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We invited a few trendsetters to offer their thoughts on the new year, as well as the one that's behind us. They delivered insights that were surprisingly reflective and poignant.
Whether you agree or disagree with their statements, at least they provide fodder as we all ponder what lies ahead. TRENDSETTER: Kevin Knaus, founder of Style Atlanta THOUGHTS ON '05: My goal of launching Style Atlanta --- the official fashion and design week of Atlanta --- came off as a major success, with great international publicity for our city. THOUGHTS ON '06: People are now realizing they can live in our city and still be a major player in the style industry. TRENDSETTER: Ike Reese, Atlanta Falcons linebacker THOUGHTS ON '05: I loved that I finally got a chance to play in the Super Bowl [as a Philadelphia Eagle] and I made the Pro Bowl for the first time in my career. THOUGHTS ON '06: A new challenge for me: I plan to attend Kennesaw State this off-season to finish up my communications degree. TRENDSETTER: Kenny Burns, co-owner of RyanKenny Clothing THOUGHTS ON '05: The ''Change Clothes'' movement had everyone dressing to impress. THOUGHTS ON '06: I look forward to dressing a little more casually. TRENDSETTER: Melissa Murdock, owner of the Sandpiper boutiques THOUGHTS ON '05: I won't miss the homogenization of department stores --- goodbye to Lazarus, Rich's (left) and my beloved Marshall Field's. THOUGHTS ON '06: I will miss: bling, Peter Jennings and the prospect for world peace in 2005. TRENDSETTER: Isabel Gonzalez, co-author of "Latin Chic" and editor at Teen People THOUGHTS ON '05: I loved seeing so many Latinas making waves in Hollywood, from Eva Longoria (right) to Shakira. THOUGHTS ON '06: I look forward to returning to my entertaining roots, throwing some fun dinner parties, getting together with friends, traveling to some great places with my husband. TRENDSETTER: Mia Butler, Host of "Movie & a Makeover" on TBS THOUGHTS ON '05: I loved big chandelier earrings (left) because you could throw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt and look polished and fabulous. THOUGHTS ON '06: I'm not very fond of the '80s 'retro' look, so I hope it leaves along with '05. TRENDSETTER: Merrideth Colwell-Shea, owner of Merci Woman --- Styles for the Full-Figured Woman THOUGHTS ON '05: The worst fashion statement was the bohemian trend; that look was great for the '60s and '70s, and it should have remained there. THOUGHTS ON '06: The best statement --- that I hope continues --- is the gaucho pant (left). It's a universally flattering alternative to bottoms for any shape and size. TRENDSETTER: Shaquille O'Neal, part-time Atlantan and Miami Heat center THOUGHTS ON '05: I hated witnessing firsthand the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. And I loved finding out that baby No. 6 is on the way. THOUGHTS ON '06: I'm looking forward to enjoying my family and recognizing what's really important. TRENDSETTER: Nicole Miller, fashion designer THOUGHTS ON '05: I got tired of the tunic look. ... It's more cover-up fashion than chic. THOUGHTS ON '06: Metallic fabrics (right) will continue to be embraced because they're easier to wear and maintain, with a mild detergent like Woolite, than ever before. TRENDSETTER: Carey Carter, co-owner of the Carter-Barnes Hair Salon THOUGHTS ON '05: I hated all the cellphones in the salon. ... I also hated that every woman in Atlanta let her hair grow long, even when it wasn't right for her. THOUGHTS ON '06: Hopefully, we'll see some cute, short, youthful haircuts. And more natural hair color, as opposed to brunettes with heavy streaks. TRENDSETTER: Richard Harris, CEO of Spa Sydell THOUGHTS ON '05: We saw a huge increase in men having spa treatments. From massage to sport pedicures, men's services were definitely in demand. THOUGHTS ON '06: There will be an increase in stress awareness, a surge in holistic health measures, complementary medicine, and taking care of the mind as well as the body. TRENDSETTER: Mark Edge (right), Atlanta-based jewelry designer THOUGHTS ON '05: I was sad to see the departure of [chef] Shawn Doty from Mid-City Cuisine. THOUGHTS ON '06: I'm so looking forward to [Doty's] food at Table 1280 (left), the new Mitchell Gold store in Buckhead and the Adidas Y-3 store at Around Lenox. TRENDSETTER: Melissa Sweet, Atlanta-based bridalwear designer THOUGHTS ON '05: The things I really could have done without in 2005 are the peasant skirts and the ballerina shoes with kitten heels. Those were bad. THOUGHTS ON '06: Black is back in a big way. ... And I love the comeback of chunky jewelry, especially necklaces! TRENDSETER: Dana Spinola, owner of the Fab'rik boutiques THOUGHTS ON '05: I loved watching everyone come together in such a charitable way to help out the hurricane victims. From boutiques to gas stations to colleges, everyone gave what they could. THOUGHTS ON '06: Have lots of children, work less and play more. Live for the moment! And keep pushing the fashion envelope in Atlanta.
Copyright 2006 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
