Dress the part
Atlanta fashion designer Megan Huntz makes a collection of pieces for women that blends minimalism and vintage inspiration.
The designer: Huntz grew up in Atlanta's Morningside neighborhood. She graduated from Woodward Academy and earned an industrial design degree from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Huntz worked a few years in Atlanta before going back to school for a master's degree in fashion design at Domus Academy in Milan. She then worked in the denim industry for several years in Italy and Barcelona before returning to Atlanta in 2010. She launched her clothing line in 2011.
Haute looks (now): The Charlotte dress ($395), Ina dress ($350), Milan dress ($520) and the June top ($210).
Best seller: Valentina sleeveless top ($210).
Other favorites: The Allana shirt dress ($340); the Gulf dress ($415); the Atley culottes ($360); and the Kate dress ($345).
Claim to fame: Actress Elizabeth Olsen bought a few pieces from Atlanta boutique Henry & June. Some pieces have been seen on the TV show "The Originals," specifically on Phoebe Tonkin for a promo poster. Atlanta author and entertaining expert Danielle Rollins is also a client.
What's next: Exhibiting at the Capsule show in New York City in September.
Where to buy: meganhuntz.com and shoplesnouvelles.com (starting in July). In the Atlanta area, check Henry & June, 784 N. Highland (henryandjuneatl.com) and Steven Alan, 1170 Howell Mill Road (stevenalan.com), starting in September.
Collectible cups
Growing up in Mississippi, Charlotte Smith was surrounded by makers, people who didn’t head for the mall but made what they needed with what they had. It influenced her. Now Smith is a maker too.
Background: After graduating with a degree in sculpture from Mississippi State University, Smith moved to Atlanta. She joined a ceramics co-op and became fixated on creating one-of-a-find cups. In 2014, she started Charlotte Smith Studios in her downtown loft.
The goods: Ceramic porcelain cups ($22 to $60), with a clean, modern design, are hand thrown on the wheel. Some of the mostly white cups are carved afterward, and many have hand-painted designs. "The cups are all different, yet they go together," said Smith.
Big break: Collaborating with 2015 MA (Design is Human Atlanta) on its Limited Edition collection, which also includes Atlanta-based fashion designer Megan Huntz (meganhuntz.com) and Sarah Green of Cord Shoes (www.cordshoes.com). For the MA collection, Smith designed a cup with metal accents.
Where to buy: www.shopcharlottesmith.com and at Octane Coffee's Westside shop, 1009-B Marietta St. (octanecoffee.com)
Off the cuff
New Orleans native Gogo Borgerding says her personal style is more vintage, but the colorful metal jewelry she makes is decidedly modern.
The artist: After graduating in 2000 from Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in metals and jewelry design, Borgerding returned to New Orleans and got to work. In 2006, she opened Gogo Jewelry, which features the work of 17 other artists as well as her own.
Best sellers: Sterling and anodized aluminum cuffs ($185 to $545) in various sizes and popular patterns, such as water like "Sea pods" and "Chicago" (very Frank Lloyd Wright).
Her favorite cuff (now): The "Mondo mid-century" pattern in zesty shades of teal and lime green
Big break: In 2005, she landed a booth at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and sold out of her cuffs that year. Borgerding now makes the Jazz Fest, as locals call it, every year.
What's new: Sterling side earrings ($45 to $225), necklaces ($55 to $455) and new patterns for cuffs.
Where to buy: www. Ilovegogojewelry.com. In New Orleans, head for her shop, Gogo Jewelry, 2036 Magazine St. In Atlanta, find her jewelry at The Indie Craft Experience June 6-7 at the Georgia Freight Depot, 65 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. For details, check www.ice-atlanta.com.
Best of the South
Do you have favorite finds from around the South that you give as gifts, buy for your home or rave about to friends? If so, send your suggestions to: lljerkins@gmail.com. Also find more Southern-made products, featured in the AJC, at Southernfinds on Facebook or twitter@southernfinds1.
About the Author
