As we do every year in September, our cover story this month is on fashion in Baton Rouge. This year we have done a little riff on the Mad Men series, except our focus is on “Mad Women.” They are young, strong, bold and independent, and they certainly know style when they see it.
In case you haven’t seen Mad Men, it’s a TV show that airs on AMC and is set in the 1960’s. It’s all about the inner workings and characters that fill a fast-paced advertising agency located on Madison Avenue. Victor Schmitt, our fashion director for this spread, took inspiration from some vintage designs of the ’60s, and his team found modern pieces—all available in Baton Rouge—that give this look a striking update.
Baton Rouge has come a long way in the past decade in regard to fashion and style. We were fortunate for this issue to have worked with Louisiana native Cheryl Galante who has worked in New York City for the past twenty years. She is a stylist for some of the top photographers in the world, and her work has appeared in Vogue, Glamour, Allure and Vanity Fair, just to name a few. Galante has also worked for Saks 5th Avenue, Macy’s and Bloomingdales. Even with all of her experience and exposure in one of the fashion capitals of the world, she was still impressed with the local boutiques that were included in this month’s issue.
“The boutiques in Baton Rouge have a very impressive selection of designer pieces,” she said. “The buyers in this market are really locked in to what’s happening in fashion.”
Wow! That is a compliment from someone in the industry who really knows what is on point.
Here is a professional from New York who was impressed with our boutiques here in the 225 area. The fact is, when it comes to fashion in Baton Rouge, our options continue to grow in both quantity and quality.
If you love basketball or volleyball mark your calendar for September 18. That night, the Baton Rouge Basketball and Volleyball Association will host a dinner honoring former LSU Basketball Coach Dale Brown.
Those of you who know coach Brown know what a special man he is and how he has always gone out of his way to help others throughout his lifetime in athletics. For those of you that have never met Dale, I can personally tell you that 25 years ago when I met him he had a profound impact on my life.
I remember the first time we spoke. I am only 5’7″ tall (with shoes), but after talking for 30 minutes, I left feeling 7’5″ tall and ready to conquer the world. He was the person that introduced me to legendary basketball coach John Wooden and told me to never stop believing that good things can and will happen if I stayed the course. That was a long time ago, but I still remember his words.Indeed, the setting for this evening will be very special. Shaquille O’Neal, Bob Petit, Rudy Macklin, Mahmoud Abdul Rauf, Glen Davis, Tyrus Thomas and many other former LSU greats will be on hand to honor the coach. It’s going to be a special night, and children are invited too. The event takes place inside the L’Auberge ballroom from 6 to 9 p.m.
To purchase tickets and receive more information, call 225-328-6461 or email [email protected].
Legacy is a fascinating subject. So is ingenuity. These forces can often be competing, but when they meet, the result can be remarkable. Matthew Patton grew up in a well-known and successful jewelry family. But after several years of working under his father, he decided to strike out on his own with a brand-new concept and new idea for how to bring quality custom jewelry and a memorable experience to customers. Next month, Patton’s new Cut FJ showroom will open its doors, and editor Jeff Roedel has the story behind this young entrepreneur’s journey.
Our modern lives are so filled with work, coordination and communication, mass media and social media that it can be a real challenge to make the time to exercise. But even when we do, oftentimes working out can take place inside a gym or fitness facility with earbuds in our ears blasting pop music or a podcast and our eyes glued to a TV as we run on the treadmill.
What would it feel like to truly unplug? What if you could get your exercise in while also going on an adventure?
The Baton Rouge area has a lot of ways to do this, including on the water. Check out contributor Christie Matherne Hall’s complete guide to canoeing and kayaking in and around the Capital Region.
