I’ve got a little somethin’ somethin’ happening. Along with my project partners, I’m debuting an exciting new venture I’m involved in at the New Orleans Bookfair & Media Expo today. Find out more about the expo via my Uptown Messenger article (yea, I’m double dipping in the self promotion) and I’ll see you between 11am-6pm today. Can’t make it out? Don’t worry, all will be revealed soon.
This Saturday, RAW: natural born artists is celebrating the end of their 2012 season with the semi-finalist round. All across the country, up and coming fashion designers, jewelers, performance and visual artists, photographers, musicians, and hair and makeup pros are given the chance to showcase their natural talents in front of an audience. Each RAW event has a different theme, and the atmosphere encourages attendees to chat with the artists themselves in a nightclub setting. The last show of the season will advance one semi-finalist in each RAW: NOLA category to the finals.
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| Jess Leigh Jewels, an accessories designer semi-finalist |
There are 3-5 nominees in each category, and in addition to the expert panel of judges, the audience will cast their vote as well to decide which artists will go on to the final level of competition.
Having started just this spring in New Orleans, RAW has already featured some of the most talented up and coming artists in the city. Slow Southern Style has supported all of the fashion and accessories designers in some capacity, so it’s going to be hard to choose a singular favorite.
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| KC Thomassie Designs, an accessories designer semi-finalist |
To purchase tickets for the New Orleans show and to find out more about the event go to the RAW New Orleans site. Looking for another city? Head to the main RAW: natural born artists website.
2012 RAWARDS INDIE ARTS AWARDS
November 17th, 7pm-midnight
The Howlin’ Wolf 907 S. Peters, New Orleans
Ages 18+ $15 presale, $20 door
Cocktail attire suggested
Halloween in New Orleans is huge. In addition to the costumed people watching happening on Frenchman Street, Voodoo Music Fest brings hoards of festival goers to the city, coming to celebrate all weekend long. With this many events going on, having a stash of costumes at the ready is practically a requirement to being allowed into the Big Easy.
Charleston based swimsuit line Cavortress (read my Oxford American piece on the brand) will be at Voodoo this year, with plenty of costume accessories to keep you looking festive if you came unprepared for the party. Custom tutus, devil horns, animal ear and tail sets, and Swarovski magic wants are just some of designer Julie Wheat’s pieces that she’ll be hawking in addition to vintage ensembles. Go check out her booth at Voodoo and make sure you tell her Slow Southern Style sent ya!
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| Image c/o Lizzie Ford-Madrid Photography |
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| with Charle’ Blouse, skirt, and Saint Claude necklace via Hattie Sparks (for detail shots go to our Facebook album) |
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| Amanda deLeon tunic Banana Republic leggings nelson+little necklace Nine West booties via Buffalo Exchange |
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| Andrea Loest + Amanda deLeon in their own designs |
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| Leslie Almeida + Lindsey Strong |
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| NOLA Fashion Week Creative Director Andi Eaton + jewelry designer Douriean Fletcher |
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| Charle’ Washington + Dorothy Young |
FREE DRINKS
For more info or to RSVP check out the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/
events/104407079714465/
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| Image c/o my friend Chanel Craves, standing in between Baton Rouge blogger Pinch of Lovely and myself |
I was supposed to be road tripping to Austin this past weekend but Hurricane Isaac screwed up my plans. Gotta fix the moldy ceiling before having fun, right? Since I was stuck in New Orleans, I made last minute plans to attend Fashion’s Night Out at the Shops At Canal Place. I went last year as a featured blogger for Saks Fifth Avenue and I have to say, I was really impressed how much this event has grown. Fashion Week New Orleans and Amelie G hosted a runway show and a stylist challenge while the shops stayed open late. I ran into a lot of familiar faces and met some new friends as well. Any event that’s meant to strengthen the community is a good one. Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to snap any pictures, but my friend Chanel has several on her blog and Invade NOLA’s photos if you want a more in depth recap of the night.
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| Hourglass Productions- purchase it online here |
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| Made & Made- custom handmade millinery |
I love strolling through a good art market, discovering little handmade treasures from local artists. But most of them are daytime outdoor events, which means slathering on sunscreen and sweating it out during the summertime. And since I’m working weekends now, my work schedule doesn’t always align, and the tables are packed up long before I’m punching the clock. Frenchman Art Market founder Kate Gaar is helping fill the need for an alternative time slot every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5:00pm-1:00am. The market is located in the midst of Frenchman Street, New Orleans’ venerable hot spot for good eats and live music when the sun goes down. Tucked into an empty lot across from D.B.A. and next to Spotted Cat, it’s easy to catch your favorite band, then stroll across the street with beer in hand to scope out another form of local talent-handmade crafts. There’s plenty of art, jewelry, re-purposed vintage clothing, housewares, even twinkling fleur-de-lis topiaries and a documentary film maker were out on my last visit.
John Dyer, a friend and co-organizer, explains how the Frenchman Art Market came to fruition.
“Basically this was a pop-up market that started during Jazz Fest weekends this year. Kate just has a passion for art and artists and has basically single handedly (excluding yours truly) put this together. We are seeking a very diverse group of art vendors. We don’t really want food/drink vendors and we definitely don’t (can’t have) musicians because it’s already on Frenchmen and there’s plenty of other places for that.
This is a venue strictly for diverse local artists and we want to gear it towards festivals/conventions that are in town. Meaning we want to have a strong base of artists that we can book according to what’s happening in the city that weekend. As of now we are leased through January and hoping we can sign longer. We have started a petition at the market and are trying to get as many locals to sign it in show of support to the city.”
Keep up with the Frenchman Street Art Market on their Facebook page. If you’re an artist interested in participating http://neworleans.craigslist.org/ats/3194148695.html
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| Blouse: Sparkle & Fade via Buffalo Exchange Jeans: Citizens of Humanity via Buffalo Exchange Cross body bag: Kate Landry via Buffalo Exchange Flats: Melissa via UAL |
If your group of friends are feuding like a modern day version of the Hatfields vs. the McCoys, you might want to take it to reality t.v. A well known cable network wants to share the blood bath with a national audience, so they’re putting out a casting call in the New Orleans area. If your group of friends is age 21+ and have a score to settle with a rival group, e-mail reality@lizlewis.com with the following info.
⋅ Name
⋅ Where do you live?
⋅ Occupation
⋅ Phone
⋅ Email
⋅ Describe your group of friends in three words
⋅ How long have you known each other?
⋅ Who are the members of your crew?
⋅ Describe your enemies:
⋅ Why are you enemies?
⋅ How long have you been feuding?
⋅ Have you ever had a confrontation?
⋅ Please include a photo of you and your friends.