The Bold Visionaries of 2012 a success!
Saturday, January 28th, was a night for a select group of Atlanta style-makers and industry movers and shakers. This intimate gathering was for the Access Granted Signature Series: The Bold Visionaries of 2012 awards ceremony that recognized and celebrated rising industry icons in Art, Style, Design, Media, Philanthropy, and Luxury.
This event was the brainchild of Darcy Harris of the VIP Room Design Studios for the Luxury Signature Series. She, along with honoree SIMCOlifestyle were the hosts that evening.
Aptly titled The Bold Visionaries, the timing for these awards is crucial. Accordingly, the six honorees were a collective mix of people chosen by Darcy, only because this was the first ceremony that will become an annual or semi-annual event:
MEDIA: Lentheus Chaney – Urban Lux Magazine
INTERIOR: Simon – SIMCOlifestyle
MODEL MANAGEMENT: Marcus Jackson – Caliber Enterprises
FASHION: Jenine Cotrice Addison – The Cotrice Collection
PHILANTROPHY: Sylvia Webb – 40 Girls and Some Shoes
“The honorees were chosen because of their contributions to the community in their respective categories,” says Darcy. “They are to be recognized because they have the credentials and have shown a level of success in what they do or have done.”
In the world of design – as in photography – image is a major factor, so this was the perfect environment for a shooter. The night was proof that less is more and it broke away from the norm of Atlanta’s “be there, be seen, be heard, be the show” mentality events. Thankfully no step-and-release, no red carpet, no velvet ropes. The general focus was about who’s relating to luxury and style, and the direct focus was about the awards. From the Taste of Luxe signature drinks “Tastini” sponsored by Veev and served by the Sir-Mix-A-Lot bartenders, to the various interior designs and furnishings, the ambiance was a rare opportunity as a shooter to be in the company of innovators. What was also impressive and memorable was how supportive the crowd was. After all, this evening was about the community and recognizing how giving back to the community is its own reward.
There’s a certain expectation to Atlanta’s events. To date, I have not experienced the level of luxury, style or commitment to luxury and style as the Access Granted event. Darcy, an industry veteran and Owner/Principal Interior Designer of the VIP Room Design Studio, has the credentials and vision that allowed for the success of this event to stand on its own.
My assignment that night took a turn in another direction I hadn’t expected. Sylvia Webb, founder of the nonprofit 40 Girls and Some Shoes, is an organization you should become familiar with, and it was a highlight the audience appreciated. The captivating story of how her organization came about held everyone’s attention. The organization was recently approached by Nu Mu Lambda, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Community Service project. They had collected and donated over 500 pairs of men’s and women’s shoes. This is the level of community give back that was honored that night.
“It was a truly awesome night,” remarked Sylvia. “It wasn’t the typical award ceremony. I’m not an entertainer or politician, so it meant a lot to be recognized.”
All in all, this was a good night for all. Where luxury and style meet, there’s always a time and place for it. If you truly define a unique lifestyle, the Luxury Signature Series will be a part of that experience. Defined by Darcy is a simple calling, actually more of a mantra than anything else.
“Do what you love to do and everything else will follow.”
Evident by her diverse body of work, this Florida/New York transplant says her passion drives her. She truly understands about lifestyle and branding.
This night was a culmination of many things, but the message and point of the awards was a highlight the audience acknowledged, accepted, and appreciated.
That’s always a good thing.
