Issuu

THE

Style

ISSUE

S E P TE M B E R 2 02 6

705 PROVIDENCE ROAD | 704-332-1605 | WWW.BAILEYBOX.COM

helenadamsrealty.com | @helenadamsrealty

LOCAL ROOTS

LUXURY REACH While our reach extends around the world, our foundation has always been here at home. As the area’s premier family-owned real estate company, we pair international exposure with the personal relationships, neighborhood expertise, and genuine care that only a local brokerage can provide. Scan the QR code to experience the Helen Adams Realty difference.

Small dogs. Big personalities. Their perfect place to play.

Get customized care for your unique pup. Not every pup wants to wrestle with the big dogs—and they shouldn't have to. At Social Pet Hotel & Daycare, dedicated playgroups let small dogs run, play, and socialize safely.

Visit Social Pet Hotel & Daycare Today! 515 Towne Centre Blvd. Pineville, NC 28134

3814 Monroe Rd. Charlotte, NC 28205

8702-A Statesville Rd. Charlotte, NC 28269

(704) 835-1022 | reservations@socialpethotel.com |

Trust your face to Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery.

Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery is a collaborative partnership between Dr. Andrea Garcia and Dr. Josh Surowitz. At Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery, we apply a team-oriented, two-surgeon approach to all aspects of your care—at the time of consultation, during surgical planning, and in the operating room. In addition to surgical treatment options, we offer injectable fillers, Botox, Dysport, an extensive selection of skin care products, and laser treatments.

Call or email today to schedule your consultation | 980.949.6544 | facialplasticsurgerycharlotte.com 1819 Lyndhurst Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina 28203

Fall Into Wellness Self-care is even better when it becomes a ritual. With our Series Sale, purchase six of the same massage, facial, or body treatment for the price of five, making it easier to enjoy the benefits of regular wellness throughout the year.

Call spa to purchase Series southpark.woodhousespas.com 4625 Piedmont Row Drive | (704) 520-8448 Series Packages are valid for one year from the date of purchase and may only be redeemed at Woodhouse Spa SouthPark.

2330 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 704.342.1000 | DICKENSMITCHENER.COM

DESI GNED TO FEEL INHERIT ED. B OUTI QUE I NTE RIO RS BY FELIPE G. FISHER. WWW.HOUSEOFFGF.COM | INFO@FGFINTERIORS.COM | 757 PROVIDENCE RD SUITE B

TIMELY ACCESS. UNHURRIED APPOINTMENTS. PERSONALIZED CARE.

Thoughtful, patient-focused dermatology by Dr. Emily McLean. The Eastover Clinic offers personalized visits designed to give you the time, attention, and expertise you deserve from a board-certified dermatologist. TheEastoverClinic.com | (980) 785-4744 | @theeastoverclinic 725 Providence Road, Suite 302 Charlotte, NC 28207

Wedding Dresses Charlotte Brides Love.

More than a dress. A tradition in the making. The Major Experience: Quiet Luxury. Timeless Service. Your Story. At J. Major’s Bridal Boutique, finding your wedding dress is a treasured moment in a story generations have shared. Since 1984, our boutique has been where Charlotte’s brides, their mothers, sisters, and best friends come to celebrate. Each gown chosen, each joyful tear, each heartfelt “this is the one” adds to a legacy woven into the very fabric of this city. Step into J. Major’s and discover a place where expert styling meets heartfelt tradition. Where your once-in-alifetime dress is just the beginning of a memory you’ll never forget.

704.372.0082 | www.jmajors.com 1900 South Blvd, Suite 150, Charlotte, 28203

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 MINT MUSEUM RANDOLPH Scan the QR code to learn about sponsorship opportunities and to purchase tickets.

Potters Market at The Mint is part of Handwork 2026, presented by Craft in America. The Mint Museum is supported, in part, by the City of Charlotte and the North Carolina Arts Council. IMAGE: Image courtesy of Patrick Cooley, @battslipcrazy. 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC | 704.337.2000 | @themintmuseum | @pottersmarketatthemint

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Dress-Up Lessons

September 2026 PUBLISHER

Liz Brown | liz.brown@citylifestyle.com

“When you’re wearing a cape, you’re gonna behave differently.” -André Leon Talley My oldest daughter, Lily, is a budding fashion stylist, and her little sister, Caroline, is her favorite subject. Lily spends hours dreaming up hairstyles— braids, twisted updos—and scouring the house for bows, pins and accessories to doll up “her baby.” Then she thoughtfully puts together different pieces, colors and patterns from our embarrassingly large dress-up collection and creates a look. She names it and takes a Polaroid to document as she goes. The result? A 4-year-old absolutely delighted with whoever her new style has made her become, whether that’s a mermaid, a Disney princess or an eccentric wig-wearing lady named Candy. I felt a little of that same magic this spring when Maria, the owner of Eternal— the luxury consignment boutique in Myers Park—put together a look for me to wear to a Queen City Lifestyle event. As a working mother of three, personal style sometimes gets shoved down the priority list. But Maria was determined to make me feel special for the occasion. She chose something well outside my comfort zone: an Isabel Marant blouse—sheer, breezy chiffon in an abstract feather print of fuchsia, blush and inky black—paired with buttery-yellow silky cargo joggers and a statement cream fringe collar necklace. When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t see a working mom barely holding on; I saw a publisher and editor-in-chief. It turns out Lily and Maria know the same secret: the right look doesn’t just change how you appear, it changes who you believe you can be. Our September Style issue marks two years of Queen City Lifestyle magazine. One of the biggest rewards of starting this publication has been getting to know the remarkable artists, designers, stylists and creatives in our community. We feature some of Charlotte’s best this month, including local artist and rising international star Kenny Nguyen, who has a serendipitous history with silk. We also preview the upcoming Judith Leiber exhibition at the Mint Museum coming in October. Don’t miss our cover feature—The Jewel Box—where we step into a Gucci lover’s dressing room designed by Karsen Hood. In closing, we couldn’t celebrate two years without acknowledging the support of our amazing partners. Thank you for your contribution to our growth and community impact. We can’t wait to see what’s next! Cheers to two years of style,

LIZ BROWN, PUBLISHER @ Q U E E N C I T Y M AG

E D I TO R

Carroll Walton | carroll.walton@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Kathryn Ashcraft | kathryn.ashcraft@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Elizabeth Smith | elizabeth.smith@citylifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R

Matias Arredondo | matias.arredondo@citylifestyle.com INTERN

Anderson Setaro P H OTO E D I TO R

Seth Patrick P U B L I S H E R AS S I STAN T

Shellye Andrus CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Liz Brown, Taylor Bowler, Elliott Harrell, Carroll Walton C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Michael Blevins, ATOM BLK, Christina Hussey, Heather Ison, Carey King, Sancho Smalls, Olly Yung

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Queen City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Queen City area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/QUEENCITY

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Queen City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

inside the issue SE PTE M B E R 2 02 6 | STYL E

32 Featured

26 32

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Silk Serendipity

Fashion Designer Turned Fine Artist Kenny Nguyen Weaves Silk, Paint and a Lucky Mistake Into Works Coveted From Charlotte to Paris

The Jewel Box

Designer Karsen Hood Transforms a Forgettable Office Into a Boutique-Worthy Dressing Room

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Inspired By ARTS + CULTURE

Decor Trends HOME + DESIGN

Local Limelight STYLE + BEAUTY

Must See LIFE + CULTURE

Locally Sourced STYLE + BEAUTY

Open House HOME + DESIGN

Fashion Forward STYLE + BEAUTY

Our Town ARTS + CULTURE

Clutch Brilliance

A New Mint Museum Exhibition Celebrates the Whimsical Handbags and Remarkable Life of Designer Judith Leiber

On the Cover Step inside “The Jewel Box”—a maximalist dressing room by designer Karsen Hood, featuring an 18th-century armoire, lacquered in high-gloss fuchsia and lined with flocked cheetah wallpaper. Photography: Michael Blevins

With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.

Unknown-1

Style Your

Best Home

SEPTEMBER 2026

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Edit Sale Fall 2026 The fall Edit Sale, a biannual designer consignment pop up, starts Sept. 23, featuring 5,000+ pieces of designer clothes, shoes and handbags carefully curated and priced. The sale is Sept. 23-24, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sept. 25-26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Oct. 2-3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location TBA on Instagram @edit_sale. Expect lines the first day but plenty of merchandise available throughout. Photography by Hayden Hendrix

Meghan Lluberas REALTOR®/BROKER 704.904.7404 meghanlluberas.dickensmitchener.com

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Live, with Ethic A remarkable home begins with a shared vision and the right team. Ethic Design | Build | Remodel brings together Charlotte's premier architects, designers, and craftsmen to create timeless homes rooted in intentional design, trusted collaboration, and exceptional execution. We build spaces designed to be lived in and loved for generations. Live with Ethic Schedule your discovery consultation today.

6th Annual ArtPop Upcycled Fashion Show The ArtPop Upcycled Fashion Show returns Sept. 12 at Blume Studios, celebrating art, sustainability and high fashion. The much-anticipated annual fundraiser and runway show features more than 400 distinguished guests. It celebrates creativity through the transformation of retired ArtPop Artist Cohort billboard vinyls into stunning, wearable works of art. The show is 6 to 9 p.m., with a VIP hour from 5-6 p.m.

Charlotte Film Festival The Charlotte Film Festival returns to the Independent Picture House Sept. 22-27. In its 18th season, the festival celebrates innovation in independent cinema, bringing the best in local, regional, national and international film to the Independent Picture House, with screenings followed by Q&A sessions with the filmmakers. IPH is located at 4237 Raleigh St., near the NoDa neighborhood.

CONTINUED >

DESIGN. BUILD. R EM O DEL. 980.420.1684 | www.ethicllc.com admin@ethicllc.com | V @ethic.design.build.remodel 3421 Commonwealth Avenue

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

business monthly CONTINUED

STYLE STARTS WITH CONFIDENCE Whether you're stepping into a boardroom, enjoying dinner in South End, exploring Uptown, or spending time with family, confidence has a way of elevating every moment. At Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, we're proud to help our Charlotte community feel confident through expert plastic surgery, dermatology, skincare, and aesthetic treatments—all delivered with personalized care and natural-looking results

Your style is uniquely yours. Your care should be, too. Schedule a consultation today. ppsd.com | store.ppsd.com | 704-542-2220 | V piedmontplasticsurgeryderm 5815 Blakeney Park Drive, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28277

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Charlotte Fashion Week Charlotte Fashion Week, presented by Charlotte Seen, celebrates five days of local fashion and style from Sept. 22-26. The kickoff party is Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Stylus Sound Lounge at 4100 Raleigh St., Suite 113. The runway shows will be held at the same location Thursday, Friday and two daytime shows on Saturday, Sept. 26. Photography Courtesy of Charlotte Seen

GROWING JOYFUL SMILES “In the joy of others lies our own”

Yiasou Greek Festival The Yiasou Greek Festival is Sept. 11-13 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral on East Boulevard. One of Charlotte’s most storied cultural events began in 1978. The word “Yiasou” is Greek for “Hello,” “Goodbye” and “Cheers,” and is a fitting name for a festival that features Hellenic cultural exhibits, authentic Greek cuisine and homemade pastries, entertainment, live music and dancing, wine tastings, art, shopping and more.

Around the Crown 10K The eighth annual Around the Crown 10K, which includes I-277’s three-mile loop around Uptown, is Sunday, Sept. 6, starting at 7:30 a.m. The highway only closes down once a year for thousands of runners to fan out across the inner beltway. It finishes with a festival at Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights. Around the Crown 10K was founded in 2019 by husbandand-wife Brian and Chelsea Mister to promote health through running.

DISCOVER A DIFFERENT DENTAL EXPERIENCE

NOW WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS

Photography Courtesy of Around the Crown 10K CONTINUED >

bloomingsmilespd.com | 704.750.0195 2400 South Blvd. Suite 100 Charlotte, North Carolina 28203 S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

business monthly CONTINUED

Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen The North American tour of Alicia Keys’ Broadway hit Hell’s Kitchen arrives in Charlotte Sept. 8-13 at Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. The musical is inspired by Keys’ life, music, and the gritty Manhattan neighborhood where she grew up. It traces her journey from age 17, introducing her greatest musical mentor and her dynamic family. The music is a mix of Keys’ classics as well as new songs written exclusively for the show.

Photography by Marc J Franklin

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / Q U E E N C I T Y

LUXURY OUTDOOR DESIGN • CHARLOTTE & SURROUNDING AREAS

The best moments happen in the spaces where families come together.

Custom Pools Landscaping Outdoor Living

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR PRIVATE CONSULTATION ivycreekpools.com • 704.924.0111 info@ivycreekpools.com

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

LOCALLY OWNED/OPER ATED • EST. 2017

From Concept to Creation High Quality | Genuine Craftsmanship | Detail Oriented

V@blockhauscraftsmanhomes | inquire@blockhausinc.com

SOURCED IN EUROPE AND CURATED BY DRUE BOHRER

Curated European Antiques for Inspired Interiors Shop at DrueBohrerAntiques.com and schedule a visit.

DRUE BOHRER ANTIQUES (205) 427-3783 | @druebohrerantiques 2025 Thrift Road, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28208

CHARLOTTE I DENVER I CRESTED BUTTE

1401 CENTRAL AVE, SUITE 250 CHARLOTTE, NC 28205 ARTISANRUGGALLERY.COM 980-938-8786

Silk

Serendipity

FASHION DESIGNER TURNED FINE ARTIST KENNY NGUYEN WEAVES SILK, PAINT AND A LUCKY MISTAKE INTO WORKS COVETED FROM CHARLOTTE TO PARIS ARTICLE BY ELLIOTT HARRELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLLY YUNG Kenny Nguyen’s “deconstructed paintings” have been featured in galleries all over the world. But if it weren’t for a mistake early on in his career, he might not have become one of Charlotte’s top artists. Nguyen, who moved to the U.S. with his family from Vietnam in 2010, had recently graduated from UNC Charlotte with a fine arts degree when he arrived at the Vermont Studio Center for a residency, without his paint. “I forgot it at home,” he says. “The only (supplies) I brought with me were a piece of canvas and a piece of silk, and I used leftover paint I found in the studio.” Instead of panicking, though, he says that his lack of materials forced him to focus on what he could do with what he had. CONTINUED >

I NSP IR E D BY | ARTS + C U LT U RE

Kenny Nguyen at his studio in Concord

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

“SILK REMINDS ME SO MUCH OF MY HOMELAND AND ALSO HAS SUCH A RICH CULTURE.”

I NSP IR E D BY | ARTS + C U LT U RE

“Sometimes less is really more,” he says. “I got pushed into a constraint of materials and time.” Despite the limited options to work with, his first deconstructed painting began to take shape. Nguyen starts by meticulously cutting white silk into thin, long strips, trimming any stray fringe to ensure each piece is uniform. “Silk reminds me so much of my homeland and also has such a rich culture,” he says. “I have been working with it for a long time as a fashion designer, and I see myself almost through this material.” From there, he lays a plastic sheet on the ground, pouring different paints on top. The raw silk gets soaked in the paint, and then, while it’s wet, he places it on a canvas. It takes thousands of strips of silk to make each piece. “When the silk dries, it turns into something beautiful, like marbling, and creates a lot of texture,” Nguyen says. He also didn’t have stretcher bars with him at his residency, so after Nguyen finished his first piece, he started playing around with sculpting it into different shapes on the wall using push pins.

“It started to look really interesting,” he says. “My works almost appear like woven pieces to people, but my works are a combination of painting, sculpture and textiles. They’re in the space of transformation between all the different forms.” The result is mesmerizing three-dimensional art. Each piece of silk, often multi-colored, creates movement and patterns. Nguyen landed his first solo exhibition at Sozo Gallery in Charlotte, but his work quickly went global. Nguyen’s art has been shown in galleries in London, Paris, Singapore, New York and beyond, and he already has two solo exhibitions planned for 2027. Despite so much international success, though, he has stayed firmly rooted in Charlotte. A few years ago, Nguyen moved from making art in his garage to his studio in Concord. While he originally aspired to move to a larger city, he says being close to family is important to him. He says Charlotte feels “very peaceful” while his work can be chaotic. Living in Charlotte gives him enough space to fully concentrate on his art. CONTINUED >

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

Nguyen’s pieces take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to make, depending on the size. He works on multiple pieces at once, placing silk strips on one while another canvas dries and sculpting other paintings after they’re dry. Just as he did during his residency, Nguyen sculpts the silk directly on the wall using push pins, creating folds, undulations and movement. Installing each work is an art form in itself. While he’s working, Nguyen creates a detailed installation video of how he sculpts the piece and personally oversees and approves every installation, often joining the installer, gallery or collector via FaceTime. “Each installation responds to the architecture of the space, so no two installations are exactly alike,” he says. “Rather than reproducing a fixed form, the work is realized differently in each environment

while remaining unmistakably mine and is intended to invite viewers to experience the work from multiple perspectives.” Nguyen’s studio isn’t open to the public, but once a year, he holds an event for people to view his art. IG: @kennynguyenclt

I NSP IR E D BY | ARTS + C U LT U RE

NCAL #9621

@it.cvlr thl Vayue cf Ycur Ccyyl.ticn Our tpl.iayittt arl .urrlntyy appraiting and .cyyl.ting fnl art, lelyro, .cint, rarl bcckt and ocrl fcr thl fayl au.ticn tlatcn in Nle Ycrke Ccnta.t ut fcr ocur .copyiolntaro appraitay Yvonne Canu, St. Tropez, le 3 Mats, Sold for $15,360

704-582-2258

Hiyaro He Pitt

HiyaroePitts@coyle.co

Doyle.com

we tell the stories of objects and people

New York Beverly Hills Boston Charleston Chicago Connecticut New Jersey North Carolina Palm Beach Pennsylvania Washington D.C.

Representing over 60 contemporary artists 7 2 1

G o v e r n o r

M o r r i s o n

info@anneneilsonfineart.com

70 .

S t , .

S u i t e 181

1 8 0 ,

2 8 2 1 1

anneneilsonfineart.com

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

Designer Karsen Hood Transforms a Forgettable Office Into a Boutique-Worthy Dressing Room

THE

JEWEL BOX

ARTICLE BY TAYLOR BOWLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BLEVINS

D E C OR T R E N D S | HO M E + D E SIGN

This page: Both the velvet cheetah drapery and the flocked cheetah wallpaper in the armoire are from Romo Fabrics. Opposite page: The walls are painted in Sherwin Williams’ Moscow Midnight and the armoire is Sherwin-Williams’ Dynamo and Hot. Floral Ceiling wallpaper is Gucci.

CONTINUED >

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

The first time designer Karsen Hood met this homeowner from Lake Wylie, she was taken with her patterned Gucci slides. “I like to look at what the client is wearing,” says Hood, principal designer of Mannings Design. “She’s maximalist, and everything around her is gorgeous.”

The homeowner grew up loving fashion, wearing her mother’s handmade interpretations of designer looks. As an adult, she has witnessed the real thing, standing amid the energy and artistry of New York Fashion Week and, more recently, at Milan Fashion Week. When the homeowner asked her to transform her husband’s office into a fashion sanctuary for her museum-worthy collection of shoes, clothes and accessories, Hood immediately understood the assignment: create a glamorous space that felt joyfully over-the-top. “Prior to this makeover, the space was very masculine, with a tan rug and taxidermy on the wall,” Hood says. What emerged after the fourmonth renovation is anything but. The compact 14-by-12.5-foot room now functions as a closet-and-dressing-room hybrid. But it’s more than a place to store handbags and stilettos. It’s a life-sized jewel box where every item tells a story. The homeowner’s collection reads like a curator’s fantasy; six Gucci guitars, branded skateboards and one of only two rhinestone cloaks in existence are displayed like fine art. Hood leaned into the beauty of the collection while ensuring the room remained warm and inviting. “We color-drenched the walls, wallpapered the ceiling and added cheetah paneling to the door,” she says. “I wanted to color play and really push the boundaries. We were going maximalist and glam.” Because the room’s footprint was relatively tight, every design decision had to balance beauty with function. The client already owned two Gucci chairs and a custom dressing screen, leaving Hood with the challenge of storing the collection without overcrowding the space. The solution was an L-shaped shelving system fabricated by Kauffman & Co. CONTINUED >

D E C OR T R E N D S | HO M E + D E SIGN

This page: The homeowner’s collection includes items from Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Brunello Cucinelli and Chanel. Opposite page: Custom-framed artwork and Gucci skateboards.

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

“The brass and glass let the light through,” Hood says. “It lets her beautiful handbags tell the story.” It also complements the crystal chandelier from Crystorama. “We had to do crystal, and we had to go big,” she says. “With a nine-foot ceiling, we couldn’t go too tall, but it makes a statement when you walk in and really makes you appreciate the wallpaper.” Integrated strip lighting elevated the effect even further. “At night, she can just glow it up,” Hood says. To give the homeowner additional storage, Hood incorporated an 18th-century armoire from Le Chateau European Interiors in Atlanta. She had it custom lacquered in a bold fuchsia and put flocked cheetah wallpaper inside. A hand-knotted F.J. Kashanian rug from New York anchors the space, while a cloverleaf ottoman upholstered in snakeskin leather adds both texture and playfulness. “She can roll it out when she wants to strut and play,” Hood says. Even the walk into the room feels cinematic. The hallway is lined with custom-framed artwork of elegantly dressed women, creating a red carpet moment before the doors open to what Hood calls “a room fit for a queen.” While she loves experimenting with maximalism, Hood knows restraint matters, too. “You have to space it out,” she says. “You want your eye to rest. We did a bold print on the ceiling and a bold print on the rug. The drapes were a tonal cheetah. The wall color lets your eye take a rest. Some solids allow you to appreciate the prints.” But for all its color and drama, the room’s emotional resonance is what matters most. “This is her hobby,” Hood says. “She wants to drink coffee and pop champagne in here.” The homeowner also sees it as a place where her grandchildren can play dress-up and make memories amid all of her treasures. “It’s a five-senses space,” Hood says. “You can experience all of them.”

D E C OR T R E N D S | HO M E + D E SIGN

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

Modern, Luxurious, Relaxing Dental Experience.

EXPERIENCE LUXURY

skyviewdentistrycharlotte.com

Dr. Seti Byrd | Dr. Jennifer D’Silva | Dr. Christina Gliwa

210 East Trade Street, Suite E-484 Charlotte, NC 28202

DENTISTRY IN CHARLOTTE

Veneers | Platinum Invisalign Provider | Same Day Crowns | Botox

Unique by design Discover how Trinity's K-8 model builds learners and leaders in the heart of Charlotte TEScharlotte.org Kindergarten Open House Tuesday, Sept. 29 - 9:30 a.m.

K- 8 Open House Thursday, Nov. 5 - 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 - 9:00 a.m.

704.324.8769

skyview.dentistry

B O U T I Q U E E L E C T R I C A L C O N T R AC TO R

From bespoke lighting plans to whole home electrical, Giste brings luxury spaces to life alongside Charlotte's top builders and designers. Now Welcoming New Partnerships 704.388.1991 | gisteelectrical.com

THE

Fashion

C ON N E C TOR

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | STYLE + BE AU T Y

Perrine DeShield-Jenkins Photo by Sancho Smalls

Photo by Sancho Smalls

Fro m C l a s s ro o m C r it i q ue s t o C u r at e d Fa s h io n Eve nt s , Pe r r i n e D e S h ie l d - Je n k i n s I s B r i d g i n g E m e r g i n g Ta le nt a n d C h a rlot t e St y le ARTICLE BY TAYLOR BOWLER

By the time Mint to Be: The Feminine Body as Costume Art closed at Mint Museum Uptown in early June, it had already become one of Charlotte’s most talked-about style events of the year. The month-long exhibition, runway competition and fashion experience transformed the museum’s MINT5pace into an exploration of femininity, identity and self-expression. Inspired by the Met Gala’s 2026 “Costume CONTINUED > S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | STYLE + BE AU T Y

Photo by ATOM BLK

Photo by Carey King

Photo by ATOM BLK

Art” exhibit, the show paired curated works across mediums with mannequins that brought each interpretation to life. That event cemented Perrine DeShield-Jenkins—better known in certain circles as “Professor P”—as one of the city’s most compelling fashion voices. At 37, DeShield-Jenkins balances life as a professor of luxury and fashion management at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) with work as an event curator, stylist and owner of Eclecs Creative Agency in Charlotte. Somehow she makes it all look effortless. “My husband and I are still based in Charlotte,” she explains. “With Mint to Be, I came back and forth between Charlotte and Savannah.” Professor P spends the fall quarter teaching at SCAD’s Lacoste campus in France, winters teaching virtually from Charlotte and spring at the flagship campus in Savannah. “(Last fall), I got my students backstage to the Thom Browne fashion show, and I think that made me the coolest professor of all time,” she says with a grin. “I just have to figure out how to up that this year.” The world of academia was a natural fit for DeShield-Jenkins, who grew up in Greensboro, the youngest of six children born to Liberian parents. Her mother was an elementary school teacher, and her father, who previously served as a dean in Liberia, taught agriculture and agronomy at North Carolina A&T State University. “I grew up on a college campus,” she says. “My love for school really started when I was 4.” She studied journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, then headed to Atlanta for an internship with CNN. After the late 2000s recession hit, she stepped away from the newsroom and moved home to reset. “I always loved fashion,” she says. “That’s been my constant. If I could fuse the business side with the fashion industry, that’s what I wanted to do.” Back in Greensboro, she worked in retail, launched a community fashion organization and produced runway shows. The portfolio

she built helped her earn a spot in SCAD’s Master of Fine Arts program in luxury and fashion management. She chose SCAD’s Atlanta campus for its internship opportunities, landing roles at both Neiman Marcus and Atlanta magazine. After an internship with fashion brand BCBGMAXAZRIA in New York, she took a job at Belk and moved to Charlotte, where she spent eight years working in nearly every corner of the company. She launched Culture Shop, a boutique highlighting underrepresented communities, rolled out Black History Month programming, and helped pioneer influencer marketing, experiential events and livestream shopping. Then, in 2022, SCAD called. They wanted DeShield-Jenkins to come back as a professor. “I would have never guessed I’d be a professor at that point in my career,” she says. “I kept thinking, ‘Am I qualified? Do I have enough lived experience to offer these students?’” Turns out she did. “I don’t like to say I’m the ‘cool professor’ like ‘I’m the cool mom,’” she says, laughing. “But I’m able to level with my students. We talk about trending topics and news before every class. I ask them, ‘What stopped your scroll today?’ I incorporate TikToks, and I remind them to touch grass. I meet them where they are.” After being both a student and now a professor at the art school, she’s learned to spot a SCAD-trained creative almost instantly. “Even at Belk, when I would get interns, I could look at their work and say, ‘They’re from SCAD, aren’t they?’” she says. “It’s just a different level of work, production and detail.” It’s the same dedication she brings to projects like Mint to Be. “I truly hope the events that I touch allow people to appreciate fashion at the high art level that it is,” she says. “I’m excited to see how Mint to Be can evolve and grow, and I want to partner with as many artists and designers as I can. I want to give creatives a platform, compensation and visibility. That’s a big part of the legacy I want to leave behind.”

THIS OR THAT?

Pho

to by ATOM BLK

Sequins or feathers? Sequins. Cape or crown? Cape. Leather or latex? Leather. Heels or flats? Heels. Front row or backstage? Backstage. Black-tie gala or underground fashion pop-up? Black-tie gala. Runway show or immersive fashion installation? Runway show. Marie Antoinette or David Bowie? David Bowie. Coco Chanel or Alexander McQueen? Alexander McQueen. Beyoncé Renaissance era or Madonna Blonde Ambition era? Beyoncé, Beyoncé, Beyoncé. Wearable or wow factor? Wow factor.

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

Dr. Amy Guyer

Autarchic Means Independent Autarchic Spec Shop is an independent eye care and optical boutique now open in ParkTowne Village in Charlotte. Led by Dr. Amy Guyer, an optometrist since 2011, the practice provides comprehensive eye exams, contact lens services, and treatment of ocular conditions.

autarchicspecshop.com | 704.208.4548 1600 E Woodlawn Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28209

Where a Love of Dance Grows NOW ENROLLING FOR 2026-2027 For 37 years, Jami Masters School of Dance has been Charlotte's home for dancers of all ages — from first steps to standing ovations. With expert faculty, classes starting at age two, summer camps, and a preprofessional company, JMSD nurtures every dancer's passion and potential.

jamimastersschoolofdance.com | 704.525.6555 @jamimastersdance | Park Road Shopping Center

HOME OR BUSINESS NEED A LITTLE EXTRA "WOW"? NOW TAKING ESTIMATES FOR FALL PLANTING Choose WOW Windowboxes to make your space spectacular! We create durable, long lasting PVC windowboxes and planters that can be painted to match your color scheme. Our award-winning planting team also provides eye-catching seasonal plantings, ensuring designs that will make your property stand out. Additionally our custom irrigation system guarantees your home or business will look beautiful year-round. Get your WOW now! wowwindowboxes.com | 980.501.9693 | @wow_windowboxes_charlotte

CLUTCH

Brilliance ARTICLE BY TAYLOR BOWLER

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE MINT MUSEUM

A New Mint Museum Exhibition Celebrates the Whimsical Handbags and Remarkable Life of Designer Judith Leiber At first glance, the works in Brilliant by Design: The Handbags of Judith Leiber look playful. A dolphin covered in Swarovski crystals. Frogs with bejeweled crowns. A crystal-encrusted watermelon slice. But upon closer observation, something else emerges: exquisite craftsmanship, relentless innovation, and the remarkable story of the woman behind them, a Holocaust survivor. The exhibition, which opens at The Mint Museum in October and runs through July 2027, is much more than a display of luxury handbags to curator Bridget Kerr, the museum’s Fashion Fellow. “It’s a celebration of the life and work of Judith Leiber through her handbags, with more than 130 objects on display,” says Kerr, who came to the Mint in 2024 after completing a museum studies program at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. “They’re magical, whimsical, and the closer you get, the more you can see.” The exhibition will pair Leiber’s handbags and accessories with 20 objects from the museum’s fashion collection, adding context to these pieces. “It helps answer the question, ‘What might you have been wearing when you carried a Judith Leiber purse?’” Kerr says. Before curating the exhibition, Kerr admits she never considered herself “an accessories person.” Like many, she saw handbags as additions to outfits rather than standalone works of art. But studying Leiber changed her perspective. “The attention to detail makes them more than a purse to carry around,” Kerr says. “They’re objects to be appreciated.”

Leiber built her reputation on whimsy and experimentation. Her bags gave women permission to inject color and personality into fashion long before it became mainstream. One of Kerr’s favorites is a bag made from shells, produced between 1998 and 2000, near the end of Leiber’s tenure at Judith Leiber Handbags, Inc. “She introduced shell bags in 1976 and kept trying to improve them,” Kerr says. “Shells are fragile and hard to work with. Was it the savviest business decision? Maybe not. But she wouldn’t sacrifice creativity for the sake of the business.” That mindset defined Leiber’s career. She understood every stage of handbag construction and experimented with materials most designers would never consider. In the 1970s, she produced a famous acrylic plexiglass purse. She worked with virtually every legal exotic skin available at the time. Even her now-iconic crystal-covered metal bags were improvised after metal frames arrived covered in tarnishes. Rather than scrap them, Leiber visited New York’s jewelry district, bought Swarovski crystals and covered the flaws. That kind of vision, attention to detail and perspective is rooted in her compelling personal story. A Holocaust survivor originally from Hungary, Leiber emigrated to the United States with her husband after World War II and continued working into her 70s. “As I started doing research,” Kerr says. “I discovered this movie-worthy life.” CONTINUED >

M UST SE E | L I FE + C ULTU RE

Judith Leiber (American, 1921 – 2018). Masquerade Head Minaudiere, 1989, gold-plated brass, leather, Swarovski crystals, semiprecious cabochon stone. Gift of the family of Vicki and Jim Mills. 2025.34.14a - d

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

Judith Leiber (American, 1921–2018). Beckoning ‘Killer’ Cat Minaudiere, c. 1994, gold-plated brass, leather, Swarovski crystals, semiprecious cabochon stones. Gift of the family of Vicki and Jim Mills. 2025.34.64a-d

Judith Leiber (American, 1921 – 2018). Butterfly Pillbox, c. 1988, gold-plated brass, Swarovski crystals. Gift of the family of Vicki and Jim Mills. 2025.34.27.

Judith Leiber, Inc. (United States, 1963-). Fish Minaudiere, 2007, silverplated brass, Swarovski crystals, leather. Gift of the family of Vicki and Jim Mills. 2025.34.12

The exhibition expanded after a collector’s family gifted the handbags to the museum with one condition: The Mint would create an exhibition around them. A publication was always part of the agreement, though its scale evolved as Kerr dug deeper into Leiber’s story and became immersed in the world she built. The result is a forthcoming book by Yale Press written by Kerr, that will be released alongside the exhibition. “My first full year here was research, research, research,” Kerr says. Ultimately, she hopes visitors leave understanding that fashion exhibitions are about far more than luxury items. “You don’t have to have a degree in fashion or an education in art to appreciate these objects,” she says. “I want people to come in and learn about the life of a woman,” Kerr says. “When I first saw these bags at face value, I never would have imagined the woman behind them was a Holocaust survivor. Her legacy is very special.” The Table of Contents image on page 16 is Judith Leiber (American, 1921–2018). Tiffany Mosaic Ceiling Minaudiere,November 1991, gold-plated brass, leather, Swarovski crystals,semiprecious cabochon stones. Gift of the family of Vicki and Jim Mills.2025.34.50a-d

M UST SE E | L I FE + C ULTU RE

Alexander South Photography

Luxury Remodeling, No Compromises Timeless design, refined craftsmanship, and flawless delivery. Remodeling without shortcuts—and without compromise. We invite you to experience the difference.

trisquarebuilders.com 7043348850

V @trisquarebuilders

1906 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

Unique Getaways C U R A T E D A R O U N D Y O U

Adventure awaits. Let’s plan your next unforgettable journey! Book a consultation today. www.theconstantwayfarer.com | V theconstantwayfarer | ashley@theconstantwayfarer.com S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

Your Fall Schedule Just Got Easier. Trusted Sitters for the School Year

Whether it’s homework help, covering sports practices, or a much-needed date night, Bambino connects you with trusted local Sitters recommended by your friends and neighbors.

DOWNLOAD BAMBINO NOW

PREF ERRED BY 15,000+ CHARLOT T E FAMILIES

GREYSTONE

HARDSCAPES LANDSCAPES

Get @greystonehardscapes greystonehardscapes.com 50

Custom Outdoor Living.

StartedToday

980.372.4622

PATIOS TURFING FIREPITS & MORE

The Art of Living Well

True style extends beyond your wardrobe; it lives in the place you call home. This fall, discover a home that reflects who you are, complements the way you live, and inspires your next chapter. Let’s make your next move the best one yet.

LI BBY G O N Y E A REALTOR®

704. 975. 8513

lgonyea@helenadamsrealty.com

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | STYLE + BE AU T Y

FROM CAPITOL’S BUYING FLOOR TO THE FIRST TEE, RACHELLE WATES IS REDEFINING WHAT WOMEN WEAR TO PLAY AND EVERYWHERE AFTER

ARTICLE BY CARROLL WALTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA HUSSEY

SWING STYLE

Byrdie Golf Social Wear founder Rachelle Wates celebrated five years of the brand at Capitol in Charlotte this June

Charlotte’s Rachelle Wates brings high fashion and her own sense of style to women’s golf attire, as well as what to wear when the round ends. Women don’t have to settle for afterthoughts in the corner of a men’s golf shop anymore, and Byrdie Golf Social Wear is a big reason why. After launching as a golfwear line in 2021 with co-founder Hayden Hendrix and expanding three years later to include social wear, Wates took over sole ownership in December. This year, she celebrates five years of Byrdie Golf Social Wear and five years of making her mark at the crossroads of two passions. CONTINUED > S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

Wates knows fashion. She worked as the buying director for Capitol, the Charlotte luxury boutique named on The New York Times’ 50 Best Clothing Stores in America list. And she knows golf. Growing up, Wates followed her father—an amateur who competed in professional events—and later played on her high school team. Her family lived in Juno Beach, Fla., but she spent summers playing golf with her grandmother at High Meadows Golf and Country Club in Roaring Gap, N.C. “We went to church every Sunday, but we sat in the last row because we were the first to leave to make our tee time,” Wates says with a smile. Having seen firsthand how one-dimensional typical women’s golf attire is, she understands why women want more than a skort with a repurposed men’s polo. During the pandemic, when buying trips to New York stopped, Wates started sketching golfwear ideas at the kitchen table. In essence, she hasn’t stopped. “Women aren’t scared to wear cotton on the course anymore,” she says. “They want to go back to what it was like in the 60s, 70s and 80s, when there were no synthetic blends. It’s been fun to play with fabrics and push boundaries there.”

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | STYLE + BE AU T Y

Not only is Wates designing with the golfing woman in mind, she’s also test-driving samples herself. Wates wears all the latest silhouettes and fabrics on the driving range or golf course. That attention to both function and form helped land Byrdie in both Vogue and Golf Digest magazines. Her clothing is available online and in stores in Charlotte at Myers Park and Charlotte Country Clubs. She created a custom gingham print exclusively for members at InTown Golf Club.

“YOU COULD STILL WEAR BYRDIE TO LUNCH OR TO REID’S AND FEEL RE ALLY PUT TOGETHER” Wives and families of some of golf’s elite players have taken notice, too. When Scottie Scheffler won the Masters in 2024, his sister Molly appeared on TV during the celebration wearing Byrdie’s Hayden dress. Scheffler’s wife, Meredith, was at a recent Byrdie trunk show in the Hamptons, N.Y. as was PGA pro Jordan Spieth’s wife, Annie. Byrdie celebrates femininity while remaining tasteful and modern, both for women watching golf and playing. “I think golf is intimidating for so many women,” Wates says. “How can we make it more inviting simply through clothing?” One way she’s found is by broadening what they make. Byrdie’s line of social wear complements what women wear on the course and transitions into cocktail and dinner hours—the same colors, patterns and materials of the sportswear, with more elevated silhouettes. It gives women the same ease of “course to cocktail” style men seem to have.

“My husband gets up, gets dressed for work and wears Peter Millar,” Wates says. “He can go have lunch, go to a boardroom and go play golf, and not change anything except for his shoes. As women, we have to change for every outing. You could still wear Byrdie to lunch or to Reid’s and feel really put together.” While Byrdie continues to evolve, Wates says she’s sticking to her roots, both in her love of golf and in her business management. As the mother of a young son, with a second child on the way, she continues to be Byrdie’s sole investor. “I see so many brands bring on venture capital, and there’s such a pressure to grow and go into brick and mortar,” Wates says. “I really just want to see organic growth in a business that I’m really proud of, something I put my heart and soul into and just see where it goes from there.” S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

Peptides are changing the game for health and performance. Explore our catalog of 25+ physician-guided peptide therapies designed to support: Lean Muscle Recovery Energy & Focus Sleep Optimization Healthy Weight Goals Performance & Longevity

Gameday Men’s ealth Cots old/South ark

BOOK NOW!

3535 Randolph Rd Ste 200 Charlotte, NC 28211

(704) 312-8899 @gamedaysouthpark

KATIE KICKERTZ D.D.S., M.S., BOARD-CERTIFIED ENDODONTIST As a local, female, and board-certified endodontist, Dr. Kickertz provides more than just treatment; she offers empathy and expertise. Whether you’re a patient in need or a doctor seeking 6842 Carnegie Blvd., Ste. 200 Charlotte, NC 28211

a reliable referral, Premier Endodontics is your go-to source for dental pain and root canal emergencies.

(980) 423-1272 endodonticsofsouthpark.com info@endodonticsofsouthpark.com

BOARDCERTIFIED

LOCALLY OWNED

FLEXIBLE FINANCING

ACCEPTS INSURANCES

A next-gen family-owned and operated security company delivering tailored solutions with the service and support customers deserve. Dedicated to keeping your and your loved ones secure.

Scan to Learn More

SECURITY TECHNOLOGY GROUP Protecting Home and Business 704-520-2020 | sales@callSTG.com | Charlotte, NC

Intrusion Systems | Video Surveillance | Smart Home Automation Alarm Monitoring | Door Access Control | Data & Network Cabling VA DCJS: 11-18277 // NC ASLB: 678259-CSA

2910 Selwyn Ave. 704.919.1077 @chosencharlotte

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

The House

Next Door Sarah Andrews Brings Fresh Energy to a Century-Old Myers Park Home

ARTICLE BY TAYLOR BOWLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER ISON STYLED BY KENDRA SURFACE

O PE N H OU SE | HO ME + D E SIGN

The kitchen was refreshed with a statement Le Cornue range, black marble fluted backsplash, plaster hood, waterfall island and quartz counters.

CONTINUED >

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

Above the fireplace in the formal living room is an encaustic painting by Catherine Erb from Shain Gallery.

or years, a Myers Park homeowner admired the 1925 brick Colonial just beyond her backyard. The properties sat catty-corner to each other, giving her a frontrow view of its timeless architecture and unmistakable charm. So when the 5,100-square-foot home came on the market in 2024, she didn’t hesitate. The purchase made her just the fourth owner in the home’s 100-year history. With 10-foot ceilings, original fireplaces and detailed moldings, it had the kind of craftsmanship rarely seen in newer builds. Preserving that character became the guiding principle of a redesign led by Sarah Andrews, senior designer at Traditions of Charlotte. “There were so many things in place that were already so good—heritage trees, a mature yard and a deep front porch,” Andrews says. “For the homeowner, she wanted to spin it a little more transitional and contemporary.” Having worked with this client on her previous residence, Andrews came to the year-long project with a clear understanding of her style. She collaborated closely with the team at custom home builder P.R. Hughes throughout the process. CONTINUED >

O PE N H OU SE | HO ME + D E SIGN

Electrical work by Giste Electrical Services Pictured is designer Sarah Andrews

If there’s one piece that sums up the project, though, it’s the oyster shell chandelier in the dining room. It hung in the homeowner’s previous house, CONTINUED > and she wasn’t about to leave it behind. S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

“The speakeasy” has a wallpapered ceiling, custom drapes, and chairs and an ottoman from the homeowner’s previous house.

“She likes a feminine feel with a little shine and a little glitz but still a lot of natural textures and neutrals … and a little quirk,” Andrews says. “She likes to pick up random accessories and small pieces of art that make her smile.” Throughout the home, Andrews relied on a balance of contrasting colors and materials. A black marble side table sits beside a crisp white sofa. Rich textures play against smooth surfaces. Traditional architectural details pair with contemporary furnishings and unexpected accents. One of the project’s biggest design moments unfolded in the kitchen. A black marble fluted backsplash, plaster hood, waterfall island, quartz countertops and a statement Le Cornue range bring modern sophistication to the historic footprint. Andrews removed a built-in desk to create a dedicated coffee nook, accented by Hudson Valley lighting and original artwork from Shain Gallery. In the adjoining breakfast nook, she paired a Woodbridge table with Arteriors dining chairs beneath a Gabby light fixture. Bold abstract works from Left Bank Art flank the window, adding color and energy to the space.

O PE N H OU SE | HO ME + D E SIGN

Nearby, the family room got a refresh with a newly plastered fireplace surround and updated lighting, while the bedroom was converted into what the homeowner affectionately calls “the speakeasy.” In the Jack-and-Jill bathroom, which was originally designed as a dressing room, Andrews installed a patterned Walker Zanger floor tile, a custom vanity and Regina Andrew lighting. If there’s one piece that sums up the project, though, it’s the oyster shell chandelier in the dining room. It hung in the homeowner’s previous house, and she wasn’t about to leave it behind. Getting it to the new house, however, required some creativity. “The electrician and I talked at length about how we could safely move this extremely fragile light fixture,” Andrews says. Two crew members ultimately strapped it to a metal frame in the back of a pickup truck and drove it around the block at about 5 mph. “It was high risk, high reward,” Andrews says. “That room is the first you see when you enter the house, and she wanted it to be a showstopper.” Like the home itself, it arrived with a story—and landed exactly where it belonged.

In the primary bedroom, Farrow & Ball's Lamp Room Gray provides the backdrop for a custom-upholstered Lee Industries bed, luxe Eastern Accents bedding and Century Furniture side tables.

In the adjoining breakfast nook, she paired a Woodbridge table with Arteriors dining chairs beneath a Gabby light fixture. Bold abstract works from Left Bank Art flank the window, adding color and energy to the space. S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

Your Space, Your Sanctuary HOME ORGANIZATION | RELOCATION SERVICES EFFICIENT INTERIOR DESIGN With our streamlined organizing solutions, we help busy families overcome the overwhelming spaces in their homes, returning the gift of time and energy to focus on their priorities.

www.sortandstoreclt.com | 609-425-9214 | @sortandstore

Immersive Audio Thoughtfully Designed Liquid HiFi designs custom, high-performance audio systems tailored to your space and listening preferences, blending refined design with precision engineering. We create immersive, elegant listening experiences that quietly transform how music is felt and enjoyed in the home.

Engineered listening experiences, designed around you. (704) 953-6034 | liquidhifi.com | ron@liquidhifi.com

THE ENGLISH EDIT CHARLOTTE STYLIST KRISTIN HEINRICH PACKS FOR LONDON AND THE COUNTRYSIDE ARTICLE BY LIZ BROWN

FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AU T Y

I N T H E C OU N T RYSI DE An hour from London, Heckfield Place sits on 400 acres of Hampshire woodland, featuring biodynamic dining, a lunar-inspired bar and every reason to dress the part. THE COUNTRY-HOUSE CARRYALL Cucinelli’s suede Weekender— leather-trimmed, crest-stamped, built for weekend escapes—swallows everything Heckfield requires. Brunello Cucinelli Suede Weekend Bag $6,200

WORKWEAR, WELL MADE These oversized carpenter pants in purple—Italian organic denim, relaxed patch pockets—are the comfortable choice for field days. Another Tomorrow Denim Carpenter Pants $450

URBAN COWBOY, COUNTRY READY Catherine Holstein of Khaite captures the essence of New York’s cool-girl aesthetic. Khaite Nevada Stretch Leather Boots $1,880

COUNTRYSIDE ARMOR Blazé Milano cuts blazers with a menswear edge for women who dress with power and polish. Blazé Milano Chausie Checked Wool Trench Jacket $2,325

I N L ON D ON Kristin’s circuit runs from Mount Street’s quiet luxury to Dover Street Market’s fashion labyrinth by day, and a candlelit corner table at Daphne’s by night. FLUID, ON PURPOSE This FFORME maxi in forest green is biascut from hammered satin, its close-fitting sleeveless bodice giving way to a cascade of floorlength pleats. FFORME Nyx Sleeveless Pleated Crepe Maxi Dress $1,795

KRISTIN HEINRICH Kristin Heinrich styles a bi-coastal clientele—Forbes Top 50 athletes, hedge funders, Fortune 1000 executives—for the VMAs, the Today Show, and Capitol Hill, with work featured in Sports Illustrated and USA Today. But London is where her eye gets sharpest: from Liberty’s well-worn aisles to Marylebone boutiques, Notting Hill vintage finds to a Shoreditch rack nobody back home has discovered yet. She calls it a city that never feels finished. IG: @kristin_heinrich_style.

BAREFOOT GLAMOUR Johanna Ortiz weaves her signature barefoot glamour into silk: a high neckline, cape-effect sleeves and a flowing, waist-cinched silhouette built for candlelit London dinners. Johanna Ortiz Poetic Garden Silk Top $1,550 BOHEMIAN, CROPPED Chloé’s bohemian couture is structured: supple suede, loose pleating and a cropped trapeze hem that’s city-sharp. Chloé Cropped Suede Jacket $5,250

CURVED, BY DESIGN This Another Tomorrow curved-silhouette denim carries an embroidered canvas patch and center-back seaming for shape. Another Tomorrow Denim Curved Pant $650

MAYFAIR-READY Sarah Burton carries Givenchy’s masculine-feminine tailoring legacy into a strappy cage sandal—high-shine mirror leather built for a London night out. Givenchy Metallic Strappy Sandals $1,120 S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ Q UE E N C I T Y

The Belle Bouquet creates arrangements that feel personal, effortless, and memorable. Orchids, Seasonal Blooms, and Beautifully Designed Floral Creations for Intimate Events.

Orders are now welcome!

704.804.2244 Thebellebouquet@gmail.com @thebellebouquet

The Belle Bouquet Changing Lives

Physically & Mentally Build Muscle | Lose Weight | Increase Athletic Performance

Meal Prep and Small Event Catering "Working with Reidy was seamless from the start. She was easy to communicate with and clearly passionate about what she does. Each week felt effortless on our end and the results were consistently excellent"

Online Personal Training Limited-Time Offer: $500 for 3 Months

Includes: • Custom training program • 1-on-1 coaching calls • Nutrition plan tailored to your schedule • Discord support group • New recipes every 2 weeks Accepting New Clients For 1-On-1 Personal Training And Semi-Private Groups (2-5 People Per Group) 980-475-1756

V @waynethree

901 S Kings Dr #125, Charlotte, NC Cross Conditioning Training Midtown

Fresh, Ingredient Forward | Private Dinner Service Drop Offs For Showers | Meal Prep Delivered Weekly Charcuterie Boards | Work Lunches 678-773-2072 | @reidysprivatedining info@reidysprivatedining.com

BILLBOARD Couture

Billboard artwork by Joann C. McDaniel designed by Will White

“It’s art becoming more art” — Wendy Hickey, ArtPop founder and executive director O UR TOWN | ARTS + C ULT U RE

Billboard artwork by Malaysha K. Belton designed by Menia Paige

Charlotte’s most unique fashion show and fundraiser is back September 12 at Blume Studios, where the couture sashaying down the runway is made exclusively of recycled vinyl billboards. This is the sixth year ArtPop’s Upcycled Fashion Show will surprise and delight attendees by transforming these billboards into wearable masterpieces. “It’s art becoming more art,” says Wendy Hickey, ArtPop’s founder and executive director. Each year, ArtPop chooses around 20 artists from about 300 applications to create billboards. The nonprofit’s marque program puts local artists’ work on billboards from the region to Times Square and even Italy. As soon as a new set of billboards goes up, designers begin upcycling the old ones for the fashion show. By doing this, ArtPop keeps more than 13,000 square feet of vinyl out of landfills each year while also giving the billboard artists’ work new life. “Our fundraiser is a celebration of creativity, sustainability and community, proving that when artists are empowered, they transform not only retired ArtPop billboard vinyl material but the way we see the world around us,” says Hickey. In the past five years, the show has raised more than $200,000 to support local artists. This year’s event will feature 15 local designers, including Gianna Ross, founder and creative director for Street Serenade Apparel, and one VIP guest designer, Virgil Ortiz, a potter and designer from New Mexico. “Fashion has always been one way I tell stories and connect culture with creativity,” says Ross. “I’m excited to be part of this year’s ArtPop Fashion Show because it creates a space for artists to share their perspective through design.”

Billboard artwork by Aba Hutchison designed by Luko Marion

ARTICLE BY ELLIOTT HARRELL | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ARTPOP

ArtPop’s Sixth Annual Fashion Show Proves a Billboard’s Second Life Can Be Its Best One

IT’S PERSONAL

Your closet is a reﬂection of you. Your space, style, and storage. It helps start your day with peace of mind, and end it with serenity. Collaborate with our expert Designers to create a solution that is functional, beautiful, and so you.

SHOWROOM: 8041-G ARROWRIDGE BLVD. CHARLOTTE, NC 28273 | 980-306-8500 | CLOSETFACTORY.COM

VENETIAN PRINCESS PIROUETTE