The theme and decor of the National Black Arts Festival’s 18th annual soiree, Fine Art + Fashion, harmonized with the natural backdrop at the Atlanta History Center.
Curated by Nieman Marcus and taking place in the ritzy Buckhead section of Atlanta, the NBAF paid homage to preeminent fashion icons while showcasing young fashion aficionados’ impressive works.
NBAF celebrated the fashion achievements of James Keith and Marylin Nance
A plethora of luminaries graced the prestigious proceedings, including Mayor Andre Dickens, fashion icon Derek J from “Fashion Queens,” Monyetta Shaw of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” fame, Fulton County Chairman Rob Pitts, David Manuel, director of Fulton County Arts & Culture, and many others.
James Keith, renowned nationally for his red-bottom fedoras, was honored with the Designer Extraordinaire Award. Keith’s company, Keith and James, is located in Atlanta and Los Angeles, and his fedoras have been worn by the likes of boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, Billy Porter, Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg, E40, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and Martha Stewart.
The inaugural Radcliffe Bailey Award for Excellence in Visual Arts honored the late visionary artist Radcliffe Bailey and was presented to renowned visual artist Marylin Nance.
“NBAF proudly honors trailblazers and visionary leaders in the arts and we are excited to continue the tradition this year at the 2024 Fine Art + Fashion event,” says NBAF Executive Director, Stephanie Owens.
“We are grateful to have the opportunity to pay tribute to our friend Radcliffe Bailey by renaming the Visual Arts Award in his honor and we are excited to highlight Marilyn Nance’s work as the recipient of this award while also celebrating the work of designer James Keith, and showcasing the work of very talented student artists at this benefit. NBAF is privileged to have the opportunity to support all of this amazing talent and celebrate their achievements and success in their respective fields.”
Proceeds from the NBAF celebration help to subsidize the NBAF’s in-school arts education programs for Atlanta Public Schools, and the Fashion Forward Student Design Program. The program helps students in college fashion design degree programs.
