottega Bellini. “We have to celebrate the State Fruit!” said owner Ashley Kubista.

HARRY’S BAR IN THE HOUSE!

If you have been to Venice, you have likely been to Harry’s Bar where the famed Bellini was invented. You can buy the peach juice to mix with Prosecco and serve in a “Pesca Bellini” pitcher!

LUXURY TOWELS

Just because you are doing the dishes doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Italians are the best when it comes to performing ordinary tasks with the highest sense of style. These hand-loomed linens are imported from Puglia.

GLAZY DAYS OF SUMMER

Hand-glazed Italian pots from Fortunata are a great addition to any garden or outdoor setting, and they also make a big statement indoors.

HYDRANGEAS AT YOUR SERVICE This hand painted serving tray by Rampini is the perfect way to deliver anitpasti to your summertime guests!

LOWCOUNTRY CRAB TIME!

The Italians love their crabs as much as we Southerners do! Serve up your summertime fare on these handpainted dishes by Rampini.

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S OU T H M AG A Z I N E ’ S E XC LUS I V E A DV E R T O R I A L S E C T ION

912.445.5127 152 THUNDERBIRD DR #204.

SunroomsoftheLowCountry.com

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

SUMMERTIME IN THE LOWCOUNTRY CAN PRESENT CHALLENGES IN THE FORMS OF EXTREME HEAT, HEAVY RAINS AND HIGH LEVELS OF HUMIDITY. MYERS LANDSCAPING SERVICE CAN HELP MAKE COLORFUL AND HEALTHY PLANT CHOICES FOR YOUR SUMMER GARDEN. myerslandscapesavannah.com

MARIGOLDS

This hearty flower is a happy camper all summer long and can withstand the heat and rain better than most.

NASTURTIUMS

They come in every color of the rainbow and are great mounding plants in beds or cascading plants in pots.

ZINNIAS

The best summertime cutting flowers, zinnias are vigorous plants that can handle hot Lowcountry summers. Their bright multi-colors add a playful touch to any setting.

SUNFLOWERS

They come in many varieties, all of which radiate the spirit of summer like no other flowers. Most are pollinator friendly, so they help us keep our environment healthy. Plant them in full sun in clusters, along borders or try the dwarf varieties in pots.

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S O U T H M A G A Z I N E ’ S E XC L U S I V E A D V E R T O R I A L S E C T I O N

S OU T H M AG A Z I N E ’ S E XC LUS I V E A DV E R T O R I A L S E C T ION

Custom Framing Professional Hanging In Home Consultations

912.691.5785 IslandsFraming.com 714 Mall Blvd Savannah, GA

7 Southern Oaks Court Savannah, GA | 912.920.4090 | PaceLighting.com

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SOUTHERN ROCK + STYLE

The co-founder and partner of trailblazing record company that launched southern rock to the world brings international flare to Georgia, and his Nordic Baroness wife, known as “Kiki,” transformed the landscape of style from Europe to Macon.

IN 1969, WHEN FRANK FENTER TOLD HIS WIFE, BARONESS ULLA VON BLIXEN-FINECKE, THAT THEY WERE MOVING FROM LONDON’S COSMOPOLITAN WEST KENSINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD TO A SMALL TOWN CALLED MACON, SHE WAS DELIGHTED.“SHE SAID, ‘LOVELY! I LOVE FRANCE! MACÔN, FRANCE. WE’LL BE ON THE RHÔNE, WE’LL DRINK WINE, IT’LL BE FANTASTIC!” RECALLS THEIR SON, ROBIN DUNER-FENTER, WITH A LAUGH. “IT WAS A LITTLE BIT OF A SHOCK FOR HER TO REALIZE HE MEANT MACON, GEORGIA.” While the baroness, called “Kiki” by friends and family, might not have been able to find Macon, Georgia, on a map back then, her husband, co-founder of Capricorn Records, would soon put the Southern town (along with the Allman Brothers Band, the Marshall Tucker Band and the “Southern rock” genre itself ) on the map of music history.

“They expanded consciousness,” said Bobby Whitlock, who played with Eric Clapton in Derek and the Dominoes and lived in the Fenters’ guest house in Macon while working on his second album for Capricorn. He added, “Frank and Kiki were all about fashion, style, real class and abundance. They had this eclectic list of friends that went beyond the music business — it included everybody from presidents to janitors.

They were not snobs in any sense. She [Kiki] was so gracious, the consummate hostess.”

EXOTIC BIRDS OF DIFFERENT FEATHERS

It was a time of great change in the country and in that particular community. People from different backgrounds and different races were coming together to make music — music that was healing in so many ways. Frank and Kiki were at the center of all of that, making it happen, bringing people together, giving them energy and a sense of sophistication.

The first two souls from very different backgrounds to meet up were Frank and Kiki.

Kiki’s childhood was spent shuttling between family estates in Sweden and Scotland and caring for their exotic pets - like a deer and a monkey before stepping up to run the family hotel and whiskey brand. Frank grew up in a poor white section of Johannesburg, South Africa, listening to American Blues on his transistor radio and dreaming of one day leaving his homeland for the source of that sound. Recalls Duner-Fenter, “He would also sneak over to the segregated black part of Johannesburg to listen to the music they were playing in the street.”

At age 23, Frank made the two-week voyage to London, scoring a job as a dishwasher in a trendy bistro the day after he arrived and “just before the money ran out.” He was so thankful for the job that years later he made good on a promise to his first boss, Peter Marriott, by buying him a

restaurant; Le Bistro was the first Continental restaurant in middle Georgia.

Of those first few years in London, Frank would later comment, “I was in between being a starving actor and a hustler, which are both very precarious occupations.” He was a booking agent for a while, securing gigs for the Rolling Stones, the Animals, and Manfred Mann (a band named after its South African–born keyboardist), “long before they were big acts.” Frank then made the leap to producing a single and then a movie, which he wrote, co-directed, and produced with a band called Bill Kimber and the Couriers.

The rock-n-roll flick, Africa Shakes, was set and filmed in South Africa.

WE ALL NEED SOMEONE WE CAN LEAN ON

Just as his career was taking off, Frank met the three people who would most influence the rest of his life. The first was Kiki, whom he met in 1962 at a small café Frank co-owned. The striking blonde had been born into Swedish nobility; one of her relatives was the famous writer Karen Dinesen (who also went by Isak Dinesen and Karen Blixen), author of Out of Africa. Kiki helped polish Frank’s rough edges and lent him an air of sophistication. The second person was his mentor, the legendary Ahmet Ertegun, co-founder and chairman of Atlantic

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Painting created from a photo of Fenter in Fortune magazine profiling Capricorn Records, circa 1975.

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Records and co-founder of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, who gave Frank his first big break in the music Industry.

The third of Frank Fenter’s influential new friends was Phil Walden, a music industry upand-comer as well as Otis Redding’s manager.

They met in 1967, when Fenter became Managing Director for Atlantic Records in Europe— where he helped discover and get signed such powerhouses as Led Zeppelin, Yes, and King Crimson—and the two men became good friends.

Walden and Redding, both Macon natives, had come to Europe to join the “Hit the Road, Stax!” soul tour, which Frank had arranged.

If Frank didn’t know where Macon was at the time, he was about to find out. He and Walden shared the same musical tastes and vision, and their friendship quickly blossomed. By 1969 they’d dreamed up a different kind of record label, one that would be “vertically integrated” to include things like music publishing, booking, artist management, and merchandising under a single corporate identity. It was truly a new way of thinking about music management and distribution, one they were sure would work.

They just needed a record label deal and the right artist.

Frank found his answer when Walden shared a demo tape of a new band out of Jacksonville, Florida, that included a couple of brothers, a rhythm and blues groove, and a whole lot of guitar. Walden had long since convinced his friend that the American South was the perfect place to set up shop, but when a distribution deal from Atlantic Records’ Jerry Wexler was offered to Walden, it was time for Frank to make the move. By year’s end, with the Allman Brothers Band as their groundbreaking flagship act,the partners (along with initial involvement with Alan and Blue Walden) had launched Macon’s own Capricorn Records. Ahmet Ertegun, the head of Atlantic, would later say: “We were completely supportive of the idea of Phil and Frank creating a label together that we would be involved in and that we would distribute; together, they made a great team.”

TAKIN’ RISKS AND LIGHTIN’ TORCHES

“It was the biggest risk of my father’s life, I believe, to have left London, England, with a thriving career as managing director of Atlantic, to help start a record label in the center of Georgia,” Duner-Fenter says.

But the music lover and maverick entrepreneur heard something special in the Allman Brothers, who would eventually be heralded as the torchbearers of Southern rock.

“I think they just tapped into my dad’s deep love of blues and R&B music and also the improvisation of jazz, because the Allman Brothers really integrated all of that into their music,” Duner-Fenter says. “He just had a strong vision and belief in them, even though they were very unorthodox at the time. I mean they played 20-minute songs that were not FM radio friendly, and they were the first integrated Southern rock band with a black drummer. They were unorthodox on every level.”

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Frank and Kiki were also unorthodox, and they didn’t bother themselves with what people might think of them. “My parents were very progressive, before the South became progressive,” Duner-Fenter said. “There were a lot of bands and musicians that would come to our house, and that included African-Americans, which was suspect at the time, at least coming through the front door. Neighbors would see these folks with hair below their ears, like Gregg Allman, coming in and out. My mom had heard the rumors floating around that we belonged to the Charles Manson family.”

Frank had promised Kiki they’d stay just two years in Georgia, long enough to get the record label up and running. “But it became too successful,” Duner-Fenter said. Over the years the partners, but specifically Fenter, was given kudos from The Marshall Tucker Band and Wet Willie (which Frank also named)on his infectious enthusiasm for their music and having them signed. Other acts with Capricorn were Chuck Leavell’s Sea Level, Dixie Dregs, Elvin Bishop, Dobie Gray, Stillwater and many more. They marketed much of the music as “Southern rock,” establishing a new musical genre and creating what was to become one of the biggest privately held record companies in the world throughout much of the 1970s, according to Duner-Fenter. They helped change not only old stereotypes of the South, ushering in the progressive “new South” with the music, but also politics. Capricorn was a major backer of Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign.

“THE LABEL’S SUCCESS WAS BEYOND THE IMAGINATION OF FRANK AND PHIL, I THINK. IT BECAME BIGGER THAN THEY EVER BELIEVED.”

Frank and son Rob Duner-Fenter ~ circa 1975 Frank with Gregg Allman & Capricorn employees Rob Duner-Fenter with wife Hillary Evans & daughter Kikan Duner-Fenter

Frank with Mo Ostin and Don King at Le Bistro ~circa 1975 Clive Davis with Frank & Kiki Fenter

MAKIN’ GOOD IN MACON

While his influence in rock music is undeniable, so too are Frank Fenter’s contributions to Macon itself. He envisioned developing and reviving downtown Macon, restoring the architecture to antebellum glory to create something as visually lovely and artistically rich as the French Quarter of New Orleans or the Left Bank of Paris.

In 1974, he and Kiki opened Le Bistro on Mulberry Street Lane, bringing over his first boss from London, Chef Peter Marriott, to manage it. Marriott had cooked for the likes of Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin and Alice Cooper.

Le Bistro was Macon’s first taste of Europe.

“It was the restaurant in Macon, the place where people came from as far as New Orleans, and everyone in the music community went there,” said Duner-Fenter. Patrons included Bette Midler, Jimmy Carter, Gregg Allman, Percy Sledge, Andy Warhol, Don Johnson and Nick Nolte. “Prior to that, many Maconites did not eat what they couldn’t pronounce.”

With the success of Le Bistro, Frank opened a lunch spot called Le Brasserie, just down the alley. The Fenters also opened Macon’s first discotheque, the Ad Lib, named for a popular club in London, where the Beatles and the Rolling Stones hung out.

“Their influence is still felt today,” said Paul Harpin, who turned down an offer from Mick Jagger; instead, Harpin was persuaded by Fenter to move from London and become a chef at Le Bistro when it opened. Today, Harpin owns Harpin’s Restaurant in Macon with his wife, Hazel. “Look at the variety of restaurants we have now. Things would have moved at a much slower pace if Frank had not swung open the doors for so many others. He was the forerunner of what we have now. He and Kiki brought a cosmopolitan flair to everything they touched.”

A PROMOTIONAL GENIUS

A September 1975 feature article on Capricorn Records in Fortune magazine called Frank “a promotional genius.” In the article, Frank said:

“Whoever heard of two guys in Macon, a cracker and a South African, with a record company?”

The answer, today, is just about everyone.

While Walden was often the face of the label and more widely recognized, Fenter finally got his due when he was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in October 2014. His friends, family, colleagues and former artists lauded the achievement as one that was a long time coming. Ahmet Ertegun commented, “They (Frank and Phil) certainly created an important part of rock ’n’ roll history.”

Unfortunately, he wasn’t there to enjoy the nod. Frank Fenter died of a heart attack in his office during a meeting with the Atlanta Rhythm Section in the summer of 1983. He and Walden were in the midst of forging a comeback to revive Capricorn, which had declared bankruptcy in 1980, with a new distribution deal from Warner Brothers. Fenter was to fly the next day to negotiate the deal; he was just 47 years old.

Soon after, Kiki left the South for good, returning to her family’s estates in Europe. Walden would revive the record label in Nashville in 1991 with the debut album from the Athens, Georgia, rock band Widespread Panic. But the first incarnation of Capricorn stands in the history books as a visionary achievement in the music industry, and Frank and Kiki Fenter are all over those pages.

“They created their own atmosphere wherever they went, and it was one of inclusion and growth,” Bobby Whitlock says, “Macon is better off for having had them there, and so were all of us who knew them.”n

“AFTER WE PLAYED TWO SONGS, FRANK SAID, ‘DELIGHTFUL’.

COME IN MONDAY MORNING AND WE WILL SIGN THE PAPERS!” RICK HIRSCH, CO-FOUNDER, WET WILLIE

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mother’s estates in Sweden and Scotland. In terms of style, Kiki favored comfort and ease over a specific look. She loved “pressed jeans” and rock-n-roll T-shirts paired with snake skin platform shoes. Her wardrobe included timeless American designers like the 70s golden child Halston as well as custom-made dresses.

In homage to her love of family and continuity of history, many of the vintage dresses, handbags, jewelry and shoes of the late Baroness are now worn and enjoyed by Rob Duner-Fenter’s wife, Hillary, who shares a similar aesthetic and identical dress size.

KIKI’S COLLECTION Dress ~ Vintage Pucci Shoes ~ Black open toe booties (models own) Necklace with matching ring ~ Gold, onyx & mother of pearl with diamonds Vintage Batwing Kaftan with buttons Shoes ~ Vintage gold lame and sequins Ring ~ Gold ring with Swedish coin Dress ~ Halston IV Gold Kaftan Shoes ~ Vintage snake skin Bracelets ~ Gold chain link with gold charms with various stones Bag ~ Handmade leather satchel Hat ~ Vintage Dress ~ Vintage Batik Necklace ~ Cord, amethyst & wood Shoes ~ Charles Jordan Paris Top ~ Vintage South West Native American leather Halter adorned with beads and feathers Pants ~ Vintage Southwest Native American leather custom made for Kiki Bag ~ Vintage leather records bag created by artisan for Fenter Family Ring ~ Artisan silver and turquoise

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STYLING, HAIR & MAKEUP | CHARLOTTE BELK/ASSISTANT | MAGGIE CARROLL/PHOTOGRAPHY | THIEN LA

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iki Fenter drew her fashion sense from an exposed European upbringing, time living in London and life in America. The Baroness’s love of fashion reflected her lifestyle, which ranged from attending rock concerts or traveling with her husband on business trips to New York, Los Angeles, London or Paris to formal dinner parties at her

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RULES OF THE YOUNG, STYLISH & SINGLE IN TODAY’S UBER IMAGE-CONSCIOUS WORLD, THERE ARE FEW PROFESSIONS WHERE HAVING GREAT STYLE ISN’T A MUST. EIGHT YOUNG, SINGLE PROFESSIONALS CHIME IN ON WHY IT’S CRUCIAL TO KEEP YOUR IMAGE IN CHECK. STYLED BY EMILY BARGERON / PHOTOGRAPHED BY BLAKE CROSBY

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WHO: JESSICA HEWINS, PARTNER AT SEEKER HOME DÉCOR Rule No. 206: Home is a reflection of you.

With Seeker, I combined my passions for travel and interiors. Seeker is a home décor business, and my home is its greatest advertisement – I have antiques and artifacts from all over the globe displayed on every surface. Rule No. 207: Stay focused. The road might be winding, but keep your eye on the prize. You might have to work some jobs that aren’t in line with your passion, but just remember that with each step you take you’re learning something new.

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WHO: EMILY BARGERON, OWNER AND FOUNDER OF THE BOUTIQUE AND CLOTHING LINE MAMIE RUTH Rule No. 311: Immerse yourself in you.

If you look at my Instagram feed, it’s all Mamie Ruth all the time. Same with my look – it’s bohemian, feels good and looks a bit different. And I wear a lot of color – walking into my store is like entering a rainbow, and I want to represent that. Rule No. 312: Stay determined. Success is like a jig saw puzzle – it might take years to find all the right pieces, but if you keep going, sooner or later everything will fall into place.

ON EMILY: KIMONO / MAMIE RUTH JEWELRY / M. LIZ JEWELRY SHOES / JEFFREY CAMBELL ON JESSICA: TOP / MAMIE RUTH SKIRT / H&M SHOES / VINCE CAMUTO JEWELRY / M. LIZ JEWELRY

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WHO: CHRIS CLARK, OWNER/ OPERATOR OF SEED ECO LOUNGE, BARRELHOUSE SOUTH, AND ROGUE WATER Rule No. 525: Always be selfaware. How I’m representing my brands is always on my mind. I make a strong effort to be ahead of the curve. If my style is a little different, that suggests to people that my establishments are unique as well. Rule No. 526: Don’t be afraid to take risks. Now is the time to push yourself. Take risks that you might not be able to later.

Step outside your comfort zone.

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WHO: MICHELLE PETH, OWNER OF GLOW ON THE GO MOBILE SPRAY TAN

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Rule No. 709: Support yourself. I wear my spray tan, and my family members do too. My goal is to give people a safe way to tan, so they can stay out of the sun, stay out of the tanning bed. My healthy lifestyle is part and parcel of my brand. Rule No. 710: Use your brain. Be smart about investing, and keep your overhead low. Low overhead equals less stress.

ON MICHELLE: DRESS & BELT/ MAMIE RUTH

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WHO: VAN SEALES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF 13 BRICKS

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WHO: BRITTANY SHANE, REPORTER AT WSAV Rule No. 578: Care for others, not just yourself. At WSAV, we try to be the voice of the viewer who may not otherwise have one. We’re on the side of the public. I try to reflect that in how I carry myself – even when I’m not on the clock, I try to always listen to other people, and to be more of a listener than a talker. Everyone has a different story, and every single person is interesting. Rule No. 312: It’s all about balance. You have to take time out for yourself or you’ll go crazy! Go to the beach, hang with friends. Take some chill time with your dog.

Taking care is a must for any professional.

ON BRITTANY: DRESS & BELT/ MAMIE RUTH JEWELRY / M. LIZ JEWELRY

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Rule No. 888: Be better. We live in a visual world where perception is king.

At 13 Bricks, we aim to exceed people’s expectations of what T-shirt design can be.

We’re in the business of design, and we have to look the part.

Rule No. 889: Keep positivity around you. Surround yourself with likeminded individuals and disregard naysayers, even close friends and family.

Focus on the positive!

(13 Bricks made the T-shirts for Magic Mike XXL!)

ABOUT THE LOCATION:

ON FELICIA: JACKET & PANTS/ RED CLOVER TOP / MAMIE RUTH JEWELRY / M. LIZ JEWELRY

SEED ECO LOUNGE 39 MONTGOMERY STREET, SAVANNAH Savannah’s first and only eco-friendly lounge serves organic and sustainably produced cocktails and beverages. The interiors are built with sustainably harvested materials including a bamboo bar, cork floors and low flow sinks and toilets. Live DJ music encourages patrons to let loose!

WHO: DAVID BARKER, OWNER OF HOPS & BARLEY CRAFT BEER

WHO: FELICIA RUIZ, PARTNER AT THE FASHION INCUBATOR FACTORY GIRLS Rule No. 151: Keep it 100. At Factory Girls, we aim to help artists sharpen their business acumen. What a lot of artists don’t understand is that success is 10% creativity and 90% branding.

You have to constantly think about your brand while staying true to your art – it’s tough!

Rule No. 152: Be supportive. Be genuinely supportive of other people in your profession. Go to industry events. Show up for your peers, and they’ll show up for you back.

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Rule No. 882: Embrace you. Hops & Barley is a one-man operation – it’s just me. Walking into the shop is a lot like walking into a cave – a cozy, inviting man cave. I try to reflect that feel in how I dress – flannel dress, woodchopper’s beard – exuding a comfy manliness. Rule No. 886: Never give up. Running a business makes you feel bipolar. One day you’ll be on top of the world, the next you’ll be wondering what the heck you got yourself into. Keep busting.

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7 SOUTHERN SINGLES ASK SOUTH WHAT THESE ONLINE SINGLES CONTEST WINNERS SAY ABOUT BEING SINGLE AND WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR IN A PARTNER.

SINGLES AT SOUTH REVEAL ALL ABOUT THEIR STATUS!

Voters cast their ballots for these select singles in Savannah and we quizzed them on what it means to be single.

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Serena Hinton “There are many attributes that can make someone hot but I think the #1 thing would be confidence. If you are confident in your skin and are happy with yourself then that makes you extremely hot in my eyes. It’s a very sexy quality to have.”

Sarah Chambers “The things that make someone hot depends on where you are looking. Externally, a gorgeous smile does wonders, but internally, a kind spirit and sense of humor really make someone attractive to me.”

Jeff Waters “Physical attractiveness matters, but I have a really broad spectrum of what I find attractive. More than that, someone has to be a good combination of being kind without being a pushover and being confident without being cocky.”

SM: WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING SINGLE? 1

Candace Perry “Freedom to do whatever I want, whenever I want. I work around twelve hours, six days a week while I try to grow my photography business, plus have other hobbies and church activities I’m involved in.”

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Sarah Chambers “The best thing about being single is the freedom to continue to develop and explore who I am and what I want out of life without influence.”

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SM: WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT BEING SINGLE? 2

SM: WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN ROMANCE? 6

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Jay Gibson “I’m not really a romantic per se, I’m more of a ‘let’s just hang out, go on an adventure, live in the moment, have a great time, and make a memory’ type of person. Some people may call that romantic and give it a label. I just call it another day.”

Dallas Johnson “Romance to me is someone who plans the evening, shows up with flowers, takes control of it all while making sure I am comfortable with the plan.”

Sherah Rosen “Having the free time to invest in yourself. It’s a great opportunity to excel and push yourself to do your best.”

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Jeff Waters “Aside from bad, weird or awkward first dates, I think the most challenging thing about being single—at least at my age—is that most of my friends are married or at least in serious relationships, so being the only single person in my circle of friends can lead to me making myself feel like an outsider.”

Candace Perry “Going on what you felt was an incredible date, then never hearing from the guy again. I’d rather just know what happened than wonder. Also, having no one to watch a movie and cuddle up with.”

Jay Gibson “Being single isn’t a challenge, it’s actually pretty easy.”

Julius Woodard / Art Director ~ South

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE CHALLENGES OF BEING SINGLE? JW: It has its moments.

There are times when I wish I weren’t, then times I’m glad I am. I have an extended family (my church) that kind of keeps me on my toes. They give me great dating advice and what to look for in a spouse. And they frequently try to hook me up.

WHAT ABOUT DATES AND DATING? JW: I try to keep a level head and not get too ahead of myself when meeting people.

I try to be as real as possible, and not expect too much.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT ONLINE DATING? JW: Been there. Done that.

Not for the faint of heart; I can tell you!

For more on AskSouth, go to southmag.com/asksouth and submit your questions.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY BLAKE CROSBY / SPECIAL THANKS TO INTERNATIONAL DIAMOND CENTER,

SM: WHAT MAKES SOMEONE HOT?

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SOUTHERN GLAM

SOUTHERN STYLES & ART SOUTHERN ART AND FASHION BECOME ONE IN A PRESENTATION OF INSPIRATIONAL IMAGES.

CURATED & STYLED BY ASHLEY BORDERS SPECIAL THANKS TO ARTIST, KATHERINE SANDOZ

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MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY / MATT SLADE || PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY / ELIZABETH RUSIECKI ||HAIR AND MAKEUP/ASHLEY BORDERS ASSISTANTS JOSHUA FALKUM, SARAH GARDNER, LLOYD SHILLABEER, KRYSTAL XXX, TYRESA GEORGIA

On Alex- Jewelry, International Diamond Center (price upon request).

Dress- Zac Howell. Belt, Virgins, Saints & Angels, $278 Copper Penny. Shoes, Stuart Weitzman, $235, Globe Shoe Co.

SOUTHERN CLASSIC On Zack (Rise Models) Jacket, $398, Marc Jacobs. Pants, $228 , Marc Jacobs.

Shirt, $198, Marc Jacobs. Belt, $26, Harper. Shoes, $295, Allen Edmonds at Globe Shoe Co. Ring, $34, Harper.

On Lanie (Rise Models) Shirt, $138, CORY at Harper. Dress, $428, Marc Jacobs. Belt, $26, Harper. Shoes, $165, Jeffery Campbell at Globe Shoe Co. Necklace, $68, Harper.

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SOUTHERN COWGIRL On Ana- Hat, $79, Goorin Bros. Dress, $218, CORY at James Gunn. Necklaces, both $140, Erica Wilson at James Gunn. Belt, $65, ADA at Copper Penny.

Bracelets, Diamond and Sterling Silver, International Diamond Center. Boots, $315, Corral Vintage at Globe Shoe Co. Bag, Andre’e Kong Hau Yin.

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SOUTHERN BOHEMIAN On Zoe- Earings and Ring, $24 and $34, Harper’s. Necklaces, $148-$178, Virgins, Saints & Angels at Copper Penny. Dress

by Zac Howell.

On Owen- Jacket, Brendan M Combs Collection. Shirt, $54, Luna at Harper.

Pants, Brendan M Combs Collection.

Belt, $26, Harper’s. Shoes, $275, Allen Edmonds at Globe Shoe Co.

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SOUTHERN PREPPY On Nelle- Dress, $82, Harlyn at Harper.

Shoes, $145, Miz Mooz at Globe Shoe Co. Bag, Oliver Filley.

On Sarah- Sweater, $298, Equipment at James Gunn. Skirt, $428, Marc Jacobs.

Shoes, $128, Dolce Vita at Harper’s. Bag, Sahiba Johar.

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Gold plated Sea Urchin Earrings, Gogo Jewelry, $495. This designer rules the jewelry world with her “natural designs” and beautiful production. They are molded after a summer treasuree found in the ocean. When I wear them I think of beach vacations.

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INFLUENTIALS STYLE GURU

ASHLEY BORDERS

Summertime is about beauty. The earth, sky and ocean are alive and welcoming! The style and lushness of the world is in full swing. Channel that energy and relish color, smell and sound. These style finds are my Inspiration for a stylish summer!

Water Bottle, $42, Paris Market. “The best beauty accessory is health! I always have water with me and the saying on this bottle is a great inspiration as well! “ Jelly Tassle Thongs, Stuart Weitzman, $235, Globe Shoe Co. “Jelly Sandals remind me of being a little girl, and the tassles are just amazing.”

Photo: Cedric Smith

“This new Beck Album is beautiful and soulful and a great summer evening listen.

It cuts to the soul whilst seducing your ears. The symphony accompanyment is everything. This is my album of the summer.

You can get it at Graveface Records.”

Vase, Villa. “This vase reminds me of summers on the Mediterranean.

The geometic patterns and simplicity are pure beauty.”

“Slip-on Cowboy Boots, $78, Harper’s Boutique. I love dressing up my boots with custom jewelry and leather accessories to add a personal touch.”

Pink Sparkle Sunnies, $40, Shoe Be Do. “Nothing says summer days more than sparkle sunnies! Immediately channeling Jem and the Holograms while protecting my eyes from the summer sun.”

Rosary Necklace, Virgins, Saints & Angels, $278, Copper Penny.

I love Religios iconography and the meaning behind it. I love to wear this with swimsuits and beachwear as an ultimate everyday accessory that has meaning.

Large wooden Rosary with Crusifix, $30, Cohen’s Retreat.

“This was a beautiful must-have item. It is meaningful and simple and the colors are evocative of beautiful summer skies.”

KATHERINE SANDOZ Savannah-based artist Katherine Sandoz created the backdrops for this section. She has worked with many of the fashion industry’s top names and this year created 50 illustrations of industry models and fashionistas, including Pierre Cardin. Her works are collected by many notable people, including Walter O. Evans, Sir David Tang, Hamish Bowles and Glenn Close. Sandoz has exhibited extensively throughout the Southeast, particularly in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, as well as in Milan, Italy and multiple locations in France. facebook.com/katherinesandoz

Photo: Lynn Bonham

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“SPARKLE AND SHINE IN THE SUMMER HEAT” -OUR SUMMER JEWELRY PICKS FOR 2015In celebration of our style issue, we decided to hit the pavement and see what the latest jewelry trends are at some of our favorite shops around town. From world famous designers to local shops, here are 5 selections we think you’ll enjoy.

ZIA BOUTIQUE 325 W Broughton St, Savannah, GA 912.233.3237

Gemstones Galore: The Sapphire More and more, International Diamond Center has been receiving requests for sapphires to be included with diamonds in engagement rings.

Why, you ask? Well, not only is it because the delicate blue gems are gorgeous, but it is also because of what it is they represent: everlasting love. So, be sure to keep sapphires in mind when you start looking for “the ring.”

LEVY JEWELERS 2 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA 912.233.1163 Timeless classic: Rolex In 1905, Hans Wilsdorf had a vision of a wrist worn timepiece that would not only be reliable, but also elegant.

Today, you can experience Wilsdorf’s dream fully realized in Rolex.

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LEVY JEWELERS 2 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA 912.233.1163 Designer of the Moment: David Yurman Since 1980, David Yurman and his wife, Sybil, have been creating some of the finest jewelry in the industry.

From necklaces to earrings to bracelets, their work is both stylish and elegant. Only the finest and rarest gems and stones are used, which makes David Yurman a must have.

Photo Credits: Lindsey Clark, Jessica Scott, IDC, Anna Brody, M. Liz, Rolex

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INTERNATIONAL DIAMOND CENTER 349 Mall Blvd #100, Savannah, GA 866.720.3277

Collection to Watch: Sticks & Stones Collection Zia’s designs are knowing for being both sleek and fierce.

From one of a kind pieces to funky tassel necklaces and earrings, this accessory store has a little bit of everything. Zia’s latest collection, Sticks & Stones, is made up of breathtaking body chains and cascading necklaces and earrings. The body chains are particularly appealing this season, made from sterling silver and 14ct goldfill. His collection is inspired by nature, which is made evident in different pieces named after elements such as Falling Leaves, Waterfall, Luna, and more.

VILLA SAVANNAH 109 W Broughton St, Savannah, GA 912.233.2870

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West Coast Comes to Savannah: Jeweled Chokers Inspired by L.A. and the West Coast, jeweled and stoned chokers, which come in silver or gold, have been particularly popular among customers at Villa.

The stones are wrapped and are a fun way to make a statement without being too fussy about it. Chokers made a name for themselves in the ‘90’s, and we’re happy to see them back in a much classier way.

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MAMIE RUTH / M. LIZ JEWELRY 107 W Liberty St, Savannah, GA

Finding the Animal Within: This season we’re seeing a lot of animal inspired jewelry. M. Liz Jewelry, which works in collaboration with Mamie Ruth, uses all natural elements for her designs. Stones are unpolished and uncut, and all metals are 14K gold filled and sterling silver. For these particular collections all quills come from African porcupines, and the beetle wings are used in their natural state, which gives them a vibrant green color.

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THE PULSE OF FASHION IN THE SOUTH Celebrity fashion stylist, Ashley Borders, identifies the Southern fashion scene and imagines the possibilities for the future.

What exactly is a pulse? By definition, it is “a rhythmical throbbing of the arteries as blood is propelled through them.” Although we are not discussing human anatomy right now, in any community the lifelines of art and fashion are the artisans who collectively fuel the movement of the industry. Art is fashion and fashion is art.

People often make distinction between the two but, to me building a creative personal portrait is like applying layers to a painting; one is designing something that evokes emotion and an aesthetic no matter what that is. Some fashion is bright and cheerful, but goth or punk styles are dark and moody. This is why you feel something when you see someone dressed with purpose.

FASHION TAKING ROOT IN THE SOUTH

Without art, fashion wouldn’t exist. It is crucial, therefore, to promote an artistic community in any area that has a blossoming fashion industry and vice versa. Savannah is an incredible incubator and lush garden of artisans, artists and creative people! The arts community in Savannah has always been strong, thanks to SCAD and a plethora of eccentric characters plnting roots here but I feel it is finally taking root now and sprouting a diverse, but focused bed of budding young designers and talented upand-coming entrepreneurs.

Evidence of the growing Southern fashion scene is abundant. Charleston has emerged into a bona fide market during Fashion Week, with an impressive list of showing designers and sponsors. Atlanta is booming with an ever-growing number of boutiques filled with local designs and the awesome Factory Girls fashion merchandising and manufacturing incubator ( www.factorygirlsatl.com) gives fashion designers an opportunity to learn the ins-and-outs of the industry as well as gain reallife, hands-on experience with manufacturing and production at an affordable cost. North Carolina is re-purposing historical factories and providing a Southern space for designers to produce their products in American-operated, American-made spaces that provide local jobs, and promote the idea of “Farm to Fashion” in an evolving market. The questions are no longer, “Who is the designer and what is the price?” but rather, “Where is this made, and is it produced with local materials?”

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(Check out conedenim.com).

I believe that Savannah has the creative people, and vision to be the fashion headquarters for not only Georgia, but also for the entire South! Look at what is going on in our ever-evolving Downtown Historic District. Broughton Street is attracting a consortium of widely-respected international brands (L’Occitane, Goorin Bros, J.Crew, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs), and the rest of downtown is growing right along with local boutiques, local retail spaces, and even manufacturing headquarters! (www.mamieruth.com , www. shopsatchel.com , www.ziaboutique.com ). Simultaneously, the Port of Savannah is expanding, and new flights to and from New York City and other major hubs are increasing!

Combine all this with the growing number of art school graduates that plan to call Savannah home, and to grow their designer labels here, and you have the perfect ingredients for some good old Southern fashion soul food!

FASHION’S FUTURE IN SAVANNAH

With all this forward progress, the question of how to make it happen still remains. With the recent dissolution of Savannah Fashion Week and Savannah Fashion’s Night Out, there is an uncertainty about what the next platform for showcasing Southern designers will be. It is important that Savannah officially lands its spot on the ever-fickle “Fashion Map.” In order for us to cement our position, the entire community needs to continue supporting the artisans and designers, and keep them pumping the life into our local fashion industry. This “pulse” not only promotes local business and jobs, but it also promotes an incredible atmosphere of interest and a level of artistic energy, which makes Savannah so incredible, and what helps Savannah attract over twelve million tourists every year!

Imagine the possibilities of utilizing what Savannah naturally offers, and the numbers of visitors who can help build a fashion and art hub for the South. Our city could be a model to encourage and inspire other places throughout the country to invest in local artists and the unique things they bring to economic and creative tables. Being surrounded by the arts builds creativity and acceptance through visual stimulation; it is a vessel to transport our ideas “outside of the box.” A city can only become its best version of itself when ideas are free to wander, and the human pulse—the very thing that pushes us forward—is constantly refueled with thought, emotion and beauty.

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THE FASHION EXCHANGE

THE NEWEST INCUBATOR FOR EMERGING FASHION DESIGNERS IN SAVANNAH This high concept fashion boutique is modeled after the Dover Street Market in New York and is the brainchild of collaboration among Broughton Street developer, Ben Carter, owner of Collective Marketing, Karen Guinn, and entrepreneur Abby Hastings. “We came up with the idea after last year’s fashion week when we saw all of these talented Savannah-based designers who did not have an outlet to show their lines,” explained Guinn.

The Savannah College of Art and Design has been a great incubator of talent for the fashion industry, yet Guinn noted, “These graduates are not staying here and by providing an outlet for their collections maybe we can keep some of this talent here.”

To date, the Broughton Exchange features collections from roughly 28 designers, but this number rotates to keep the selections fresh. All the designers have a connection to Savannah, whether they are from here, have studied here or are living here now. The boutique will be hosting regular monthly events to introduce the community to the designers.

SOUTHERN DESIGNERS

THE FASHION INDUSTRY IS EXPLODING IN SAVANNAH AND THERE IS A NEW WAVE OF YOUNG DESIGNERS MAKING A BIG SPLASH ON THE SOUTHERN CIRCUIT. MEET 4 DESIGNERS THAT ARE MAKING THEIR MARK IN THE DESIGN WORLD. PAULA S. FOGARTY & ELIZABETH DANOS

“ We will be hosting a trunk show this summer with Flagpole Slim. They are carried by Barney’s in New York, and we are the only boutique in the Southeast to carry the line,” said manager Abby Hastings. Dollface

by Jules is another local resource that has a new line of makeup in the boutique. They conduct two makeup lessons for clients per month. Follow the Broughton Exchange on Facebook and Instagram for all the special event information.

The Broughton Exchange hosts over a dozen of Savannah’s most promising fashion designers. 18 East Broughton Street broughtonexchange.com

PHOTOS CEDRIC SMITH

BROOKE ATWOOD Brooke Atwood, a Mississippi native, is also a graduate from Savannah College of Art and Design with a Masters in Fashion Design. Before she decided to be a designer, she had a retail store, and it was there that she decided she wanted to become a designer. She makes women’s clothes, and she is inspired by her everyday surroundings. She explains that her latest collection is inspired by “custom wallpaper designed by an artist that worked for Andy Warhol that is hanging in a bathroom at a friend’s house.” With a creative mind like that, it’s no wonder that Brooke is making waves in the fashion world.

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meet the designer

JULES DE JESUS FRITZ Jules De Jesus Fritz has been a lover of makeup since she was a small child. In 1997 she started her professional career at a makeup counter in the mall. She started her company, Dollface by Jules, in 2007 when she came to Savannah. “I was working with so many women who needed help with makeup and in 2014 launched Jules More Than Makeup.� Her line presents full systems of core products paired with full color lines to achieve several looks. She has a video on how to use the line and offers regular classes at the Broughton Exchange. dollfacebyjules.com.

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meet the designer

TROY ALLEN Troy Allen, a Savannah native, originally attended Savannah Arts Academy for dancing. But, after getting some hands on experience with costume design, Troy realized just how much he wanted to work in fashion. His designs are versatile and easy to wear with a “grab and go” feel. He explains, “I am inspired by color palettes and the idea of being able to wear something over and over again. I’m not the type of customer who buys something and wears it once; therefore, I expect my customer to be the same way.”

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meet the designer

M. LIZ M. Liz graduated from th Savannah College of Art and Design in 2009 with a degree in Metals and Jewelry. Her designs are made from natural and earthy elements. M. Liz explains, “I’m inspired by nature and natural elements. I make easy to wear jewelry.” With that being said, her pieces are non-fussy and easy to throw on. She goes on to say, “I live at the beach, so I make my jewelry with the idea that you can throw it on with a bathing suit and go.” Be sure to check out her latest designs at Broughton Exchange as well as Mamie Ruth / M. Liz Jewelry, a boutique and studio.

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SOUTHERN FASHION PHOTOGRAPHERS DISCOVER FOUR AWARD-WINNING SOUTHERN FASHION PHOTOGRAPHERS THAT HAVE EXPLODED WITH THE NEW EMERGENCE OF INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS AND DESIGNERS.

T R AV I S T E AT E Travis Teate discovered the arts while he was confined to school property in his junior and senior years at the Citadel for disciplinary punishment. After graduating in 2006 he became a full time portrait painter and then fell in love with photography when he was creating a series on dancers and had to take photographs for references.

Teate has been published by major magazines, such as Vogue Italia, Elle, and W, and his works have been exhibited in the Ryan Keely Gallery in New York and during Charleston Fashion Week. His current work has shifted to embrace his love of light— both its presence and its absence.

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He has spent the better part of the last two years living on a sailboat, which has deepened his experience with the play of light and the natural environment. “There is something very feminine and elegant about a long sailboat as it moves through the water. On one trip from Savannah to South Florida, I spent a lot of time staring at these lines, and I imagined a shoot of strong hard lines sweeping over the body of a woman that was very independent and strong, but retained a sense of feline sensuality that did not portray her as anything but in absolute control. Once that trip was done and we returned to Savannah, I sold the boat and went back to work with this image in my mind,” he stated.

ZOE CHRISTOU WELCH This London native grew up in a family that was deeply involved in the fashion industry, and they encouraged her to pursue her passion for photography.

Her stunning images have been published around the world in the USA, UK, France, Italy, Spain and Brazil. She has won S E E Z OE ’ S WOR K ON PAGE S 1 2 0 & 1 2 1

several photography awards and competitions and is now featured in a new international television show, which explores the world of female photographers. “I consider fashion and art to be my life so everything around me inspires me to shoot,” she said. Her style influences fluctuate between dark and light, color and black & white and fantasy and reality.

D OUG OR DWAY After graduating from The Center for The Media Arts/Germain School of Photography, New York City in 1983, Doug entered the job market working in various areas of the field.

Early assisting jobs included home furnishing and tabletop photography, eventually being hired as a full time assistant in a fashion catalogue studio. He went on to assist renowned fashion photographer Bruce Weber, working on Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren campaigns as well as editorials for Italian and British Vogue and Vanity Fair. Upon completing his apprenticeship in 1989, Doug moved to Milan, Italy to start his career as a photographer where he developed a close working relationship with Gianni and Donatella Versace. He then moved to London where he worked for Italian and British Elle, Madame, and Conde Nast Traveller as well as commercial work department stores. Soon after he returned to Milan for an additional 5 years, continuing his working relationship with Donatella Versace.

Upon returning to the USA he added to his portfolio celebrity and travel work, continuing to shoot for Conde Nast Traveller (USA&UK) as well as shooting celebrity portraits for Vogue, Teen Vogue, Allure, Self, and Movieline.

He is now based in both Savannah and New York focusing on his Savannah-based Rise Model Management and Crazy Horse Savannah Productions, as well as continuing his fashion and portrait photography work.

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CEDRIC SMITH Growing up, this self-taught artist was always dabbling in drawings.

What started out as graffiti in most cases slowly turned into an art form that is completely his own. The magic began when one day while he was cutting hair in a salon where he worked for over thirteen years, a very interesting customer sat down into his chair.

The gentleman started talking to Cedric and mentioned that he should stop by his art studio sometime. He explained to Cedric that he was a self-taught success, and that left room for Cedric, who never went to college himself, to dream and believe in his own talents. He explains that seeing this art studio simply confirmed his inner belief that he should be an artist; “it was like something was begging to come out all along, but I didn’t think it was possible since I never went to college.”

The very next day Cedric told his boss at the hair shop that in a single week he would be leaving the store. He went on to pursue his artistry, first with paintings, and then with photography. In 1996 he became a painter in Atlanta and shortly thereafter his love for vintage photographs was incorporated into almost all of his works. After showcasing his paintings in different major cities including New York, Texas, Chicago, and Paris, it was only after he moved to Savannah, Georgia, that he just “picked up the camera” and started shooting photos for pleasure rather than solely for his art. This was an easy transition, given his love fashion and image. Fashion is what he enjoys shooting the most because the artistry of fashion is so fascinating to him, “ When you shoot fashion, you can play with color, and you can shoot from an artist’s point of view.”

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T R AV I S T E A T E

Model is Charity Lund and Hair is by Lauren Moser.

Outfit : Detroit designer Leslie Pilings.

T R AV I S T E A T E

Styed by Ashley Borders. Swimwear by Ashleyborders.com Model: Caitlin Hunt. This series was originally shot to be an editorial for SOUTH.

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ZOE CHR ISTOU WELCH

This shot was taken just over the Talmadge Memorial Bridge on the South Carolina side in a wetland area. Welch’s inspirational words for this shot were ‘beauty, stuck, ‘lonely, depressed and no way out.’ It was pouring down with rain accompanied with thunder and lightning. Two European fashion magazines published this image.

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ZOE CHR ISTOU WELCH

This shot was taken just outside Savannah, Georgia, at a big plot of land off of Highway 204 where a whole bunch of trees were cut down in preparation for building a new highway.

The artist hoped to portray a story of ‘revenge’ in this shot. It was Welch’s first attempt at fine art photography it was published by Fashion World and 10Ten Magazine.

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D O U G O R D WA Y

Personal Work Versace Couture Piazza Duomo Milano

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D O U G O R D WA Y

Publicity Atelier Haute Couture Versace Headquarters

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CEDR IC SMITH

“Contact” Model: KiAnna Drayton Location: Tybee Island Beach

CEDR IC SMITH

“Tea Party” Model: Edith Locke Location: Savannah, Georgia

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GUIDE TO STAYING YOUNG PEOPLE ARE LIVING LONGER THESE DAYS, AND SO IT MAKES SENSE THAT WE WANT TO STAY LOOKING AS YOUNG AND FIT AS POSSIBLE FOR AS LONG AS WE CAN. JUST BECAUSE WE ARE AGING, WE DON’T HAVE TO FEEL OLD OR LOOK OLD. THERE ARE MANY SOLUTIONS TO THE PROCESS, INCLUDING COSMETIC SURGERY, HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY, COSMETIC DENTISTRY AND INNOVATIVE SKIN CARE. WE ALL KNOW THAT

AS WE AGE, OUR BODIES CHANGE. One of the first signs of prematurely aging skin is the noticeable loss of a glowing complexion, paired with dark circles, fine lines and dry, less elastic skin. And the older we become, the faster we age.

The passage of time and the pull of gravity cause us to lose the natural collagen and fat in and under our skin, thinning outer tissues and leading to wrinkles. Our teeth yellow, and our hair thins. We gain weight more easily, lines appear around our mouths and eyes, and our skin begins to stretch and sag.

Fortunately, Savannah health professionals are here to help – dramatically reducing the signs of

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aging, restoring the glow of youth and returning our bodies to the shape we remember. With today’s procedural advances, we can look and feel better than ever. And we don’t have to stop with restoration, as it is now possible to reach our physical ideal.

DR E. RONALD FINGER

KNOWS HOW APPEARANCE AFFECTS CONFIDENCE. Author of Why Grow Old Dr. Finger understands the importance of one’s physical appearance to self esteem. He developed one of the first anti-aging/anti-glycation skin care systems in the U.S., and he offers patients non-surgical as well as surgical procedures for maintaining youthful and healthy appearances.

8 THINGS YOU

NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT DR. FINGER

1. The first board-certified plastic surgeon in Savannah 2. The first outpatient surgical facility in Savannah, Georgia 3. The first physician to perform liposuction in Georgia 4. The first to open a medical spa in 1998 in the Coastal Area, the New Youth Medical Spa 5. The first and still the largest, most comprehensive laser center in the Coastal Empire 6. The first plastic surgeon to offer “Tickle lipo” in the coastal region

“

7. The first to offer the NeoGraft Hair Transplant system in Georgia

Dr. Finger has perfected achieving a natural look for all end results.

“

8. One of the first doctor-pioneered comprehensive ANTI-AGING skin care lines, the New Youth Skin Care System.

WHY GROW OLD!

ANTI-ANGING PIONEER

For Dr. E. Ronald Finger, a life as a pioneer in plastic surgery was a natural fit. Dr. Finger’s appreciation of medicine developed at an early age when he assisted his father, a general surgeon, in surgery.

After serving in the United States Air Force, he returned home to the Southeast and set out to create the first outpatient plastic surgery center in Georgia. It’s been a career of firsts ever since. He is a “master injector” and was a national physician trainer for dermal fillers. His seminal book, Why Grow Old is a groundbreaking guide to managing the aging process and staying youthful forever.

INNOVATIVE PRACTICES

Dr. Finger practices many innovative ways to keep a youthful look in addition to traditional cosmetic procedures, including scalp rejuvenation treatment with PRP/ Platelet Rich Plasma to aid in hair growth.

He combines Neograft Hair Restoration with PRP to stimulate new hair growth. PRP is also being used for Anti-Aging Facials.

MAINTAINING YOUTH

Dr. Finger’s New Youth Skin Care helps maintain youthful appearances. Made from uniquely formulated compounds and natural elements, the New Youth treatment system offers products expressly designed to work together to make your skin more youthful by limiting Glycation, which is important to prevent premature aging of the skin and body.

NATURAL-LOOKING RESULTS

Finger & Associates strives for the “natural” look for all end results. This means rhinoplasty (nose jobs) don’t appear “pinched” or turned up too much, face lifts don’t look stretched or wind-tunneled, and eyelid surgery doesn’t leave the patient with a surprised look. The consultation process with Finger & Associates is where your needs and wants become custom tailored to deliver a natural result that will leave you feeling and looking your best.

Listening to patients and truly understanding the results they want is paramount to the entire staff at Finger & Associates.

A BREAKTHROUGH SYSTEM

The future of hair restoration is here. NeoGraft is the first FDA-approved automated, minimally invasive hair restoration procedure available. No scalpel, no stitches, no long recovery. NeoGraft combines the Follicular Unit Extraction method, or FUE, with automated technology to eliminate the time disadvantage of the manual FUE method and all cosmetic disadvantages of the strip method which leaves a visable scar. An expert in hair transplantation, Dr. Finger uses a multi-therapy approach to serve men and women suffering from hair loss.

YOU DESERVE THE BEST

Dr. Finger is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and the Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons. Ranked

by RateMDs as the top plastic surgeon in Georgia and tenth in the nation, Dr. Finger’s experience and dedicated research fueled his focus on repair, protection, and rejuvenation.

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Dr.Finger’s Procedures NEOGRAFT DR. FINGER SPECIALIZES IN THE FOLLOWING SERVICES AND PROCEDURES: BODY • Liposuction/Tickle Lipo • Mommy Makeover • No Drain Tummy Tuck • The Brazilian Butt Lift • Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) FACE • Facelift • Rhinoplasty • Eyelid Surgery • Forehead lift BREAST • Breast Enhancement • Breast Uplift • Breast Reduction Surgery NON-SURGICAL • ThermiSmooth250 for skin tighting and fat reduction • Non-Surgical Facelift • Botox / Dysport • Facial fillers for revolumizing • PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) for anti- aging and hair loss • New Youth Medical Spa & Laser Center

Please contact Dr.Finger & Assosiates for more information about these services and procedures or visit: fingerandassociates.com newyouthmedicalspa.com newyouthskincare.com savannahhairtransplant.com plasticsurgeryandantiaging.com

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Leave traditional hair restoration techniques in the past. Restore your hair’s volume and hairline using this minimally invasive hair restoration technology.

Dr. Finger uses this breakthrough, minimally invasive procedure at The Hair Restoration Center of Savannah. NeoGraft is the first FDA approved automated hair restoration procedure available.

Scalpels, staples and long recovery times are a thing of the past due to the NeoGraft technology.

PRP

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is among the newest regenerative procedures. In some cases, PRP can slow the rate of hair loss and increase the diameter of the hair shaft, giving the appearance of a fuller head of hair.

TICKLE LIPO

Meet Tickle Lipo, the innovative and effective approach to getting rid of unwanted fat. The “Tickle Lipo,” or NIL (Nutational Infrasonic Liposuction) fat liposuction technique reduces discomfort, post-operative swelling, bruising, and recovery time while preserving stem cells for fat transfer.

LIQUID FACELIFT

COCKTAIL The Liquid FaceLift Cocktail™, an individualized plan of filler treatments, addresses each patient’s unique needs and goals. The Liquid FaceLift Cocktail™ uses the best attributes of each injectable to its maximum potential. A single

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office visit can cover total treatment with minimal recovery. The Liquid FaceLift Cocktail™ may yield more dramatic results than a surgical facelift.

NO DRAIN

TUMMY TUCK Dr.Finger uses the No Drain Tummy Tuck technique which eliminates drains and reduces the likelihood of seromas (an accumulation of fluid), decreases discomfort and recovery time, reduces swelling, and speeds up patient mobilization.

Traditional Tummy Tucks have prolonged recovery times, and drains are usually left in for up to a week, and the complication rates are high. The No Drain procedure deploys a special suturing technique that helps eliminate drains.

DERMA SCULPT

The DermaSculpt Microcannula is a revolutionary new filler injecting technique used to treat deficient areas in the face that lose volume with age, such as the hollows under the eyes, smile lines, tear troughs, and midcheek areas as well as the Marionette lines beneath the corner of the mouth.

Whereas techniques improve continually, the Derma Sculpt microcannula instantly elevates injection quality and reduces recovery time, bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Facial fillers can dramatically turn back the clock, with most patients experiencing immediate results in the face. This nonsurgical procedure can take years off your appearance and make you more confident.

Why Grow Old! Why Grow Old! is the indispensable guide to how nutrition, hormones, skin care, and plastic surgery can thwart the aging process. From the start of his illustrious career, it was obvious to Dr. Finger that most patients want to feel better, be more energetic and youthful, as well as look their best. Cosmetic surgery can be important, but the patient’s lifestyle, dedication, and attitude toward health can be equally important.

In Why Grow Old! Dr. Finger explains how the nonmedical person can gain knowledge and pursue his or her own lifestyle plan to achieve these goals.

NEW YOUTH SKIN CARE SYSTEM New Youth works at the cellular level, because healthy skin cells produce healthy (and beautiful) skin. Made from uniquely formulated compounds and natural elements, the New Youth treatment system offers products expressly designed to work together to make your skin more youthful.

Every New Youth product was targeted to combat the chief aggressors of aging, to work at the cellular level to produce healthier skin. The ingredients in New Youth have been clinically proven to dramatically curtail and even reverse the aging process.

New Youth products

are designed to combat: • Thinning skin • Wrinkles • DNA damage, which may result in cancer • Cell damage Glycation, which results in sagging, hardening of the arteries, among many other undesirable effects • Pigmentation problems from pregnancy, hormones or the environment • Inflammation, which is responsible for virtually every disease including those of the skin • Rough or scaly skin • Poor blood supply • Free radicals

CLEANSER

Mild and nondrying, a complete cleanser that removes stubborn makeup residue and leaves skin feeling refreshed.

ACTIVATOR

Eliminates acne, stabilizes skin pigment, reduces age spots, and acts as an exfoliator, allowing other products to penetrate deeply into the skin.

FADE SERUM

Contains four synergistic pigment stabilizers to reduce age spots and pregnancy mask without irritation.

RETINOL SILK

Contains retinol in microsponges for timed release and better penetration, less irritation and no skin flaking, reducing fine wrinkles and large pores.

ANTI-

INFLAMMATORY CREAM A true anti-aging complex. Contains antioxidants, antiinflammatories, whole food nutrients, and vitamins, promoting cell repair and restoration with ingredients like cat’s claw, Russian black tea, marine algae extract, and Resveratrol.

AGE CONTROL

SERUM A morning serum for all-day protection against oxidation and environmental damage. Contains highly concentrated vitamin B for cell repair, as well as marine algae extract, MAPP, and Resveratrol.

MOISTURIZER

SPF 30 It is a nonchemical sun-block that is not absorbed into the skin and does not cause any adverse reactions.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Efficient and effective teamwork is a hallmark of the culture at Finger and Associates. Clear communication among the patients and the administrative and medical staffs is critical to achieving the desired results for the patients. Teamwork is about collaboration, and the patients are at the center of this process at Finger & Associates.

For more information, Dr. Finger can be reached at 912.354.4411 or visit the following websites: fingerandassociates.com, newyouthmedicalspa.com, newyouthskincare.com, savannahhairtransplant.com.

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TEENS

Young people may feel self-conscious about their nose, protruding ears or uneven breasts.

Plastic surgery can boost confidence so that teens can focus on school, sports, socializing, and fun.

MANAGING THE AGING PROCESS WITH EVERY ERA OF OUR LIVES, WE FACE A DIFFERENT SET OF CHALLENGES IN THE AGING PROCESS, FROM LOSING ELASTICITY IN OUR SKIN TO GAINING UNWANTED WEIGHT DUE TO A DECREASE IN METABOLISM. DR. JOHN D. PALETTA HELPS PATIENTS MANAGE THE AGING PROCESS OVER THE COURSE OF TIME WITH SURGICAL AND NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURES .

Dr. John D. Paletta of The Georgia Institute For Plastic Surgery in Savannah, Georgia, custom tailors strategies with his patients to enhance their lives through surgical and non-surgical procedures. He offers each patient excellence in surgical skill and a focus on great customer service with the essence of Southern hospitality.

Plastic surgery procedures he performs provide a wealth of possibilities for enhancing your image.

Dr. Paletta skillfully performs an array of beautification procedures for the body, including liposuction and tummy tucks, and he has helped many Savannah breast augmentation patients achieve attractive, natural looking bust lines.

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Facelift and rhinoplasty patients are also pleased with the facial rejuvenation procedures they receive from Dr. Paletta,who understands the importance of engaging patients of all ages in the process of defining and achieving their goals.

His customized approach to each patient’s needs and aging process allows the person to maintian a youthful, confident and healthy appearance over the course of their lives. For Paletta, the long-term strategy is more meaningful than a one-time fix.

Working with patients over the span of their lives and serving as a partner in their quest to stay as youthful looking and confident feeling as possible is a hallmark of Dr. Paletta’s mission.

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20’s

During our first forays into the working world, it’s important to look our best. To enhance and protect our appearance, we may initiate a regimen of skin care, correct breast size and nose imperfections through cosmetic surgery.

Women in their 20s may elect to start Botox treatments to help prevent permanent wrinkles.

Surgical procedures such as breast reduction and augmentation and liposuction can help improve the quality of life for young women.

30’s

We’re hitting our stride with work and family, but we’re also beginning to notice lines and creases at our brow and around our mouths, sun damage, weight gain, and some stretching and drooping of our skin and breasts, especially if we are mothers.

This is the time to explore injection therapies to treat forehead and laugh lines. It is also a good time to consider post-pregnancy surgical procedures to lift or enhance the breasts, tighten the tummy, and contour the hips and thighs.

Teen EAR SURGERY BREAST AUGMENTATION NOSE RESHAPING SKIN TIGHTENING SKIN RESURFACING LIPOSUCTION BROW LIFT FOREHEAD LIFT NECK LIFT

40’s

Focused on maintaining our health and appearance, this is a good time to explore a combination of procedures, such as injection therapy at our forehead with an eyelid surgery or brow lift to brighten facial expression and diminish baggy eyes and crow’s feet. Skin fillers improve the contour of lips and fill in the facial areas where we are starting to lose volume.

20’s EAR SURGERY BREAST AUGMENTATION NOSE RESHAPING SKIN TIGHTENING SKIN RESURFACING LIPOSUCTION BROW LIFT FOREHEAD LIFT NECK LIFT

50’s

We don’t feel tired so why look tired?

At this stage, we’re opting for surgical facial rejuvenation to restore our natural jaw line and reestablish the youthful fullness of our cheeks. We may combine surgical procedures with fillers or fat grafting to restore additional volume loss in our face.

30’s EAR SURGERY BREAST AUGMENTATION NOSE RESHAPING SKIN TIGHTENING SKIN RESURFACING LIPOSUCTION BROW LIFT FOREHEAD LIFT NECK LIFT

40’s

JOHN D. PALETTA, MD, FACS,

He knew he would be a surgeon in third grade.

His patients find him friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable. He received his M.D degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of medicine in 1995, completed his Residency in General Surgery at York Hospital in York, PA, and his Residency in Plastic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 2002. Dr. Paletta’s specialties include breast surgery, body contouring and facial cosmetic surgery .

Life doesn’t grind to a halt after 65 – far from it some patients are having their first procedure such as liposuction and tummy tucks to reduce excess skin while others may be having a second breast procedure or facelift combined with a brow lift, chin implant, and neck lift.

50’s

EAR SURGERY BREAST AUGMENTATION NOSE RESHAPING SKIN TIGHTENING SKIN RESURFACING LIPOSUCTION BROW LIFT FOREHEAD LIFT NECK LIFT

60’s

EAR SURGERY BREAST AUGMENTATION NOSE RESHAPING SKIN TIGHTENING SKIN RESURFACING LIPOSUCTION BROWLIFT FOREHEAD LIFT NECK LIFT

60’s EAR SURGERY BREAST AUGMENTATION NOSE RESHAPING SKIN TIGHTENING SKIN RESURFACING LIPOSUCTION BROW LIFT FOREHEAD LIFT NECK LIFT

STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES

Dr. Paletta’s offices at The Georgia Institute For Plastic Surgery feature a state-of-the-art surgical facility accredited by Medicare and AAAASF, confidential, private entrances and exits for those having surgery, and convenient hours and locations with six satellite offices to serve your needs.

For more information, call 912.644.8224 5361 Reynolds St. Savannah, GA www.mycosmeticsurgeon.md drpaletta@mycosmeticsurgeon.md *Not actual patients shown SPECIAL A DV ERTISING SECTION • JUNE / JULY 2015

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YOUTH VS YOUTHFUL

THERE IS NO NEED TO HIDE YOUR TEETH BEHIND A FROWN OR TO BE EMBARRASSED BY YOUR SMILE. DR. KEVIN DICKINSON IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF HIS PATIENTS’ LIVES THROUGH COSMETIC DENTISTRY.

DR. KEVIN DICKINSON IS ERASING THE MILES WITH SMILES

Want to light up every room you walk into? Studies show that smiling improves your health, lowers your stress level, and brings joy to those around you. Smiling changes your mood, relieves stress, boosts your immune system, lowers your blood pressure, releases endorphins, builds confidence, and makes you look younger! Of course, healthy teeth are the foundation of every gorgeous grin. But to really dazzle, a sparkling set is a must. Investing in a attractive smile will not only improve your looks - it will change your life.

TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Kevin Dickinson has changed lives with his smile enhancements.

“I have had patients with terrible social and professional relationships and they changed tremendously after they could smile and speak with confidence.” Dr. Dickinson specializes in transforming a person’s smile with innovative technologies and customized plans for each client.

He understands the power of a great smile and finds great reward in watching his patients develop more confidence and increased self-esteem by enhancing their smiles.

Get a Better Smile Today: For more information, call 912.352.4338 or go to dickinsondds.com Dr. Dickinson is located at : 815 East 68th Street in Savannah, GA.

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Increased confidence.

It makes people happy.

A smile helps bring people together.

People are more beautiful with a smile.

Smiles make people approachable.

People who smile are more successful.

Smiles improve lives for everyone.

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FINDING THE RIGHT SURGEON IT IS CRITICAL TO FIND THE RIGHT DOCTOR WHO CAN UNDERSTAND YOUR NEEDS, MOTIVATIONS AND DESIRED OUTCOMES WHEN IT COMES TO IMPROVING YOUR APPEARANCE. THE TEAM AT COASTAL EMPIRE PLASTIC SURGERY ENCOMPASSES A WIDE VARIETY OF TALENTS AND SPECIALTIES FOR ITS PATIENTS. Once you’ve decided to rejuvenate your appearance, it’s essential to find qualified surgeons who will meet your needs. You want a plastic surgeon with years of experience, solid credentials and a great reputation for delivering natural-looking results.

PATIENT SATISFACTION

At Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery, patient satisfaction is paramount. The surgeons value an open dialogue with their patients, working together to form solid partnerships.

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CARING AND COMPASSIONATE The surgeons at Coast Empire Plastic Surgery are not only fully trained and experienced, they’re also the most caring, compassionate physicians you’re likely to meet. Fueled by a passion to help patients achieve their dreams, doctors Joel L. Shanklin, Meghan K. McGovern, Luke J. Curtsinger, and Michael R. Huntly derive great satisfaction in delivering exquisite results that leave their patients satisfied and smiling.

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For more information, call 912.920.2090 900 Mohawk Street Suite A Savannah, GA coastalempireplasticsurgery.com

Joel L. Shanklin, MD, FACS, is Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is the founder of Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery and was involved in the design and construction of the office and surgery center complex which opened in August 2003.

The Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery Center is certified by Medicare, the Georgia Department of Community Health, and the ONLY plastic surgery center in the region to achieve JCAHO certification. Dr. Shanklin graduated at the top of his class from University of Louisville Medical School, and was fellowship trained in plastic surgery at the University of California.

Meghan K. McGovern, MD, came to Savannah in 2002 after completing training in plastic surgery in Pennsylvania, and medical school in Virginia. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Her practice is devoted to a wide range of individualized solutions to patients ranging from new mothers needing breast enhancement or an abdominal nip to high-power executives looking to erase years of worry from their brows.

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BROAD RANGE OF SERVICES

MEET THE DOCTORS AT COASTAL EMPIRE PLASTIC SURGERY

Luke J. Curtsinger, III, MD, FACS, is Board Certified in both general surgery by the American Board of Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. A highly experienced surgeon in his field, he has performed well over 10,000 surgeries on children and adults.

Michael R. Huntly, MD, FACS, is Board Certified in both general surgery by the American Board of Surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

He has been practicing in Savannah for more than 15 years. Prior to moving to Savannah, Dr. Huntly was the Chief of the Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, PA. With over 25 years of plastic surgery experience, Dr. Huntly has developed expertise in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

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SOUTHERN ARTIST

BILLY CURRINGTON’S STYLE AND VIBE ARE THE PERFECT MATCH TO HIS SIXTH ALBUM

W R I T T E N B Y R O B Y N PA S S A N T E W I T H E VA F E D D E R LY PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLAKE CROSBY

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Billy Currington has a deep love for paddle surfing.

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OME SUPERSTAR SINGERS LIKE TO LIVE THE WAY THEY PERFORM – LOUD, PROUD, AND FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE. THEIR LIVES ARE OPEN BOOKS AND THEIR PARTIES HAVE AN OPENDOOR POLICY. WHEN THEY’RE NOT RECORDING OR TOURING, YOU CAN FIND THEM WHEREVER THE ACTION IS. BILLY CURRINGTON IS NOT ONE OF THOSE SINGERS.

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urrington, an Effingham County native with eight No. 1 country hits under his belt and a new album with a June 2nd release date, somehow manages to ooze his trademark Southern charm that’s won the hearts of fans around the world and remain intensely private.

When he isn’t recording in Nashville or out on the road, you can find him on Tybee Island, reveling in his roots and digging in his garden.

“I’ve been to so many places in my life, but nothing feels like home except here,” says Currington at his Tybee Island treasure, a house he bought in 2010 and visits whenever he can. “It’s pretty marvelous.”

Currington was raised in Rincon and spent summers on Tybee. His grandfather taught him to fish by the time he was 3, and both grandparents cultivated in young Billy his deep love and appreciation for gardening.

His extensive garden includes everything Currington’s family used to grow when he was a kid. “(Vidalias) are the best onions,” says the proud Georgia boy. “I used to go to the Vidalia Onion Festival every year!”

And with his loving touch, his Vidalias are thriving, along with more recent add-

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ons like carrots, celery, mint and basil.

“This is my grandfather’s famous Silver Queen corn,” Currington says, pointing to a row of sprouting stalks. “I was planting regular corn but remembered my grandfather used to grow the juiciest, sweetest corn. I asked my grandmother about it the other day and she took me to where my grandfather used to get his Silver Queen corn seeds.”

Though his gardening techniques tend to mimic the ones he learned from his grandparents, he has made one significant upgrade on the advice of another older gardener. It’s making a real difference. “(He) told me I should try raised beds because on Tybee there’s a lot more beach sand than fertile soil,” says Currington, actively digging in the dirt. “Now, each year I add more compost. It’s the best garden I’ve ever had.”

The singer understands the quiet persistence needed to succeed, whether that success comes in the form of a bumper crop of Silver Queen corn or a record deal, Grammy nomination, or Country Music Award. The boy from Rincon with a soul for country made his way to Nashville after high school, hell bent on carving a name for himself in the music business. But stardom

doesn’t often come easy, and Currington paid his dues working construction and as a personal trainer until the right people heard his demos and started to take notice. He signed with Mercury Records in 2003, releasing his self-titled debut album Read the bestthat year. His first selling book The Secret that inspired single, “Walk a Little Billy to purchase his Straighter,” peaked dream home with at No. 8. The second a little help from single, “I Got a Feelin’,” South magazine. became his first Top 5, and finally, suddenly, little Billy from the beach was a bonafide hit.

“I admire him; he stuck with it. He deserves everything he’s got,” says Clay Hurst, one of Currington’s good friends from high school who played football with the singer back in the day.

“It took him a while to get there, and he made it, and he’s done well. I’m proud of him for sticking it out. A lot of people would have gone home.”

OUR FASHION EDITOR GOT TO SPEND A LITTLE TIME WITH CURRINGTON. THIS IS WHAT SHE THOUGHT. SIMPLE STYLE Upon meeting Mr. Currington you immediately get a sense for his laid back, surfer boy, no fuss kinda style. You first notice his curly, tousled, sun bleached hair and barefooted-ness amidst the surfer “grom” style swim trunks and perfectly fitted, obviously organic cotton tee. Billy is an island boy. He lives the life that most surfer boys dream of. His style emulates this to a point. You can tell he is the real deal. I also couldn’t help but notice his adornment of ethnic beaded bracelets and water inspired “man” jewelry. Some of his favorite brands are John Varvatos and Diesel, whom he loves to wear on tour and at home. Billy’s style is approachable and casually tough. Hanging out with him makes you want to don your own colorful board shorts, grab a board and hang ten.

Currington goes home as often as he can. And securing the Tybee house was the fruit of the patient determination he had cultivated as a struggling musician.

“I had been reading The Secret,” Currington says of Rhonda Bryne’s best-selling self-help book. “Right after I read the book, I was renting a house on the beach part of Tybee, and I saw a magazine called South magazine sitting on the coffee table. I thumbed through it, and the section that caught my eye was the section where this very house was featured. I thought, ‘There’s the perfect place.’ But the price was too high.”

But Currington is a man who believes in his dreams, and, bolstered by the ideas in the book he’d just read, he cut out the image of the Tybee beach house and hung it on his refrigerator, focusing his energy on knowing that one day that house would be his.

“Eventually they took the Tybee house off the market. But I still couldn’t move on.” Currington hung that picture on every fridge at every house he lived in for the next several years until he was finally in a financial position to buy it.

It’s not so much the house he’s in love with, Currington explains to his visitors, but the location and its amenities. The place has a

Billy performing live onstage.

dock, a small lobster boat, a swimming Currington enjoys a breathtaking view pool, along with an from his patio. observation deck he built himself. “You’ve got so much view here; you can see the ocean and all the back inlets from one side,” he says, wonder on his face. “From the other side you can see ships going in and out of the Savannah River. You have an amazing view from every angle of the house. It’s very peaceful living here.”

Beautiful and beachy, the home is an honest reflection of its owner. It is not perfectly appointed and spotlessly stark. Rather, the house looks comfortably lived in and not the least bit ostentatious; one can tell there’s been some fun times at the Currington Estate.

The day he invited South magazine out to his pad, Currington was wearing what he said is his typical getup – a pair of surfer shorts, a loose T-shirt, and a circle hook necklace he bought on his last trip to Maui.

The surfer style complements the laidback personality, and the fact that he actually is an avid surfer. In fact, surfboard companies have flooded him with so many unsolicited boards he finally had to tell them, “No more.”

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June 6 Dallas, TX Gexa Energy Pavilion

July 19 Virginia Beach, VA Farm Bureau Live

June 11 Wantagh, NY Jones Beach Theatre

July 24 Bonner Springs, KS Cricket Wireless Amphitheater

June 12 Boston, MA Xfinity Center

July 30 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

June 18 Phoenix, AZ Ak-Chin Pavilion

First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

First Niagara Pavilion

August 9 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

September 3 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena

August 14 Birmingham, AL Oak Mountain Amphitheater

September 4 Seattle, WA White River Amphitheatre

August 15 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena

September 5 Portland, OR Amphitheatre Northwest

August 20 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Arena

June 19 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheater

July 31 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Pavilion

July 10 Raleigh, NC Walnut Creek Amphitheatre

August 1 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center

August 22 Tampa, FL Mid Florida Credit Union Amphitheater

July 11 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion

August 2 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre

August 28 Washington, DC Jiffy Lube Live

July 16 Toronto, ON Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

August 7 Indianapolis, IN Klipsch Music Center

August 29 Philadelphia, PA Susquehanna Bank Center

August 8 Chicago, IL

August 30 Pittsburgh, PA

August 21 West Palm Beach, FL Coral Sky Amphitheatre

September 9 & 10 Denver, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre September 12 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre September 17 Sacremento, CA Toyota Amphitheatre September 18 Mtn. View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre September 19 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

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NEED TO SCHEDULE AROUND HIS CONCERTS? CHECK HIS MONTHLY ACTIVITY AND GET TICKETS AT SUMMERFOREVER. BILLYCURRINGTON.COM

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July 18 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center

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June 5 Little Rock, AR Verizon Arena

SEPTEMBER

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LEAVING FOR THE FIRST STOP ON THE TOUR

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And just to be clear, this beach bum is a true stand-up paddle surfer, “not just a stand-up paddler,” he clarifies. “Lots of those guys are just cruisers on oceans and lakes.” His favorite paddle surfing spots include Costa Rica, Hawaii, Charleston and, of course, his beloved Tybee, which he says has plenty of perfectly hidden surfing spots – right up his alley.

When he isn’t playing on the water, his focus is often in the water – in the form of another longtime love, fishing. Currington often takes out his lobster boat or kayak to fish for sheepshead or wahoo, using fiddler crabs as bait.

He also enjoys the challenge of spearfishing.

“I’m a big fan of being able to go down and pick out the fish I want to eat. I only spear what I eat. I never come back with a bunch of fish. I don’t want to kill more than I need, which is why I’m a big fan of spearfishing because you can pick out what you want.”

He fishes the way he gardens, wasting nothing, using everything he harvests for

homemade dishes that delight himself and his loved ones. The elaborate grill and stately outdoor dinner table from Thailand get put to good use on his property when he’s in town. “I love grilling. Sweet corn is great on the grill,” he says. “I’ll also make a good Lowcountry boil.”

His grandmother continues to help her grandson tend his garden, both when he’s on Tybee and during those superstar stretches when he can’t get home to weed and water. That’ll happen this month, when Currington sets off on his 30-city Shotgun Rider Tour with Tim McGraw in support of his sixth studio album, Summer Forever.

“For me, [the album] represents a positive, happy, good time lifestyle,” says the 41-year-old former lifeguard. The title track was co-written

by Cole Swindell, Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, and Jesse Frasure. It’s a feel good tune perfect for summer, and Currington should be able to ride that wave toward another handful of hits and awards.

But along with the party anthems are plenty of songs exploring the complexities of life and love.

“Each time that you listen through the songs, I always want you to hear something unique and different with each song,” says the singer, who made headlines two years ago over an encounter with a tour boat captain that led to a lengthy probation sentence for Currington. “I never want to do the same thing. I like mixing everything up. It’s just trusting what I have inside of me.”

What’s inside of Billy Currington appears to be both grounded and gifted, and that’s apparent to anyone lucky enough to visit him at the beach.

Everything he has is both useful and well used.

The air that surrounds him hints of salt and sand but is devoid of pretention. One gets the impression that when his ride is over, all that he has and all that he is will have been put to good use – including his considerable talent.

“I’ve grown as a writer and I’ve grown as an artist,” he says. “I’m in a peaceful spot.”

WHAT’S BILLY GROWING?

A few of what Billy grows:

“Sometimes I come down here and my grandma would be working in the garden. She helps to keep it growing while I’m on tour. She taught me everything I know about gardening.

I called her a little while back and asked her where grandpa got that sweet corn I love so much. So she took me down to the Rincon Co-op and we got the seeds.”

1 Vidalia onion 2 Kale 3 Corn 4 Basil 5 Mint 6 Carrots 7 Okra 8 Cucumber One of Billy’s favs: SILVER QUEEN CORN 7

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YOU MAY SPOT CURRINGTON AROUND TOWN IF YOU FREQUENT THESE PLACES STEPPING OUT On the rare occasion Billy Currington leaves his home on Tybee Island and heads into town, he loves to go to Pinky Masters on Drayton. Being a celebrity can sometimes make it difficult to be out in public – but not at Pinky’s.

“I went into Pinky Masters the other day and one of my songs was playing. I asked the bartender

who was playing the song, and he pointed to an old guy over at the jukebox. He said the guy had been playing the same songs all night,” Currington says, still clearly amused that the bartender didn’t recognize him. “I went up to the guy playing my songs and said ‘Excuse me,’ but the man told me to be quiet because he was trying to play a song. He didn’t even look up. The

guy walked out of the bar when the last note hit.”

“I love drinking beers with those people.

They don’t know and they don’t care.”

Currington also loves Bar Bar at City Market. “I’ve been going there for so many years. That’s one of my hangout spots.” When dining out, he favors The Flying Monk, owned by friends of his.

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KAYLIN RINEY (FRONT) POSES WITH ANOTHER OF THE PAGEANT CONTESTANTS WHO HAVE FOR THE MOST PART BEEN “VERY SUPPORTIVE.”

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BY ROBYN PASSANTE / PHOTOGRAPHS BY TRAVIS TEATE LESS THAN 24 HOURS AFTER BEING CROWNED MISS SOUTH CAROLINA INTERNATIONAL, KAYLIN RINEY LOST HER CROWN. WAS SOCIAL MEDIA TO BLAME OR WAS THERE SOMETHING MORE TO THE REVERSAL? JUNE / JULY 2015

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AYLIN RINEY, 23, WAS JUGGLING HER STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN COLUMBIA AND MODELING JOBS WITH TWO AGENCIES WHEN RICH CARNAHAN, THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF THE MISS SOUTH CAROLINA INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT, SENT HER AN INTRIGUING MESSAGE ON FACEBOOK ASKING IF SHE’D LIKE TO RUN FOR THE TITLE. THE STRIKING BRUNETTE WITH SEVERAL TATTOOS AND ZERO PAGEANT EXPERIENCE WAS HESITANT AT FIRST.

answered the questions that you asked.”

But as a pageant novice with three tattoos visibly wrapping around her slender right arm, Riney still considered herself a long shot – right up until the moment they called her name as the winner.

“I just couldn’t believe it,” she says of the moment she was crowned Miss South Carolina International. “To say the least, it was emotionally overwhelming. I couldn’t help but cry because I was so happy.”

First runner-up Emma Webb, a veteran of the beauty pageant circuit, congratulated Riney as the “dark horse” as she cried tears of amazement. Webb’s mother, Jan Webb, on the other hand, was less than thrilled with the judges’ decision. According to Key, she came down to the judges’ table and expressed her displeasure with the decision, referencing

“I was a little doubtful that I had any real chance of actually winning, seeing as I had absolutely no clue what to expect, or how to prepare for such an ordeal,” says Riney, a junior working toward her degree in geology with a concentration in environmental sustainability and climate sciences. “But after hundreds of questions and lots of support from Rich and my family and friends, I decided it was worth a shot.”

Carnahan and his wife, Tiffany, had taken over as directors of the pageant the previous year. As recruitment manager, it was one of Rich’s jobs to find willing and suitable young women to compete for the title, for which they are judged in four categories: Interview, Fitness Wear, Fashion Runway and Evening Gown.

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ARNAHAN SENT RINEY A PACKET OF INFORMATION AND A CONTRACT TO SIGN AFFIRMING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT SHE “NEVER HAD, NOR WILL SHE DURING HER REIGN, POSE FOR ANY PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEO OR ANY MEDIA ASSOCIATED WITH ANY NUDITY OR PORNOGRAPHY.” She had never posed nude or

done pornography, so Riney signed it without hesitation, then set out to raise the necessary funds to compete. Carnahan encouraged her along the way, dubbing her the “dark horse” o f the pageant who could take the crown.

S ix weeks later on April 18, she stepped off the runway and onto a beauty pageant stage for the first time. “I had a great time,” she says of the chaotic weekend. “It was totally different than anything else I’ve ever done.”

Passionate about her platform on environmental sustainability awareness, Riney scored high in the interview category, which accounts for 40 percent of the contestant’s overall score.

“You could tell the girls who picked their platform based on the fact that they had to have one,” says Camille Key, one of five judges that weekend. “(Kaylin) was very knowledgeable about her platform. She did very good in the interview because she actually

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AN UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT: A PHOTO SNAPPED AFTER THE PAGEANT AS KAYLIN RINEY POSES WITH THE CROWN.

Riney’s tattoos, among other things.

The judges, who were not paid for their services, were taken aback by the reaction, but there was more surprise to come. A few minutes later, Tiffany Carnahan corralled them in the green room to talk about Riney.

“She said, ‘We have a little bit of a scandal going on,’” Key remembers Tiffany saying, relaying what some contestants had told Tiffany about things Riney had supposedly been talking about during the weekend. “The judges all advised them to pay no attention to this because it’s not wise to get caught up in it, and these were not valid reasons to take a title away from anyone. It was just hearsay.”

Meanwhile, Rich was congratulating Riney on her win while also mentioning the gossip.

“He told me that some of the teens came up to him and said I was asking them for alcohol,” Riney says. “I’m 23 years old and a junior in college. Why would I ask 16-year-old girls for alcohol? During a beauty pageant no

less.” Riney says she explained to Rich that what she was asking for was rubbing alcohol to clean a pair of borrowed earrings.

But the exchange left her unsettled, and the feeling only grew the next morning when she arrived at a restaurant in downtown Charleston wearing her sash and crown, ready to sign her contract and officially become Miss South Carolina International.

When Tiffany Carnahan showed up, she was without Rich – and without a smile.

The women went into a separate room where Tiffany pulled out a printed photo to show Riney. It was of the bare torso of a woman with a Snap-on tools T-shirt revealing the underside of her breasts. The woman’s face was cut off, but Riney’s telltale armband tattoos were visible. She had taken and posted the personal photo on social media three years earlier.

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INEY SAYS TIFFANY TOLD HER THAT BECAUSE OF THE PICTURE, SHE COULDN’T SIGN THE CONTRACT AND BECOME MISS SOUTH CAROLINA INTERNATIONAL.

“I didn’t understand. I told her I could delete it from my page, and her only response was no, and that people already had it and would use it against me at nationals, which would have my title stripped. I was mortified and began crying my eyes out. How was this even possible?” says Riney, who had assumed Rich had looked through her photos when he found her on Facebook and would have brought up any potential problems to her then. “I started arguing and saying how is that picture worse that any bikini pictures I had up? Or how ridiculously showy and revealing some of the girls’ dresses were at the pageant the night before? She just kept shaking her head, saying to not let this get to me, and to just tell everyone I handed over my sash and crown because my modeling contracts conflicted with the Miss International pageant’s contract.”

When asked if there was a process in place for researching a potential contestant’s social media history, photos or character prior to having them sign the application contract to enter the pageant, the Carnahans’ lawyer, Dylan Goff, said, “The pageant takes the contestants at their word and does not then try to find evidence they are being dishonest when signing the agreements.”

According to the Carnahans, Riney’s photo put her in violation of the Miss South Carolina International contract’s clause that states she will be a person of “good moral character” and that she “has not committed or will not commit any act inconsistent with the highest standards of public morality” and that she will not do anything that reflects unfavorably on the pageant, “including but not limited to posing for any publications in the past or future nude, in a way that is suggestive of nudity in any form, including semi-nudity, whether the pose is for commercial or artistic purpose.” The photo in question was not for a publication.

“ANYTHING DARK IN MY LIFE WAS YEARS AGO BACK IN TEXAS. HONESTLY, IF I TOLD MY WHOLE STORY I WOULD PROBABLY GAIN MORE SUPPORT BECAUSE OF HOW FAR I’VE COME, RATHER THAN MAKE ME LOOK BAD.”

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Neither Tiffany nor Rich Carnahan would speak to South magazine directly for this story, but Goff had this to say about that morning’s exchange: “Ms. Riney was disqualified because of her refusal to sign the agreement required to represent the state at the national pageant level. Ms. Riney was given the opportunity to sign the agreement. This agreement is required by the national pageant in order to represent the state in the national pageant. Instead of signing the contract, Ms. Riney asked if portions of the agreement could be removed.

This contract is required by the national office, and is a contract that the state organization is not able to alter. When told that the agreement was required to verify Ms. Riney was eligible to compete at the national pageant, she said, ‘I can’t sign this, so I guess I have to give this back to you now’ and then handed the crown and sash back to Mrs. Carnahan.”

That, says Riney, is false.

“They told me that I could not sign it no matter what. They didn’t even give me the chance,” she says. “They didn’t even put it in front of me and give me the opportunity. They didn’t give me a pen, they didn’t put the contract in front of me, they did not give me the choice.”

Feeling humiliated and without options, Riney eventually threw her sash on the table.

She couldn’t get the crown off her head, so Tiffany and another woman took it off her as she sobbed about the sudden loss. Shortly after Riney left, Emma Webb, the original first runner-up, was declared the winner.

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ATER THAT DAY, RINEY SAID RICH REACHED OUT TO HER WITH AN ENCOURAGING NOTE.

“I am so so sorry for the reversal of the judges’ decision. You know there was nobody more excited than me when they called your name. There are just too many things compounded on top of one another to ignore, and if we don’t proceed wisely, it could be damaging to your career, and I don’t want to do that,” he wrote. “It’s not about the pageant. I really don’t care if we ever do another one. We really don’t do it for us, but people were getting ready to open every door of every dark closet you have.”

Riney says she doesn’t know what that means.

“I have no idea about the dark closets,” she says. “Anything dark in my life was years ago back in Texas. Honestly, if I told my whole story I would probably gain more support because of how far I’ve come, rather than make me look bad.”

Riney’s “whole story” includes the fact that after a troubled childhood she dropped out of high school at age 17, and spent three years living on the road, busking for money playing her harmonica and ukulele in cities from Portland to New York. She says she traveled to 42 states, mostly camping and “living the hippie life,” until she was struck with a new focus.

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wasn’t doing anything that would make real action or change,” says Riney, whose three armband tattoos represent the three years she lived on the road and all that she learned from the experience. “So I just really had this high notion that I needed to do it.” Shortly afterward, Riney moved to South Carolina, earned her G.E.D. and enrolled in college.

As word spread about the crown being given to Webb instead of Riney, the pageants’ judges sent out a statement to make it clear

THE PHOTOS IN QUESTION THAT WAS SENT TO KAYLIN RINEY AFTER THE PAGEANT: AN INSTAGRAM PIC RINEY HAD POSTED THREE YEARS EARLIER, WHICH SHE SAYS WAS “SHOWING SOME LOVE FOR SNAP-ON, SINCE I WORK ON CARS;” A PIC OF HER DRESSED AS EVE (WITH TAPED FIG LEAVES ACROSS HER CHEST) AT A FOLK FESTIVAL FIVE YEARS AGO; AND AN ARTISTIC POSE SHE SHARED PUBLICLY FOUR YEARS AGO.

that they were not involved in the reversal.

“The five judges of the Miss and Miss Teen South Carolina International Pageant do not endorse the reversal of our decision to elect Kaylin Riney Miss South Carolina International 2015. The reversal of our decision was made solely by the Miss and Miss Teen South Carolina International Pageant Directors, themselves.

We were honest and careful in our judging and we stand by our scoring.” The statement was endorsed by judges Bill Fagan, Krista Huff, Alexandra Munzel, Peggy Cieslikowski and Key. All five of them also have received a letter of apology from Jan Webb, Emma’s mother, about her behavior the night of the pageant.

Two days after the pageant, Rich sent another note to Riney, along with four pictures of her, including the one Tiffany had shown her the day before. One was a picture Riney had taken of herself while sunbathing. Another was of her in an Eve costume at a folk festival taken nearly five years ago. (The image does not show the fig leaves she had taped to her front.)

In his note, Rich referenced the gossip about the content of Riney’s private conversations and language during the pageant weekend.

“Those comments were simply the catalyst that sparked an investigation into your character,” he wrote. “This isn’t about

a single photo. It’s about several photos.

You just happened to be shown the one now known as ‘Bringin’ It’ and asked to comment.

I’m attaching a few of the others which are clearly suggestive and are inappropriate for a ‘positive role model.’ The outcome would have been no different had the photos surfaced days, weeks or months after the pageant. We just happened to discover them the night after, before any results had been posted.”

When asked recently who conducted the search through Riney’s social media to find the pictures in question, the Carnahans’ lawyer, Goff said, “There was no ‘search’ through any online media. Ms. Riney was disqualified because of her refusal to sign the agreement required to represent the state at the national pageant level.

The images in question showed up without having to really ‘look’ for the photo because there had been recent comments under the posted photos.”

Riney, who deleted the photos in question after Rich brought them to her attention, says they were all 2-5 years old and nobody had commented or “liked” them in recent months, which is the only way they would have surfaced to the top of her Facebook news feed, as the Carnahans’ lawyer claims.

Rich Carnahan told Riney in his note that if she had deleted the photos prior to the competition, things could have been different.

“Had you removed any questionable photos prior to the pageant, we may not be in this situation. But we can’t unsee things even if you’ve now deleted them. To pretend that the photos never existed would be lying. I’m willing to risk my reputation to stand up for something I believe wholeheartedly to be morally right, but I will not risk damaging my reputation, that of our company, or that of our national organization by attempting to sweep the truth under the rug,” he wrote. “Your behavior throughout the pageant weekend can also be investigated further, if needed.”

Though Riney has lost out on the prize package, estimated at about $27,000, the Carnahans offered to allow her to keep the book deal slated for the winner, worth $5,000. As of May 14, Riney had not responded to that offer.

She did, however, respond to the Miss USA office, which reached out to ask if she wanted to run for Miss South Carolina.

Hesitant to go through the process again just to be disappointed, Riney sent the first questionable photo, the one that supposedly was the catalyst for her title to be stripped, to Pam Miles, executive director of the Miss USA pageant, asking whether it would disqualify her from competing in that pageant circuit.

Miles’ response was brief: “This photo is not an issue for me/us at all. We are happy to support you on this Miss USA journey,” she wrote.

Riney has since decided to wait a year before pursuing that crown, focusing instead on her studies and her modeling.

“I do not regret running for the title,” she says. “Regardless of all the shenanigans that have taken place after my win, I am so grateful to have experienced the fun I did, and it was truly a pleasure to make so many friends with all of the contestants.”

“REGARDLESS OF ALL THE SHENANIGANS THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE AFTER MY WIN, I AM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FUN I DID AND IT WAS TRULY A PLEASURE TO MAKE SO MANY FRIENDS WITH ALL OF THE CONTESTANTS.”

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COMPILED BY EVA FEDDERLY OPENING PHOTO: TRAVIS TEATE

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Drive 20 minutes east of Savannah, Georgia, through a few miles of wide sky and salt marshes and at the end of the road you’ll find beautiful Tybee Island, one of Georgia’s 17 barrier islands and perhaps one of the most laidback, authentic Southern beach towns left on the East Coast. Tybee’s appeal is timeless. Visitors find themselves coming back year after year, generation after generation. tybeeisland.com

EAT

Located in a cottage from the 1950s, TYBEE ISLAND FISH CAMP offers fine dining in a casual and cozy atmosphere.

It is the latest effort on the part of Sarah and Kurtis Schumm, owners of the popular Tybee Island Social Club. With a regionally-focused seafood menu, the restaurant changes the menu to adapt to what’s fresh, delicious, and seasonal. Tybee Island Fish Camp has both indoor and outdoor seating and is open Thursday through Sunday from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. tybeeislandfishcamp.com, 912.662.3474

what to do on tybeeisland Tybee is a perfect place to soak up some sun, paddleboard, go kiteboarding, take surf lessons, play beach volleyball and kayak down the back river.

STAY

BEACHVIEW BED AND BREAKFAST celebrates its 100th year anniversary this year. Recently completing its historic restoration, Beachview Bed and Breakfast is in one of the most stately

homes on Tybee. The bed and breakfast has clean, sophisticated interiors, a fireplace, private porches, lush gardens and culinary farm-to-table delights at breakfast. beachviewtybee. com, 912.786.5500

PLAY

With so many pristine stretches of sand, warm waters and days filled with sunshine, no wonder Hilton Head Island has been recognized for their beaches. Hilton Head’s official beach season is April 1st through September 30th of every year. The classic American resort destination is undergoing a renaissance with new shopping options, a growing culinary reputation, and new hot spots that make for a memorable getaway. A cool coastal-chic vibe is what you’ll find whether you’re choosing an oceanfront resort or one of the many home or oceanfront villa options available. There’s a lush feel to the island that comes from its roots as the first eco-planned destination in the U.S. Visitors to the island say it’s the natural beauty that brings them back time and time again. What you won’t find is neon lighting and billboards because both are illegal here. hiltonheadisland.org

what to do while at the beach

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406 US Highway 80, Tybee Island, GA 912.786.6556 hightidesurfshop.com

NORTH ISLAND SURF & KAYAK

1 Old US Hwy 80, Tybee Island, GA 912.786.4000 northislandkayak.com

CSIDESURF INC

1014 Jones Ave, Tybee Island, GA 912.472.4077

SUNDIAL CHARTERS BOAT TOUR is a must-do. Captain David of Sundial Charters grew up on Tybee’s local waters and is a wealth of knowledge on the area. He offers a truly unique nature tour called Little Tybee Unplugged which explores the best kept secrets of the island. Families can get up close and personal with nature as they watch dolphins cavorting in the water, learn about saltmarsh ecology and the infamous local maritime history that includes bands of pirates, shelling , birding, fishing and hunting for prehistoric fossils. sundialcharters.com, 912.786.9470

Hilton head / BLuffton

Although there are a lot of the outdoor sports (parasailing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, etc.) Hilton Head Island is known for having one of the most scenic and relaxing beaches – it’s also VERY popular for biking. It has wide beaches with hard packed sand that allow for excellent riding.

tyBee SuRF SHOPS HIGH TIDE SURF SHOP

Don’t forget your sunscreen while you get that tan!

Photo Credits: Tybee Island Fish Camp / Roger Kirby / Hilton Head Island

Tybee IslaNd

Hilton head / BLuffton The island’s oceanfront resorts are sparkling at the moment, thanks to multimillion dollar renovations. If one is looking for upscale and intimate, don’t miss the INN AT HARBOUR TOWN, a sixty room boutique property located off the first tee box of the famed Harbour Towne Golf Links in the Sea Pines Resort. seapines.com, 866.561.8802

SHOP

CRAZY BEACH BOUTIQUE features coastal furnishings, vintage décor, designer jewelry and more. This beachy spot is known for its great sales. Crazy Beach Boutique also has three sister locations, Off Island #1, 2, and 3, which sell designer clothes on consignment. offislandthrift. com, 843.815.4719

EAT

Located in the historic district of Old Town Bluffton, THE COTTAGE CAFÉ, BAKERY, AND TEA ROOM was built and owned by Confederate soldier J.J. Carson. Now embodying delightful food and Southern hospitality, The Cottage offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, as well as a perfect Sunday brunch. Tip: try the Green Eggs and Ham or the Elvis Breakfast Sandwich, equipped with peanut butter, honey, banana, and bacon. thecottagebluffton.com, 843.757.0508

PLAY

Stand up paddle boarding and kayaking are incredibly popular. It’s also a natural dolphin habitat, so don’t be surprised to see them up close and personal from your boat or kayak. H20 SPORTS offers opportunities to get into the water via parasailing, waverunners, paddle boarding, sailing and kayaking! H20sports.com 877.290.4386

Paddle board

edisto isLand

COMPASS

HELMET

what to do while in edisto

PLENTY OF WATER & SNACKS

The relaxing and beautiful shores of Edisto Beach have plenty of wildlife to observe.

Edisto Beach has golf courses, parks, bike rental companies, and boat tours, making it a great getaway for families.

SHOP

Edisto Island is home to artists and craftsmen that have the fruits of their labors available for purchase at locally owned specialty shops and galleries scattered throughout the island. A noteworthy spot to check out every Wednesday, BAY CREEK ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET (March-November) is open to showcase a variety of handcrafted baskets, pottery, healthcare products, and more from artists throughout the island. edistobeach.com/events

Compact Binoculars from Camping World for bird watching, if you’re into that sorta thing.

Explorer 2 - 2 Person Dome Tent from Camping World S OUT H M AGA ZI NE.C OM

PLENTY OF DRY BAGS

PFD

South Carolina’s Edisto Beach is notably not commercialized and because of this is a great place for camping under the stars. Due to its status as a bedroom community, it is recognized as one of the most affluent cities in the state and has some of the most secluded beaches. edistobeach.com

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BILDGE PUMP

SPRAY SKIRT

Photo Credits: Hilton Head Island/ Penny Reynolds/ISea pines Resort

STAY

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edisto isLand PLAY

Photo Credits: The Waterfront Restraunt/ Bloody Point Golf Club and Resort/ Diane Dodd/ Wilkinson’s Landing

Tucked away at the end of a Spanishmoss-draped sandy road just a few miles out of the Town of Edisto Beach, WILKINSON’S LANDING has beach excursions by boat and kayak and canoe rentals. The property is rich in history and over 200 years old. wilkinsonslanding.com, 843.609.7102

(cont’d)

STAY

Known as an ideal spot for Oceanside camping, Edisto Beach offers a variety of campgrounds.

The EDISTO BEACH STATE PARK features camping with water and electrical hookups on the beach and near the salt marsh, as well as convenient restrooms with hot showers. The Park can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. southcarolinapark.com/edisto, 843.869.4428

DaufusKie islAnd

Situated between Hilton Head and Savannah, Daufuskie Island is accessible only by ferry. The island, once inhabited mostly by descendants of freed slaves who made their livings by oystering and fishing, is home to a small number of residents who enjoy the challenge of living without a grocery store, automobiles and a network of tourist hotels. The beach at the Bloody Point Golf Club & Resort has seemingly endless natural beauty and miles of secluded beach. The Melrose Beach Club offers a private, luxurious experience with The Beach Club, a spectacular beachfront location that includes three pools and a hot tub. daufuskieisland.com

what to do while on Daufuskie Take the opportunity to explore the island’s interior via golf cart or bicycle. Tour Daufuskie offers custom bike tours of the island and kayak tours as well. They can meet you where you land or you can launch from the shores of the Beach Club and Bar at Melrose on the Beach. It is the best way to induge in the island’s natural setting and enjoy the wildlife. tourdaufuskie.com

PLAY

THE BEACH CLUB AND BAR AT MELROSE ON THE BEACH is a spectacular private club right on the beach. With three pools and a hot tub, the club offers something for all, including golf for golfers, horseback riding for equestrians, and delicious food and libations for epicureans. The view is gorgeous, with Tybee Island and historic Savannah to the south and Harbour Town Lighthouse in Hilton Head to the north. melroseonthebeach.com, 843.341.2922

EAT

THE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT is locally owned and operated by island natives Susan and Scot Flowers. The Flowers’ name upholds four generations in the Edisto seafood industry. Growing up, Scot could be found running the family’s fresh seafood shop or on the back of the shrimp boat, who was a shrimper for 44 years. From the shrimp boat belonging to his mother Doris Flowers’ kitchen, Scot developed a different approach to seafood. Mondays nights, they feature an all-you-can-eat Lowcountry Boil, and Wednesday nights they have all-you-can-eat crab legs. waterfrontrestaurantedisto.com, 843.869.1400

daufusKie island

(cont’d)

SHOP

THE IRON FISH GALLERY is a must-visit. Winner of Martha Stewart’s American Made Audience Choice Award, 2014, artist Chase Allen is an island legend. His colorful historic Gullah home and gallery feature a large array of his aquatic-themed sculptures and an outdoor gallery. You are likely to find Allen welding and crafting his sculptures in his outdoor studio. There is an honors system where customers can leave money for purchases under the door, or you can leave your number and he will call you for your credit card information. ironfishart.com, 843.842.9448

while in daufuskie

Chase Allen

STAY

BLOODY POINT GOLF CLUB offers members and guests a chance to privately indulge in luxurious amenities, experience the wildness of the island, and enjoy miles of secluded beach. This is why it has attracted moguls and celebrities in search of a secluded escape: the lodging accommodations, the golf course, and the most pristine, quiet beaches that offer spectacular views of Harbor Town, Tybee Island, and Hilton Head. bloodypointresort.com, 843.341.3030

what to do while at folly beach The island is also known for its good food and expansive beaches. Whether one wants to hit the beach or hit the town, have quiet and alone time or hang with everyone around, there’s always something to do: from adventurous water sports to leisurely bike rides, from hot local dining to wild entertainment.

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Photo Credits: Iron Fish Gallery/ Bloody Point Golf Club and Resort/ Avocet Hospitality

Folly BeAch

Fondly referred to by locals as the “Edge of America,” Folly Beach is a surfer’s paradise with consistent surf conditions. The best surfing on Folly is in the area known as “The Washout.”

Experienced surfers say this is where surfers can ride the best waves on the South Carolina Coast. Hurricane Hugo was responsible for “The Washout.” Where a cluster of houses once stood, the wind now blows unimpeded across the beach, through the wetlands and then to the Folly River.

This wind effect is what experts say causes the water there to “roll” so well. Folly Beach also has a rich history because of its role in the Civil War, its famed ghost stories, and the historic Morris Island Lighthouse. This unique and charming island town is a favorite among beach devotees. follybeach.com

Folly BeAch

SHOP

MCKEVLIN’S SURF SHOP has been providing to surfers at Folly Beach since 1965. With a vast collection of quality surfboards, McKevlin’s also has everything from wetsuits to beachwear to sunglasses. McKevlin’s is home to the longest established surf team in South Carolina, and only a small, elite group of surfers are chosen for their surfing, as well as their attitudes. mckevlins.com, 843.588.2247

(cont’d)

STAY

Beachy cool style meets a hip attitude at TIDES FOLLY BEACH, a beachfront hotel in Folly Beach. With a waterfront restaurant and bar, Tides features a great happy hour at sunset. The hotel has 132 stylish and comfortable rooms. The newly renovated beachfront rooms have a semi-private patio with the beach and pool just outside the door. tidesfollybeach.com.

843.588.6464

EAT

This eatery is a Southern soul spot. With a casual atmosphere on the ocean, BOWEN’S ISLAND RESTAURANT is known for its fresh steamed oysters, its craft beer selections, and its po’ boys. bowensislandrestaurant.com, 843.795.2757

‘

The Town of Sullivan’s Island is a barrier island municipality in Charleston County with approximately 1780 year-round residents. There are four churches and eight restaurants in the community. The Island offers approximately three miles of expansive pristine beaches.

Residents and visitors enjoy walks and jogs along the beach, walking dogs, fishing, surfing, kiteboarding and sailing. Additionally, the town has placed over 190 acres of beachfront property under deed restriction that prevents any seaward development. A large portion of the protected property has grown into a maritime forest, which serves as a rest area for migratory birds and other wildlife. This area offers birdwatching and nature walks to residents and visitors. sullivansisland-sc.com

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what to do while on sullivan’s Try The Obstinate Daughter for elegant Italian food, or Poe’s for a more casual burger-bar style setting. Once arriving on Sullivan’s Island, head to your right to check out Fort Moultrie, and a more secluded stretch of the beach adjacent to the historic site.

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EAT

Situated in the heart of Sullivan’s Island, this local favorite eatery prepares fresh food with the highest quality ingredients. Family owned and operated for over twenty years, SULLIVAN’S RESTAURANT is known for its homemade she crab soup and shrimp and grits. sullivansrestaurant.org, 843.883.3222

PLAY

The Island has a long history of coastal defense predating the American Revolution.

FORT MOULTRIE NATIONAL MONUMENT is open seven days per week for visitors to enjoy. Sullivansisland. com/fort-moultrie

STAY

There are no hotels or condominiums and a very small number of weekly rental properties on Sullivan’s Island. The best bet is to stay in Charleston and visit Sullivan’s Island for the day.

Photo Credits: Cramer Gallimore/ McKevlin’s Surf Shop/ Tides Hotel

SullivAn’s IslaNd

SeA Island

Sea Island is about 60 miles from both Jacksonville and Savannah. Howard E. Coffin began developing the island in 1911 along with land on nearby Sapelo Island. Sea Island has an extensive array of engaging nature adventures and recreational experiences. Great for families, outdoor and activity enthusiasts, and those wanting to relax, Sea Island is located on the Southeastern coast of Georgia. Sea Island also has five miles of private beach. seaisland.com, 855.714.9199

what to do while at sea island With four Forbes Five-Star experiences -- The Cloister at Sea Island, The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club, The Spa at Sea Island, and the Georgian Room restaurant – and an extensive array of engaging nature adventures and recreational experiences, Sea Island entices families, outdoor and activity enthusiasts, and those simply wanting to refresh and recharge.

STAY

Since the 1920s, THE CLOISTER has been a favorite getaway for tycoons, world leaders and celebrities. The original 1928 building was designed by famed Florida architect, Addison Mizner, in his typical grand Mediterranean style. Today, the original building has been replaced with a spectacular hotel in the same style designed by Peter Capone and erected in 2006. The lavish interiors by Pamela Hughes evoke the high-rolling days of America’s robber barons. The lodging, lush landscaping, five miles of private beach, world-class golf and tennis programs, perhaps America’s most extravagant spa and fitness center, and Georgia’s only five-star restaurant combine to make the Cloister the ultimate luxury destination. seaisland.com, 855.714.9199

A walking caddie will provide the same services while carrying the bags for a more traditional golf experience.

You should expect the following services to be provided by your caddie during your round:

Photo Credits: Sea Island/ Golden Isles

Providing course knowledge Assistance on the greens when asked Pace of play assistance Replacing divots, raking bunkers, fixing ball marks, and tending flagsticks Locating golf balls Being courteous, polite, respectful, using proper golf etiquette

PLAY

The CLOISTER BEACH CLUB is energetic and thoroughly sophisticated with plenty to do for families and others wanting access the three swimming pools, myriad water sports, including kayaking and sailing, and five miles of private beach. The oceanfront oasis also boasts a 100-seat movie

theater, ice cream and candy shop and a casual restaurant.

The beachfront rooms and suites are both architecturally bold and elegant, featuring Spanish Mediterranean décor, oriental rugs, and exposed beam ceilings.

Cloister Beach Club also has Camp Cloister for the little ones. seaisland.com, 855.714.9199

St’. SiMons IslaNd

St. Simons Island has glorious beaches that stretch out for hundreds of yards at low tide. The finest beach on the island is located at the largest part of the St. Simons beaches, just south of East Beach and the old Coast Guard Station. The high tide has ample beach for body surfing and the low tide expands the beach to a couple of hundred yards wide. explorestsimonsisland.com

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golfing on sea island?

what to do while on St’ Simon’s The island’s villages offer a charming and unique selection of shops, plus a variety of restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual outdoor fare. Visitors and residents alike enjoy visiting the The Maritime Museum, which provides a wealth of information to those interested in history and nature science. saintsimonslighthouse.org JUNE / JULY 2015

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St’. SiMons IslaNd

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STAY

With rooms in the main hotel available, as well as beach villas, the KING AND PRINCE offer dog-friendly accommodations. The King and Prince Club has a rich history. It first opened as a seaside dance club in 1935. Six years later, on July 2, 1941, the main hotel building opened to the public as the King and Prince Hotel and was immediately praised for its modern features and its gorgeous views of The Atlantic Ocean. During World War II, the hotel served as a naval coast-watching and training facility, reopening in 1947 to resume its popularity as a favorite island resort with its gorgeous Mediterranean architecture. kingandprince.com, 530.546.2382

HALYARDS At Halyards, everything is fresh, including the seafood, beef, poultry, game, sauces, soups and sweets, and everything is made from scratch. Their menu changes seasonally and includes such dishes as seared Grade A Foie Gras with Apple- Onion Compote and Grilled Brioche; Hanger Steak Au Poivre, and Jerk Rubbed Snapper with Banana Leaf and Basmati Rice. halyardsresturant.com, 912.638.9100

SHOP

Indulge your senses at NANCY, the triplethreat, upscale store that features high-end women’s fashion, chic home accessories, as well as a notable new American cuisine bistro. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and dinner is served Thursday through Saturday starting at 6 p.m. nancyssi.com, 912.634.8005

wildlife on Cumberland island Palmated Plover Royal Terns Laughing Gulls Blackbacked Gulls Pileated Woodpeckers Redheaded Woodpeckers Peregrine Falcon Ospreys Bald Eagle Brown pelican

White pelican Snowy Egrets Great Egrets Great Blue Herons Little Blue Herons Small Green Herons Loggerhead Sea Turtles Horses Armadillos Feral Hogs

cumberland IslaNd

Georgia’s largest barrier island, Cumberland is also one of the greatest natural habitats in the country. Its Conservancy is in partnership with the National Park Service. Inhabited by aboriginal people by 2000 B.C., the island was civilized in the 18th century when James Edward Oglethorpe laid out two forts in the 1730s. The natural resources of the island drew planters who cultivated the island. In the 1880s, Lucy and Thomas Carnegie arrived on the island, and descendants of the family still remain. Wild horses, birds, loggerhead turtles, horses, turkeys, armadillos, and hogs are among the wildlife species to be encountered on Cumberland Island. cumberlandisland.com

what to do while on cumberland Visit Cumberland Island for the day, camp overnight, or be a guest at the upscale Greyfield Inn, made famous

by John F. Kennedy Jr.’s wedding. Day visitors and campers reach the island by taking the Ferry from the Cumberland Island Visitors’ Center at St. Marys, GA.

STAY

In 1900, Lucy and Thomas Carnegie purchased a mansion, now the GREYFIELD INN, for their daughter, Margaret. Margaret’s daughter, Lucy Ferguson, converted the mansion into this luxurious and romantic venue in 1962.

The Inn has been awarded many times for being the world’s best place to stay and the top small hotel by various travel magazines. The Inn is also a top dining location for day trippers. greyfieldinn.com, 904.261.6408

PLAY

The wildlife of Cumberland

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The NATIONAL PARK SERVICE provides rangerguided tours of the island as well as many other outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, hunting, bird watching, biking and beachcombing. nps.gov, 912.882.4335

Photo Credits: Green Olive Media/Golden Isles

EAT

SHOPPING GUIDE

JacksonVille beAches From the north shores of Amelia Island, to the southern edges of Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville’s beaches offer miles of soft, white sandy shores, some good surf and plenty of options for chilling and playing. A trolley runs between the beaches, making it possible to explore several of them in one weekend!

what to do while on amelia Soak up the sun on 3.5 miles of private, uncrowded Amelia Island beach.

Put your toes in the sand and enjoy a leisurely stroll down the beach as the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean.

Collect shells and shark teeth washed from the tides, splash in the waves, or simply relax in the shade of a beautiful beachside cabana.

STAY

Beachside cabanas

EAT

29 SOUTH EATS, a local farmto-table eatery, sources their food from local fisherman and farms, as well as an onsite garden that harvests vegetables, herbs, and flowers. They serve lunch, dinner and a delicious Sunday brunch. 29southrestaurant.com, 904.277.7919

While enjoying the sun, you can engage in a classic game of frisbee or play with the ageless beachball.

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Situated directly on the waterfront overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this New England style shingle architecture and scruffy dunes lend a classical romantic feeling to the property. ELIZABETH POINTE LODGE’S rooms feature every contemporary amenity with soaking tubs or Rainforest showers. A full seaside breakfast and evening social hour are included and 24-hour room service is available.

Lounge chairs, umbrellas, and towels are set on the beach each day for guests. elizabethpointlodge.com, 904.277.4851

PLAY

The Rum & Tequila Experience is located poolside at THE OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION and offers diverse flavors from over 100 selections of premium rum and tequila. Food and Beverage Director Chris Walling, educates guests on the tastes, history and background of various flights of rum and tequila. omnihotels.com/ hotels/ameliaisland-plantation, 904.261.6161

ATLANTIC BEACH This sugar-white beach is nice for low-key surfing, kayaking and sunning. Beaches Town Center is filled with shops, cafes and restaurants and features live music and other entertaining events. beachestowncenter.com.

ADVENTURE LANDING WATER PARK This adventure park in Jacksonville Beach is an over-the-top fun time for the whole family! The Shipwreck Island Water Park features go karts, miniature golf courses, laser tag arena, frog hopper, batting cages, water rides, and more! adventurelanding.com NEPTUNE BEACH Located halfway between Amelia Island and Ponte Vedra, Neptune Beach is one of the best surf spots on Florida’s northeastern coast. It is quieter than the other nearby beaches, and this laid back vibe is why people like to hang out here. visitjacksonville.com Photo Credits: Roger Kirby/ Zimmerman Agency

SHOPPING GUIDE

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DineSouth

SOUTHERN SIPPIN’ VIRGIL KANE IN HOUSE DINING 39 RUE DE JEAN

THE FUNKY BRUNCH CAFÉ

Everyday is brunch day at this fun D.I.Y. eatery In the South, there are few matters more important than Sunday brunch. It’s important to brunchers everywhere to find a place with an amazing ambiance and tons of character to ensure that forgetting the worries of the rest of the week is possible. This particular meal also serves as the perfect pastime for family fun after Sunday service and induces the warm feeling of love that tends to spread across the dining table, filling stomachs and hearts alike.

This warm atmosphere is exactly what Trey and Deanne Skinner set out to create when they came across the idea for The Funky Brunch Café.

Trey was a traveling man native to Savannah, and when he and Deanne decided to settle down, there was no doubt that it would be back in the Lowcountry of Trey’s roots. After being a stay-at-home mom for two decades, Deanne now spends her days managing the cafe. Her kindhearted nature sensationally amplifies the business.

The creative atmosphere is fun and exciting for people of all ages, featuring bright bold colors, a full bar with bottomless mimosas, and their infamous griddle tables that allow the café’s guests to cook their own pancakes.

Deanne describes it as “a lively, retrocontemporary New York diner feel.” Her favorite part about The Funky Brunch Café is exactly what sets it apart from every other brunch spot in Savannah: she says, “The interactive food ensures that no one is playing on their cell phones. People are enjoying each other and having good quality family time.”

Open for business seven days a week, The Funky Brunch Cafe enjoys giving the public an option to Brunch any day!

304 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA 912.234.3050 thefunkybrunchcafe.com

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Wr i t t e n b y J E N N I F E R C R U M P T O N

Po r t r a i t b y K AT E B L O H M

SOUTHERN SIPPIN' STEPHANIE ROSENTHAL Rogue Water Tap House

Bartending Since:

I have been bartending for a little over four years now. I started out as a cocktail waitress and found I really enjoyed working in the service industry. After about a year, I was given a shot at bar- tending and fell in love with it!

What Makes it Fun:

My coworkers and I always try to keep a real fun atmosphere and be real personal with everyone. A good night at work can just feel like a night spent hanging out with my friends, so I think that’s a big part of what people enjoy and keeps them coming back. There are so many things that I love.

I get to invent different cocktails and shots, meet people from all over, listen to amazing bands play every week, and I get to work with some of the most amazing people.

What’s not to love?!

Best Bartending Story:

I don’t think I can pick just one! Bartending for so many years now, I’ve been a part of some crazy stuff. From having a TV show filmed at my bar to working the Guinness Book of World Records bar crawl with thousands of people, or even just a normal Saturday night. I have too many stories to tell!

Stephanie’s Favorite Drink:

Black Raspberry Sangria First I take a wine glass and fill it with ice, and about 1 1/2 ounces of red wine. I then add 1/2 ounce each of black raspberry liquor and cranberry juice. Squeeze a few lemons and add some fresh raspberries and blackberries. Lastly, top with lemon lime soda. It’s the perfect summer cocktail!

Visit Stephanie at

Rogue Water Tap House , 38 MLK, Jr., Drive, Savannah 707-234-8604

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Wr i t t e n b y PAU L A S. FO G A RT Y

Po r t r a i t b y B L A K E C R O S BY

BOURBON: IT’S NOT JUST FROM KENTUCKY ANYMORE! raditionally speaking we would the option of introducing another flavor besides expect bourbon to be native harvest crops into the bourbon, a feat that had to the states of Kentucky and never been accomplished before. The result was Tennessee, but not today. indescribable; he successfully created a unique, Teaming up with local farmers Lowcountry ginger-infused bourbon that places in the Southern an emphasis on flavor above age, region of Charleston, South in a stark contrast to traditional GINGER Carolina, David Szlam and Ryan bourbons on the market.‘’It’s what SKYLINE: Meany went to work to change we do with it; how it’s spun that is Created by Kerry that conventional mindset. What where we excel,’’ explains Meany.

Junco, bartender they discovered was something at a.Lure greater. The gentlemen have SIP SOMETHING SOUTHERN restaurant in made their mark of the South Manufacturing a nuanced version Downtown Savannah, and on the map with rich innovative of a historically flavored spirit in winner of the ideas about spirit flavors and the South couldn’t have come more bourbon round a love of Southern heritage. naturally to the businessmen. at the Savannah Virgil Kaine’s Ginger Infused While their background in the food Food and Wine Fest 2014, the Bourbon was the first of three industry is what helped Szlam and Ginger Skyline is unique products the company Meany push forward with new ideas, made with Virgil makes. Produced in small it is also what supported them in Kaine Ginger batches, Meany says the Ginger the process. Brewing and bottling Infused Bourbon, fresh citrus juice, Bourbon holds “a strong female their newfound libations proved ginger simple following, but that’s not to say to be no small task. A lot of time syrup and a that men don’t drink it too.” and effort went into perfecting float of Legado Another bold move the Southern the product. As the two set out to Malbec. entrepreneurs have made is create a new art form with their Junco invented introducing a heavy amount of love of flavor and knowledge of her version of rye into their bourbon. Their local ingredients, Meany admits it the drink as High-Rye Bourbon that was just is the “sense of community that is an elevated and balanced recently released in Georgia so strong in the South that made us alternative to the is infused with natural oils stay here to accomplish the goal.” concoction she and juices to soothe the strong The process by which this unique was requested peaty flavors of the rye grains. harmonious liquor is created is to make from a bar guest one quite interesting in itself. Szlam evening. Junco FROM THE STOVETOP insists that the magic happens says that she TO THE BARREL through the team’s vatting skills. liked the idea of Meany and his partner, Szlam, While the whiskey that the company having a wine floater on top spent a lot of their yesteryears uses is outsourced, their work of a bourbon in the roaring city of Charleston begins during the aging process. cocktail and that working as chefs. As it turns Aged in charred white oak barrels, her favorite part out, this background in the food Virgil Kaine’s younger bourbon is about the Ginger Skyline is that industry is what propelled Szlam exactly what Szlam looks for when “even if people toward crafting a new kind of it comes to creating the perfect aren’t bourbon spirit — one that is known for flavor. Their small batches, matured drinkers, they its “knowledge of flavor, a spirit anywhere from six months to two love this one that is meant to be enjoyed years, pack a serious punch to every time.” instead of coveted.” This idea provide the flawless flavor profiles is what drove Szlam to explore consumers have come to expect

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from Virgil Kaine. The spice complexities and fruitful notes of younger bourbon reveal more of a smoldering smoky campfire finish as opposed to the overwhelmingly oaky tastes of conventional bourbons on the market. These particular flavor profiles provide Szlam with an immaculate canvas to craft the unique tastes of Virgil Kaine Bourbon. Their job, as Szlam puts it, is to “agitate the bourbon to give it different characteristics, acidity, and flavors.”

As a chef, he ultimately uses the same thought process for bourbon as he does for food.

Virgil Kaine is constantly innovating the whiskey category of the market with revolutionary ideas. Szlam says, “If people are skeptical about the product, they soon forget their doubts.” People that do not traditionally drink bourbon find themselves enjoying the Ginger-Infused version. The general consensus of the High-Rye Bourbon is that it is one of the easiest on the market to enjoy. Virgil Kaine’s reasonably priced rye delivers a promising topshelf sipping experience. When talking about the different products, Szlam says, “Bourbon is the stepping stone, and rye is the next great whiskey of years to come. This could be due to drinking bourbon for as long as I can remember. Maybe I just found a new love. Well, for now at least.”

Visit virgilkaine.com for more info.

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Visit a.Lure Restaurant in downtown Savannah and ask for Kerry to make you the award winning Ginger Skyline. She created this drink with Virgil Kane bourbon. a.Lure is located at 309 W Congress St, Savannah. aluresavannah.com

(1) (1) Batch of bourbon ready for mixing.

(2) Ryan Meany doing the “sniff test� for tasting notes.

(3) David Szlam mixing their bourbon with rye.

(4) Meany and Szlam inspecting juice for color and assuring that it is free of particles.

(5) Sampling time! Trying our finished batches and making sure we all love it.

(2) (3)

(4) (5)

Table spreads at Mrs. Wilkes

Table view at Elizabeth on 37th

Chocolate Pecan Torte at Elizabeth on 37th

Soft shelled crab at The Olde Pink House

Table view at The Olde Pink House

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Welcome

HOME WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH DANOS & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALICJA COLÕN

THE HOSTESS CITY INVITES GUESTS TO DINE IN SOME OF ITS MOST NOTABLE HISTORIC HOMES: MRS. WILKES’ DINING ROOM, THE OLDE PINK HOUSE & ELIZABETH ON 37TH. THE OLDE PINK HOUSE 23 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401, 912.232.4286,

The South is full plantersinnsavannah.com/the-olde- pink-house/ of rich history The Olde Pink House, located and beautiful right off of Savannah’s historic architecture. We Reynolds Square, was built in 1771 and boasts one of Savannah’s explored some of THE and most uniquely pink Savannah’s most OLDE PINK oldest homes. Originally owned and historic buildings HOUSE constructed by the Habersham that are now home EDITOR’S PICKS family, The Olde Pink House is to some of the APPETIZER: just as full of history as it is of Lump Crab Hush city’s greatest Puppies with Spicy Peach delicious food and breathtaking architecture. At first, it was much restaurants. Remoulade smaller with fewer rooms, but Whether you’re ENTREE: Braised Pork Shank with that changed when the building looking for a classic Pineapple Glaze, Macaroni was converted into a bank in Southern meal or and Cheese and Collards 1812. It wasn’t until 1992, when the DeLoaches, a prominent something a bit DESSERT: family from Charleston, South more modern, there Praline Basket Carolina, purchased the property with Vanilla Bean is something for Ice Cream that it became The Olde Pink everyone to enjoy House that we know and love in some of the most today. Known for its unique beautiful houses of dishes– such as the Blackened Oysters with Watermelon Pear and Apricot Chutney with Green Tomato the Hostess City. Relish, Chow Chow–The Olde Pink House continues to keep visitors guessing about what they will come up with next.

The Olde Pink House is made up of nine dining rooms, a ballroom, a patio and two full bars. Whether you’re going for a romantic dinner or attending a party in the ballroom, you will, without doubt, feel as though you have gone back in time to an era of deep Southern accents and warm hospitality. The Olde Pink House, much like Mrs. Wilkes’, serves as a wonderful representation of what life in the South has always been like. Whether it be from the gorgeous windows or the staircase that was pieced together by hand, the craftsmanship of the house is without match. No matter how the world may change around us, the good old South will always be just that:

good and old.

The Olde Pink House serves lunch as well as dinner in select dining rooms and Arches Bar Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00a.m. - 2:30p.m.

MRS. WILKES’ DINING ROOM AND BOARDING HOUSE 107 W Jones Street, Savannah, GA 31401, 912.232.5997, mrswilkes.com

In 1943 when the young Mrs. Sema Wilkes took over the management of the boarding house that is now fondly known as Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room and Boarding House.

Fast forward to November 24, 1965, when the house at 107 West Jones Street was purchased by L.H. and Sema Wilkes. The couple decided to make the purchase during a time when the area wasn’t too popular. Jones Street was considered the slums, and the Wilkes family took a huge risk buying in that area. But, much to their delight (and ours!), the area picked up, as did traffic in Mrs. Wilkes’.

Eventually, word got out that this unique boarding house offered solace as well as delicious Southern meals.

With everything from fried chicken to candied yams, Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is the place to go for a good old fashioned Southern meal. You’ll feel right at home in the cozy family-style setting, and EDITOR’S PICKS you certainly won’t leave hungry.

APPETIZER: Another unique feature of Mrs. Okra and Tomatoes Wilkes’ House is the Pied-A-Terre.

A Southern Classic!

Located in the same building as ENTRE: the original Wilkes’ house, the Fried Chicken Pied-A-Terre is open to overnight Town’s Most Famous guests. The apartment boasts DESSERT: a master bedroom with a king Changes daily, so sized bed and full bath, a private there’s something to dining room, fully equipped look forward to during kitchen, washer/dryer and your meal! even a small outdoor space.

So, make sure to drop by and get

MRS. WILKES

Table view at The Olde Pink House a taste of the South for yourself from this James Beard Award-winning restaurant. Whether it’s a weekend away at the Pied-A-Terre or an afternoon spent at lunch with family and friends, Mrs. Wilkes’ will paint a picture of what Southern living is really about. Be sure to pick up one of Mrs. Wilkes’ cookbooks, filled with the history of the Boarding House and Dining Room and some of Mrs. Wilkes’ very own recipes.

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is open Monday through Friday from 11:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.

ELIZABETH ON 37TH 105 E 37th Street, Savannah, GA 31401, 912.236.5547, elizabethon37th.net

Right in the heart of Savannah’s Victorian District, Elizabeth on 37th is, hands down, one of the greatest restaurants in Georgia. The food, service, atmosphere

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Table view at Elizabeth on 37th and location are all impeccable.

Originally opened in 1981, the restaurant has long since become a staple to the restaurant scene in Savannah.

It was also nominated for a James Beard Award in 1995 for best chef in the Southeast.

EDITOR’S PICKS The elegance of APPETIZER: Elizabeth on 37th is Blackeyed Pea Patty simple, yet refined; It is a Southern delicacy! it offers guests a ENTRE: unique atmosphere Coastal Grouper Celeste as well as a worldFresh, light and savory class cuisine. While you peruse the DESSERT: Savannah Cream Cake menu of fresh local seafood, organic meats and fresh

ELIZABETH ON 37TH

local produce, try a Mint Julep; the restaurant has mastered the art of making them. Kelly Yambor, the executive chef at Elizabeth on 37th, pairs fresh local ingredients to make mouthwatering delectable dishes that put an innovative twist on classic dishes. No matter the occasion, this is the place to indulge.

The restaurant is located on the corner of 37th Street and Drayton Street, completely surrounded by gorgeous homes, and Elizabeth on 37th is no exception. The architecture of the building has elements of both Neoclassical and Beaux Arts. Most of the inside of the house is original, including woodwork, doors, flooring and even fireplaces. The building is both unique and true to its original form.

Guests are able to enjoy their meals in one of the most elegant and historical homes in Savannah. Elizabeth on 37th is open daily from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

JUNE / JULY 2015

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39

RUE DE JEAN WRITTEN BY JENNIFER CRUMPTON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HOLY CITY HOSPITALITY

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Bouillabaisse JUNE / JULY 2015

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Outside view of 39 Rue de Jean

Inside view of 39 Rue de Jean

Pork tenderloin

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ith its original location in Charleston, South Carolina, the long awaited 39 Rue de Jean will be coming soon to the Hostess City of Georgia. Construction is currently underway in Historic Downtown at 605 West Oglethorpe Avenue, the location of the recently opened Embassy Suites. Nestled in the heart of the Lowcountry, Holy City Hospitality has expanded their list of fine restaurants in the area, embracing 39 Rue de Jean as one of its newest brands.

We understand the importance of an enticing atmosphere, and this refined French Café and bar dining experience emanates characteristics of a late nineteenth-century brasserie. Offering hearty, robust cuisine, handcrafted beers and affordable wines in a vibrant setting, Rue is sure to become one of the most popular restaurants in the city.

The menu will feature succulent entree dishes such as duck confit, pork tenderloin, fish du jour, and cavatelli pasta with seared scallops. Patrons can also indulge in raw bar options, such as shrimp cocktail, oysters and clams. Hors d’oeuvres and sushi will be offered for seekers of a lighter fare.

Chef Drue Longo explains, “Being a French Brasserie, our ingredients are comprised of the things I love the most - roasted garlic, seasonal produce, full-flavored braised meats, and aromatics of truffles, onions and herbs. French cuisine and Southern techniques share more similarities than most people realize. We are excited to share our love of French cooking with our fellow Savannahians.” 39 Rue de Jean will be bringing something fresh and new to the restaurant scene in Savannah, and here at South we just can’t wait

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to sink our teeth into the diverse complexities the menu offers. Food and Beverage director Jonathan Massey gives us an idea about what to expect from their restaurant: “I have spoken to so many locals who have been eagerly awaiting our arrival in Savannah. We understand there are big expectations to live up to. 39 Rue de Jean has been an icon in Charleston for 15 years, and we intend to create the same experience for our friends and family here.”39RuedeJeanSAV.com

Cavatelli

5 OF OUR FAVORITE AND MOST ANTICIPATED DISHES FROM 39 RUE DE JEAN’S MENU INCLUDE: THE LAMB SHANK

BEAUTIFULLY BRAISED LAMB SHANK WITH BRANDIED FIGS AND ROASTED PARSNIPS BRAISED RABBIT

WHITE WINE, CRÈME FRAICHE, WHOLE GRAIN MUSTARD, AND POTATOES DAUPHINOISE THE SCALLOPS SAINT JACQUES

A SUCCULENT DISPLAY OF SEA SCALLOPS IN ARICH CREAM, POTATOES DAUPHINOISE, AND HARICOTS VERTE THE JARDIN DAUPHINOISE

A GRATINEE OF VEGETABLES, GOAT CHEESE, BALSALMIC REDUCTION AND ROASTED TOMATO PUREE

THE PAN ROASTED POULET ROUGE Rue Burger

COMPLETE WITH ROASTED ASPARAGUS, WILD MUSHROOM, AND GOAT CHEESE CREPE AND SHALLOT JUS

PlaySouth

BEST FESTS 4TH OF JULY EVENTS CALENDAR SCENES OF THE SOUTH SECRET SOUTHERNER

LIFE’S A BEACH

BRITISH PHOTOGRAPHER MARTIN PARR SHOWS AT THE JEPSON CENTER Martin Parr has traveled across the world for many decades to photograph a human favorite: the beach.

Life’s a Beach includes images of shores from Argentina, Brazil, China, Spain, Italy, Japan, the United States, England, and a handful of other exotic countries. A wellknown photographer from Britain, Parr’s photos range from close-ups of individual swimmers to long shots of the entire seaside, capturing the human experience in a variety of forms. Parr’s reputation as a satirist of contemporary life shines through in his captures of mere moments in a nameless face’s life.

This exhibit inspires us all to look at our seaside cultures through different lenses; perhaps a pair that sharply focuses on the amusing and sometimes absurd human behaviors and fashions inspired by beaches.

Life’s a Beach provides the perfect respite from life at the beach on outr hot summer days in Savannah.

Parr’s exhibit at the Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center will run from May 15 through August 30. telfair.org

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P h o t o s c o u r t e s y o f T E L FA I R M U S E U M

Jacksonville Food Fight, Jacksonville, June 4

Best Fests!

It’s time to party in the sultry South!

Blues, Jazz, and BBQ Festival (Savannah, June 5-June 7) The Savannah Waterfront Association will be hosting their second annual Blues, Jazz, & BBQ the first weekend in June! Come out and experience the sounds and tastes of Deep Southern blues, smooth jazz and smokey BBQ on the river at Rousakis Riverfront Plaza located on River Street.

For more information, visit riverstreetsavannah.com/ event/blues-jazz-bbq-2.

fantastical 6th annual summer festival celebrating local and national breweries from all over the country!

This event has sold out the last three years in a row, and for good reason. Not only will you get to sample some of the best brews around, you’ll also get to experience a number of musical talents providing entertainment throughout the festival. This event is open only to people 21 years or older. For more information, visit atlantasummerbeerfest.com.

Carifest (Charleston, June 11-14) Embrace the splendor of diversity at the 10th annual Charleston Carifest and experience the excitement of the Caribbean with lavish and outlandish costumes, musical artists, and activities.

For more information, visit charlestoncarifest.com.

Jacksonville Food Fight (Jacksonville, June 4) This is not your typical food fight extravaganza!

Featuring more than 60 local restaurants, beverage distributors, and caterers, this event will showcase the finest food selections and pairings in the Jacksonville area. Come out and enjoy the fabulous food and spirits that coastal Florida has to offer!

For more information, visit jacksonvillefoodfight.org.

Atlanta Summer Beer Fest (Atlanta, June 20) Head to Atlanta for this

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Carolina Country Music Festival (Myrtle Beach, June 5-7) Are you a country music fan?

Well, you should saddle up your horse and ride into the city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to experience the showcasing of over 35 of the industry’s biggest stars!

Including national recording artists: Big & Rich, Cole Swindell, Eric Church, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flats, Hunter Hayes, and many, many more!

For more information, facebook.com/ CarolinaCountryMusicFest

Explore the beauty of Hilton Head this summer at the annual Harbour Fest! Featuring food, arts and entertainment, and fireworks every Tuesday night, this event is open to the public and has something to offer the entire family. Appearances

by Cappy the Clown and the delightful Shannon

Tanner and the Oyster Reefers will be returning with amazing performances that you will not want to miss!

For more information, visit palmettodunes.com/ Hilton-head-harbourfest To Submit Your Event Visit SouthMag.com

Seawalk Music Festival, Jacksonville, June 20

Seawalk Music Festival (Jacksonville, June 20) Kickoff the summer surrounded with local music, food, and local products.

Located at Oceanfront Jacksonville Beach at the Seawalk Pavillion, the musical entertainment will include a mixture of reggae, hip-hop fusion, pop/rock and even some classical cover tunes. For more information visitjacksonville. com/events.

Hilton Head Harbour Fest at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina (Hilton Head, June 16-August 11)

P h o t o s c o u r t e s y o f DA I G L E C R E AT I V E , S I G H T A N D S O U N D P R O D .

Savannah Waterfront’s Fourth of July on the River Grab you chair for fireworks, live music and patriotism in the South.

If you don’t have any plans for the Fourth of July as of yet, don’t worry, we have some for you. Each year the Savannah Waterfront Association celebrates this day of patriotism with free music, fireworks, and a grand time for all! The Arbor Stage, located on Savannah’s Historic River Street, will be rotating musicians and bands throughout the event, which starts at 4 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. But it wouldn’t be a Fourth of July celebration without fireworks, so at “dark thirty,” the sky will be illuminated with a Fourth of July spectacle, so be prepared for a beautiful show and a marvelous time! Whether you’re heading

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out to celebrate with the family or a night out with friends, the Savannah Waterfront’s Fourth of July bash is the event of the summer. Surrounded by some of Savannah’s most famous (and delicious!) restaurants, you’ll be sure to eat some good food.

Or pack a picnic for the group. Whatever you decide to do, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable and fun 4th of July. Be sure to grab your chair, blankets, drinks, and whatever else you might need to sit for a while, because this is a Savannah tradition and a cannot miss event! For more information, visit riverstreetsavannah.com/event.

WHEN DO THE FIREWORK START? ➽ EVENT HOURS BEGIN AT 4 PM AND CONTINUE THROUGH TO 10 PM. WE ADVISE YOU TO GET THERE EARLY FOR A GOOD SPOT TO WATCH THE FIREWORKS, WHICH START PROMPLTY AT DARK THIRTY.

WHERE ARE THE FIREWORKS? ➽ ROUSAKIS RIVERFRONT PLAZA

THINGS TO BRING ➽ LAWN CHAIRS ➽ COOLER, SNACKS & DRINKS ➽ BINOCULARS (OPTIONAL) ➽ CAMERA

Wr i t t e n b y PAU L A S . F O G A RT Y P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f S AVA N NA H WAT E R F R O N T A S S O C .

ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Events Calendar Check out the latest happenings in the Lowcountry.

SAVANNAH Jukebox! Let the Good Times Roll!

(Savannah, June 3) Check out the Historic Savannah Theatre this summer for a rockin’ good time! Every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday enjoy this 2- hour high-energy performance full of comedy and live music entertainment featuring hit songs from the Jukebox era!

For more information, visit savannah.com/events.

First Friday Fireworks (Savannah, June 5) Wet Willies on Riverstreet presents the First Friday Fireworks celebrating the end of the week and the start of the Summer months!

Starting at 9:30 p.m., this firework extravaganza is sure to be fun for the entire family.

For more information, visit riverstreetsavannah.com/events.

The Olde Pink House Cooking Classes to Benefit Park Place Outreach (Savannah, June 13) The Olde Pink House will be offering monthly cooking classes to benefit the Park Place Youth Emergency Shelter. This event is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will be hosted by The Olde Pink House’s culinary chefs.

For more information, see visitsavannah.com/events.

John Mellencamp!

(Savannah, June 19) As one of the biggest talents to come out of the 8’0s, John Mellencamp’s stylistic voice R.O.C.K.’ed the U.S.A. like no one else! Experience the nostalgic sounds of your childhood from “The Voice of the Heartland” at the Johnny Mercer Theatre this June 19 in Savannah Georgia.

For more information visit

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Atlanta Street Food Festival, Atlanta, July 11

savannahcivic.com/events/ john-mellencamp.

Father’s Day Brunch Cruise (Savannah, June 21) Savannah Riverboat Cruises presents the 2015 Father’s Day Brunch Cruise on June 21. Set sail at noon and enjoy celebrating Dad’s special day on the Savannah River. For ticket information, visit savannah.com/events.

Savannah Waterfront’s Fourth of July on the River (Savannah, July 4) You can’t place a price tag on freedom. Come and celebrate Independence Day at the River Street Fourth of July festival.

There will be live music featured on the Arbor Stage throughout the

evening. Grab your family and your friends to watch the sky light up with fabulous fireworks over the river! For more information, visit riverstreetsavannah,com/events.

Waving Backwards Book Launch Party ( Savannah, July 10) Come celebrate the launching of author V.L. Brunskill’s new book Waving Backwards at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront.

Brunskill will be signing books and meeting with fans. There will be a cash bar, door prizes, and live music for entertainment. For more information, visit facebook.com/ wavingbackwardsbooklaunchparty.

Life’s A Beach (Savannah, May 15-August 30)

This summer the Jepson Center will be featuring a gala of one of Britain’s most beloved photogropher’s, Martin Parr.

Spending his life captivating photos of one of the world’s favorite pastimes, the beach, this project depicts images of beaches and beachgoers from all over the world. For more information, visit Telfair.org/view/exhibitions.

TYBEE ISLAND Tybee Flotilla “Float for a Cure” (Tybee Island, June 14) The dog days of summer are fast approaching, and what better way to spend them than floating down the river with your friends for a great cause?

Stafford Promotions is sponsoring this fun-filled event and charity fundraiser P h o t o s c o u r t e s y o f AT L A N TA E AT S

on Tybee Island benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this June. Don’t forget to bring your tube! For more information, visit staffordpromotions.com/ tybee-island-floatilla.

Movies in the Park (Tybee, June 20) Thanks to the City of Tybee Island’s Development Authority, every third Saturday evening during the summer months a family friendly movie will be projected on the side of the Tybee gym at Memorial Park. Grab your family, friends, and popcorn and head on over to the show. For more information, visit tybeeisland. com/events/event/movies-park.

HILTON HEAD Palmetto Bluff Summer Concert Series (Hilton Head, May 19- August 11) Load up your car and bring your favorite lawn chair to this six-night summer concert series. Under

Jacksonville Downtown Artwalk, Jacksonville, June 3

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the oaks on the Village Green at Palmetto Bluff, enjoy a cold beer on these steamy Southern nights at this concert event featuring different artists each week. You can expect to see bands like Cranford Hollow, Deas-Guys, The Bushels, and more at this family-friendly event. For more information, visit hiltonheadisland.org/event-calendar.

July 4th Parade (Hilton Head, July 4) Celebrate the independence of our nation this July in South Carolina. Decorate your wagon, dog, kids, or bicycle for a fun-filled parade around Harbour Town.

For more information, visit hiltonheadisland.org/event-calendar.

BLUFFTON Remember the Burning of Bluffton (Bluffton, June 4) On June 4, 1863, Bluffton was among the many cities to burn at the hands of General Sherman

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JCB Mud Run, Savannah, June 20

Photograph courtesy of JC B

during the Civil War. The Heyward House Historic Center will be hosting an open house this June fourth, giving the community a chance to walk through the ColeHeyward House to see what life was like during the Civil War Period.For more information, visit hiltonheadisland.org/event-calendar.

BEAUFORT Beaufort Water Festival (Beaufort, July 17) The 60th Annual Beaufort Water Festival will have tons of fun for the whole family. This weekendlong event will also include an air show, raft races, children’s road fishing, and a concert featuring country singer and star Neal McCoy as the 2015 headline performer on Saturday, July 18th. For more information go to visit beaufortsc.org.

CHARLESTON Circa 1886 Craft Beer Dinner

(Charleston, June 19) Join Chef Marc Collins at Circa 1886 for a four-course Craft Beer Dinner featuring a selection of local beers from Charleston’s Holy City Brewery paired with dishes created specifically for this event. The evening will start with live music and a reception on the patio. Cost is $60 per person. For more information, visit circa1886. com/events/craft-beer-dinner Sizzling Southern Celebration (Charleston, July 4) Hosted at the Wentworth Mansion and Circa 1886, come out and enjoy live music and delicacies hot off the grill in celebration of our nation’s Independence Day. The cost is $70 per person including a glass of champagne. For more information, visit circa1886.com.

Charity Tap Takeover (Charleston, July 16) Come drink for a good cause at the Charity Tap Takeover in Charleston. Featuring many craft beers from the beer wall,

each will benefit a different local charity. The more you drink, the more they donate! For more information, visit charlestoncvb.com.

Rob Thomas Live in Concert (Charleston, July 26) Enjoy music from the multiple GRAMMY Award-winning singer and songwriter Rob Thomas live at the North Charelston Performing Arts Center. Special guests Plain White T’s will open the event. For ticket information, visit northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com.

ATLANTA Pre Father’s Day BBQ & Blues Fest (Atlanta, June 20) Dad’s special enough to celebrate, and pre-celebrate this year at the Pre-Father’s Day BBQ and Blues Fest. Located at the Wolf Creek Amphitheatre, enjoy live music and celebration at this annual event.

For more information, visit ticketalternative.com.

Jazz On The Lawn (Atlanta, July 10, 24) Come out and expereience Callanwolde’s summer outdoor concert series jazz on the Lawn.

This event showcases a lineup of Atlanta’s finest Jazz treasures performing a mix of classical, contemporary, swing, fusion, smooth and blues jazz. Unwind and enjoy the sounds of serenity surrounded by nature’s beauty. For more information, visit callanwolde. org/jazz-on-the-lawn-2015.

Atlanta Street Food Festival (Atlanta, July 11) Benefiting The Giving Kitchen, the Atlanta Street Food Festival hosted in Piedmont Park offers a variety of entertainment for the whole family. Come out and enjoy the most delicious and mouthwatering food your tastebuds will ever experience at this annual event. For more information, visit atlantastreetfoodfestival.com.

Zine Festival (Atlanta, July 18)

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Are you into digital and handmade media? Come experience the new-age creation of arts at this event. For more information, visit murmurmedia.org/atanta-zine-fest.

Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival (Atlanta, July 19) Are you a tomato enthusiast? This festival serves as a fundraiser for Georgia Organics and The Giving Kitchen. Enjoy tomato-based treats from dozens of chefs in the Atlanta area. For more information, visit killertomatofest.com.

JACKSONVILLE Jacksonville Downtown Artwalk (Jacksonville, June 3) Produced by Downtown Vision, Inc., this event happens on the first Wednesday of every month rain or shine. The Art Walk spans more than 15 blocks that includes more than 40 galleries, museums, cultural venues, restaurants, bars, and even live music. For more information,

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visit jacksonvilleartwalk.com.

visit jacksonvillebeach.org

Third Eye Blind and Dashboard Confessional Take the Stage (St. Augustine, June 7) From the late ‘90s through the early 00’s Third Eye Blind was the soundtrack to every young adult’s life. Aside from that, who hasn’t found themselves jamming out to “Jumper,” one of the hottest singles ever since? Teaming up with Dashboard Confessional, this concert will be every millenial’s dreamboat experience hosted at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Find your tickets online at amphitheater-fl.com.

Florida Country Superfest (Jacksonville, June 13-14) Featuring artists such as Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Brantley Gilbert, Zac Brown Band, and many more, the Florida Country Superfest is sure to be a hit. For more information, visit floridacountrysuperfest.com.

13th Annual Jacksonville Beach Jazz Concert (Jacksonville, June 8) The City of Jacksonville Beach is proud to present this twoconcert series that starts at five o’clock at the Sea Walk Pavilion.

Come out and enjoy the exciting music performed by national recording artists and the salty sea air. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information,

2015 Annual Ancient City Game Fish Challenge (St. Augustine, July 10-11) Calling all anglers: the Ancient City Game Fish Association is at it again with the annual three-day Game Fish Challenge! Have an itch to catch a specific type of fish?

Experience the thrill of capturing your own little Moby Dick off the coast of St. Augustine Florida at this family-friendly event. For more information, visit acgfa.com/ AncientCityGameFishChallenge.

Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournamet (Jacksonville, July 13-18) Do you think you’re the greatest

fishermen of them all? Try your luck at the 35th Annual Greater Jacksonville King Fish Tournament. This fundraising event benefits the community through Jacksonville Marine Charities Inc. For more information, visit kingfishtournament.com.

RUNS The Great Escape (Savannah, June 6) The Great Escape night run is inspired by our WWII heroes as a way to commemorate their lives and the sacrifices they made to keeping the world safe from the Axis powers. This race is a 3-mile run over many different obstacles and chases throughout the course. Winston Churchill once said, “Victory; Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.” Come out to support the memory of our military families, and fight for a victorious place at the end of the

race! For more information, visit facebook.com/thegreatescape5k.

Miles for Melanoma (Savannah, June 13) As the first annual Miles for Melanoma, this race will be taking place at Daffin Park. Just in time for the summer sun, this event is a 5k run/walk that allows participants to help raise funds for research, education, and advocacy for melanoma. Don’t forget your sunscreen! For more information, visit events.melanoma.org

(Savannah, July 11) Keep on rocking in the free world this July at the Summer Sizzler 5k race on Wilmington Island!

This event kicks off at 8 a.m with all of the proceeds benefiting the work of the Zoe Foundation, an institution that provides financial assistance to families who have survived the loss of infants here in Georgia. fleetfeetsavannah. com/zoesummersizzler

JCB Mud Run (Savannah, June 20) This 5.5 mile race full of muddy fun is back in 2015 after raising thousands during last year’s run! Prove your strength across obstacles like mud slides, tire hops, belly flops and climbs, before finishing in all your muddy glory!

Register now.

For more information visit jcbmudrun.com.

Tybee Island Sprint (Triathalon) (Tybee, June 7) Do you have what it takes? Test the power of your endurance at this spectacular triathalon located on beautiful Tybee Island. The race includes a 750 meter ocean swim, a 20k bike course, and finishes with a 5k race. If you aren’t sure if you are up for all three, relay teams are also welcome! Tap in a couple of friends and take a stab at your best event.

For more information, visit facebook.com/tybeeislandsprint.

Summer Sizzler 5k

To submit your event visit SouthMag.com

Hilton Head Harbour, Hilton Head, June 16-August 11

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CLUB SOUTH / PEARLS OF POWER GALA

Johnathan & Consuelo Keller

Kristen Smith & Abbery Johnson-Ecker

This past April, The Rape Crisis Center celebrated 40 years of service to the community at their inaugural “Pearls for Power” Awards Gala held at the Charles Morris Center on East Broad Street. As the organization’s largest fundraising event, more than 300 supporters attended.

Hypnotic speaker, Susan Kendrick Cash Schuenemann, a Savannah rape survivor and executive director of The Piedmont Rape Crisis Center, took the stage leaving the audience sensibly awe-struck.

Heidi Marshall , Maddy Castle , Jenn Thorpe, Sara Kate Garett, Grace McGaughey

1. Scott Himmelrich 2. Beverly Dumas, Terry Harrison, Marlana Williams 3.Michael & Frankie Brooks 4. Dicky & Tania Mopper 5. Jow Witt & LIz Roberts 6. Sandra Fisher

Karen Bogans, Stacy Davis, Dr. Keenya Mosley

Tiffanie Taylor, Jessie Blanco

Nadirah Brown, Kim Powers, Alicia Alvarez

Eric Kennedy & Mary Beth

Paul & Jan Kramer, Judy & Gerry Kramer

Jennifer Collins, Patti KIng, Sharon Peake-Jones

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1

4

3

Tanya Scoot Pilcher, Katheen Sand er, Deanni Gibbs , Ronetta Gardner

5 6

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P h o t o g r a p h y b y E L I Z A B E T H RU S I E C K I

SCENES OF THE SOUTH /NINE LINE RUN FOR THE WOUNDED

In combat, the term “Nine Line” refers to an emergency medevac request: often signaling a life or death situation for a soldier. The Nine Line Foundation hosted their second annual Nine Lines Run for the Wounded on Hutchinson Island over the weekend of May 16. Participants chose between running either a 5K or 10K night run. Once the competitors passed the finish line, they were greeted with applause, music and festivities, and a cold beer.

Bryan & Amanda Harvey Shantele Frie

Michele Futrell Marcus Barnes, Juan Lozano, Brandon Williams

She said “YES!”

Christopher Lianos & Michael Brooks

Carlen Rodriguez & Jordan Roy

Mark Holbert Rebecca Maurer

Photographs by L I NDSEY C LARK

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SECRET SOUTHERNER

A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH Savannah is known for its unique style, and this designer is especially gifted when it comes to creating one-of-akind pieces.

Mini clue: He is one of Savannah’s most beloved gems.

Savannah Style

Locals and visitors alike love to pop in and see what our Secret Southerner’s latest trend is. The perfect blend of classic and chic style, his work is both flattering and elegant.

Cultural Influence

This issue’s Secret Southerner has traveled all over the world. He split his time between Kenya and the U.S. while growing up, and many of his designs are influenced by his cultural experiences.

A Real Businessman

This entrepreneur says he owes his success to his mother, who taught him the ins and outs of the industry. So it seems as though good taste runs in the family.

Do you think you know who this issue’s Secret Southerner is? If so, send your guess to editor@thesouthmag.com. The first 10 correct guesses get a free year’s subscription of South.

The Icecream Ma

Congratulations to n! winners who correcour guessed our last Sec tly ret Southerner, Lepold Stratton! Be on the lookout for your fre e subscription.

Wr i t t e n b y E L I Z A B E T H DA N O S P h o t o g r a p h b y B L A K E C ROS BY

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