September SouthPark 2025

a s p a c e t o

w a r d - W i n n i n g B a t h r o o m

R E S E T

FROM THE EDITOR

We all have those beloved articles of clothing we wear almost like a second skin. In high school and college, for me it was a chambray button-down from Benetton that I wore until it was literally falling apart at the seams. Later, it was a zip-up cashmere hoodie that I held onto until there were baseball-sized holes in both elbows. Right now, an oversized denim shirt from the men’s section at J.Crew is my go-to on WFH days. It gets softer with every wash and is the perfect layer over a tank or fitted tee.

“I think clothing can be a way to extend your energy into the world if you want, or protect your energy,” says Sydney Farris, one of the style mavens on this year’s IT List ( page 83). That could explain why I wear a disproportionate amount of black and denim – I’ve always been one to blend in rather than stand out.

Each year, I’m fascinated by the responses from these most-stylish denizens. This year in particular, a record number of IT Listers, as we like to call them, mention a preference for shopping at vintage, thrift or resale shops. And while almost everyone has at least one fashion pet peeve, many of this year’s participants eschew fashion rules or limits, projecting a “you be you” ethos.

That just goes to show that our annual list, produced by Whitley Adkins, isn’t just about who wears the most designer labels or spends the most money on their wardrobe — instead it’s about highlighting individuals who exemplify a distinctive individual style, collectively making our city a more interesting and creative place to live.

Perhaps photographer Brandon Grate said it best: “Personal style is a privilege. It’s autonomy over how the world sees you, how you see you. It’s also a gift — so don’t waste it, and don’t be boring.” SP

2–Mint Museum Auxiliary’s latest acquisition, I’M TAKING TIME AWAY TO DREAM (page 30)

3–Paul Simon Co. turns 50 (page 24)

4–Contributor Natalie Dick and Julie Austin at Calle Sol (page 20)

5–CIAF returns (page 19)

EDITOR

is full of charming local shops made even more memorable by their canine ‘employees,’”

Lexi

our summer intern. Meet seven of these adorable

including Pearl, a 6-year-old French

greets customers at The Buttercup on Providence Road, at southparkmagazine.com or by scanning the QR code.

THIS ISSUE:

1–In the studio with Daniel Gonzalez (page 100)

CATHY MARTIN

“Charlotte

writes

Amedio,

pups,

bulldog who

Jeffrey Gibson(American, 1972–). I’M TAKING TIME AWAY TO DREAM, 2023, acrylic on canvas, vintage beaded elements, glass beads, acrylic felt and nylon thread in a custom painted frame. Copyright Jeffrey Gibson. Courtesy the artist and Stephen Friedman Gallery.

September

BLVD.

20 | people

SouthPark sit-down at Calle Sol SouthPark: Festival in the Park leader Julie Austin keeps her father’s dream alive.

24 | style

Paul Simon celebrates 50 years.

28 | tastemakers

Paige Richardson pivots from corporate retail to personal styling.

30 | arts

How a 69-year-old philanthropic group plays an outsized role in museum acquisitions.

36 | theater

Celebrating 250 years of Jane: Austen’s Pride comes to Charlotte.

42 | immersive arts

With Blume Studios, Blumenthal Arts expands its reach and strengthens community ties.

46 | design

An award-winning mid-mod studio in Lansdowne.

50 | cuisine

Recipe: Farid Ahmed’s crepes are a taste of home.

54 | around town

What’s new and coming soon in the Queen City

56 | happenings

September calendar of events

DEPARTMENTS

63 | bookshelf

September’s new releases

65 | simple life

How a love affair that never happened changed my life.

69 | well + wise

Why self-advocacy might be the most underrated mental-health skill

116 | swirl

Parties, fundraisers and events around Charlotte

120 | gallery

Potters Market at the Mint supports North Carolina artisans.

ABOUT THE COVER:

The 2025 IT List photographed on location at Sullenberger Aviation Museum by Richard Israel, produced by Whitley Adkins with on-site makeup touchups by Josiah Reed. See the full feature on page 83.

112

FEATURES

83 | The IT List produced by Whitley Adkins photographs by Richard Israel 25 Charlotteans with singular style

100 | Natural turn by Michelle Boudin photographs by Olly Yung Dancer-turned-designer Daniel Gonzalez seeks to create the perfect silhouette.

104 | Mood boost by Cathy Martin photographs by Dustin and Susie Peck

Kendra White takes a Piper Glen home from dark and dated to light, bright and happy.

TRAVEL

112 | Desert dream by Cathy Martin

Amangiri: Impeccable design amid a jawdropping landscape in southern Utah

1230 West Morehead St., Suite 308 Charlotte, NC 28208

704-523-6987

southparkmagazine.com

Ben Kinney Publisher publisher@southparkmagazine.com

Cathy Martin Editor cathy@southparkmagazine.com

Sharon Smith Assistant Editor sharon@southparkmagazine.com

Andie Rose Creative Director

Alyssa Kennedy Art Director alyssamagazines@gmail.com

Whitley Adkins Style Editor

Lexi Amedio Editorial Intern

Campbell Pringle Design Intern

Contributing Editors

David Mildenberg, Michael J. Solender

Contributing Writers

Michelle Boudin, Natalie Dick, Jim Dodson, Asha Ellison, Juliet Lam Kuehnle, Gayvin Powers

Contributing Photographers

Daniel Coston, Richard Israel, Dustin and Susie Peck, Olly Yung

Contributing Illustrator Gerry O’Neill

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Owners

Jack Andrews, Frank Daniels III, David Woronoff in memoriam Frank Daniels Jr.

David Woronoff President david@thepilot.com

blvd.

people, places, things

GLOBAL SPIRIT

Charlotte International Arts Festival brings festival season under one umbrella in a monthlong celebration, along with art installations by local and international artists. Returning CIAF favorites include Festival of India (Sept. 20-21), Latin American Festival CLT (Sept. 20), Le Dîner en Blanc (Sept. 20), SouthPark After 5 (Sept. 4-Oct. 9) and the Festival Biergarten at Levine Avenue (Sept. 12-28). Sept. 1-30, various locations. charlotteartsfest.com SP

SOUTHPARK SIT-DOWN

JULIE WHITNEY AUSTIN

The Festival in the Park leader keeps her father’s dream alive.

by Natalie Dick | photographs by Richard Israel

Julie Whitney Austin walks into Calle Sol SouthPark on a sweltering summer evening looking every bit the part of southern sophistication, her white jacket cuffed at the elbow, and a vintage Hermès scarf loosely tied around her neck. The scarf is a cherished piece that once belonged to her mother. Austin’s daughter, son-in-law and infant granddaughter trail close behind, tagging along for moral support.

“My greatest fear is public speaking and doing interviews,” Austin tells me. “I become a bundle of nerves.”

Her uneasiness subsides as she fondly recalls the history of Festival in the Park — the three-day celebration of art, music and community that her father founded 61 years ago this month.

“It’s one of Charlotte’s longest-running and most popular traditions,” she proudly tells me between bites of Tuna Nikkei Ceviche. “It’s unbelievable how much it’s grown since Daddy started it. He’d be so proud to see that it’s still alive and providing happiness to people from all walks of life.”

A LEGACY ROOTED IN FAMILY

Keeping the tradition alive has become an unexpected calling for Austin, and a role she deeply cherishes. The native Charlottean grew up not far from Freedom Park along tree-lined Colville Road. Both of her parents were actively involved in the community. Her father, A. Grant Whitney, was considered the city’s “go-to guy” for major civic and cultural events from the mid-’50s to the late 1980s.

“They called him ‘Mr. Charlotte,’” Austin shares with a smile, then pauses, lost in thought for a few seconds.

“Daddy was one of the first transplanted Northerners to move to Charlotte. Long before people relocated for the banks, he came to work as an insurance executive with Belk (department stores),” she continues.

In 1964, when Whitney’s boss — then-Charlotte Chamber chair and future mayor, John Belk — challenged him to create an outdoor, family-friendly, arts festival for the city, Whitney responded with his characteristic enthusiasm.

His vision for the festival was reminiscent of Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen and his hometown of Boston.

“It featured 10 medieval-style tents and only a handful of perfor-

mances,” Austin says. In the festival’s early years, artists weren’t allowed to sell their work. Freedom Park looked a lot different then, too. The stone wall that now surrounds the lake didn’t exist, and the band shell wasn’t built until the mid-1970s.

“Freedom Park has always held a special place in my and my family’s hearts,” Austin says. “Growing up, we would ride our bikes there every Sunday.”

Her family’s connection to the park grew even stronger once the annual festival came to fruition. Preparations that began months in advance, along with the final rush to opening day, are among Austin’s fondest childhood memories.

“I remember spending hours at the park helping set up the tents,” she nostalgically recalls. “We were there all the time. It was such a magical event and a special time to spend with my father.”

FROM SELLING SNOOPY TO CARRYING ON THE TRADITION

A lifelong lover of the arts, Austin spent the first 20 years of her career working alongside her mother, Lillian, as a sales representative for Hallmark stores and department-store chains, including Belk. Her most popular account was the Snoopy character from Peanuts.

“It was fun! Of course, we had our ups and downs about some things, but not much. It was wonderful, really,” she recalls.

When her father’s health began to decline from a rare neurological disorder in the late ’80s, the responsibilities of the festival fell to board members, Austin and her brother, Frank D. Whitney. By the time her father passed away in 1997, she was heavily involved in festival operations and fundraising. A year later, she officially became executive director — the festival’s first and only full-time employee.

“For his 26 years as executive director, Daddy never received a penny — his time was all volunteer,” Austin says. “I just wanted to see the festival continue, and I’m not sure it would have. It needed someone — one person — in the office to do all the work. I didn’t fully realize what I had gotten myself into at first,” she says.

AN ARTIST’S EYE, A CIVIC HEART

Under Austin’s leadership, along with a hands-on board of directors and numerous volunteers, Festival in the Park has grown from a modest gathering to a marquee event, featuring nearly 200 artist tents and attracting an estimated 150,000 annual visitors. Still, the festival has maintained its original charm — it remains free, inclusive and rooted in community.

Austin insists on curating a broad range of art, from $10 jewelry pieces to $20,000 paintings.

Clockwise from top right: Tuna Nikkei Ceviche (tuna with avocado, sesame, sweet soy-garlic chili sauce, cilantro, Fresno chilies, red onion and plantains), Chicken Pinchos (marinated Colombian chicken skewers with spicy aji salsa and mini arepas), and Cuban Fried Rice (roasted lechón, bacon, caramelized pineapple, plantains, onions, red peppers, scallions, garlic, egg, dark soy and jasmine rice).

Calle

TAKE FIVE

Who is your favorite artist and why? I love Monet and Van Gogh. The paintings are dreamlike and calming. What does our community need that we don’t have? An art exhibit that changes with the season, similar to CityCenterDC In Washington, D.C.

Favorite place to vacation: Sunset Beach, and the Kindred Spirit (mailbox) on Bird Island. I’ve had great times there with family and friends for over 20 years. Wonderful seaside walks with our pups running loose (in the off-season) while chasing the waves.

How has Charlotte’s art community changed, and what else would you like to see? Charlotte’s art scene has experienced tremendous growth. Every artist has a broader audience thanks to social media. I hope the community can continue to support the local art scene. We have a significant amount of talent that deserves recognition.

What is something that would surprise people about you? I asked my daughter this question, and she said, “Your creative outlook on life. You always know how to make things look beautiful, such as tying the perfect square knot.”

“It’s nice to see such a diverse group of people at the park celebrating and enjoying art,” she says. “Everybody is welcome.”

Despite her shy nature, Austin is a meticulous organizer and a creative visionary, always thinking of new ways to honor tradition while keeping the festival fresh. When she took the helm, she introduced uniform white tents to create visual harmony, a small but impactful touch that reflects her artistic sensibility.

Fundraising remains the festival’s biggest challenge.

“Every year is a struggle,” she admits. “Daddy could make a phone call and get money. You can’t do that anymore.”

The festival, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, receives no government funding. Grants, donations and vendor fees cover all expenses.

“If we charged a dollar per person, we could easily make $100,000 or more, which would be a huge help,” Austin says. As tempting as that may be, she refuses to charge admission, honoring her father’s belief that the festival should always be free to the public.

PASSING THE TORCH

Family remains at the center of Austin’s personal life and career. Her daughter, Lily — adopted from China in 1997 and named after her grandmother — grew up accompanying her everywhere, often nestled in a pack-and-play at the festival office. Now 29 and a new mom herself, Lily helps run the festival’s social media and is an active committee member.

Austin knows succession planning is on the horizon. After all, “GiGi,” as she intends to be called, plans to spend plenty of time with her granddaughter in the years to come.

“I’m not tired, but I am going to get older and older every year,” she quips. “I’m not ready to hand it over just yet because I enjoy it so much. I do want to make sure my granddaughter can grow up enjoying the festival for many, many years.”

When Festival in the Park kicks off Sept. 19, Austin will gaze down at the crowd from her parents’ favorite spot. High atop the hill across from the park’s small island, it’s where a commemorative bust of her father now stands.

“I have a picture of Mom and Daddy that I love that shows them standing in that same spot, with everything set up and the festival at its finest,” she shares. “It’s wonderful to stand on the hill, look down at everyone, and think, we did this! That’s what Daddy would do.” SP

DID YOU KNOW? Festival in the Park’s sister event, the Kings Drive Art Walk, is held each May along Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Hosted by Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation, the free twoday event features acoustic musicians and regional artists.

ONLINE EXTRA: Austin shared several classic photos from Festival in the Park. Scan the QR code to see some of her favorites.

Clockwise from top: The bar at Calle Sol SouthPark, Banana Pudding Tres Leches, cocktails.

CLASS ACT

Business + casual: Paul Simon celebrates 50 years as one of Charlotte’s premier menswear boutiques.

by Michelle Boudin | photographs by Richard Israel

John Barry remembers when his dad brought him to shop at Paul Simon Co., the SouthPark menswear shop, for the first time.

“My father took me in to meet (founder) Paul Simon and said they would help me understand what to wear, when to wear it and, most importantly, how to feel good about my clothing choices,” Barry recalls.

More than 30 years later, the Charlotte institution has been a part of every major milestone in his life, dressing multiple generations of his family for everything from graduations to weddings, christenings to business presentations.

Father and son store owners Paul and Jon Simon take great pride in the fact that they have four generations of customers shopping at Paul Simon, which is celebrating its 50th year in business.

The elder Simon started the brand in September 1975 with a storefront in Myers Park.

“I wanted to have my own business. My father and grandfather were in the industry, but I sort of fell into it,” Paul remembers. He bought the space from a widow who’d run a men’s store there previously and quickly made it his own.

“Charlotte at that point in time was a quiet Southern town where everybody was very nice and well-mannered, and we were just here to help people feel comfortable,” says Paul. In those days,

they sold a lot more tailored clothing, suits, sport coats and tuxedos. “Men were dressing then. They went to work and typically wore a suit.”

His son Jon, who officially took over running the store a decade ago, admits styles have changed dramatically over the years — and the store has, too.

“It’s much more casual than it was when we first started, and that has to do with the way men dress. I think that’s one of the reasons we’ve made it 50 years is that we’ve evolved. The way the business has changed reflects the way the city has changed, and that’s helped us to survive.”

The boutique still sells formal wear and custom suits, along with golf shirts, jeans, and casual shorts and pants from brands like Peter Millar, Eton and 34 Heritage.

The store has thrived, moving locations and expanding several times. It was in SouthPark Mall and Sharon Corners before settling into a prominent spot at The Village at SouthPark in 2008.

“There used to be this patch of grass where the symphony used to be (for summer pops concerts), and I always wanted to be there,” Jon says. “Simon [Property Group] told us what they were planning, and we were the first tenant here. They hadn’t even finished building the shopping center when we moved in.”

Jon Simon

They added a women’s boutique, Paul Simon Women, in 1996. Despite enjoying success through the years, Jon decided this summer to close the women’s shop and replace it with a standalone Johnnie O store, which opened last month. The preppy menswear brand is a bestseller at Paul Simon.

“I’ve never been in the doghouse with so many women,” Jon says. We have a lot of upset customers, but this is a great opportunity for us to run Johnnie O’s first store in the area. It’s an opportunity I didn’t want to miss out on.”

Paul still comes into the store every day to engage with the staff and customers. In addition to the rebrand, the father-son duo is also plotting a major refresh for the main store that will happen in phases over the next few months.

“We’re reinvesting because we’re bullish about SouthPark and bullish about Charlotte and the region,” says Jon. “We’re excited about what’s to come.” SP

Paul and Jon Simon

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TASTEMAKERS

PAIGE RICHARDSON

by Michelle Boudin

Paige Richardson was considering job offers from three major retailers when she decided to roll the dice on a major career pivot. The mother of two left her job as a buyer for Macy’s in Manhattan to move to Charlotte in 2013 to take a similar role at Belk. For the next nine years, she worked her way up to senior vice president, responsible for $2 billion in merchandising.

“I left there in 2022 … I was at a point where I had this big job and I’d made it to the top, but I had two small children and I was burned out and felt like there was something else.” After a year off, she was on the cusp of taking a job with another retailer when instead, she took a big chance and launched her own personal-styling business, Paige Richardson Styling.

“I decided it was now or never. Why not take the risk? I was 40 years old. Two years later it has very much worked out!”

EAT AND DRINK: My husband threw my 40th birthday party at Dot Dot Dot . It’s a great place to grab drinks with friends. Limani is great for date night. We always get the charcoal

shrimp, gigantes (Kastorian giant lima beans) and Limani (zucchini) chips. We love Superica to eat with the family. We have two small kids and we always get the nachos and guac.

BEVERAGE: Belvedere martini with blue cheese olives.

GETAWAY: We spend every Fourth of July at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina. We were married in St. Maarten, so every year we take our kids there for a 10-day trip.

BOUTIQUES: Veronica Beard for the perfect blazer. Alice + Olivia for statement pieces. Jenni Kayne for basics. Poole Shop for great dresses. Monkee’s for colorful prints. And I love everything at Showroom

DESIGN FAVE: The paint color in my office is Light Mocha by Benjamin Moore, and it’s paired with a gorgeous wallpaper, Phillip Jeffries Leo’s Luxe Linen in blush.

STAYING FIT: I do a combination of workouts at home and then add in Pure Barre off Rea Road and Barry’s in South End.

BEAUTY: I go to Caroline at Meraki Salon (in Eastover, near Stagioni) and Skin by Blair for Botox. SP

Superica

Jenni Kayne

Limani

Barry’s Charlotte

Palmetto Bluff

Annemarie Coyle with I’M TAKING TIME AWAY TO DREAM by Jeffrey Gibson

MAXIMUM IMPACT

In nearly seven decades, the Mint Museum Auxiliary has acquired more than 3,800 works of art for the cultural institution. by Cathy Martin | photograph by Olly Yung

Mint Museum Auxiliary is well-known for its stylish social events — the annual Spring Symposium, a luncheon featuring design-world luminaries, is always a sellout and one of the hottest tickets in town.

Lesser-known is the significant role the philanthropic organization has played in shaping the museum’s permanent art collection. Over seven decades, the Auxiliary has donated more than $16 million to the museum, including over 3,800 works of art, from a circa-1949 Christian Dior dinner dress to paintings by Elaine de Kooning, John L. Breck and Grace Hartigan.

Spearheading that process is Annemarie Coyle, who is in her third year chairing the Auxiliary’s acquisitions committee. The Charlotte native and Clemson grad earned a master of arts from Christie’s Education, the art institute owned by the famous auction house.

“The degree was in art business and art history and really helped me with understanding the market,” says Coyle, who previously worked at SOCO Gallery in Eastover. While at SOCO, she got to know Jen Sudul Edwards, chief curator and curator of contemporary art at the Mint, as the museum acquired several works by gallery artists. So when former Auxiliary President Anna

Auxiliary acquisitions through the years, left-right: Christian Dior (French, 1905–57). Evening/ Dinner Dress, circa 1949, lace, silk chiffon. Gift of the Mint Museum Auxiliary, donated by Mrs. Celia May Brumm. 1987.22.9A-C. Augusta Savage (American, 1892–1962). Gamin, circa 1930, painted plaster. Museum Purchase: Mint Museum Auxiliary Fund. 2008.58. John L. Breck (American, 1860–99). Suzanne Hoschedé-Monet Sewing, 1888, oil on canvas. Gift of the Mint Museum Auxiliary and courtesy Heather James Fine Art. 2016.25

Glass asked Coyle about chairing the organization’s acquisitions committee, it seemed like a perfect fit.

A SERENDIPITOUS OPPORTUNITY

“Something that I’m passionate about and wanted to bring to the position and to the Auxiliary is the idea of acquiring very substantial artwork that is going to make a difference in the collection, and be really meaningful to the collection,” Coyle says.

At the beginning of each fiscal year, she meets with the museum’s curators, President and CEO Todd Herman, and Hillary Cooper, the Mint’s chief advancement officer who serves as a liaison with the Auxiliary.

During Coyle’s first meeting with museum executives, they asked her what she felt was missing from the collection.

“The Mint felt like there was a hole of representation for Native artists. And this artist, Jeffrey Gibson, was on both of our lists. So that showed us where we overlapped, and something that we could pursue together.”

In 2024, the museum acquired “I’M TAKING TIME AWAY TO DREAM,” a vibrant multimedia work that’s on view in the Contemporary Galleries at Mint Museum Uptown.

Gibson, an upstate New York-based artist who is of Mississippi Choctaw-Cherokee descent, was the first Native American to represent the United States at the Venice Biennale in 2024. The international arts festival is known as “The Olympics of the art world.” Such events can be “amazing sounding boards for what the culture and communities are yearning for at that time,” according to Coyle.

“A lot of times when artists are included in the Biennale in Venice, they, frankly, can be priced out of institutions and being

available for acquisition,” Coyle says. “So we had a really incredible opportunity to acquire work by this artist.”

Gibson’s first London show was in early 2024 at the Stephen Friedman Gallery. Serendipitously, the exhibition coincided with a planned Auxiliary trip to London. The group — which included Herman, Glass and Annie Carlano, senior curator of craft, design and fashion — was able to view Gibson’s work in person before making the purchase.

EBBING & FLOWING WITH THE TIMES

What started as a small group of 60 women has blossomed to about 600 members spanning seven generations.

In 1956, 20 years after The Mint Museum opened on Randolph Road, a Mrs. H.T. Cosby and friends founded the Auxiliary to provide financial support. The first fundraiser was a home tour. Over the years, the tour transitioned into Room to Bloom, a series of social events from fall through spring that’s the Auxiliary’s largest annual fundraiser.

“For almost seven decades, this powerhouse group of women have helped build the museum we are today through careful and thoughtful ‘friend-raising’ and fundraising efforts for the museum,” says Cooper, a longtime Mint employee who was Auxiliary president from 2010-11. “They are truly the gold standard for affiliate organizations and have had a tremendous impact on our ability to deliver our mission.”

Many of the museum’s earliest acquisitions were personal pieces donated by Auxiliary members. The first was In the Glen, by American painter John La Farge. In 1972, the Auxiliary started the Mint’s fashion collection, which has grown to include items by Carolina Herrera, Hubert de Givenchy and Oscar de la Renta. (The

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Elaine de Kooning (American, 1918-89). Farol, 1958, oil on canvas. Gift of the Mint Museum Auxiliary. 2018.7 Courtesy Levis Fine Art, New York

Auxiliary hosted de la Renta himself for a fashion show in 2011.)

“You can definitely see how our gifts have changed over the years and kind of ebbed and flowed with the times,” Coyle notes. Once a piece is targeted for acquisition, it must be approved by the acquisitions committee and Auxiliary board.

In addition to funding art acquisitions, the Auxiliary supports educational and other museum programs. An endowment fund created in 1985 provides a means to honor members, friends and family members.

Membership costs $100 a year; Auxiliary members must also be members of the Mint Museum. More than 80 new members are selected a year through an application process. While the organization is in growth mode, because some of its popular events are at capacity, membership remains limited.

A MEANINGFUL ROLE

To keep up with what’s going on in the international art world, Coyle follows art publications, social media and art fairs.

“Just like other people are interested in sports and watching games on the weekend, I like to see what the galleries are up to and the museums.” When her family travels, art is always on the itinerary.

Since leaving her gallery job, Coyle has relished her role with the Auxiliary.

“Getting out of the art world from a professional standpoint and starting our family was a bittersweet moment for me, for sure. This has really filled a hole for me and allowed me to continue doing that thing that I’m so passionate about.”

As a Charlotte native, it’s extra special to play a small part in shaping one of the city’s most iconic institutions.

“Growing up with the Mint Museum here, and seeing the arts and culture grow, has been really impactful to me, and I want that so much for my own family and my children — to be able to experience really incredible, meaningful art in their own city.” SP

PRIDE & JOY

Celebrating 250 years of Jane: Austen’s Pride comes to Charlotte in a rare pre-Broadway production. by

Gayvin Powers

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a reader in possession of a Jane Austen novel must be in want of a new adaptation.”

Ever since Colin Firth emerged from the lake at Pemberley in the BBC’s 1995 Pride and Prejudice miniseries, viewers worldwide have been hungry for more. Fortunately for Janeites (devoted Austen followers), Austen’s Pride, a pre-Broadway musical, comes to Charlotte’s Knight Theater Sept. 2-7. It’s more than a musical: The show adapts the most beloved of Austen’s works, Pride and Prejudice, while inserting the author herself into the storyline.

Austen’s Pride leans into the original Pride and Prejudice story, satisfying heartfelt moments found in the book and adaptations. Baker and Jacobs wove Austen’s writing in the musical, transcending the time period and making the story “more than a historical piece,” says R. Erin Craig, the show’s producer. Like Austen’s work, “It embraces the human experience,” Craig says. “It’s about choices, second chances and love.”

Before women were acknowledged as writers, Austen was in search of an authentic life. Lindsay Warren Baker and Amanda Jacobs, playwrights of Austen’s Pride, infused Austen’s personal journey with her enduring tale, creating a captivating Regency story full of joy. The character of Jane Austen questions true happiness, exploring her past, her future and her influence on Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship.

“It’s a classic story that resonates in a contemporary way,” says Tom Gabbard, president and CEO of Blumenthal Arts. “We don’t often have an opportunity to bring pre-Broadway productions, so when this opportunity presented itself, it was an easy yes,” Gabbard adds, noting that Knight Theater offers an intimate experience similar to Broadway.

ALL THINGS AUSTEN

Austen’s Pride joins the public’s growing swell for all things Austen. Since her publications 200 years ago, the writer has become a global icon for women authors. 2025 commemorates the anniversary of her 250th birthday, and Janeites have been celebrating all year at events from England to Australia.

Baker and Jacobs toured Austen’s home and the Pride and Prejudice book locations to capture the author’s experience in their original score. In 2023, their musical was performed with a 25-piece orchestra at Carnegie Hall.

“The first time I heard ‘When I Fall In Love,’ it brought me to tears of joy,” Craig recalls.

When Olivia Hernandez auditioned for the role of Jane, she built on her previous experience with Austen’s Pride

“We just knew that she was our Jane,” Craig says. “Having played Elizabeth in previous versions of the show, she brought a greater depth and understanding to the role,” Craig notes, while also applauding the strong creative team, crew and cast, which includes Dan Hoy as Mr. Darcy and Delphi Borich as Elizabeth Bennet.

STAYING POWER

Adaptations like Austen’s Pride have kept the author’s spirit alive. Austen could’ve been a footnote in history, like so many other women authors. It seemed that was her fate, as her publications had been out of print for 12 years after her death.

Caroline Jane Knight, Austen’s fifth great niece, grew up at Chawton House, where Jane lived the last years of her life.

“We left Chawton House in 1988; we didn’t know what would

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CHIP JETTON

KALIE KOIVISTO

LINDA HENLEY

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CINDI HASTINGS TEAM

TREY SULLIVAN

LISA WARREN

HEATHER WOLKING

TUCK TEAM

MARY BETH SNYDER

KRISTEN PEGG

AUSTEN AROUND TOWN

Create a “Jane Austen” day around Charlotte: Go on a themed history tour, enjoy afternoon tea, see Austen’s Pride and peruse romance novels at a local bookstore.

SPILL THE TEA BUS TOUR

Dress up and take a two-hour Bridgerton -themed history tour aboard a retrofitted school bus. Tickets are $69 and include tea service. whimsywheelswandertours.com

CHEZ MARIE PÂTISSERIE

Tea is served daily from 2-4 p.m. at this Sharon Corners cafe. The cost is $30 per person, plus 18% service charge. To reserve, call 704-910-3013.

A CAUSE FOR TEA

Enjoy tea and shop for handmade gifts made by women in Nicaragua in a historic home in downtown Monroe. Tea is served Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The last seating is at 4 p.m.; first-come, first-served. Learn more at acausefortea.org.

THE BALLANTYNE

Afternoon tea is served from 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The cost is $49 for adults and $29 for children 12 and under. Reserve via Open Table; more information at theballantynehotel.com

TROPE BOOKSHOP

This romance-only bookshop in Plaza Midwood has a historical/ Royal section that includes adaptations. tropebookshop.com

Afternoon tea at The Ballantyne

happen,” Knight says. “Jane Austen wasn’t the global megastar she is today. Chawton House was unknown — it was our private family home, and it was before the internet and social media — and I thought my life with Jane Austen and Chawton was over.”

The success of the 1995 Pride and Prejudice miniseries and the recent Bridgerton Netflix series declared otherwise. Austen’s bylines on her own works may have been “Anonymous” and “By a Lady,” but her popularity has dramatically increased since those recent adaptations. Who could forget Colin Firth bathed in golden light, damp from a swim at Pemberley? The world collectively swooned. A new standard for romance was set, and the name was “Darcy.”

Aside from the fascination with Fitzwilliam Darcy, Knight notes three elements to Austen’s staying power: her timeless writing, being true to herself and her mystery. Known for her portrayal of real people, Austen could sum up characters in a few words, making her writing accessible and timeless.

“Everyone knows one of Jane’s characters in real life,” Knight says. “She was a keen observer and had incredible emotional intelligence.” Everyone knows a Mr. Darcy, Mr. Wickham and even Mr. Collins.

A COURAGEOUS REFUSAL

Modern readers also resonate with Austen’s strong sense of self. She wrote during a time that was challenging for women to say their truth, let alone write it. A favorite Austen story is about the Rev. James Stanier Clarke, England’s Prince Regent’s Librarian. Clarke shared with Austen that the prince was an admirer of her books. The prince kept a complete set of her work at all of his residences. By royal decree she was to dedicate Emma, her fourth publication, to the prince. She begrudgingly agreed, but that wasn’t the end of it.

On behalf of the prince, Clarke requested that she write a “Historical Romance illustrative of the History of the august house of Cobourg.” The prince’s support could’ve solved her family’s financial issues. But to agree, Austen would have gone against her truth.

Her response to Clarke was courageous, and masterful. She thanked him for the suggestion, adding, “I could no more write a romance than an epic poem. I could not sit seriously down to write a serious romance under any other motive than to save my life ... No — I must keep to my own style and go on in my own way.” Men with more influence than Austen hadn’t untangled themselves from a royal decree as adeptly as she did.

A WOMAN OF MYSTERY

History remembers her as a romantic, but like Elizabeth Bennet, she was a realist. She never considered herself a romance writer; she was an author, who collected impressions of the human condition.

“She’s a savvy woman with mystery surrounding her,” says Knight. Over the years, a lack of details surrounding Austen’s personal life have added to the intrigue. Furthermore, only

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Caroline Jane Knight, Austen’s fifth great niece, with a new sculpture of Jane Austen by Mark Coreth unveiled on June 21 in the town of Alton.

women with money or power had their portraits painted in Austen’s time. She would’ve been excluded from such a luxury since she’d been in poverty for almost a decade before moving to Chawton House.

“We have a sketch by her sister, Cassandra, but it wasn’t a good likeness,” Knight says.

With few details about her life apparent, Austen is similar to Darcy.

“Her portrayal of Mr. Darcy, I believe, was deliberately brief,” Knight says. “That allows everyone to have their own Mr. Darcy. In an extraordinary way, the same thing has happened to her.”

STILL AN INSPIRATION

Jane Austen was quietly outrageous for her time. Determined to be a published author, she carved out a life as a writer when a woman’s profession was in the home. She’s timeless, a muse who influenced over 100 modern adaptations. She speaks to generations of women, who’ve turned to her like a beacon. And as Austen’s Pride shows, she’s still inspiring others, even after 250 years. SP

NEW FRONTIER

With Blume Studios, Blumenthal Arts expands its reach and strengthens community ties.

by Michael J. Solender

When Immersive Van Gogh wrapped its Charlotte run in January 2022, Blumenthal Arts President and CEO Tom Gabbard was struck by one key data point: 78% of tickets were purchased by first-time Blumenthal attendees.

The exhibit, a 360-degree immersive projection featuring the works of Vincent Van Gogh, was staged at Camp North End. Its run was extended three times, ultimately totaling more than 1,600 performances and selling more than 300,000 tickets.

“That [statistic] really got my attention,” says Gabbard. “We realized we weren’t offering the right things in the right places. Once we did, people showed up in big numbers. Some of that was timing — Van Gogh arrived just as we were emerging from Covid — but it confirmed that different products, places and experiences are essential to broadening our reach.”

For many arts-goers, sitting in a fixed seat for two hours isn’t appealing. Instead, audiences — especially younger ones — seek cultural experiences that are interactive, mobile and self-directed.

In fall 2024, Blumenthal launched Blume Studios, a venue dedicated to experiential entertainment located at the former Charlotte Pipe and Foundry site, now part of uptown’s Iron District.

Stage 1, set in a 30,000-square-foot warehouse, debuted with Space Explorers: The Infinite, an immersive VR journey aboard the

International Space Station that sold over 44,000 tickets. Stage 2, in an adjacent building, offers flexible space for intimate events like Faulty Towers, a comedic dinner-theater experience that ran last fall.

This November, Blume Studios will host the North American premiere of The Magicians Table, an intimate, London-born magic experience centered around a legendary (yet fictitious) illusionist and showman.

A NEW FRONTIER IN ENTERTAINMENT

“Immersive is the new wild west of entertainment,” Gabbard says. “This is like a startup in high tech … A research-and-development lab. No one has the full road map yet, and the world is watching what we’re doing.”

Postpandemic, people reevaluated how they spend their time. Immersive shows offer flexibility, often with fuller schedules than traditional performances, Gabbard says. An event like Immersive Van Gogh or Space Explorers might have a dozen timed entries a day vs. a Broadway show with a single daily performance.

“Interest is exploding — not just in Charlotte or the U.S., but globally. This gives us a way to connect with audiences who previously had no reason to engage.” Blume Studios is seeking to forge partnerships with major players like digital-arts center IDEAL

The Magicians Table

Barcelona and Alfa5 XR, one of the world’s largest augmented-reality gaming hubs. Blume is also collaborating with the World Experience Organization (WXO), a global networking group for professionals focused on the “experience economy.” Through WXO’s weekly “campfires,” Blume staff connect with peers worldwide to share projects and insights.

MORE THAN A TICKET

Blume Studios also adds value beyond ticketed events, by hosting local artist showcases, singalongs and educational experiences.

“We work hard to attract different audiences, even beyond those coming to our immersive shows,” says Bree Stallings, Blumenthal’s director of artistic experiences. “While a ticketed event may be the anchor, people crave communal space — ‘third space’ — to connect before, during and after the experience.” Stage 1 boasts a social gathering space with a bar, pool and foosball tables, and seating for guests to connect and engage before and after programs.

To foster this, Blume hired Sally Stokes, founder of PLAY MORE Charlotte, as its “Minister of Play.” Her programs include silent discos with local DJs, nostalgia-driven crafting sessions, epic singalongs with the Residency Music Experience and SkillPop classes — mahjong, anyone?

According to Stallings, demand for these activities is growing fast.

“Our singalongs and nostalgia nights are selling out. People want to share experiences with their friends. We’re leaning into that.”

Blume also collaborates with other Charlotte arts organizations. A recent partnership with Charlotte Symphony Orchestra produced Become Ocean, a 360-degree immersive symphonic performance that sold out its two-day run. On Sept. 6, Blume Studios will host ArtPop Street Gallery’s annual Upcycled fashion show.

Educational and vocational training are key goals for Blume Studios. Blume Studios Lab, launching soon, will offer vocational training to youth and career-minded individuals exploring the new wave of technical and creative jobs emerging alongside the entertainment content. Digital mapping, stage management and technical tradecraft all present hands-on learning, and Blume Studios Lab looks to develop homegrown talent to fill the growing need for this expertise.

“There’s no shortage of creative and artistic talent in Charlotte,” Stallings says. “Blume Studios sits at the intersection of arts and technology. We’re helping grow this emerging field and, in the process, attracting top talent and programming to our city. At the heart of it all is community — and that’s what drives us.” SP

THE MAGICIANS TABLE runs Nov. 19–Jan. 11 at Stage 2, Blume Studios. Over two hours, performers deliver mind-bending illusions, storytelling, comedy and music, tableside and on stage. Guests can enjoy pre- and postshow cocktails as magicians and mentalists mingle among the crowd. Tickets start at $79.99. blumenthalarts.org

OUT OF SIGHT!

An award-winning mid-mod studio in Lansdowne by

Cathy Martin

At Aaron Pinkston and Katie Overcash’s split-level Lansdowne home, an orange garage door — in a hue the couple playfully refer to as “creamy habanero” — peeks out from one side.

But what appears to be an ordinary garage conceals something more: Discreetly tucked behind it is an attached 420-square-foot “casita” — with an award-winning midcentury design — that’s currently used as a midterm rental.

When they bought the 1967 split-level home in 2020, the couple knew they’d eventually want to add a garage.

“Then in talking about the garage, we were like, what if we just added some more feet at the end?” says Aaron, who was familiar with the construction process from renovating and flipping another property. “And then we were like, how much to get it plumbed?” They thought the extra space could be used for an office or workout room.

Aaron and Katie slowly began to realize that the costs of pouring just a little more concrete and framing out walls just a little bit bigger were marginal.

During a 2020 renovation of the main home, they had eliminated a fourth bedroom to create a large walk-in closet for the primary suite. Adding a studio apartment would provide another guest bedroom or in-law suite if they ever needed it.

Once they were all-in on building the addition, Aaron and Katie were very intentional about the design, from the roof lines to the materials used. They wanted to ensure the quality of the studio was the same as the main home, which boasts a sophisticated mid-mod aesthetic.

Aaron sketched out a design for the casita, then worked closely with architect Ray Sheedy of Sheedy Watts Design, who helped with technical details and window and door placement. The architect also suggested a small bump back to create a semi-private

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patio in front of the picture window by the casita’s entrance. The entire project took about five months to complete.

For the furnishings and finishes, they took a bolder, more whimsical approach than the main home: an accent wall papered in black-and-white geometric pattern, a light teal patio set, an orange retro Frigidaire that pops against the terrazzo backsplash and sleek black cabinets of the kitchenette.

“People are in love with the fridge,” Aaron says.

Having previously participated in the Charlotte Museum of History’s Mad About Modern home tours, the couple was encouraged to nominate their design for the museum’s Charlotte Gem Preservation Awards. The annual awards honor local restoration and building projects that “exemplify the best of historic preservation.”

The casita received a 2025 Charlotte Gem award in the Neighborhood Infill category.

“The owners worked with their designer to create continuity with the main house and the surrounding neighborhood through features such as site placement, paint

choices, roof slope and historically accurate siding,” notes a museum announcement. “The casita is so well integrated into the historic property, many neighbors don’t know it exists.”

The casita stays booked with interns and others needing a shorter stay than a typical lease provides. Between tenants, the couple was able to rent the space to visitors during the PGA Championship in May.

At first, Katie was concerned about privacy with a rental unit. “We hardly see the people coming and going,” she adds.

Thoughtful renovations like Aaron and Katie’s are crucial to maintaining the character of older neighborhoods like Lansdowne. This summer, there were six teardown projects on their street alone. But for this couple, renovating and preserving their home — and staying true to a midcentury-modern aesthetic — was always the plan.

“I grew up in a split-level, and I have just always loved split-levels,” says Katie, a Charlotte native.

While the major work is now complete, the partners are constantly finding new, smaller projects to improve their home.

“I think that’s what keeps a house from being a teardown, especially in a neighborhood like this,” Katie says, “if you keep it up to the times.” SP

Want to nominate a project for the 2026 Charlotte Gem Preservation Awards? Visit charlottemuseum.org to learn more.

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TALE OF THE PLATE:

TASTE OF HOME

Aby Asha Ellison | photographs by Richard Israel

t Farid Ahmed’s house, opportunities to slow down don’t come often. When they do, he savors them. And at least once a month, those special moments are filled with the tantalizing scent of crepes and joyful sounds of laughter.

As executive chef of the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel in uptown, Ahmed oversees culinary operations and banquet programs for the hotel, its rooftop bar, Merchant and Trade, and the ItalianAmerican restaurant Angeline’s.

At home, Ahmed is elbow-deep in life and love, as doting husband to Elizabeth, his wife of seven years, and as father to their two young children; 4-year-old Asher and Farah, who is 1.

For Ahmed, 42, family is everything, and carving out time for

connection — especially over food — is sacred. It’s also central to his upbringing and his heritage. Like his mother, the New Jerseyand Raleigh-raised chef was born in France, a place where people prioritize eating together. And in his father’s native Pakistan, it is customary for families to dine together daily.

“They cook one big meal, place it in the middle of the table, and everyone just digs in,” Ahmed says with pride. “I come from two huge food cultures that have really shaped my world.”

FINDING HIS WAY TO THE KITCHEN

Ahmed, who grew up watching his mother make magic in the kitchen — including weekly crepe breakfasts — was drawn to the song of pots and pans in motion. And despite his father’s best efforts to direct him toward a more traditional career such as a doctor or lawyer, Ahmed was determined to find a rhythm of his own.

“I tried different things,” Ahmed says, recalling computer courses and an attempt to pursue architecture at N.C. State University. “I always found my way back to food. The kitchen is where I’m most comfortable.”

Ahmed graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta at the top of his class, with a degree in occupational science. In 2007, he interned at Pinehurst Resort, where he moved up the ranks to chef de cuisine. In 2017, Ahmed became

Crepes by Farid Ahmed

THURSDAYS

SEPT. 4 – OCT. 9 5 – 9 pm at Symphony Park

chef de cuisine at Links, an American Grill, at The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island. He was later promoted to executive chef and led the PGA Tour’s Heritage Classic golf tournament before joining Tryon Park in 2023.

A TASTE OF HOME AND TRADITION

Today, when chef Ahmed isn’t rolling out new menus, cooking up culinary collaborations with Bojangles or hosting dinners for Charlotte Wine & Food Week, he is working to create lifelong memories with his family, just as his mother did for theirs.

“My mom would make crepes for us almost every weekend, and I like to carry on the tradition.”

Chef Ahmed champions crepes as the perfect solution for anyone who wants to indulge in something simple, satisfying and efficient.

“They are great because you can make them ahead of time,” Ahmed says. “And you can serve them with toppings from plain sugar and fresh fruit to jams and Nutella.” They can be savory, too — Ahmed cites a Pakistani version of crepes served with spiced potatoes.

Most importantly, chef Ahmed just wants the home cook to enjoy the process and share the delight with loved ones.

“Once you get the technique down, you’ll be fine,” he says. “In the end, it’s about sharing joy through food.” SP

CHEF AHMED’S CREPES

Serves 4-6, with some extra

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup corn starch

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon sugar

4 eggs

2 1/2 cups milk

2 ounces melted butter

Pan or cooking spray

KITCHEN TOOLS

Crepe griddle or a nonstick pan, 10-12 inches

Large bowl

Whisk

Fine strainer

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl.

2. Add in eggs and whisk.

3. Add milk slowly. First, form a paste to help minimize any lumps. Then, stream in the rest.

4. When the batter is smooth, whisk in the melted butter.

5. Pass through a fine strainer if you have any lumps.

6. Cover mixture and let batter sit overnight for best result.

7. Adjust the batter by adding more milk, if needed. The batter should be the consistency of a heavy cream that flows well.

8. Pan cooking directions: Spray pan lightly with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. For better color and to avoid frying the crepe, do not overly grease the pan. Once thoroughly heated, drop a 2-3-ounce ladle of batter into the pan. Start on the top left and work your way clockwise, ensuring batter coats the full pan. When you are able to pull the crepe away from the pan, flip it and cook evenly on the other side.

Griddle cooking directions: If you have a griddle with a crepe spatula, ladle the mixture in the center, giving it about 10 seconds to cook, or it will rip. Then, spread the batter in a circular motion, keeping the crepe as thin as possible. Once one side is cooked, flip the crepe and cook the other side.

9. Serve crepes with the topping(s) of your choice.

PRO TIP from Chef Ahmed’s grandmother: To thin out the batter, add a little light beer when cooking. The alcohol will burn off just enough to create a light and airy crepe.

shop

Phillips Place keeps adding to its roster of trendy boutiques: Hill House Home, the brand best known for its trademark nap dress in feminine patterns and florals, will open next to LoveShackFancy later this year. Hill House sells women’s clothing and accessories, children’s wear and home goods such as table linens. J.Crew also opened at Phillips Place in July.  KIKI, a jewelry store started by Charlotte’s Kris Cox, opened at Camp North End. KIKI sells hypoallergenic and waterproof gold-filled jewelry.  Crate and Barrel moved to a new SouthPark location at Morrocroft.  Revolution Clothiers on East Boulevard closed.

Cookie Company opened a location at Camp North End. The Concord business was created to support its sister nonprofit, Cara’s Purpose, which helps families with terminally ill babies.

eat + drink

PACK YOUR KNIVES AND GO!

Top Chef Season 23 is being filmed in Charlotte and Greenville, South Carolina. The episodes will premiere in 2026.

Spaghett , a pasta-focused restaurant from Chef Sam Hart, opened in the historic Morrison House (previously home to Poplar Tapas) in Fourth Ward.  Three years after closing its Plaza Midwood location, SOUL Gastrolounge will reopen at The Pass in NoDa.  ESO Artisanal Pasta, from husband-and-wife team AJ Sankofa and Kristina Gambarian, opened at Optimist Hall.  Resident Culture Brewing closed its South End location. SP

Cara’s

Hill House Home

J.Crew

KIKI

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September HAPPENINGS

For more arts events, view our 2025 Fall Arts Preview online at southparkmagazine.com.

SouthPark After 5

Thursday evenings, Sept. 4-Oct. 9

The live music series at Symphony Park returns with food trucks, drinks and hands-on art activities. The free concerts are dog- and family-friendly. Bring a picnic blanket or chairs.

ArtPop’s 5th Annual Upcycled Fashion Show

Sept. 6

Cutting-edge fashion meets sustainability in one unforgettable night at Blume Studios. Guests swoon over runway-ready looks made by local artists from repurposed artist billboard vinyl. The event supports the nonprofit’s mission of amplifying local artists and making art accessible to all. Tickets start at $161.90.

Carolina Ascent home opener

Sept. 6 | 7 p.m.

Charlotte’s professional women’s soccer team takes on Tampa Bay in their first home game of the season at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

Christopher Clamp: Icons at Jerald Melberg Gallery

Sept. 6-Oct. 18

See new paintings by realist still-life painter and Charlotte artist Christopher Clamp, who is known for his portrait-style work depicting nostalgic figurines. There’s an opening reception Sept. 5 and a Coffee & Conversation with the artist Sept. 6.

Caamp | 7 p.m.

Sept. 7

The popular folk/bluegrass band from Ohio plays Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre.

Panda Fest

Sept. 12-14

Ballantyne’s Backyard hosts this threeday festival showcasing Asian culture and cuisine. Expect tastings, vendors selling crafts and clothing, and performances. General admission tickets are $14.

Forest Forms at ASC Greenway

Sept. 13-Jan. 11

Renowned artist Huelani Mei has crafted 18 whimsical, natureinspired outdoor sculptures to delight nature enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Daily admission to the greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is $14 for nonmembers.

The Lumineers

Sept. 17

Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group

Sept. 29

Ho Hey, the folk rock band returns to Charlotte for one night at PNC Music Pavilion.

Charlotte Fashion Week

Sept. 23-27

Charlotte Seen presents a collection of runway shows with a portion of proceeds benefiting anti-bullying groups. There’s a launch party Tuesday night and ticketed runway shows throughout the week. 601 Warren C. Coleman Blvd., Concord.

Wicked at Belk Theater

Sept. 24-Oct. 26

Elphaba and Glinda are back to share the story of what happened in the Land of Oz from a different angle, long before Dorothy arrived on the scene. Tickets for the smashhit musical start at $47.

Steep Canyon Rangers

Sept. 27

Hear one of the most celebrated bluegrass/ Americana bands in the Carolinas at Knight Theater. Tickets start at about $56.

Goose

Sept. 27

Goose fans rejoice — the jam band is making a second stop in Charlotte in less than a year, this time at PNC Music Pavilion.

Potters Market at the Mint

Sept. 27

This one-day sale featuring N.C. potters features live demos, bluegrass and a beer garden at Mint Museum Randolph. Saturday tickets are $25; VIP tickets to the VIP Potters Party Friday night are $200. (Learn more on page 120.)

Grammy Award-winner Lyle Lovett has a career that spans 14 albums across genres: country, jazz, gospel and blues. Lovett brings his gift for storytelling to his shows as well. Knight Theater; tickets start around $85.

Scan the QR code on your mobile device to stay updated on events at southparkmagazine.com.

GREAT GALAS

Who will you see in “Swirl”? September marks the start of gala season in Charlotte. Here are a few notable fundraisers supporting local nonprofits this month.

BBQ and Blue Jeans Sept. 6.

Cap off summer with a quintessential barbecue featuring live music, cold drinks and dinner from Midwood Smokehouse to support Pat’s Place, which raises money to end child abuse.

Charlotte Symphony Annual Gala & Concert Sept. 18

This annual black-tie event highlights Music Director Kwamé Ryan as he conducts his first Charlotte Symphony Gala. This year’s special guest is Grammy Award-winning violinist Gil Shaham.

Dazzle the Dot Gala Sept. 18

There is no lack of sparkle, shine and shimmer at the annual Dazzle the Dot Gala supporting the Dottie Rose Foundation. Proceeds will help inspire the next generation of women in technology.

Scan the QR code for more fall fundraisers and galas.

ArtPop Upcycled Fashion Show

THE SUNSET LIMITED

A Cormac McCarthy play by CAST

In June 2014, after 64 productions and eight years as a nonprofit, Carolina Actors Studio Theatre (CAST) went dark. Like many regional theater companies, it succumbed to high expenses and low revenue. Though slated for production that season, Cormac McCarthy’s The Sunset Limited never made it to the stage. This month, Charlotte audiences have a renewed chance to see it, courtesy of the newly reconstituted CAST. The play confronts the often-taboo topics of mental health and suicide. Unfiltered in its dialogue, it places a despairing professor in the apartment of an ex-con who has just intervened in his suicide attempt. Their extended conversation challenges values and attitudes toward life, redemption and humanity. “There are so many layers to these issues,” says co-founder and director Dee Abdullah. “This is the kind of work CAST is built for — confronting difficult topics with honesty and empathy. We believe in the power of theater to connect, reach and move people.”

— Michael J. Solender

The Sunset Limited runs Sept. 11-28 at The Arts Factory at West End Studios. The intimate black box space will be reconfigured to hold just 60 for an immersive experience. SP

Scan the QR code to learn more.

“THE SURPRISING PATH TO THE GOOD LIFE”

Monday, October 6

7 p.m. Queens University of Charlotte

Back: Zach Humphrey, Thom Tonetti

Front: Michael Simmons, Dee Abdullah

SEPTEMBER BOOKS

Notable new releases compiled by Sally

Brewster

House of Smoke: A Southerner Goes Searching for Home by John

T. Edge

In this unflinching and moving memoir, John T. Edge takes us on a quest for home in a South that has both held him close and pushed him away, as he tries and fails and tries again to rewrite the stories he inherited. Born in a house where a Confederate general took his first breath and the Lost Cause narrative was gospel, troubled by the violence he witnessed as a boy, Edge ran from his past, searching for a newer and better South. As founding director of the Southern Foodways Alliance and an acclaimed food writer, he told stories that showcased those possibilities. Edge became one of the most visible and powerful voices in American food … until he found himself denounced by the audience he once guided, faced down the limits of his work, and returned to his origins to find himself once again.

Amity by Nathan Harris

New Orleans, 1866. The Civil War might be over, but formerly enslaved Coleman and June have yet to find the freedom they’ve been promised. Two years ago, the siblings were separated when their old master, Mr. Harper, took June away to Mexico, where he hoped to escape the new reality of the postbellum South. Coleman stayed behind to serve the Harper family, clinging to the hope that one day June would return. When Mr. Harper unexpectedly summons Coleman to Mexico, Coleman thinks that finally his prayers have been answered. When disaster strikes Coleman’s journey, he is forced on the run with Mr. Harper’s daughter, Florence. As Coleman and June separately navigate a perilous, parched landscape, the siblings learn quickly that freedom isn’t always given — sometimes, it must be taken by force.

Will There Ever Be Another You by Patricia Lockwood

Amid a global pandemic, one young woman is trying to keep the pieces together — of her family, stunned by a devastating loss, and of her mind, left mangled and misfiring from a mystifying disease. She’s afraid of her own floorboards, and she hates her friends — or more accurately, she doesn’t know who they are. Has the illness stolen her old mind and given her a new one? Does it mean she’ll get to start over from scratch, a chance afforded to very few people? Time and memories pass straight

through her body. Will There Ever Be Another You is the brain-shredding, phosphorescent story of one woman’s dissolution and her attempt to create a new way of thinking, as well as a profound investigation into what keeps us alive in times of unprecedented disorientation and loss.

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai

When Sonia and Sunny first glimpse each other on an overnight train, they are immediately captivated yet also embarrassed by the fact that their grandparents had once tried to matchmake them, a clumsy meddling that served only to drive them apart. Sonia, an aspiring novelist who recently completed her studies in Vermont, has returned to her family in India. She fears that she is haunted by a dark spell cast by an artist to whom she had once turned for intimacy and inspiration. Sunny, a struggling journalist in New York City, is attempting to flee his imperious mother and the violence of his warring clan. Uncertain of their future, the couple embark on a search for happiness together as they confront the many alienations of our modern world.

What We Can Know by Ian McEwan

2014: At a dinner for close friends and colleagues, renowned poet Francis Blundy honors his wife’s birthday by reading aloud a new poem dedicated to her, “A Corona for Vivien.” Little does anyone know that for generations to come, people will speculate about the message of this poem, a copy of which has never been found, and which remains an enduring mystery.

2119: More than a century later, much of the Western world is submerged by rising seas following a catastrophic nuclear accident. Survivors are haunted by the richness of the world that has been lost. Thomas Metcalfe, a lonely scholar and researcher, longs for the early 21st century as he chases the ghost of the mysterious poem. How wild and full of risk their lives were, thinks Thomas, as he pores over the archives of that distant era. When he finds a clue that may lead to the elusive poem’s discovery, a story is revealed of entangled loves and a brutal crime that destroys his assumptions about people he thought he knew intimately well. SP

Sally Brewster is the proprietor of Park Road Books, 4139 Park Rd., parkroadbooks.com.

GONE EAST

How a love affair that never happened changed my life by Jim

Dodson

September may be the ultimate month of change.

As summer’s lease runs out, the garden fades, and days become noticeably shorter and sometimes even cooler, hinting at autumn on the doorstep. After Labor Day — summer’s farewell gig in 39% of American households (those with school-age kids) — the days bring new schedules and an accelerated pace.

Just down the street, a neighbor’s firstborn is settling into her dorm at Penn State University. Her mom admits to having tender emotions over this rite of passage.

I know the feeling well. I remember driving both my children to their respective universities in Vermont and North Carolina, sharing stories with their mother on the way about their growing up and marveling how time could possibly have passed so quickly. Without question, dropping my kids off at college was a ritual of parting that stirred both pride and emotion.

On a funnier note, September’s arrival reminds me of my own unexpected journey to East Carolina University half a century ago. On a blazing afternoon, my folks dropped me off at Aycock dorm, now Legacy Hall, with my bicycle, a new window fan and fifty bucks for the university food plan. Not surprisingly, my mom hugged and kissed me, and wiped away a tiny tear; my dad merely smiled and wished me good luck. He also looked visibly relieved.

“You made the right decision, son,” he said. “I think you’ll really enjoy it here.”

The previous winter, you see, I had fallen hard for a beautiful French exchange student at my high school named Francoise Roux. Before she headed home to France, we had a two-week courtship

that included long walks and deep conversations about life, love and the future.

I was too nervous to kiss her. Instead, on the night before she flew away, sitting by a lake, I played her a traditional French lullaby on my guitar, an ancient song her father sang to her when she was little. During the drive back to her host’s residence, we even discussed the crazy idea that, when I graduated in the spring, I might forego college in America for the time being in favor of finding a newspaper job in France so we could stay together.

As we said goodbye under the porch light, she leaned forward and gave me our first — and last — kiss.

It was a sweet but improbable dream. Yet, having won a local writing award the previous spring (and consumed far too much Ernest Hemingway for my own good), I decided to skip applying to college and seek a job in Paris. Touting my “major” award and one full summer internship at my hometown newspaper, I brazenly applied for a job as a stringer for the International Herald Tribune’s Paris bureau.

Amazingly, I never heard back from the famous newspaper.

Come mid-May, still waiting for a reply, I was having lunch with my dad at his favorite deli when he casually wondered why “we” hadn’t yet heard from the four colleges I’d applied to.

“Actually, Dad,” I said, “I didn’t apply to them. I have a better plan in mind.”

I sketched out my grand scheme to spend a year working in Paris, where I would cover important news stories and gain valuable life experience in the same “City of Lights” that he fell in love with during the last days of World War II.

Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks is generously presented in Charlotte by PNC. Individual sponsorship is kindly provided by Kati and Chris Small, and Ann and Michael Tarwater. The Mint Museum is supported, in part, by the City of Charlotte and the North Carolina Arts Council. Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks is co-organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum. This exhibition is curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Senior Curator, Bata Shoe Museum. IMAGE: Mr. Bailey, Octopus Shoe, 2018. Collection of Mr. Bailey. Image courtesy of Mr. Bailey.

He listened politely and smiled. At least he didn’t laugh out loud. He was an adman with a poet’s heart.

“This wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain pretty French girl named Francoise, would it?”

“Not really,” I said. “Well, a little bit.”

He nodded, evidently understanding. “Unfortunately, Bo, you will have to get a draft number this September. And if you get a low number and aren’t in a college somewhere, you might well be drafted. That will break your mother’s heart. How about this idea?”

He suggested that I simply get admitted to a college somewhere — anywhere — until we could see how things panned out with the draft. Reluctantly, I took his advice and applied to several top universities. None had room for me, though UNC Chapel Hill said I could apply for the spring term. Too late to be of use.

On a lark at the end of May, my buddy Virgil Hudson said he was going down to East Carolina University for orientation and invited me to tag along. I’d never been east of Raleigh. On our way into Greenville, we passed the Kappa Alpha fraternity house, where a lively keg party spilled across the lawn. I’d never seen more beautiful girls in my life. Young love, as sages warn, is both fickle and fleeting.

“Hey, Virge,” I said, “could you drop me off at the admissions office?”

The office was about to close, but the kind admissions director allowed me to phone my guidance counselor back home and have my transcripts faxed. I filled out the form and paid the $30 admission fee on the spot, leaving me 10 bucks for the weekend.

By some miracle I still can’t fathom, ECU took me in.

My freshman year turned out to be a joy. My professors were terrific, and my new friend and future roommate was a lanky country kid from Watts Crossroads, wherever the hell that was. His name was Hugh Kluttz. We are best friends to this day.

Having “gone east and fallen in love,” as my mother liked to tell her chums at church, I became features editor of the school newspaper — artfully named The Fountainhead — where I wrote a silly column that undoubtedly shaped my writing life.

In 2002, upon being named Outstanding Alumni for my books and journalism career, I confessed to an audience of old friends and university bigwigs that “going east and becoming an accidental Pirate turned out to be the smartest move of my young life — one I indirectly owe to a beautiful French exchange student I never saw again.”

Funny how life surprises us. A few years ago, out of the blue, I received a charming email from Francoise Roux, wondering if I was the same “romantic boy who once played me a lullaby on his guitar?”

We’ve exchanged many emails since, sharing how our lives have gone along since that first and last kiss under the porch light.

Francoise is a devoted grandmother, and I’m about to become a first-time grandfather around Christmas. Soon enough, I’ll be playing that old French lullaby to a new baby girl, marveling alongside my daughter as she embarks on her own, uncharted journey. SP

The twelfth annual

with presenting sponsor

nce upon a time, there were four extraordinary storytellers of great renown converging in Uptown to share tales of siblings on nail-biting journeys to find freedom and one another, a recently buried wealthy widow and her unburied secrets, sumptuous feasts soaked in the Mediterranean sun, and the big one. THAT TIME IS NOVEMBER 6. Meet the authors.

Experience the stories. Eat, drink and be a part of a thriving Charlotte Mecklenburg Library community.

Nathan Harris

Rachel Hawkins

Diane Kochilas

Jason Mott

Sometimes self-advocacy can feel risky, aggressive or even selfish. Many of us are people-pleasers, perfectionists or have learned through family dynamics, culture or survival that we must put others’ needs before our own. We may have a fear of being “too much.” We’ve been conditioned to “be nice” and to not make waves. For many people (especially women and caregivers), advocating for themselves feels like a betrayal of the role they’ve always played. These people tend to be so misattuned to their own needs, so overly polite and accommodating, that they lose touch with what they actually want or feel.

This doesn’t mean a person is flawed; it means a protective strategy has been built up over time. Perhaps when they were a child, being agreeable kept them safe or praised. This is how they felt loved, so the nervous system remembers that speaking up may threaten that outcome (even if it doesn’t). Someone can go into fight/flight/freeze mode when they try to speak up because of this perceived risk.

We also live in a society that celebrates busyness and hustling. This leaves us little room to pause and truly ask ourselves, “What do I need right now?” — let alone feel like we have the right to say it out loud.

But the ability to speak up for yourself, set boundaries and ask for what you need is a crucial mental-wellness skill. It directly supports emotional regulation, relationships and long-term well-being. Self-advocacy is the ability to name, own and speak up for your needs while also respecting others. It’s about being in an honest relationship with yourself and the world around you. It’s so much more than just communication; it’s non-negotiable for tending to your mental health.

You’re not alone if you’ve valued keeping the peace at your own expense. But this version of self-abandonment often leads to resentment, burnout, anxiety and disconnection. In service of our

SAY IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT

Why self-advocacy might be the most underrated mental-health skill

by Juliet Lam Kuehnle

long-term mental and emotional health, we have to get better at setting boundaries, honoring our needs and doing things that help regulate our nervous systems, even when it feels uncomfortable. You are allowed to take up space, whatever that looks like for you. Your boundaries are not burdens. Your needs are not a nuisance. Having needs doesn’t make you needy — it makes you human. Consider what might be possible if you named something you’ve been afraid to ask for. Self-advocacy isn’t self-indulgence. It builds self-worth and makes way for more aligned, genuine connection with others, and with yourself.

Juliet spoke with Alie B. Gorrie, an arts educator and disability advocate who leads workshops here in Charlotte. Below are excerpts from their interview, lightly edited.

How did you get into this work?

Theater was my first love. I was often the only actor who had to ask for accommodations. I have a rare eye disease and am legally blind. There was such a lack of understanding about how to accommodate or if accommodating was even OK. That led to a lot of my work in the disability-justice space.

There must be a lot of self-advocacy in that journey. Assertiveness does not come naturally to me. I had a teacher that facilitated my own self-advocacy skills. She encouraged me to start talking about my low vision, because she said I’d need to speak up to get my needs met. My teacher saw me missing out on so many opportunities, so she taught me how to say disability. She taught me through a theater tool — a script /a self-advocacy monologue — where I could play that character to be able to discuss it. I continue to teach this tool to young people to this day.

Disability is a stigmatized word. But tell us why that word isn’t bad.

It’s the only club that anybody in this world can join at any time.

It doesn’t discriminate. And it’s the largest minority group. The more we avoid the word, we’re avoiding something in ourselves. It’s 20% of our population, and so many disabilities are invisible. We need to stop acting like this doesn’t impact each of us in some way.

What is your experience out in the world? Are people curious or avoidant in addressing disability? Often they will ask questions once I’ve opened that door. People don’t want to offend or say anything wrong.

What’s an acceptable question for people to ask?

If you’re not disabled, or if you’re just curious, you can ask: “Is there anything I can do to best support you or make this easier?” SP

Juliet Kuehnle is the owner and a therapist at Sun Counseling and Wellness. The full interview of Kuehnle’s “Who You Callin’ Crazy?!” interview featuring Gorrie can be found on Instagram @YepIGoToTherapy or wherever you stream podcasts.

TIPS TO START PRACTICING SELF-ADVOCACY:

• State your needs out loud, even if it’s just to yourself at first: “I need more time.” “I need space.” “I want Indian food for dinner.” (No need is too small.)

• Begin with low-stakes asks. Try it in everyday moments: Ask for help, request a deadline extension, tell the masseuse you need less pressure, send back the wrong food.

• Use “I” statements. Say what’s true for you: “I feel overwhelmed when this meeting runs over its scheduled time. Can we end on time today?”

• Let discomfort be part of the process. Speaking up might feel awkward. That doesn’t mean you’re in danger; it means you’re learning a new skill and building self-trust.

made in CHARLOTTE

You don’t have to look far to find the perfect addition to your home, that one-of-a-kind gift for a friend or loved one or the storage solution you have needed for years. From small-batch gourmet snacks to timeless home essentials, Charlotte offers beautifully crafted goods with local roots and Queen City character. As a city of many industries and even more imagination, Charlotte has its finger on the pulse of trends, quality and bespoke style. Whether it’s a handwoven rug, a curated piece of art or a must-have lunch stop, these local finds are a selection of the best in your backyard. Welcome to Made in Charlotte.

Art of Drawers | Bear Food | Closets by Design | Couture Knots

Dee Dee’s Gourmet Cheese Straws | Granville | Rhino Market & Deli | Shain Gallery

Perfect for snacking or as an upscale party appetizer. A tasty complement to a glass of wine or iced tea. All natural, NO trans fat!

Original Recipe

Jalapeno Cheddar Pimento Cheese

GRANVILLE

At a very early age, I fell in love with antiques! I loved the smell of old wood, weathered sun bleached patina and the mystery of where the piece had lived in its day. After graduating from college, I entered the world of interior design and became enamored with everything home related. After 12 years of design, I was ready to transition to something more retail oriented. I had the desire to create an inviting, calm, happy and soothing space where shoppers could translate the look and feel of my store into their home. Granville was created in 2001 after many inspirational trips around the world!

We are a small shop packed with a collection of 18th and 19th century French and Swedish antiques. All of our items are one of a kind, fresh, useful and all hand selected in calming neutrals. We love mixing the old and the new, creating an approachable, understated elegance. A mix of glass, soft lighting, silver, linens and velvets are layered with warm woods of long ago, creating a timeless, casual yet sophisticated style for the way you live today.

We invite you to visit with us at Granville and peruse the everchanging, curated inventory on display. We look forward to seeing you!

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL BLEVINS

RHINO MARKET & DELI

11 years of the best in lunch

Rhino Market & Deli isn’t just a place to grab a sandwich — it’s a part of daily life in Charlotte. Family-owned and operated, this well-known local favorite now has six locations across the city, each offering a warm, laid-back atmosphere where neighbors gather, work gets done and stories are shared. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or unwinding with a glass of wine on the patio, Rhino Market & Deli fits seamlessly into every kind of day. Their expansive menu features more than 40 items, from hearty sandwiches and fresh salads to thoughtfully crafted vegetarian and vegan options. And for those on the go, there’s always a rotating selection of grab-and-go meals and snacks.

Rhino Market’s bar offers a well-curated list of beer and wine, perfect for a relaxed happy hour or casual meet-up. It’s more than the menu that keeps people coming back — it’s the sense of community. With welcoming staff, a commitment to local partnerships and a loyal following of regulars, Rhino Market & Deli has become a true Charlotte staple. It’s the kind of place that feels like it’s always been there, and the kind of place you’ll keep coming back to.

CLOSETS BY DESIGN

21 years of locally-rooted, design-driven craftsmanship

For over two decades, Closets by Design has been a trusted name in custom storage solutions across the Charlotte area. What sets this company apart isn’t just the quality of its work — it’s the family behind it. As a locally owned and family-run business, Closets by Design Charlotte brings a personal touch and deep understanding of the community into every project.

From walk-in closets and home offices to pantries and garage systems, their experienced designers take the time to learn about your lifestyle, space and goals. Each design is fully customized to meet your unique needs. Whether you're organizing for a growing family or creating a sleek space for remote work, you can count on a solution that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

The company proudly sources materials right here in North Carolina, and every custom piece is built in their Charlotte-based factory.

Being part of the Charlotte community means Closets by Design understands the city's evolving lifestyles and tastes. That local insight shows in every project — from modern urban condos to spacious suburban homes.

With a legacy of craftsmanship, personalized service and community commitment, Closets by Design Charlotte continues to help families bring order, elegance and efficiency to their everyday lives.

COUTURE KNOTS

10 years of exquisite threads

Couture Knots is a hidden gem in the world of luxury rugs. Ali Nikrooz, whose roots in rug craftsmanship run deep thanks to a family legacy in Italy, began the business in Charlotte with a moment of inspiration after he visited his uncle’s rug shop abroad. Ali knew that the future of rugs wasn’t about rugs that were old, but about using the old method of rug making in a modern way. 10 years later, Couture Knots is a fully-customizable resource for interior designers seeking bespoke, hand knotted rugs sourced from around the world. While Couture Knots doesn’t sell directly to the public, Ali is quick to clarify it’s not about exclusivity — it’s about honoring the design process and having good help that makes designing your home more efficient and even more affordable.

Couture Knots offers a refined, gallery-like showroom where clients, through their designers, can customize rugs by color, size, budget and material. The collection is impressive and expansive; if you have a vision or a design dream, Ali can help fully realize it.

Ali sees Charlotte not just as home, but as fertile ground for design to flourish. “Charlotte has a lot,” he says, “but not many people know we have one of the largest rug collections in the world.” That quiet abundance is what makes Couture Knots the go-to place for finding your one-of-a-kind rug.

ART OF DRAWERS

Turning frustration into joy

Six years ago, our family moved to the Charlotte area and immediately fell in love with the sense of community, the vibrant neighborhoods and the quality of life. It’s an incredible place to raise children and build meaningful connections — and the perfect place to launch Art of Drawers. Our mission is simple: to help homeowners create more beautiful, functional spaces through custom storage solutions. We specialize in high-quality, American-made solid wood drawers that are soft-close, water-resistant and backed by a lifetime warranty. Whether it's a kitchen, pantry or bathroom, our designs bring order, elegance and lasting value to the heart of the home. We’re proud to serve the greater Charlotte area with the best product on the market and a commitment to customer satisfaction that’s just as solid as our craftsmanship. At Art of Drawers, every solution is tailored, every installation is precise and every drawer is built to last.

Let us help you rediscover the joy and efficiency of a well-organized home — crafted with care, right here in the community we call home.

BEAR FOOD

5 years of gourmet snacks

Bear Food is a gourmet snack company out of Matthews that's built on bold flavor, highquality ingredients and a whole lot of heart. What started as a college side hustle has grown into a nationally loved brand, with a lineup of small-batch snacks that are anything but ordinary. From sweet and spicy Bear Mix to buttery Bourbon Toffee Popcorn and zesty Dill Pickle Peanuts, Bear Food delivers big on taste and even bigger on personality.

At its core, Bear Food is about bringing people together through snacks that spark conversation and connection. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for the perfect gift or just want to treat yourself, Bear Food has something that hits the spot. Each product is made with care, in small batches, using real ingredients.

Bear Food isn’t just snackable — it’s craveable, giftable and totally unforgettable. The packaging is bold, the flavors are louder and the experience is uniquely fun. So whether you’re on the golf course, at your desk or curled up on the couch, Bear Food is the snack that always brings the party. Because life’s too short for boring snacks — and Bear Food doesn’t do boring.

Bring this to our storefront for 20% off your order with code SOUTHPARKBF

SHAIN GALLERY

27 years of fine art

Nestled along Selwyn Avenue in Myers Park, Shain Gallery is a testament to Charlotte’s art scene. Founded in 1998 by Gaby Shain, the gallery has been a cornerstone for art enthusiasts everywhere. In 2013, Sybil Wornall joined Shain Gallery as its manager, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective from nearly a decade in Atlanta’s art world, including significant roles at The Madison Gallery and Anne Irwin Fine Art. A native Charlottean, Wornall’s return to her hometown marked a new chapter for the gallery. Her passion and vision culminated in her purchasing the gallery in 2017, following Shain’s retirement. Wornall’s knack for spotting emerging talent and her dedication to nurturing artists has solidified the gallery’s reputation not just locally, but across the United States. The gallery’s ability to adapt to Charlotte’s dynamic growth, while maintaining deep connections with longtime collectors, is a hallmark of its success. The gallery’s commitment to understanding and catering to the tastes of its collectors ensures it will remain a cherished destination for art lovers.

25 Charlotteans with singular style

created and produced by Whitley

photographs by Richard Israel

on-site hair and makeup touch-ups by

profiles edited by Lexi Amedio and Cathy Martin

production assistant: Sydney Gallagher

set assistant: Pressley Jonas

On location at Sullenberger Aviation Museum

Adkins

Josiah Reed

Through the common denominator of incredible personal style, for the last nine years The IT List has showcased participants from across the Queen City. As a child, I welcomed every chance to be around my impeccably stylish grandmother. Fast forward to adulthood when, five years into my styling career in Charlotte, I had the idea for creating this feature. Immersed in our city’s thriving arts, culture and style arena, I found myself surrounded by top-tier talent and creativity, feeling the same kinetic draw I did as a child. Surely, I wasn’t the only one noticing the level of style on display in our rapidly growing city. Current and former boutiques like Coplon’s, Capitol, Our Place, Sloan, Taylor, Richards & Conger, Bruce Julian, Paul Simon, Perris, ChezElle, Boris & Natasha and others became part of Charlotte’s fashion footprint. Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and droves of luxury designers — along with a growing number of vintage and resale shops — arrived to the party, elevating Charlotte’s position among most stylish cities. If nothing else, for participants and readers alike, I hope The IT List presents a joyful means for encouraging all of us to be confident in expressing ourselves through clothing. And, I hope it fosters appreciation for individuality and positive relationships with people across our city’s many vibrant neighborhoods. — Whitley Adkins

About the venue: The Sullenberger Aviation Museum collects military, commercial and civilian aircraft significant to aviation history in the Carolinas. Learn more at sullenbergeraviation.org.

Comments have been edited for length and clarity.

Brett Wagner

45, apparel designer

Personal style: Classic, American, masculine. Fashion era: Today — there’s so much access to every era thanks to the internet. It might be wishful thinking, but I think the idea of the “fashion era” may be going extinct! Favorite piece: My dad gave me his Rolex GMT-Master watch back in 2000. His father bought it for him in 1969. I have a lot of really cool stuff, but that watch means more to me than all of it put together. Where he shops: Belk and Japan. These days, I’m probably on eBay hunting down a vintage something or other. Make it stop: Not everything has to be stretch (men). Washed-out, high-waisted, baggy denim with white sneakers (women) is just not something I’ve ever understood. Who’s in your designer hot tub? How about we say designer dinner table instead? Then there’s only one answer — Ralph Lauren.

Melissa

Herriott

45, interior stylist, artist and owner of M. Herriott Designs, TV personality on HGTV’s “Renovation Resort Showdown”

Personal style: Eclectic, ever-changing, age-defying. Fashion era: The ’70s — disco-inspired glamour, hot pants and minidresses, platform shoes, bell bottoms, maxi dresses, scarves, and ponchos! Superpower: I know more Grateful Dead lore than most. They are also a big influence in my fashion choices. Style icon: Stevie Nicks. Fashion formula: As a designer, I’m moving furniture, hauling massive area rugs, packing up trucks, lifting boxes and bags, so I wear an obscene amount of athletic gear. But when I get dressed with intention, it’s anyone’s guess what I’ll come out in. Where she shops: Give me a thrift shop or vintage haul over any store or mall. Common denominator : Two considerations: Does it make the little girl in me who loved to play dress-up happy? Will it make the 80-year old woman I hope to become smile with nostalgia? Make it stop: Golf clothing as their entire wardrobe (men). Sneakers with formal dresses (women).

Denise Shirley

37, store manager at La Vie Style House, owner and personal stylist at The Prism Effect

Personal style: Edgy, polished, whimsical. Fashion era: The 1920s for its bold departure from convention and its reflection of broader societal shifts. Superpower: I know the value of grit — and how to turn being underestimated into fuel. Style icons: Debbie Harry, Linda Evangelista, Kelly Osbourne, Veruschka Von Lehndorff and Kate Moss. Favorite pieces: My shoes or jeans. I have a lavender Givenchy mini Pandora crossbody I will always cherish. Where she shops: Boris & Natasha, Boem, La Vie Style House and Dillard’s at SouthPark Mall — their shoe selection is unbeatable! Nordstrom Rack for amazing deals. Online: Wolf & Badger and United Apparel Liquidators. Make it stop: Poorly fitting, pleated khakis and boxy striped polos with athletic sneakers (men). Crocs with charms and socks (women). Also, sneakers have their place, but there are plenty of stylish alternatives. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Elsa Schiaparelli, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Hubert de Givenchy.

Denise Shirley, Brett Wagner, Melissa Herriott and Anne Carter Smith

Anne Carter Smith

52, retired from commercial real estate, community leader

Personal style: Fun, colorful with a touch of edge. Style icons: Stevie Nicks. Favorite pieces: Two of my favorites are in this shoot and 10 years old! My Dolce & Gabbana polka-dot skirt and Rosie Assoulin tie-dye dress. Where she shops: Capitol and Poole Shop, Neiman Marcus, Vermillion in Raleigh, Hampden in Charleston. But my favorite shopping day is all the boutiques stacked up in Soho NYC. Common denominator: I just buy what I love. I don’t think I have a consistent “through line,” but I do like looking different or having an accessory with me that stands out or is unique. Make it stop: Pajamas on airplanes. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten, Anna Wintour (with her guest, Roger Federer).

Ione Rucker Jamison

46, co-founder of Rucker Roots natural hair-care products, founder, Rucker Education Scholarship Fund

Personal style: Classic, fun, flirty. Fashion era: The 1920s, when everyone wore such proper attire — dresses and suits — even while traveling. Style icon: Jennifer Lopez. Favorite piece: My ostrich-skin Birkin bag. Fashion formula: Most days, I’m in athletic wear — I’m a basketball mom. When I have meetings for my business and nonprofit, I love dresses and classic looks. I love to purchase items I can pass down to my daughter.

Brandon Grate

32, photographer

Personal style: Refined, authentic, tailored. Fashion era: The 1920s. One of my favorite wardrobe staples, the pinstripe suit, was becoming popular, and the silhouettes of menswear became bolder and unique. Superpower: I know how to listen better than most people do. It serves me well. Style icons: André Leon Talley. And arguably, my grandfather, who serves as an inspiration for me in many ways. Favorite pieces: Vintage Arnold Brant tuxedo, velvet Versace blazer and custom kimono by Tara Davis. Fashion formula: Having a “uniform” really makes getting dressed easy for me and steers my style. For example, I love black and white, so I’ve found mixing black blazers, quality white shirts and black trousers always works well for me. Make it stop: Khaki pants (men) and tiny purses (women). Who’s in your designer hot tub? Tom Ford, Law Roach and Anok Yai.

Sara Kulbersh

38, finance and operations manager, Carolina Facial Plastics

Personal style: Intentional, confident, fashion-forward. Fashion era: Right now — I love that fashion today pulls the best from every decade and gives you the freedom to make it your own. Style inspiration: My mom — she introduced me to the art of clothes, the joy of dressing, and the idea that fashion can be both fun and empowering. Kelly Ripa — she’s chic, playful and always polished without taking herself too seriously. Favorite pieces: My designer bags. Fashion formula: Most of the time, you’ll find me overdressed. I would rather arrive feeling elevated than apologize for not making an effort. Where she shops: Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom at SouthPark Mall, but mostly online and while traveling. Make it stop: Tennis skirts off the court. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Anyone’s invited — as long as they’re bringing style and wearing a great outfit.

Hodges Willoughby Miller

44, design concierge, Copper Builders

Personal style: Colorful, playful, street. Fashion era: Current day, because you can reference any past era or play with future style. Style inspirations: I love Tracee Ellis Ross and everything she wears. I also lust after vintage Cher in Bob Mackie. But mostly NYC streetwear. Favorite pieces: A silk, puff-sleeve, purple plaid blouse from the 1980s that belonged to my mom, and my big hoop earrings! Fashion formula: I’m lucky that my job allows me to be experimental with my clothes — I work with a lot of women who support each other in this endeavor. Regardless, my clothes are typically loud. Where she shops: JT Posh, 2nd Street and The RealReal. Vintage and consignment shops when traveling. Make it stop: Fast fashion. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Collina Strada, Siedrés and Viktor & Rolf.

Ann Mason Phillips, Sara Kulbersh, Dusty Snyder, Brandon Grate and Ione Rucker Jamison

Hill Rondero

48, interior designer and owner of Ro House

Personal style: Tension, sexy, timeless. I love the juxtaposition of ripped jeans with a silk cami and heels, or a peek-a-boo moment for a barely there lace bra … add a blazer and I’m in! As I mature, my fashion choices are less about trends and more about dressing for me. Fashion era: Now — anything goes and I love that! Superpower: Building houses. I grew up in a real-estate and builder family with very strong women that could change faucets and fix anything. Style icons: Jenna Lyons and Gisele Bündchen. Favorite pieces: Vintage Levi’s. Fashion formula: It always comes back to balance — something slouchy, something sharp, something sexy. If the outfit doesn’t feel slightly inappropriate for a school pickup, I’m not interested, lol. Where she shops: Aritzia for basics, bodysuits, vests, linen. Nomad Vintage in East Village and Flower Moon Vintage in Exeter, New Hampshire. Make it stop: Jeans and flip-flops (men). Shirts with cut-out shoulders (women).

Will White, Hill Rondero, Chelsea Ashcraft, Elizabeth Steinfels and Hodges Miller

Dusty Snyder

55, vice president of Paul Simon Co.

Personal style: Comfortable, classic, confident. Fashion era: I appreciate parts of all fashion eras. Even the ’80s (preppy and grunge) have a place in my wardrobe. Style inspiration: Paul Simon and Chris Knott. Paul taught me how to sell fine men’s tailored clothing, and Chris taught me how to create a lifestyle around men’s clothing. Favorite pieces: My father gave me his 1967 iconic, patterned Emilio Pucci pincord dinner jacket. It is Ermenegildo Zegna fabric signed by Emilio Pucci and probably should be donated to the Mint Museum’s fashion collection one day. Where he shops: Paul Simon and the occasional Gucci store. Common denominator: Whatever I buy, I have at least two different ways to wear it. Make it stop: Crew-neck undershirts with an open collar shirt (men). The nice summer dress with the “worn-out” Golden Goose (women).

Ann Mason Phillips

28, bridal and event personal stylist at Dressed by AMP

Personal style: Polished, modern, tailored. Fashion era: The “New Look” era of 1947 because it redefined femininity with elegant hourglass silhouettes, full skirts, cinched waists and luxurious fabrics. Superpower: I have a rare understanding of fabric, from raw material to finished garment and delivery to the consumer. Style inspiration: Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley, Morgan Stewart McGraw, Leonie Hanne, Olivia Palermo, Hailey Bieber and Princess Diana. Favorite piece: My wedding dress by Elie Saab. Fashion formula: For day-to-day, I stick to a clean, modern and polished aesthetic with versatile pieces. For destination or event style, I incorporate bolder, more statement-driven looks. Common denominator: Fit, fabric quality and attention to detail. Where she shops: Capitol, Moda Operandi, Net-a-Porter and Shopbop. Make it stop: Fewer of those super colorful, oversized smock dresses — a little shape and structure can go a long way. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Coco Chanel, Virgil Abloh, Yves Saint Laurent, Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Fisher.

Will White

39, habilitative care worker, paraprofessional and fashion designer/illustrator

Personal style: Ambiguous, classic, maximalist. Fashion era: The ’70s, because it really had this effortless sense of “cool” with how people dressed. Superpower: I know more about habilitation care than most, since a huge part of my life is geared toward caring for people with special needs. Style icons: Alexander McQueen. Favorite piece: A pair of red leather pants I made myself a few months ago. Fashion formula: My style fluctuates based on my mood and where I am going that day. Depending on my plans, I could stand out or simply choose to fade into the background. Where he shops: I honestly get some good thrifting done on Facebook Marketplace. Make it stop: Drab/boring clothing (men). Really skinny kitten heels (women). Who’s in your designer hot tub? Alexander McQueen, Daniel Roseberry, and Dean and Dan Caten of DSquared2.

Elizabeth Steinfels

49, owner, Hong Kong Vintage, commercial wardrobe stylist

Personal style: Classic, effortless, unexpected. Fashion era: Present day, because I can bring together all my influences into the best mix. Style icons: Caroline de Maigret and Chloë Sevigny. Favorite piece: No way I can pick just one. Fashion formula: I usually wear different versions of the same thing — maybe more jewelry or accessories if I’m out or at the shop. Usually still vintage, but less precious if I’m working or on set. Where she shops: I shop mostly vintage, but I have many favorite pieces, especially shoes from Capitol. I also think SSENSE is pretty amazing. Make it stop: I think you be you. Anything goes for me! Who’s in your designer hot tub? Dries Van Noten, agnes b., Kenzō Takada and YSL.

Chelsea “Chuck” Ashcraft

35, hairstylist

Personal style: Eclectic, effortless, magnetic. Fashion era: The 1970s — they broke all the rules and looked damn good doing it! Style inspiration: The real-life legends I’ve been lucky enough to know. It started with my grandpa — I was obsessed with his grit, his burnt-orange aviators, the way he made simplicity look iconic. Every outfit I put on is a little love letter to the people who’ve shaped me. Favorite pieces: My patched leather jacket. Fashion formula: I let my mood lead the way — sometimes it’s playful or flirty, other days it’s masculine, grungy or something in-between. I don’t box it in — I just follow the feeling. Where she shops: Hong Kong Vintage, Thrift Pony, Found and 2nd Street. I love clothes with a past. Make it stop: Flip-flops.

Erin McDermott White

42, founder Erin McDermott Jewelry

Personal style: Effortless, relaxed, whimsical. Comfortable and practical with an unexpected twist. Fashion era: The ’70s! I love the corduroy, bell bottoms and soft ringer tees. I have my mom’s embroidered denim shirt with pearl buttons that she wore at Woodstock — it’s one of my all-time favorite pieces. Superpower: Layering jewelry and mixing and matching high-low pieces to elevate an outfit. Style inspiration: Rocky Barnes is a go-to. But my biggest style icon is my grandmother. She was French and spent most of her life in Morocco, always layered in vintage pieces and treasures. Her style was full of color, texture and soul. Favorite piece: My chambray shirt. It’s been with me since eighth grade, through college farmers markets, selling grilled cheeses at Phish concerts, and now school pickups. It’s soft, perfectly worn-in, and the neckline is just right for layering necklaces. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Ralph Lauren and anyone channeling a Southern California beachy vibe.

Leigh Jenkins Goodwyn

59, retired marketing executive and entrepreneur/co-founder of LeighDeux dorm-decor company

Personal style: Classic, colorful, eclectic. Fashion era: I love the fluid freedom of the ’70s, and I’ve always been drawn to bell-bottom denim with a platform sandal — I got my first pair in the third grade! Superpower: Decorating a dorm room. Style inspiration: My daughter, a talent agent in the fashion division at CAA in New York. She can do high-low better than anyone I’ve ever seen. Fashion formula: I live part-time in Palm Beach, so my style lately is very vibrant and polished. But I truly love Western fashion too! I have a great collection of cowboy boots and hats. Where she shops: Edit Sale, Capitol, Poole Shop and Five One Five. In Palm Beach: Hive, Fivestory and The Royal. In NYC: SoHo boutiques, Saks and Bergdorf’s. Make it stop: Athleisure and pajamas while flying. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Alexander McQueen, Thom Browne, Loewe, Gucci, Proenza Schouler, Johanna Ortiz and Nili Lotan.

Ashlyn Greer

34, founder and CEO of Fashivly virtual-styling service

Personal style: Edgy, polished, modern. I love a lot of classic “edgy” pieces like chunky lug-sole shoes, all black, and lots of hardware, but in a more polished, corporate way with lots of tailoring. Fashion era: Early 1990s grunge. Superpower: Helping someone create a visual expression of who they are internally. Style inspiration: If Sandy from Grease (post cool-girl transformation), Audrey Hepburn and Wednesday Addams had a baby. Favorite piece: Black pinstripe culottes I bought at Uniqlo in Paris 10 years ago. Fashion formula: When I need to feel confident, I’m going to be in head-to-toe black most of the time. Where she shops: Thirty-One Jane, and the shops at Atherton Mill. COS is my go-to brand; basics from Abercrombie and Banana because they have petite sizing; Tanner Fletcher. Shopbop’s Fashion Finds Under $200 is a favorite scroll. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld and Rei Kawakubo.

Torrie Savage

43, founder and co-owner of The Savage Way creative agency

Personal style: Playful, bold, elevated. I have an artist’s eye for color and shape. Fashion era: ’90s street fashion because it had such an effortlessly cool, laid-back vibe. It felt authentic and unpolished in the best way — gritty but stylish, with influences from hip-hop, skate and grunge culture. Style inspiration: Ashley Longshore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Aaliyah. Favorite pieces: All my sneakers. Fashion formula: At the studio I’m in styled athletic gear. When going to a friend’s house or chill hang I’ll still rock a sneaker with something funky. For a night out, a dress or heels. Where she shops: Nina’s Boutique, KK Bloom, Boris & Natasha, NoDa street vendors, Depop, thrift stores and local boutiques when traveling. Common denominator: I’m naturally drawn to green and nature-inspired tones. It’s partly a nod to my business, but also because I just love the color — it feels like a subtle, personal signature in my wardrobe.

Erin McDermott White, Leigh Goodwyn, Marie Cloud, Ashlyn Greer and Torrie Savage

Alexis Warren

34, owner and principal designer at Alexis Warren Designs and Warren Textiles

Personal style: Timeless, comfortable, colorful. Fashion era: Now! I love how everyone is mixing timeless pieces with unexpected pops of fun and color. Style inspiration: Interiors — when I design a room, I work with colors, scale and finding unexpected pieces that juxtapose the traditional elements. I do the same with my clothing. Favorite piece: Chanel flats — they go with everything and are so comfortable. Want to pull together and elevate a simple outfit? It’s as easy as slipping on a ballet flat! Where she shops: Thirty-One Jane, Poole Shop, Five One Five, La Vie Style House, Hampden Clothing in Charleston, Zara, Shopbop, Alemais. Common denominator: Color — I am very rarely wearing white or neutrals. Make it stop: Too-tight pants (men) and see-through clothing (women). Please leave something to the imagination!

Marie Cloud

38, interior designer and founder of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio

Personal style: Layered, intentional, distinct. Fashion era: The 1970s — it was rich, expressive and fearless. Superpower: Knowing how your environment — whether a space or a style — impacts your emotional well-being. I’m always designing with beauty, identity and intention in mind. Style icons: Tracee Ellis Ross and the late Kyrzayda Rodriguez. Both embodied boldness and soul in their personal style — never afraid to take risks, always rooted in story. Favorite piece: A denim trench jacket. Where she shops: Nostalgia Hollow Co., Brown Sugar Collab, Boem and Disco Honey. I love finding unique local boutiques while traveling. Common denominator: Emotional resonance — I’m drawn to texture, intentional details and pieces that make me feel something. Make it stop: Collared golf shirts (men) and floral maxi dresses that look like walking wallpaper — but not the good kind (women). Who’s in your designer hot tub? Dapper Dan, Virgil Abloh, Ann Lowe, Pyer Moss and Willi Smith.

Christina Kaye Murphy

50, owner of The Pearl Pagoda

Personal style: Intentional, irreverent, evolving. Fashion era: The mod ’60s — miniskirts, boots and geometric shapes. Also the early to mid-’70s. Superpower: I know more about true-crime podcasts, raising twins (I’m a mom to two sets) and where to shop for vintage than most people. Style icons: Jane Birkin, Sharon Tate, Jenna Lyons, Cate Blanchett. Favorite pieces: Staples are a black turtleneck or perfect white shirt. My most prized piece would be one of my handbags or vintage coats. Fashion formula: 1. It caught my eye and it feels unusual and possibly a little weird, or 2. It’s something classic that I know is a real wardrobe workhorse. Where she shops: The Pearl Pagoda, Poole Shop and Thirty-One Jane. Bergdorf’s in New York. Palm Springs Vintage Market and Rose Bowl Flea Market in California. Online: Mytheresa, Shopbop and Wolf & Badger. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Daniel Roseberry, Paco Rabanne, Mary Quant, Halston, Tim Gunn.

Renée Starke

54, real-estate business owner

Personal style: Romantic and feminine for summer, classicwith-an-edge for winter. Fashion era: 1970s glamorous era — Halston, Yves Saint Laurent and Diane Von Furstenberg. Style icon: DVF — her wrap dress literally changed my life, as I was wearing one when I met my husband 19 years ago. The rest is history! Favorite pieces: Anything Gucci. Where she shops: Neiman Marcus Charlotte, Bal Harbour Shops in Miami and small boutiques in every town. Common denominator: I look for pieces with interest and color that have flattering lines. Make it stop: Tank tops (men). Ripped denim (women). Who’s in your designer hot tub? It will probably be a little crowded: Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Alexander McQueen, Roberto Cavalli, Vivienne Westwood and, last but not least, Coco Chanel.

Perrine DeShield-Jenkins

37, professor of fashion marketing and management at SCAD, fashion event curator, stylist and owner of Eclecs Creative Agency

Personal style: Dandy, eclectic, glam. Fashion era: 1970s and 1990s. Superpower: I know 99.99% of the outfits and choreography from “Total Request Live” music videos from 1999-2006 (extensively). Style icons: Tracee Ellis Ross, Robin Givens and Janet Jackson. Favorite pieces: My suits and ties. Fashion formula: When I’m in Professor P mode, I’m tailored, layered and detailed. With my husband or friends, I incorporate more streetwear pieces like baseball caps and sneakers. When I’m out on the town, I’m full glam. Where she shops: Nouveau Chapeau, Thrift Pony, Buffalo Exchange, Etsy and any unique vintage or thrift store. Common denominator: I only purchase items I know will get a lot of wear. I also try to stay away from fast fashion and purchase investment pieces that are also sustainable. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Elsa Schiaparelli, Pharrell Williams, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, Willi Smith, André Leon Talley and Hanifa.

Sydney Farris, Alexis Warren, Renée Starke, Perrine DeShield-Jenkins, Sham Ostapko and Christina Kaye Murphy

Shumbriar “Sham” Ostapko

58, AVP merchant services and customer specialist, Wells Fargo

Personal style: Elegant, diverse, fluid. Fashion era: The 1930s and 1940s. I love the elegance of silk, satin, crepe, culottes, wide-leg pants and open-shoulder, open-back gowns. Style inspiration: Diana Ross, Cicely Tyson, Michelle Obama and Naomi Campbell. Favorite pieces: A red patent-leather trench coat from Wolf & Badger and red, wide-leg back-pleat pants from Halston. Common denominator: I build my fashion around my shoes, not the other way around. I see shoes as an investment — I splurge here. Where she shops: Saks Off 5th, Anthropologie, Manière De Voir, COS, Bergdorf Goodman and Wolf & Badger. Make it stop: Skinny jeans and pleated pants (men) and leggings as pants (women). Who’s in your designer hot tub? Virgil Abloh, LaQuan Smith, Tory Burch, Christian Louboutin, Gucci and Stella McCartney.

Sydney Farris

27, botanical, culinary and visual artist, server at Counter-

Personal style: Art, whimsical, edgy. Fashion era: I love how music shaped fashion during the 1980s. But I also have a soft spot for the silk dresses of the ’70s. Style inspiration: A flower. Favorite pieces: A black leather jacket with embroidered roses and padded shoulders, Doc Martens, baggy jeans, baby bangs, nostalgic trinkets, and a purple suit situation. Fashion formula: My energy and style will shift for certain spaces. Doing my makeup, especially my eyes, helps me get that character or mood. I think clothing can be a way to extend your energy into the world if you want, or protect your energy. I love jewel-tone colors and black, of course. Where she shops: FarReach Vintage. Common denominator: Good jeans and jackets are the bones of a look. Who’s in your designer hot tub? Issey Miyake, threeASFOUR, Daniel Gonzalez, By Liv Handmade, Virgil Abloh and Robert Wun. SP

Daniel Gonzalez was 16, a professional ballroom dancer getting ready for his first global competition, in 2009 when his partner asked him to design a costume for her to wear on the London stage.

“I kind of said, ‘I think my mom has a sewing machine,’ and we designed something,” Gonzalez recalls. “It turned into a small hobby, with me making costumes for my partner. And then other people in the dance studio wanted me to design for them — I had to hire a seamstress because I was doing so many costumes.”

A few years later, Gonzalez was teaching dance when one of his students asked him to design a dress for an upcoming trip.

“She was married to a professional golfer, and … in 2018, they were going to the Ryder Cup (gala) in Versailles.” Gonzalez had made plenty of dance costumes by then, but never a dress.

“I think that’s part of being young and bold, because I was so excited for the opportunity. But I was also so naïve, and that worked in my favor. We made the dress, and it was beautiful.”

Gonzalez didn’t realize it at the time, but that first silk dress influenced the trajectory of his namesake design business, which he debuted in 2020.

“I had never worked with silk, I normally worked with spandex and polyester, and then I did research and fell in love with the idea of using this incredible fabric.” Most of his designs are spun from the silk blends he’s come to love, and many feature his signature shade of chartreuse.

“I thought, if we’re going to put so much work into something, why make it out of disposable, cheap material? The whole process should be romantic and something special from top to bottom.”

Dancer-turneddesigner Daniel Gonzalez seeks to create the perfect silhouette. by Michelle Boudin photographs by Olly Yung

A ‘LOVE LETTER’ TO WOMEN

Gonzalez describes his designs as “a romantic love letter to women,” that are grounded in function and practicality.

“I make clean, beautiful silhouettes that work well on women that they can wear for years.”

Gonzalez is meticulous about ensuring the perfect fit, says Lucy Hardison, a client for five years.

“What makes Daniel’s pieces special are his creative designs, attention to detail, beautiful fabrics and expert tailoring,” Hardison says. “For example, rather than a traditional navy pleated skirt, he designed a dress with a half-pleated skirt and then subtly inserted panels of contrasting chartreuse. It is a fun twist, giving new life to a traditionally elegant daytime dress.”

Hardison also admires Gonzalez’s knit pieces, from pleated skirts to chunky popcorn sweaters, and his evening gowns. “His evening dresses are elegant, sleek and sophisticated.”

A ‘PROJECT RUNWAY’ MOMENT

Now one of Charlotte’s most sought-after designers, Gonzalez recently launched what he calls his most ambitious collection. The “Morphic” collection revolves around his love for octopuses and their ability to change and shift.

“I was researching, and I fell in love with them. I find this creature incredible that shifts from being smart and can kill you (though octopus bites are rare, they can be fatal), or can be someone’s best friend. They shift colors and textures, and change shape. It made me think about my favorite clients who are badass women but funny and harsh and strong all at the same time.”

From the beginning, Gonzalez, now 34, says his clothing has been about making women look and feel their best.

“You don’t hide when you dance, and my origin story started with, ‘How do we complement my partner’s shape?’” For example, his former dance partner was short with an athletic build. “From the get-go, I was always problem-solving to create

“I make clean, beautiful silhouettes that work well on women that they can wear for years.”

the perfect silhouette. My greatest gift is that I can look at someone and can say, here’s what’s going to benefit your body and is something that’s still comfortable to move in and operate. That was all part of dancing.”

Gonzalez created a full slate of dresses for Nancy Downing when her daughter got married two years ago, including her mother-of-the-bride dress, a pantsuit for the rehearsal dinner and her daughter’s reception party dress. She even wore one of his ready-to-wear pieces for the bridesmaids lunch.

“It was like, weekend by Daniel,” she laughs. Mostly, Downing wanted a dress that she could be comfortable and dance in at the reception.

“I went in there with a few ideas but nothing structured, and he is just a great listener. We brought together a vision for what I had in my head, and he made it come to life. I felt like I was on ‘Project Runway.’”

TAKING RISKS

Originally from Colombia, Gonzalez’s family moved to Gastonia when he was 9 years old before settling in Charlotte. While he is primarily self-taught, Gonzalez learned the fundamentals of design from his aunt, a dressmaker in Spain, and his grandmother. He admits much of his journey has been about risk-taking.

“Worst case, I fail — I just won’t do it again. That mentality saves me.”

He points to the time five years ago when he signed the lease on his Providence Road showroom before he had a fully formed business.

“I was selling out of my living room, and I had a couple of clients. I thought, if we can make five grand this month, it would be great. I’m still young enough that these risks are not as scary.” He’s motivated when clients ask him to create garments for important life events, and by the growth of his ready-to-wear line.

“I’m appreciating that, at no matter what age, if I stop taking risks, what’s the point?” SP

MOOD BOOST

Kendra White takes a Piper Glen home from dark and dated to light, bright and happy.

by Cathy Martin | photographs by Dustin and Susie Peck

“Lived-in” is how the Piper Glen mother of three described her family’s home of nearly 20 years before a recent first-floor renovation. “It was a comfortable home and inviting,” she says, but showed some wear and tear after raising a family.

“We wanted something just elegant, letting the natural light in — something very light and airy.”

After searching online for a designer, the homeowners brought in Kendra Tardif White of Pheasant Hill Designs to reimagine the kitchen, along with a powder room and an upstairs bedroom suite for their teen daughter. But once the kitchen was complete, the homeowners realized the entire downstairs of the ’90s-era home needed updating.

“It was one of those eye-opening moments,” the homeowner says. “The kitchen had been so elevated that we really needed to reimagine the other rooms to make it all match — to make a better flow.” They ended up gutting the entire first floor.

“We took everything down to the studs,” says White, founder and lead designer of Pheasant Hill. “The house has great bones,” she continues, but the dark-and-dated aesthetic was affecting the family’s ability to fully enjoy spending time there.

This page: A dining area adjacent to the kitchen overlooks the hearth room, where the family spends most of their time.

Opposite page: The dark, ’90s-era kitchen was transformed into a light, bright space for cooking and entertaining. The brushed brass light fixtures are from Hudson Valley Lighting. A scullery is concealed behind double doors that look like cabinets. Also hidden from view: A mixer stand with a pull-out shelf is built into the island.

AN ELEGANT AND FUNCTIONAL KITCHEN

“We really wanted to elevate the space,” the homeowner says. “I love to cook. I wanted a kitchen that was functional and elegant.”

Dark cabinets with brown granite countertops were replaced with custom white cabinets topped with beige Perla Venata quartzite. Brushed brass details on the custom hood and wall tiles add a bit of glamour, while burlwood counter stools balance the bling with a warm, natural element.

A statement-making marble backsplash extends beyond the workspace for a dramatic effect. “We decided there was no really good break point to stop the backsplash, so we carried it all the way to the door casing,” says White.

The couple also enjoys entertaining. To make the space more conducive to guests, a wet bar was created in a former pantry, with a wine cooler and deep drawers for liquor storage with custom reeded fronts. A scullery,

concealed behind double doors that look like cabinets, was carved out of an oversized laundry room. The space serves as both a pantry and a prep space when hosting guests.

A SPACE TO RELAX

One of the biggest transformations took place in the hearth room, a cozy space adjacent to the kitchen that’s bathed in sunlight.

“This is really where they spend their time as a family,” says White. Here, the designer brought in soft blues and greens that appealed to both the husband and wife. Custom sofas, chairs and ottomans provide ample seating for the family of five.

The fireplace is a focal point in the small room, but the original surround presented a design challenge.

“Previously it was a dark, emerald-green marble, with a very traditional mantel, which caused the TV

to be mounted extremely high,” says White. “Because the room is not that big, it wasn’t really comfortable for TV viewing.” By redesigning the fireplace surround and eliminating the mantel, the TV could be lowered to a more comfortable height.

Since the room is surrounded by windows, motorized woven shades that can be closed with the touch of a button were installed. Block-printed drapery panels from Galbraith & Paul soften the space.

ROOM FOR A CROWD

Rarely used rooms are now spaces the family looks forward to hanging out in. After the homeowners mentioned the formal living room was too “depressing” to sit in, White set about to fix that.

“When you walk in the front door, that’s the first room that you see, but they never used it because it was so dark,” says White. A muted color scheme

White turned a dark, rarely used living room into a bright, comfortable space with a game table and a sectional sofa for lounging or watching TV.

and adjacent sunroom had turned the room into a dungeon. And while the room was large enough, it didn’t function well for the homeowners, who sought space to accommodate extended family as their adult children start families of their own.

The designer added sconces and art lighting to brighten the room, refaced the fireplace, and gave the original built-ins a facelift, adding grasscloth wallpaper behind the shelves. A sectional sofa creates a space for relaxing and watching TV, while a custom game table and bar cart provides a dedicated space for an impromptu game of chess. Blush accent pillows and draperies in a botanical print add a feminine touch.

In the dining room, Visual Comfort lamps and floral draperies also pull in pink tones. The Thibaut fabric was the jumping-off point for the room’s design.

“Once that was picked, we put everything else together,” says White, including the custom animal print rug and Gustavian-style dining chairs for a Swedish aesthetic.

The renovation was so successful that the homeowners have since tapped White to tackle additional design projects, including an exterior renovation.

“Kendra and her team just brought our home to a different level of elegance and function.” SP

In the powder room, a wall-mounted pedestal sink gives the small space an open feel.

Keeping the original dentil molding, designer Kendra White painted all the walls and ceilings white to brighten the rooms.

desert dream

Amangiri: Impeccable design amid a jaw-dropping landscape in southern Utah

by Cathy Martin

i’m up just before sunrise on my last morning at Amangiri, taking photo after photo of the rust-colored horizon, trying to capture the early morning spectacle. I want to take it home with me, but no matter how hard I try, photos can’t fully capture the essence of this place.

Since its debut in 2009, the five-star hotel in Canyon Point, Utah, has been on many bucket lists and attracts a global clientele, including A-list celebrities. After a few days in this dreamy desert destination, it’s easy to see why.

Amangiri spans more than 900 acres — entering the resort feels like a private national park, surrounded by awe-inspiring ancient mesas and rock formations. (And coming from Charlotte, where everything “new” is in fashion, being among such geological wonders feels especially profound.)

A SEAMLESS DESIGN

If being immersed in such astounding natural beauty doesn’t impress, the resort’s impeccable design — nestled seamlessly into the landscape, with a minimalist aesthetic and purposeful elements around every corner — certainly will.

Aman hotels are named after the Sanskrit word for “peace,” and

Amangiri roughly translates to “peaceful mountain,” a nod to a nearby Navajo peak. The ultra-luxury global hotel brand is known for promoting a sense of calm and relaxation, and for honoring local traditions and culture.

Amangiri is the result of its founder’s vision after coming across a giant sandstone rock formation that’s more than 165 million years old. The property was federally owned, so the developers orchestrated a land swap to build a dream hotel.

Every wall, window and perfectly placed skylight feels intentional: At the end of a wide covered breezeway, a rectangular aperture frames the desert landscape like a living postcard. Along an outdoor corridor, narrow glimpses of land and sky appear between structures, a reference to the slot canyons in the surrounding areas.

Each of the resort’s 34 suites has an unobstructed view of the desert or mesa, private enclosed patios, and outdoor terraces with firepits and daybeds — some have private plunge pools. Concrete walls and all-white-everything could feel cold, but there’s warmth in the wood tones, cozy wool area rugs underfoot and the soft desert glow that overlays everything in this part of the world.

Of course, the bed is uber-comfortable, the towels are perfectly plush and the Aman personal-care products are fabulous. But there

The pool at Amangiri

are also gourmet snacks and a fully stocked fridge, essentials like a straw sun hat and tote in case you forgot them, and accessories like whip-stitched leather tissue boxes and carved-stone soap dispensers that look like they’re artisan-made.

OUTDOOR THRILLS AND A SPRAWLING SPA

It would be easy to spend your days sipping prickly-pear margaritas by the pool, which wraps around that ancient sandstone escarpment and is one of the resort’s most stunning features. But with hundreds of acres to explore — including 12 miles of trails, plus the nearby Lake Powell, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and other natural wonders — you’d be remiss not to venture out.

A short hike to Broken Arrow Cave will give you the lay of the land. You’ll see petroglyphs, pottery shards and other ancient artifacts, along with remnants of a movie set — scenes from the 1996 John Travolta movie, Broken Arrow, were filmed here.

Amangiri has its own private via ferrata system, a series of cables and metal rungs designed to make rock climbing accessible to all skill levels. The first via ferratas were built during WWI, to transport troops in the Dolomites. As an inexperienced climber (as in, I

went to Inner Peaks once, a decade ago), I set out with my guide on the easiest route, the Hoodoo Via Ferrata, for a three-hour adventure. Following a 15-minute hike from the resort, the course follows narrow slot canyons, ascends a winding series of ladders and culminates with breathtaking summit views — plus a thrilling chance to traverse a suspension bridge spanning a 600-foot gorge.

If you’re more of a passive adventure traveler, the resort offers helicopter and e-bike tours, hot-air balloon rides and UTV trips. During the summer months, there are boating excursions on Lake Powell, where you can explore secluded coves or take a private jet-ski tour. There are family-friendly options as well, including horseback riding and a via ferrata route with a replica dinosaur dig. If you can dream it (and have the budget to make it happen), there’s a good chance they can do it. Want a helicopter lift to a private yoga session atop a mesa? Yep, that’s a thing here.

After a rigorous climb or slot-canyon hike, you’ll want to recover with a little spa time. Treatments begin with a sage smudging to cleanse away negative energy. Leave ample time before or after your massage, facial or guided meditation to enjoy the step pool, cold plunge, sauna or steam room at the sprawling, 25,000-square-foot spa complex.

Couples massage room

Orchard Suite

If you’re still up after sundown, you’ll be treated to a stargazing experience like no other. I woke up one night at 3 a.m., stepped outside and was greeted with a blanket of stars. With almost zero light pollution here, the sky puts on a show each evening.

DELECTABLE DINING

Amangiri’s restaurant offers desert views and a terrace for dining poolside. The menu leans Asian but incorporates regional ingredients and techniques. There are plenty of plant-based options too, along with palate-pleasing staples for pickier eaters.

The cast-iron pancake at breakfast has become legendary — the fluffy inch-thick confection is topped with macerated berries and served with Utah maple syrup. Other standouts included a wild mushroom wood-fired pizza (sauce Mornay, fresh mozzarella, white truffle essence and herbs) at lunch and a spicy Three Sisters curry (Sonoran Desert grains, heirloom vegetables, kaffir, jasmine rice) at dinner, paired with a soothing Giri-style French martini (Chopin vodka, Chambord, lavender and lemonade).

At nearby Camp Sarika — a sort of resort-within-a-resort featuring 10 luxury safari tents for guests wanting more space and privacy — the fixed dinner menu changes nightly. It’s worth dining here at least once during your stay to take in an up-close view of the majestic Studhorse Mesa.

ALL IN THE DETAILS

One of the most extraordinary things about Amangiri is the

stillness — the quiet. You won’t hear traffic, loud music or even much wildlife, aside from the occasional chirping of a cliff swallow or the rustling of a ground squirrel darting across the desert floor. And with fewer than 50 suites and pavilions, the resort never feels crowded.

Beyond its brilliant design and pristine location, little details make a stay at Amangiri extra-special: manicured fruit trees throughout the property — pick a plum or two for a sweet midday snack — or special turndown treats like a Navajo dream catcher or sage bundle to take a piece of the experience home.

Even the art is literally of this place. German artist Ulrike Arnold visits annually to create expansive canvases made entirely with native materials — sand, shale, clay, volcanic ash — her gestural works standing out while simultaneously blending in with the natural landscape.

Driving out to catch an early flight home, as the bright orange sun inches over the horizon, I’m feeling calm and grounded. I’ve checked a box off the bucket list, but all I can think about is coming back. SP

GETTING THERE: Book a nonstop flight from Charlotte to Las Vegas; it’s a four-hour drive to Amangiri, but the scenery along the way is magnificent. Or, opt for a connecting flight to Page, Arizona, about 25 minutes from the resort. Amangiri provides complimentary transfers from Page. Overnight stays include breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus daily guided group hikes and wellness classes. Alcohol, spa treatments and experiences are extra.

The restaurant at Camp Sarika

Wellness experience

A pavilion at Camp Sarika

swirl

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

St. Jude Celebrity Chef & Wine Dinner

benefiting St. Jude The Revelry North End May 31

This festive evening of dining and dancing raised more than $1.5 million to support St. Jude’s mission of children’s cancer care and research. photographs by Daniel Coston

Olivia Rearden

Lautersack family and Amanda Dudzik

Glenn Kirby and Kristen Bernard

Ben Rinderle, Ali Burr, Jennifer Phillips and Katie Cronin

Joe and Shawna Culik

Samantha and Joseph Tulloch

Keith and Jackie Koteles

swirl

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

EQUALibrium Awards

presented by WFAE

The Revelry at North End

June 5

Notable Charlotteans and groups were recognized for fostering equity in the Queen City. Winners included: Michael Smith, Francisco Alvarado, Dorothy Counts-Scoggins and Mary Engel.

by Daniel Coston

2025 CLT Memorial Event Honoring Chuck Reiney

benefiting Ace the Stigma Olde Providence Racquet Club

June 26-29

This weekend of great tennis and events was held in memory of OPRC’s past president who died by suicide. Ace the Stigma, a nonprofit established by Reiney’s family, supports local agencies providing mental-health services.

photographs by Daniel Coston

photographs

Nhora and Gabriella Gomez-Saxon

Jobie Sprinkle and Ingrid Travis James

Alex LaBrec and De Cordell

Mary and Rob Engel

Zibby Shaw, Charlie Reiney, Betsy Reiney and Megan Reiney

Jane and Trey Tune, Whitney and Kevin D’Allaird

Ed Williams, Randy Wall, Chris Love

24 Hours of Booty

benefiting 24 Foundation

The Booty Loop

July 25

For 24 hours, cyclists converge in Myers Park to ride for friends and loved ones who have battled cancer. This summer marks 24 years for the beloved bike ride, which has raised more than $29 million since it began.

photographs by Daniel Coston

A women’s networking and fundraising event ( like no other! ) benefiting The Go Jen Go Foundation.

Spencer Lueders

Terri Jeffries, Edie Rowe and Denise Ritch

Wendy Fu, Rob Poteat, Sandy and Sam Mazoway

benefiting

June

Lisa Dale and Peter Levinson

Kim Henderson and Tramayne Osbourne

Olivia Horton and Zack Wyatt

Abigail Jennings, Andre Kearns and Randolph Lewis

POTTERY-PALOOZA

At the start of festival and market season in Charlotte, the Mint offers up a uniquely North Carolina shopping experience.

by Sharon Smith

I’m a sucker for pottery. I took my first trip to Seagrove decades ago with a friend and her mom, and still treasure my first pottery purchases from that day. The North Carolina hamlet is home to some of the best potters in the world. It’s a worthwhile two-hour drive from Charlotte any time of year.

But Potters Market at the Mint is right down the road. Each September, this one-day sale on the lawn of Mint Museum Randolph brings together more than 50 of North Carolina’s top ceramic artists. Within my first few steps under the big tent last year, I was immediately taken with Penland School of Craft resident artist Daniel Garver’s bright, modern ceramics — and bonus, we had a nice conversation about his methods and first trip to Potters Market.

That’s part of the draw. Pottery is the main attraction — from useful, modern wares to kitschy, whimsical display pieces — but there’s also community. Talk with a potter, enjoy some bluegrass, watch a demo at the potter’s wheel. There’s even a beer garden.

And yes, there’s a good showing of artists from Seagrove. You can meet famed potter Ben Owen III, of the Owen pottery dynasty. He’s a big supporter of the event, which is now a 20-year tradition for potters and collectors alike. SP

Get a head start on bringing home that perfect piece. There’s a VIP Potters Party Friday evening, Sept. 26. Preview party tickets are $200 each. General admission tickets on Saturday, Sept. 27, are $25. Details at pottersmarketatthemint.com

Featured potter Reiko Miyagi