Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Vote for this year's most innovative, inspiring, and promising designer or boutique.
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Natasha Olds Destini
Self-taught local designer Natasha Olds launched her line, Destini, a versatile and sophisticated collection of pieces perfect for day or night, to much acclaim. Read More
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Originally published on October 19, 2007
Tempting Fate
Destini Fall Collection
If fate trips you up, happenstance keeps you down, and dumb luck lands you facedown in who-knows-what, whom do you blame then?
Well, if you were too busy looking in the mirror to watch your step in the first place, we’d say start with Natasha Olds, the self-taught Atlanta designer behind new clothing label Destini.
Her fall line is full of slightly stretchy cotton sateen, which, according to Olds, has a morning-to-eve versatility that transcends any occasion.
You’ll fall for intuitive bust seams, puffed petal sleeves, and structured collars on the cropped corduroy jackets. Chances are you’ll trip out when you see the banded waists and exaggerated bows worked into high-waisted pants and pencil skirts.
Sounds like someone has a date with Destini.
Available at Tracy-Nicole, 1675 Cumberland Parkway, Smyrna (678-309-5885); Vida Suvi, 6706 Broad Street, Douglasville (770-489-6767); online at divadestini.com. Trunk show November 10 at Vida Suvi, 8-10 p.m. -
Dawn Ramu Dawn Ramu Party Dresses
The pieces in Atlanta designer Dawn Ramu's line are named after Lauren, Whitney, and Audrina, but don't be fooled: The dresses and tops will have you doing anything but running for the hills. Read More
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Originally published on November 30, 2007
Guilty Pleasure
Dawn Ramu Party Dresses
You traded Uggs and sweats on the beach for spectators and Chanel out on the town.
And unless you’re Atlanta designer Dawn Ramu, your Hills obsession has yielded little more than a dent in the couch and a to-the-nines avatar.
So nice then, that Ramu’s fall collection is full of scene-stealing tops and party dresses named for characters on the show.
Slip on the silk racer-back Audrina for an evening at the clubs or on the back of a Harley. Heidi’s modern sweetheart neckline flatters frontal assets (silicone or no), while the tried-and-true Whitney is all business tank dress up front and sassy mini bustle behind.
She hasn’t gone totally Hollywood, though. Audrey Hepburn and other inspirations fuel her three-tiered tops, diamond-back cutouts, and toga-style necklines.
You’ll be head over Hills.
Available at Veruca, 814 Juniper Street, Midtown (404-815-9977 or verucaboutique.com); online at dawnramu.com. -
Kathleen Hayes and Amy McCormick ColeyClaire
Atlanta native Kathleen Hayes met her business partner, Amy McCormick, in college. The duo reunited in NYC and debuted a line of chic uptown-meets-downtown dresses this year. Read More
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Originally published on September 10, 2007
Friends till the Hem
ColeyClaire Clothing
She was artsy to your fartsy. Kierkegaard to your Bret Easton Ellis. But in the end, the beeyatch still made off with your “If I were a guy, I’d rush Lambda Chi” crush party T-shirt. (Not to mention your Lambda Chi.)
Too bad the two of you weren’t more like ColeyClaire designers (and best college buds) Amy McCormick and Kathleen Hayes.
The duo met in art class at university (Hayes, an Atlanta native; McCormick hailing from Cali) and became instant friends. Shortly thereafter, they launched a clothing line that combines their individual styles and polished off classes at Parsons. The result? Luxe dresses with edgy, playful touches.
Shimmy into Lucy, a champagne strapless number in brocade; Veronica in jet black, save for a gold bird appliqued on the front pocket; or Pam, a long-sleeve shift that goes ’70s starlet (in goldenrod silk blend) or Gothic postmod (in inky wool jersey).
See? You’re well on your way to another beautiful relationship.
Available at Pink Lemonade, 3802 Roswell Road, Buckhead (404-846-0841). To see styles, go to coleyclaire.com.