NBAF + Neiman Marcus Presents 8th Annual Fine Art + Fashion
The Main Event: The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF), a non-profit organization dedicated to the celebration of the arts and culture of the African Diaspora, and Neiman Marcus put on a splendid affair last Thursday night, March 20, 2014, to honor several movers and shakers in the fine art and fashion world. This fun-filled event started with a lavish cocktail reception where chilled Prosecco, Chardonnay and rosé champagne was poured, and hors d’oeuvres and sumptuous desserts including caramel cake pops were served. The evening concluded with a breathtaking fashion show displaying all of spring’s hottest runway looks.
Where? Neiman Marcus Atlanta at Lenox Square Mall
Who was in attendance? Of course, there was honorary chair Billye Aaron alongside her event co-chairs Brooke Edmond and Jack Sawyer. Guests included everyone from jewelry designer Victor Velyan (Fashion Icon Honoree), one of the nation’s leading historians of African American photography Deborah Willis (Visual Artist Honoree) and Atlanta-based fine arts photographer Sheila Pree Bright (Visual Artist Honoree). Additionally, student designers Danielle Gordon of Clark Atlanta University, Kendra Pickney and Jessica Fulks both of Savannah College of Art and Design were in the building to be recognized as Emerging Talent Awards honorees. Ken Downing (senior vice president and fashion director for Neiman Marcus) was responsible for the amazing runway show. Sonya M. Halpern (NBAF board chair, and senior anchor for CNN en Espanol) was the host for the night.
What they said? I had the pleasure of interviewing several attendees who were excited that Neiman Marcus continues to support this cause. Read what they had to say.
Billye Aaron, Fine Art + Fashion 2014 honorary chair: “I am delighted to be a part of this, and I am very excited Neiman Marcus has stepped up. My husband Hank and I have been a part of this for many years, over 25 to be exact.”
Ken Downing, senior vice president and fashion director for Neiman Marcus: “I have always loved setting the trends when it comes to the Neiman Marcus brand, and I love that I am respected by many.”
Kendra Pickney, student designer of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and 2014 NBAF Emerging Talent Awards honoree: “My main inspiration for my fashion designs are architecture [and] functionality. I have to say my mother is my greatest inspiration. It usually takes me about 10-12 weeks to complete a collection.”
Sheila P. Bright, Atlanta-based fine arts photographer and an honoree: “I love the fact that I can connect different generations through my art. I love breaking down the barriers of the art culture. I am currently featured in the “1060 Who” exhibition.”
–cordney kelly
(Photos by: Jay Wiggs)
