Housemade Pasta
Hello friends,
I first noted her unusual obsession when my daughter was in middle school. She would disappear into her bedroom for hours, emerging only to reload on snacks: banana chips, strawberries, grapes and Gushers. We could hear things bumping across her floor, long periods of silence followed by a thud. We tried to give her space and a wide berth. Middle school was a rollercoaster of emotions, friendships and academic challenges. She was finding herself. Defining her style.
The affliction?
Cronic furniture rearranging.
She would move her bed (and the treasures underneath), redecorate bookcases, relocate her desk (more treasures), organize her closet and embellish the window treatments. There were always scarves involved. It was therapeutic and provided immediate gratification. And, she was honing her personal style, a quirky combination of trends, cast offs and crafts. Last month, she and her partner moved from New York City to Atlanta, renting a bungalow in East Lake (facing the 18th hole of East Lake Golf Course). As I write this, she is unpacking, finding new walls for their art, repositioning furniture (again) and nesting. She would say this comes naturally, having moved house eight times before leaving for college. She is a master of reorganizing (she attacked my pantry when home from college for Christmas break), the queen of change. I’m very proud of her ability to bounce and in awe of her resilience and personal flair.
In this month’s issue, we visit Chiarabella Gallery on Miami Circle, the epitome of good taste in kitchen design. The charming and knowledgeable brand manager, Angela Cassisi is at the helm, herself a study of natural finesse. The day of the cover shoot, she welcomed us with Prosecco and graciousness, always in style. That's Angela, pictured with our ad manager Karyn Slovin and me.
Enjoy this annual STYLE issue and feel inspired to flex your creative muscles. Whether it's rearranging the furniture or embarking on a renovation, embrace the unknown and find your style.
All my best,
SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @BUCKHAVENCITYLIFESTYLE
September 2024
PUBLISHER
Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Hayat Nawd | hayat.nawd@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Louise Davie | louise.davie@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Stacy Conde
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sean O'Keefe, Sydney Kate Lewis
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Firelite Studios, Annie Leibovitz
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Learn
city scene
1: Angela at Chiarabella Gallery shows off the gorgeous July issues of City Lifestyle. 2: SCADFILM spotlighted producers, directors, and creators behind the scenes. 3: SCAD TVfest: True Crime. Check SCAD.edu for upcoming workshops and events open to the public. 4: Stories of real-life murders, mysteries, and mayhem at SCAD TVfest. 5: Yappy Hour at The Americano 6-7: In collaboration with Livable Buckhead, The Americano is hosting Yappy Hour on Sept 5.
Appliances Galore
AJ Madison, a family-owned business and the number one online kitchen appliance retailer in the country for over 23 years, is pleased to announce the August 22 opening of its fourth U.S. showroom at 8725 Roswell Road. Spanning 12,000 square feet, the store will represent over 150 brands. AJ Madison will feature the market's largest Sub-Zero, Wolf, & Cove display, along with a professional team of experts with decades of appliance experience.
“I couldn’t have been happier with my decision to give Absolute Image Consulting a try, it has been by far my favorite place I’ve had over all my years. I find their hair systems to be top notch, the most up to date on the market, as are all the hair products that they offer. I can’t say enough good things about the company and staff.” - Client Testimonial
“My experience at Absolute Image completely changed my life. After suffering from hair loss since college, I’d also lost most of my self esteem and confidence along the way. The quality is truly astounding. They gave me my life back. They have me myself back. My only regret is not choosing this sooner and saving myself all those rough mornings in the mirror. If you’re considering hair replacement - do it.” - Client Testimonial
Book Tour Stops Here
Former First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has expanded her national tour this fall to include 10 additional stops, including the iconic Fox Theatre in Atlanta on October 27. Audiences will have the opportunity to engage in intimate conversation on personal revelations alongside the release of Clinton’s new book, Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty. To secure early seats and for more information, visit HillaryClintonLive.com.
Photography by Annie Leibovitz
Beautiful North Buckhead Native Plant Program
Native plants are all the buzz. NBCA encourages homeowners to beautify their property and help create a neighborhood look and feel. Native plants are a particularly good way to enhance our landscapes and neighborhood. These signature native plants are easy to grow: Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm'), Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaries), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Blueberry (Vaccinium), Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata).
British conductor James Lowe takes the podium for both productions. With a distinguished affiliation with Houston Grand Opera, Lowe has led symphony and opera
MEET ATLANTA OPERA COSTUME DESIGNER, AMY SUTTON
Setting the Stage
Co-director, Zvulun Tomer
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY OREL COHEN
Following the resounding success of Cabaret in 2022, The Atlanta Opera is once again pushing artistic boundaries and bringing two productions to Pullman Yards as edgy, immersive audience experiences. The groundbreaking rock musical Rent, which transformed Broadway and continues to inspire audiences worldwide, pairs with a modern take on Puccini’s timeless classic La Bohème to create vivid, thrilling, and memorable experiences for fans and newcomers alike.
We caught up with the talented Amy Sutton to talk about costume design for the two shows. Since Rent is based on La Boheme, it’s been rewarding for Amy and her team to dive into the scripts and find both the similarities and differences between the stories. Amy explains, “I did want to subtly connect the two shows visually, so there are costume design choices that I made to resonate between the two shows, especially with this version of La Boheme taking place in New York City, like Rent.”
SUE G. COLLINS: WHEN DESIGNING COSTUMES, HOW MUCH DO YOU CONSIDER PAST PERFORMANCES OF THE PIECE AND HOW DO YOU MAKE THEM UNIQUE TO THE PRODUCTION?
Amy Sutton: It’s great to know about a piece’s history, however, I generally use the director’s vision of a show as a jumping-off point for creating a unique production. For operas and musicals, past productions allow us to have access to the music during the design process, which is integral to the creative process. I love listening to a show’s music while I’m doing research and renderings.
Every director approaches a show with a different vision, and every actor will bring something different to a character and production, which helps to create a unique production each time. I like to make sure I’m choosing styles and colors that work for both the actor and the character, because bringing both together helps to make a strong visual statement.
Another thing I do to help create a unique design for each show is to consider the audience and what they might see when looking at these characters. How can I help that particular audience enter into the world of the show? I learned from a great designer I’ve assisted, that
while we start with period-specific research, at some point, we have to let some of those details go in order to find a balance that will resonate with today’s audience.
What is unique about our La Boheme is that we bring it into the 21st-century world of New York City, and aim to strike a balance between creating a realistic group of people, while also allowing the theatricality of the piece to heighten certain aspects of the design in terms of colors and textures within the characters’ silhouette choices.
Similarly with Rent, the story itself is so moving and the characters are so great, that we really wanted to make sure the characters felt vividly colorful inside their world. I think we have come up with some great ideas for Maureen’s performance and Mimi’s solo number that will really highlight our team’s unique approach to Rent
SGC: TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO DESIGNING FOR THE ATLANTA OPERA.
AS: I went to undergrad at New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, graduating with a BFA in drama having focused in costume design, and with a minor in art history.
I received my Master of Fine Arts in costume design from the University of California, San Diego.
I have worked as a costume designer and assistant costume designer for companies all over the U.S.
I also work as an assistant costume designer for Broadway shows in New York City. Recent shows I’ve assisted on include the Tony Award-winning shows Some Like It Hot (costume design by Gregg Barnes) and Parade (costume design by Susan Hilferty).
I look at every show as a learning experience, because almost no two productions are the same for a costume designer. There are always new challenges, new topics to learn about, and new groups of people to work with.
Rent
September 19, 21, 22, 26, 29, Oct 2, 4, 6
La B ohème September 18, 20, 22, 25, 29, Oct 1, 3, 5 AtlantaOpera.org
Your North Georgia Real Estate Team
889 Chestnut Ridge | Blue Ridge
4 Bedroom | 3 Bathroom | 2 Half Bathroom Offered at $$2,500,000
Welcome to 889 Chestnut Ridge, where luxury and natural beauty converge. This stunning property offers panoramic mountain and Lake Blue Ridge views, nestled in the national forest for ultimate privacy. Minutes from downtown Blue Ridge and in the heart of the Aska Adventure area, this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home includes a newly finished apartment suite. Designed by a Parade of Homes Interior Designer, the meticulously renovated home features beautiful landscaping, turnkey furnishings, and ample storage. Highlights include two kitchens, a whole house generator, a security system, a safe room, and a yoga perch. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
IMMERSIVE KITCHEN DESIGN
Tucked away on Miami Circle, Chiarabella Gallery is an oasis for designers and homeowners looking for a creative partner in kitchen design. With German engineering and Italian style driving the brand, a foundation of quality and luxurious design choices are evident at every turn in this bright studio showroom. Angela Cassisi is chief brand officer for Chiarabella, born in Italy, with a distinct stylish sensibility for customer service and design.
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY FIRELITE STUDIOS
Angela Cassisi
She gave us a tour of the luxurious gallery, where gorgeous full-size kitchens, an extensive collection of surface samples and the highest tech loos are on display.
Rational Kitchens’ gorgeous Zen line is the first you’ll see. The Zen collection combines natural charm with modern elegance. Featuring bold steel accents and state-ofthe-art accessories, Zen sets a new standard in kitchen design, balancing casual functionality with a solid linear aesthetic. Flowers from Boxwoods are a lovely accent.
The rounded edges of the Onda collection and drawer organizers make this line functional as well as inviting. The Onda collection features soft rounded cabinetry
designs and rich lacquers reminiscent of fine European sports cars, making a bold statement in any home. With its innovative storage solutions and sleek design, Rational Kitchens’ Onda maximizes space and functionality, offering style and practicality for the modern home.
Chiarabella Gallery is beautifully lit, so Angela can stage any of the kitchens with the lighting that best suits the shopper and the scene. The Vertigo collection features varnished glass on aluminum frames, providing a sleek and resilient surface. With versatile customization options, including integrated or recessed handles, Vertigo also offers painted glass
From Bollywood to Hollywood to Atlanta
ARTICLE BY JOHNS CREEK
CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF
The designer’s spectacular creations in a kaleidoscope of colors have earned him global acclaim and status as one of India’s greatest design talents.
SCAD FASH’s exhibition Manish Arora: Life is Beautiful honors the trailblazing Indian designer Manish Arora, presenting the designer’s exquisite and bold creations from his runway collections, exclusive collaborations, and looks worn by an international cadre of celebrity clientele from Bollywood to Hollywood.
On view at SCAD FASH through September 15, discover creations that incorporate techniques of Indian craftsmanship fused with Western styles and eclectic motifs in an explosion of color. SCADFash.org
ARTICLE BY SYDNEY KATE LEWIS
Off To The Races
Dornoch of Buckhead's own West Paces Racing claims victory once more
Named after West Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead, West Paces Racing was originally formed by co-founders Keith Mason and Larry Connolly in 2019. Five years into their establishment, this racing group would accomplish what so many dream of achieving.
Partly owned by four other businesses, WPR is the majority owner of Dornoch with 33% ownership. Dornoch (pronounced “Door-Nick”), named after the Royal Dornoch Golf Club in Scotland, is a 3-year-old bay colt. With the filly Puca as his mother and Good Magic as his father, Dornoch comes from a lineage of success. While his lineage insinuated greatness, little did they know the extent of the greatness which Dornoch would achieve. “We hit the big time,” Mason said with regard to Dornoch, a statement which was emphasized in the 2024 Belmont Stakes.
From left are John Geary, Jockey Luis Saez, Keith Mason, Larry Connolly
The 156th running of the Belmont Stakes took place on June 4 at the Saratoga Race Course, due to renovations at Belmont Park. A sold-out crowd of 50,000 fans filled the course’s stands and watched as the 1-¼ mile race took place. Trained by Danny Gargan and under jockey Luis Saez, Dornoch was not favored to win after finishing 10th place in the Kentucky Derby. And yet, such did not deter those at WPR. Dornoch was granted the sixth post position at the Belmont Stakes. With a clean break, he was able to get off the leader in the first bit. Connolly told Mason in the moment, “If we’re going to win this race, this is where we need to be at this point in the race.” By the beginning of the second oval, Dornoch started making his move and took the lead at the top of the stretch. “He doesn’t like to give up the lead,” Mason says. “He’s a fighter.” With a time of 2:01.64, Dornoch claimed victory by a half-length. “I never declared victory until he crossed the finish line,” Connolly says. “But as the race progressed, I knew what it would mean for our horse and West Paces Racing.”
“We were elated for multiple reasons,” Connolly admits about winning the race. After being in the business for ten years, “We know heartbreak, and we appreciate how hard it is to win a Triple Crown Race,” Mason says. “We’ve dreamed about it.”
Watching Dornoch win was a “Top five lifetime thrill,” Connolly adds. In true celebratory fashion, champagne was poured, and praises were exchanged on site with a party held at Connolly’s house in Saratoga afterward.
One month later, the new Triple Crown winner claimed another victory at the 57th Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park. Similar to the final stretch of the Belmont Stakes, Dornoch, running along the rail, managed to fend off the hard-charging favorite Mindframe on the outside, securing a 1-¼ length victory on the 1-⅛ mile course in 1:50.31. Dornoch is the first Belmont Stakes winner to claim victory in the Haskell Stakes since Triple Crown champion American Pharoah achieved both wins in 2015. Dornoch recently won the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park, NJ. and ran the Travers Stakes at Saratoga. After winning the Haskell, he was automatically entered in The Breeders Cup at Del Mar, California. Race is on November 2.
The greatness of Dornoch’s success does not diminish the philanthropic endeavors of WPR. Connolly gives back to the community with contributions to the Connolly Family Foundation, whose mission is to deliver services such as healthcare and education to children in poverty, and to the Grayson Jockey Foundation, a research foundation for the betterment of horses. Mason contributes to the Kentucky community where his farm, Terminus Farm, resides by supporting programs such as Riding For Hope, a program that assists special needs children in riding horses, and Blue Grass Charity Group, a group that supports workers on horse farms by providing food, clothing, and other necessities. To learn more about West Paces Racing, email Anne Muller at annemullerCFF@gmail.com. CONTINUED >
GET INSPIRED EAT & DRINK
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SEPTEMBER 2024
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
CONTINUING THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20TH
Atlanta’s Tony Award-winner Shuler Hensley Directs THE MUSIC MAN
Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
Meredith Willson’s THE MUSIC MAN is classic Broadway entertainment at its best. Tony Award®-winner Shuler Hensley is directing this musical featuring iconic songs “Till There Was You,” “Ya Got Trouble,” “Goodnight, My Someone,” “The Wells Fargo Wagon,” and “Seventy-Six Trombones.” Tickets at CitySpringsTheatre.com
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 29TH
Art Pop-Up and Shop
Town Brookhaven
The Art Pop Up + Shop takes place Sept 12 through Sept 29 (Thursdays - Sundays only). Hours are Thursday -Saturday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12-5 p.m.
NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 1ST
OUMA Art Exhibition:
"The Gaze"
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art (OUMA)
This group exhibition, curated by Aleatha Lindsay, is a deeply personal exploration of how mind and body shape how we interact with society and how society interacts with us. Marking the beginning of a year-long celebration of deaf and disabled artists at OUMA, “The Gaze” illustrates how disability, accessibility, and ableism intersect.
SEPTEMBER 2ND
Brookhaven Bike Alliance Rides
SAVI Provisions | 6:00 PM
Your favorite social cycling group is ready to get into gear. Join the Brookhaven Bike Alliance on Mondays at SAVI Provisions on Dresden Drive for an evening of cycling through Brookhaven neighborhoods.
SEPTEMBER 7TH
Puppy Hour
Central Bark Brookhaven
Puppy Hour is a FREE supervised puppy playtime and social hour at Central Bark Brookhaven. Puppy Hour is a ton of fun and it also provides a critical opportunity for puppies to get socialization during their “sensitive period” which is between 8 and 16 weeks of age.
SEPTEMBER 17TH
Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song
The Fox Theatre | 7:00 PM
The Carter Center is excited to announce Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song, a musical event celebrating the centennial birthday of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. The landmark concert will feature world-renowned artists performing live tributes and special guests celebrating President Carter’s legacy of service to humanity. Tickets are $100. FoxTheatre.org/JimmyCarter100
With over 30 years of industry experience and three generations in the business, Alex Lexington Diamonds brings
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Trinity School serves children age three through Sixth Grade and cherishes childhood while preparing students for the future. Small class sizes, innovative programming, and early childhood and elementary education experts are just some of the reasons your child will thrive at Atlanta’s only elementary-only independent school!
Discover more at an Open House: October 22 December 10 November 14 January 16
Harmony for Hope: Defeating ALS
ARTICLE BY SEAN O'KEEFE
PHOTOGRAPHY JOLIE LOREN AND PROVIDED
John Driskell Hopkins (HOP), founding and active member of the Zac Brown Band, was diagnosed with ALS, in December of 2021. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease impacting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Progression of the disease can vary from person to person, affecting movement, speech, and breathing. ALS is 100% fatal.
In response to his life-altering diagnosis, HOP and his wife Jen were called to activism, and in May of 2022, this unstoppable duo launched the Hop On A Cure Foundation. Their personal mission is to bring a new voice to the fight, empowering others to join the cause. They are doing everything in their power to secure critical funding for research to ultimately find a cure for ALS. “Help us envision a future free of ALS,” has become their mantra, truly inspiring others.
The mission of Hop On A Cure, “to secure critical funding for research to ultimately find a cure for ALS,” is only achievable with your help. This is a tangible goal. ALS isn’t incurable. It’s underfunded. Through community-empowered, grassroots fundraising initiatives, there have been more than 150 events held across the country. Hop On A Cure has granted in excess of $1.6 million, all directed toward finding a cure and defeating ALS.
Harmony for Hope: Defeating ALS is Hop On A Cure’s newest fundraiser and it promises to be an incredible evening. Exquisite cuisine and exceptional wines set the tone for spirited bidding as guests vie for incredible, once-in-a-lifetime live auction prizes.
The finale of the evening is an intimate songwriter-in-theround showcasing performances by Zac Brown, Clay Cook, Coy Bowles, Daniel de los Reyes, Bobby Yang, Lilith (Lily Costner) and other special guests. Each artist will deliver personal, memorable performances honoring their friend HOP and his fight against ALS.
Can’t join the gala? You can host your own fundraising event to benefit Hop On A Cure's mission. We can’t do this alone. We need your help to end ALS.
For more information about Hop On A Cure or to purchase tickets for Harmony for Hope: Defeating ALS: HopOnACure.org/events
Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Reds
