A Victorian Holiday: Act V

Historic Oakland Foundation

Of Hats And A Parasol: Act III

Of Hats And A Parasol: Act II

A good friend of the blog reminded me to visit Piedmont Park for last Friday's Annual Landmark Lunch. Four years ago the Conservancy's event was elided with the royal wedding the following day for a bridal fair par excellence. Please follow this link to those memories.

Of Hats And A Parasol: Act I

A good friend of the blog reminded me to visit Piedmont Park for last Friday's Annual Landmark Lunch. Four years ago the Conservancy's event was elided with the royal wedding the following day for a bridal fair par excellence. Please follow this link to those memories.

Audrey Hepburn At René René: Act II

René René

The 35th Sunday In The Park

Victoriana returns Sunday to Oakland Cemetery, when Atlantans of the new millenium will be transported to a nineteenth century-themed afternoon lawn party offering carriage and walking tours, music, storytelling and crafts. There is even a Teddy Bear Tea for those young enough to suspend belief every day. For the rest of us, Sunday In The Park is a living connection to our city's past.

Inman Park

More timeless mixing of vintage millinery and retro chic from René René.

Street Scene: Euclid Avenue

Her timeless mix of vintage millinery and retro chic came from René René.

Race Day Dressing

Street Scene: Moreland Avenue

Seen once before, her style harkens to Atlanta of the previous century. She curtsied when we parted ways. Saturday's ensemble featured a thrifted dress, Pervian necklace and millinery from Bertha Louise Designs.

A Fascinator

René René

In Little Five Points: A Charming Legacy

bracelet: grandmother's
hat: decorated by her mother
belt: souvenir of Kenya

Street Scene: Millinery in Kirkwood

The revelation of one’s creative calling is an epiphany. Mine came from the photography stacks of the Richmond Public Library.
Tina Kite found her destiny reading about milliner Amy Hamilton of Granville Millinery Company in Ohio. All I had to do was hit the streets with camera in hand, Doisneau and Erwitt in mind. Kite searched in vain for an Atlanta tutor before reaching out to Hamilton, who invited her to visit Ohio for lessons. She returned from this introduction wanting more. When Waltraud Reiner of Australia announced a millinery workshop in the northeastern US, the plucky neophyte persuaded her to add an Atlanta event. Doing so required becoming its hostess. A friend skilled in public relations found them ink in the AJC and students traveled from as far away as Virginia and South Carolina. Talk about paying it forward. From these auspicious beginnings, Kite’s practice flourishes today. Ever generous, she gave an afternoon and valuable counsel to the model and me. These images are the fruit of our collaboration.
Intrigued? Crafty, DIY types should know of a workshop led by North Carolina milliner Jan Wutkowski at the Spruill Center in May. Please follow this link for details.

Small Business Saturday

While web magic may put a world of retailing at our fingertips, fashion designer René René and millinerAmber Rose make a compelling case for the tactile pleasures of an old school shopping experience in this Huffpost Live forum. From meeting the artists to knowing that neighbors comprise the supply chain, those human dimensions add their own layers of meaning and value to a garment. It pleases me to share that both ladies are old friends of this blog. Atlanta is a better place for their talents and generosity.

Sunday In The Park

Step into a Victorian Atlanta afternoon fantasy when Historic Oakland Cemetery Foundation presents Sunday In The Park.
Cool breezes and kind clouds are promised for the festivities, which range from storytelling and teddy bear tea for wee ones to beer and bratwurst for their elders. Just be sure to claim a good vantage for the 1:15 pm costume contest. Reenactors and Steampunks alike have been planning their looks all year for your delight and selecting bests is no easy task.
Traffic Alert: If tonight the Braves starting pitcher Kris Medlen extends his record winning streak to twenty four, Game One of the National League Division Series will be played Sunday at Turner Field. What a nice problem to face and solved, as ever, by walking, riding your bike or taking MARTA. Go Braves!

Millinery in Little Five Points

A seamstress, since school days, Amber Rose answered a challenge from her employer, René Sanning, to make hats for sale at the Euclid Avenue boutique. At once playful and formal, such millinery lends a lovely finishing touch that will not be forgotten.
René René

In Little Five Points: A Local Look

hat and dress: RENÉ RENÉ
shoes: Söfft