Ann Mashburn's Stylish Boutique Debuts

By Haskell Harris | June 18, 2010 | Design

If you're in Atlanta, Georgia, anytime this summer, make a point to stop by Ann Mashburn, the brand new self-titled shop opened by menswear designer Sid Mashburn's equally talented wife. It's just two doors down from his eponymous storefront. 

Ann has been hard at work for months, but she shared a few early photos with me yesterday and her space is amazing. The whole thing is a feminine counterpoint to Sid's masculine aesthetic: where you'll find Lochcarron tartan upholstery at his shop, you'll find hot pink linen at hers, and so on. But the two brands also have quite a bit in common. Both of their showrooms carry a well edited selection of classic-meets-modern staples and designs from each of their in-house labels. 

Stop by and check out the mix (think Kendall Conrad handbags, Ann's debut line of shirtdresses, and more).

How about opening up a Mashburn shop in Charleston you two?

Photos by Pete Samuelson 

Announcing G&G's Made in the South Awards

By Haskell Harris | June 7, 2010 | Design

We've been planning the Made in the South Awards for months now, but it's finally time for folks to start submitting their entries, and I cannot wait to see the talent we discover along the way. Our Editor in Chief, Sid Evans, explained the purpose of the contest best:

"Some of the greatest products in the world are made in the South, and the goal of the Garden & Gun Made in the South Awards is to bring more of those products to light. We envision this contest as a celebration of fine craftsmanship, artisinal foods, and the best of Southern style. It's about recognizing men and women who work with their hands, whether they're making musical instruments, wooden boats, or the best looking rocking chair you've ever seen."

If you're a Southern craftsman or entrepreneur making things by hand, making things in small batches, or just making beautiful things period, go to gardenandgun.com/madeinthesouth to learn more about how to enter. And if you know someone who fits this description, spread the word. 

Stylish Goods that Give Back

By Haskell Harris | May 28, 2010 | Design

I'm all for anything that gives back to the greater good, and that's exactly why I love Proud Mary textiles. The company (which is now based entirely here in Charleston) works with artisans from around the globe to produce  beautiful pillows and more—improving quality of life along the way. "Our goal is to empower and support global textile artisans and their families," says co-founder Harper Poe. 

Recently, Proud Mary collaborated with artisans in Cape Town to create a new line of pillows. All are printed on 100% African cotton using non-toxic pigments, and all were inspired by the colors and textures and indigenous art in the area. They're so new that they're not even on the web site yet, but I just had to share a sneak peek. My favorite is called "Quill" (photo below).

All styles will be up soon, so you can check out the entire collection then, but in the meantime, I'd love to know more about Southern companies just like Proud Mary, companies reaching out both at home and abroad in a similar fashion. Who am I leaving out?