West Meade Farms- Delivering This May

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HERBERT FOX FOUNDING EDITOR

Time After Time

A thank you from Mike Smith and Jennifer Jezewski

As a publisher, it is our duty to steward a publication, to ensure we are creating and appealing to the appropriate audience, and to ensure our marketing partners are getting value with their hard-earned advertising investments. All the while, we must produce an exceptional product that stands alone in an oft-busy eld and has its own unique voice. With Nfocus, this work is remarkably delightful, and time is known to y when you’re having fun. As such, we’ve reached our 30th year, heralded by the sixth of our quinquennial anniversary parties.

At the behest of our original investors, we attend top fundraising events to tell the stories of Nashville’s philanthropic community e thing that truly made Nfocus, well … Nfocus, was — and continues to be — the awe-inspiring people we feature: friends who graciously invite us into their homes so we may celebrate their e orts and champion their causes. ose folks — you, dear readers — took ownership of “our little pamphlet,” as founder Herbert Fox lovingly called it. With your support and appreciation, we are able to cover a dynamic city, keep up with a busier-than-ever social calendar and celebrate the philanthropy that makes Nashville one of the most generous and charitable cities in the country.

To the longtime friends of Nfocus; to the advertisers allowing us to create an exemplary publication they use to reach clients; and nally, to our readers: We simply want to say a resounding thank you Here’s to your loyalty, the ownership you take and the community you tirelessly support.

BY MIKE SMITH, PRESIDENT & JENNIFER JEZEWSKI, PUBLISHER

The Basics

Name: Mclaine Richardson

Title: Owner | Designer of Margaret Ellis Jewelry (ME)

Hometown: Nashville Zip Code: 37204

Years in Nashville: 37

Pieces in Your Jewelry Box: Always changing, but currently about 130 pieces — all ME, of course!

Make a Statement

Mclaine Richardson tells stories through timeless jewelry

Since her youth, native Nashvillian Mclaine Richardson has loved to wear, gift and display the beauty she creates. Driven by artistic desire and a thirst for knowledge, Mclaine pursued a customized degree — in both business and design — at Furman University and studied abroad at Lorenzo de’Medici in Florence, Italy.

Creativity flows when Mclaine is excited by what she’s doing, and while abroad, she discovered her love for jewelry design during a metalsmith class. After returning to Nashville, Mclaine soldered this passion at Vanderbilt’s Sarratt Art Studios and refined her skills as a production metalsmith at Margaret Ellis Inc. — a beloved 40-year-old Nashville brand.

Since acquiring Margaret Ellis Inc. in 2013, Mclaine has helmed Margaret Ellis Jewelry as owner and designer, honoring her mentor’s name and heritage artisan brand. Now often referred to as ME, each timeless piece of jewelry is handcrafted-toorder in Mclaine’s Berry Hill studio, using traditional metalsmith techniques to create a classic, yet distinctly ME, style.

BY KARIN MATHIS PHOTOGRAPH ANGELINA CASTILLO

What did you initially want to be when you grew up? I always knew I would create. In kindergarten, I wanted to be a “paintist” — to make something different.

What inspired you to design jewelry, and how did you go about learning the craft? I remember shopping for beads at the Beaded Bungalow across from my current studio, stringing beads for hours during day camps and making friendship bracelets after school. While studying abroad in Italy, I took my first metalsmith class and took even more once I was home. I refined my skills as a production metalsmith for Margaret.

What were some challenges you faced as you took on leadership at ME? I took over a 30-year-old business at 26 years old. Thanks to Margaret, it was a surprisingly seamless transition, but to be a small business in Nashville is challenging. We were priced out of our old space, bought and quickly renovated our new studio, and then COVID happened. All of that has shaped ME into who we are today: I’m more confident in my design and in my small-business abilities.

Margaret always thought she’d lock the door and walk away when she retired, but she entrusted me with her legacy. I honor Margaret and our long-term customers by embracing her name and design aesthetic, but I instill my voice into the brand, too, and feel privileged to do what I love.

What upcoming jewelry and design trends excite you? Our new spring collection is very sculptural, inspired by punctuation — which seems appropriate for jewelry!

What collection did you have the most fun creating? My best work always comes from a place of truth and authenticity. I design with our collectors in mind and push boundaries with our one-of-a-kind and custom pieces. SOL Summer 2017 stands out as one of my favorite collections: Its bold contemporary simplicity was inspired by jewelry designer Elsa Peretti, artist Joan Miró and vintage Margaret.

What’s your favorite type of jewelry to create or wear? One-of-a-kind rings: The stones dictate the design, so each one is truly unique. They remind me of handmade bonbons — I have collected quite a few for myself!

What does the future hold for you and for Margaret Ellis Jewelry? 2023 is a big year as we celebrate 40 years of Margaret Ellis and 10 years as ME. Nashville and the retail industry have rapidly evolved, so I’m always trying new ideas to keep moving forward. It’s the small business dance! This small heritage brand allows me to have close personal relationships with our collectors, and I will continue to nurture and build those relationships while providing classic heirloom-quality artisan jewelry.

What legacy would you like to leave in this community? As a third-generation Nashvillian, I’m honored to carry on the legacy of a 40-year-old Nashville business. ME jewelry will outlast us all as it’s worn and passed down for generations to come, so my hope is that both ME and I are long remembered for making others feel special.

His Style

Put some spring in your step

Doth mine eyes deceive me? The flowers are blooming. The grass is an electric shade of green. The days are longer. Spring has sprung! Gents, here are five spring wardrobe trends to get you started!

Chore Jackets: Fellas, trade in your Patagonia vest and North Face fleece! Please! Chore jackets are a versatile and practical article for every man’s closet. Made with durable materials, they are perfect for outdoor activities while still classic enough to be dressed up. Layer them with a hoodie for cooler evenings, or substitute your suit jacket for a different twist on the spring wedding suit. No matter the task you throw at it, the chore jacket handles it! (See what I did there?)

Muted Polos: I love the subtlety of more muted colors; people typically think of big, bold colors for springtime. That’s great — if your mother still dresses you for Easter Sunday. These aren’t your mother’s polos, though! With a nice pair of chinos, these polos will give you that pop of springtime without making you look like the candy aisle at Eastertime.

Green Chinos: Any guy can wear a navy or khaki chino, but you can set yourself apart from the crowd by going green! Dress these up with a blazer, button-down and dress shoes or lean more casual with a white sneaker, tshirt and denim jacket.

White Sneakers: Speaking of sneakers, embrace the white, low-top sneaker. Why? Timelessness: Variations of white sneakers have been around for decades. Compatibility: They go with everything. You can wear them with jeans, shorts, chinos, dress pants or joggers — they look wonderful regardless. Do mind the puddles, though.

Neutral Plaid Shirts: Neutral plaid button-downs are another great staple in a versatile wardrobe. The muted plaid pattern adds a level of interest and texture to an outfit without being too flashy or bold. Pair one with chinos or denim, toss on a chore jacket as a third piece, and you’re ready for any occasion.

There you have it, gents! Five items to jumpstart your spring wardrobe. If you’re a visual learner and want more in-depth descriptions and examples, hop over to my website and download my free Spring Fashion Guide.

BY BENTLEY CALDWELL

Bentley Caldwell is a Nashville-based men’s personal stylist who helps guys up their style and confidence and take the guesswork out of dressing themselves. Have a fashion or styling question? Visit his website bentleycaldwellstyling.com or follow him on Instagram @bentleycaldwell

Her Style

Sheer class and margarita vibes

I’ve always thought of the term “fashion” as referring to an industry, a unifying experience, a collaboration of great minds and the tides of trends that come and go. The term “style,” on the other hand, is something I believe to be more innate — a unique part of each of us. I really like how Lauren Hutton phrased it: “Fashion is something that’s offered four times a year by designers. And style is what you choose.”

As a stylist, it’s part of my job to nurture and prioritize my clients’ personal style above all else, but the importance of trends can’t be ignored. Fashion shifts, while affected by many factors, tend to reflect our current place in history. Acknowledging and even participating in fashion trends can connect us to the present, helping a wardrobe feel inspired and current.

With that said, I want to slap a warning label on all information surrounding trends: Not all designs are for everyone, and there should never be any pressure to adapt one you don’t love into your own wardrobe. One of the beautiful things about fashion is its clockwork nature: If you don’t resonate with this season’s aesthetic, there is always a new batch right around the corner.

Typically, my rule of thumb when identifying a look is: Can it be spotted on the runways three or more times? With that in mind, I’ve done this year’s homework for you, so let’s check out some of the top trends from the shows of Spring-Summer ’23 Fashion Month:

Sheer: Transparent and ethereal fabrics were seen throughout many designers’ shows. While this might sound like an intimidating or overtly sexy vibe, it can easily be styled in playful, more approachable ways.

Tassels & Fringe: This makes my Nashville heart so happy! Fringe and tassels aren’t just for ’90s country stars anymore. We’re seeing fringe on tops, jackets — even wedding gowns.

Hooded Dresses: We saw this design emerge last fall, and it appears to be going strong through spring. I love the element of drama and Grace Jones’ influence.

Lime Green: Ready to match your margarita? Drink in this trend by going all-in with a monochromatic set, or — if you’re a little hesitant — take a sip by more subtly adding an electric bag or shoe.

Time to try out your own trendspotting. Over the next few months, I bet you’ll notice some of these patterns in your favorite retail shops, too.

BY CARSON LOVE

Nsider

A look at upcoming dinners and events for those in the know

Fashion

GUS MAYER TRUNK SHOWS

It’s not too early to start thinking about Steeplechase style. Christine A. Moore will be showcasing her hat designs at Gus Mayer, April 13–15. Established in 1994, Christine has been designing hats for race day as well as weddings, resort wear and a men’s line called the Blake Collection. This begs the question: Which came first — your hat or your dress?

Red carpet darling — and Symphony Fashion Show featured designer — Brandon Maxwell returns to Gus Mayer for two days after the aforementioned show, April 26–27. Maxwell is known for dressing celebrities for everything from awards shows to everyday life, and this season’s collection is a stunning array of muted pastels and bold florals with pops of sparkly sequins.

Dining

MARSH HOUSE

For their first wine dinner of the year, the Gulch mainstay Marsh House will be hosting a four-course dinner with seven pairings from Demeine Estates. Only 16 seats are available at this exclusive dinner. April 4, Tickets $140 per person (tax and gratuity included). Marsh House, 401 11th Ave. S, 615-262-6001, marshhouserestaurant.com

Performances

JOAN BAEZ IN CONVERSATION WITH EMMYLOU HARRIS

Like a long, funny letter from an old friend, discover an album of drawings by the legendary singer-songwriter, Joan Baez. In collaboration with Parnassus Books, OZ Arts will host a conversation between Emmylou Harris and Joan about her new book. Am I Pretty When I Fly? collects lovingly loose and charming sketches — Baez regards them as exercises in freedom — on themes such as politics, relationships, women, animals and family. April 8, Tickets $60. OZ Arts, 6172 Cockrill Bend Circle, 615-350-7200, ozartsnashville.org

TIMBUKTU WITHIN: THE YELI ENSEMBLE, WINDSHIP BOYD & CHRISTOPHE KONKOBO

Griots are lively storytellers and the keepers of West African tradition, and Timbuktu Within showcases talented local and international artists. Through multilayered harmonies and stunning movement, the Yeli Ensemble shares traditional and contemporary African culture, tells personal stories, and connects with our local community. April 14–15, Tickets $20–$25. OZ Arts, 6172 Cockrill Bend Circle, 615-350-7200, ozartsnashville.org

THE JONAH PEOPLE: A LEGACY OF STRUGGLE AND TRIUMPH

Hannibal Lokumbe’s world premiere reckons with the past and envisions a redemptive future. Audiences journey alongside the cast, moving from captivity and oppression to the struggle of sustaining hope in a way forward, and The Jonah People celebrates ancestors whose perseverance and resilience have produced successive generations of world-changers. April 13–16 Tickets $29–$157. Schermerhorn Symphony Center, One Symphony Place, 615-687-6400, nashvillesymphony.org