August 2, 2006

The Elements of Style

Michael Knight’s Atlanta Faves

We ooh’d. We aah’d. We drooled over the coffee-filter dress. And we’ve been rooting for ATL designer Michael Knight to take home the top Project Runway spot. For now, we’ll settle for an insider interview and fashion advice.

When I need accessories, I head to: the Apparel Mart for watches and necklaces from all over.

Target or TJ Maxx? Target. (C’mon, it’s everything you’d need to live in one store.)

When I’m feeling thrifty, I shop at: America’s Thrift Store (7055c Highway 85, Riverdale; 770-996-5900) and Value Village (7055a Highway 85, Riverdale; 770-840-7283). They’re not chi-chi, but I’ve found Lanvin blazers, Christian Dior ties, and Oscar de la Renta and Gloria Vanderbilt coats.

When I’m starved for inspiration, I hit: party spots like Verve, BED, and Justin’s Martini Mondays and Trendsetter Tryst events.

My hair and makeup dream team would include: Kenneth Berry (Stytch Hair Studio, 1344 Boyd Avenue, West Midtown; 404-355-3925) is under the radar, really fast, and precise. I’ve worked with Beisa Thomas (770-369-7781 or acoua1681@yahoo.com) for years. Also, Nickey Martin (404-931-4558) and Day at Butterfly (404-454-5480 or keepinitslyy1@gmail.com) for face and hair are sooo good.

If I couldn’t hire myself as a stylist, I’d pick: (Atlanta-based celeb stylist) Tameka Foster for her classic take on styling and creating an overall look.

Best place to fill up when you’re a starving artist: Lucky Panda (2596 Hollowell Parkway; 404-799-8838) for a ten-piece wing (lemon pepper is the bomb) and fried rice for cheap.

And when you’re not one anymore: Emeril’s and BluePointe.

Atlanta’s going to love: Kitty and Dick. (Knight’s forthcoming line of sexy, functional performance wear and lingerie for both sexes. The first collection, Sex and Soul, is a fashion nod to the ’70s blaxploitation film era.)

And finally, any other designers to keep an eye out for? Michael Knight.

How very fitting.