Issuu

The Style Issue S E P TE M B E R 2 02 6

Private Home Management | Personal Project Management Party & Small Event Management

Birmingham • Huntsville • 30A

Remarkable Lives Run Remarkably Well HUM Concierge is a private home and life management firm led by a former C-suite consultant and a former COO who bring an executive mindset to every engagement. Our expert team manages the demanding projects in your life so that you have more time to enjoy the remarkable life you’ve built.

- Now Booking for the Holiday Season -

www.HUMConcierge.com Hello@HUMConcierge.com 205-578-2024

odettecollective.com | Pepper Place Design District 2817 & 2829 Second Avenue South

Acquisitions & Appraisals

A SECOND LIVING ROOM

“It’s a Southern roots Americana take on an English pub. The menu is chef-driven but approachable”.

Chef Trenton Tisdale shares the story behind Pepper Place's highly anticipated new neighborhood pub.

Where does that philosophy come from?

What is The Harrington Pub? We wanted to create the kind of place people naturally make part of their routine. Stop in for a burger and a beer after work, share a few snacks and a great bottle of wine with friends, catch a game, or bring your family for dinner. More than anything, we hope it becomes the kind of place people return to again and again. How would you describe the food? It’s a Southern roots Americana take on an English pub. The menu is chef-driven but approachable. We want people to recognize the dishes without needing an explanation, while still being surprised by the quality and attention to detail. Alongside our core menu, we’ll feature daily specials inspired by what’s fresh from our local farms and flavors we love, from Southern ingredients to Internationally inspired dishes.

I grew up in rural Alabama, so cooking seasonally has always been part of my life. My mom kept a huge garden, and every year we’d preserve what we grew. That’s where my love of housemade pickles and cooking with what’s in season began. Working and learning in great kitchens my entire career has also had a huge impact on my favorite flavor combinations. Those memories still shape the way I cook today. What do you hope people experience when they walk through the door? We want people to feel welcome. There’s no dress code. No pretense. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, meeting clients for lunch, or grabbing dinner after work, we hope The Harrington becomes the kind of place you return to again and again. Great food matters. So do thoughtful cocktails and an approachable wine list. But more than anything, we want to create a place where people gather.

The Harrington Pub Now Open 212 29th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233

pepperplace.com @pepperplacebhm

Leasing Opportunities lchase@slossrealestate.com Community & Events eletts@slossrealestate.com

theharringtonpub.com @theharringtonbham

Presents

Sloss furnaces Saturday, September 26th | 12-4pM 30+ live fire chefs & pitmasters southern living tailgate stage presented by shipt craft beer & wine garden Coca Cola Music Stage featuring MARC BROUSSARD and Jon Cleary and THE Absolute Monster Gentlemen Avadian credit union football lounge

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! SOUTHBOUNDFOODFEST.COM

@SOUTHBOUNDFOODFEST

SUSTAINABILITY PROVIDED BY

Style Begins at Home

3075 John Hawkins Pkwy, Hoover, AL

scandesigngallery.com 205-985-4507

RENEW

REFRESH

RELAX

Customized Massage + Eminence Organic Facials + Couples Services M a n i c u r e s a n d P e d i c u r e s + Wa x i n g + S p a P a r t i e s 3920 Crosshaven Drive Birmingham, Alabama

205-834-8349

theretreatbham.com

STOP. LOOK. LOCK.

Parked cars get hot, FAST. adeca

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs

CHILDRENSAL.ORG/HOT-CAR S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Fashion & Style Issue

September 2026 PUBLISHER

Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R

Denise K. James

Dear Reader, I hope this letter finds you inspired and ready to embrace the beauty of self-expression. Style is such an extraordinary part of life— it’s far more than the clothes we wear or the accessories we choose. Style is woven into every detail of our existence, from the way we decorate our homes to the art and music we enjoy, the books we read, and even how we interact with the world around us. It’s the unique thread that creates the tapestry of who we are. What makes style so captivating is its deeply personal nature. It evolves alongside us as we explore new interests, embrace our quirks, and express what we value most. It’s a language without words, a powerful tool for connection that can bridge differences and spark shared understanding. Here in Birmingham, we’re fortunate to have endless opportunities to celebrate and explore style. Whether it’s through visiting local boutiques, supporting creative entrepreneurs, or simply drawing inspiration from our city’s vibrant culture, there’s so much to ignite your creativity and lift your spirit. This month, I encourage you to think of style as an authentic expression of yourself. The most beautiful style is one that reflects who you truly are—your passions, your story, your individuality. And the incredible thing is that no one else in the world can replicate that. So go ahead, celebrate your unique style. Whether you’re exploring new trends, blending classic elements, or creating something entirely original, let this issue inspire you to embrace the power of self-expression. Here’s to being unapologetically and uniquely you! Cheers!

P U B L I S H E R AS S I STAN T

K A L I M C N U T T, P U B L I S H E R @BIRMINGHAM.LIFESTYLE

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise.

Shellye Andrus STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Mary Fehr CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

David Kirk, Katharine Armbrester, Kali McNutt C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

GREDDINS, Mary Fehr, Laurey Glenn, Adrian Gaut, Triple Seven Productions

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Proverbs 3:5-6 Birmingham Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Birmingham area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BIRMINGHAM

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Birmingham Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

CRESTWOOD $364,950

1221 58th Street S | Listing Agent

ABOUT

Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham. Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 745 transactions totaling over $372 million dollars of real estate sold in the area. “I have made a huge effort to be intimately engaged in the central city and surrounding “city suburbs” from Forest Park to Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, so that I can provide the greatest benefit to my clients, which I strongly believe is market knowledge”. Her greatest motivation is her clients: She says, “Success to me is doing what I love every day and knowing my contributions positively impact my clients, my company and my city and that I have produced the highest quality of work.”

GET IN TOUCH lhughes@arcrealtyco.com 205.936.0314

MOUNTAIN BROOK $860,000

3636 Crestside Road | Buyer Agent

FOREST PARK $850,000

4008 10th Ave S | Buyer Agent

inside the issue SE PTE M B E R 2 02 6 | STYL E

18 Featured

24 32

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

From Walls to Wardrobe

Inspired by Gracie’s handpainted wallcoverings, Gus Mayer translates the decorative arts into fashion fit for fêting

All the World’s His Stage

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Fashion Forward ARTS + CULTURE

Back Stage ARTS + CULTURE

Artist’s Palette ARTS + CULTURE

Trend Setter LIFE + CULTURE

Must See ARTS + CULTURE

Home Update HOME + DESIGN

Christopher Confero blends global perspective, theatrical imagination, and Birmingham hospitality into every event he creates.

Just Keep Painting Two Birmingham artists inspire each other and future artists

On the Cover When he is not traveling the world for his award-winning event design firm, publisher and consummate creative Christopher Confero can be found, Orange Thing in hand, at Bottega Café. Photography: Mary Fehr

With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.

When Results Matter T h e E v o l u t i o n o f M o d e r n Te c h n i q u e s i n Fa c i a l R e j u v e n a t i o n Few people realize that the major milestones The Bottom Line in facial plastic surgery have historically been When searching for a surgeon to perform driven by plastic surgeons certified by the your facial rejuvenation, it is optimal to select American Board of Plastic Surgery. The deep a surgeon that has been involved with the plane facelift, currently all the rage, was innovation of modern techniques. described by a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Grady Core has been performing deep Dr. Hamra in 1990. The discovery of the SMAS plane face lifts since 1998 and taught it this layer itself, the foundation of the modern year at the Mayo Clinic. He is one of the facelift, was also first discovered by original inventors of endoscopic techniques in plastic surgeons. The endoscopic brow lift, facial plastic surgery, now gaining popularity popular worldwide, was developed and worldwide. Therefore, he has the longest described in 1991 by Dr. Vasconez experience in the world with endoscopic and Dr. Core right here in facial plastic surgery and one of the Birmingham, Alabama. Most longest with deep plane face lifts. So, recently, the endoscopic ponytail when it’s the result that matters, choose lift was described by a plastic expertise and experience. surgeon, Dr. Kao in 2024.

www.coreplasticsurgery.com

205.397.2100

@coreplasticsurgery

SCAN. $ GIVE 5.

SEPTEMBER 2026

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

SAVE A YOUNG LIFE.

As a proud member of the Monday Morning Quarterback Club, I am raising money for the medical needs of children across Alabama. To learn more and join our $5 Campaign, scan the QR code today!!

Barbara Adkins of Black Sheep Antiques Releases Book In Past Forward, Barbara Adkins opens the doors to her beloved nineteenth-century Alabama farmhouse, sharing a deeply personal story of preservation, collecting, and gracious Southern living. Richly photographed and layered with timeless interiors, gardens, and antiques, the book reflects the discerning eye that has made Adkins a respected voice in design. Adkins owns Black Sheep Antiques in Harpersville, where her carefully curated collections have inspired collectors and designers for over a decade. Photography by Hector Manuel Sanchez

www.210tutengroup.com 16

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

M O R E T H A N L AW N C A R E

THE MOST STYLISH ROOM IS OUTSIDE.

Avani Rupa Celebrates Ten Years in Mountain Brook Village Avani Rupa is celebrating 10 years in Mountain Brook Village and more than 25 years in business with an anniversary party on September 24 from 4–8 p.m. Festivities begin with a ribbon-cutting at 4:30 p.m., followed by an evening of jewelry-inspired cocktails and Indianinspired cuisine, plus a DJ, a gem identification station, giveaways, and plenty of sparkle. It’s a celebration of the clients, community, and relationships that have made the last 25 years so special.

Scan to read more

Patios & Walkways | Retaining Walls Outdoor Kitchens | Landscape Drainage | Water Features Outdoor Lighting | Trees, Shrubs, & Plants

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ BIRMINGHAM

B I R M I N G H A M | H U N T S V I L L E | AU B U R N acreoutdoors.com | 205.453.9367 S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

FROM WALLS TO WARDROBE INSPIRED BY GRACIE’S HAND-PAINTED WALLCOVERINGS, GUS MAYER TRANSLATES THE DECORATIVE ARTS INTO FASHION FIT FOR FÊTING ARTICLE BY KALI MCNUTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR

FASH ION F OR WA R D | ARTS + CU LT U RE

One of Birmingham's most stylish evenings arrives each autumn with Gala in the Gardens, the opening celebration of Antiques at the Gardens, the annual benefit for Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. This year’s design sponsor is Gracie, the sixth-generation family-owned maker of hand-painted wallpapers. Four extraordinary Gracie wall coverings will transform the Birmingham Botanical Gardens at this year’s show. In preparation for this year’s Gala, we tasked Gus Mayer with interpreting each wallpaper’s artistry. Sculptural silhouettes echo geometric lattice. Painterly florals recall centuries-old bird-and-flower paintings. Lustrous silks capture the shimmer of silver leaf, while rich jewel tones and botanical embellishments reflect Gracie's modern take on chinoiserie. To further tie-in to this year’s show, we photographed these inspired looks at Zachary J. Westall Studios, located at 212 20th Street North in downtown Birmingham. Westall will be creating the garden entry design and installation for this year’s Antiques at the Gardens. CONTINUED >

Dress on opening page by Zimmerman. Dresses above by Acler (left) and Leo Lin (right). S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

FASH ION F OR WA R D | ARTS + CU LT U RE

Dresses from Gus Mayer from left to right: Acler, Teri Jon, Bach Mai, Amsale. Champagne colored dress on previous page by Mac Duggal. Orange dress with bows by Leo Lin.

Antiques at the Gardens will take place October 1 – 4, 2026. Antiques at the Gardens co-chairs are Marguerite Johnson, Rachael Rummel, Jeremy D. Clark, Stephanie Lynton, and Jennifer Ard. This year’s AATG honorees are Richard Keith Langham, Bart McCorquodale, and Margot Shaw. Gala sponsors are Jones Walker LLP and ServisFirst Bank. S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

SEPTEMBER 2026

SPECIALTY DESIGNS WITH STYLE

GLS KITCHEN + BATH

PALMER INDUSTRIES SINK LEGS From overhead pot racks, to kitchen legs and open shelving, each Palmer product solves a real design challenge in the kitchen while adding a level of craft and precision to elevate your projects.

3201 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35234 | 205.251.8833 | glssupply.com

FALL INTO A MORE

COMFORTABLE HOME

| BETTER WINDOWS | GREATER COMFORT | BEAUTIFUL RESULTS Birmingham's heat and humidity aren't finished yet. New replacement windows can help keep the heat outside, reduce the strain on your HVAC system, and give your home a fresh new look just in time for fall.

The Window Source

of Birmingham

HBLB #29474

205-379-6527

Mary Meadows Livingston,

CFA, CFP® - Founder, Abeona Wealth

abeonawealth.com

Investment Advisory services offered through Navigate Wealth Management, LLC, an Investment Adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

HIS STAGE

ALL THE WORLD’S

CHRISTOPHER CONFERO BLEN DS G LOBAL PERSPECTIVE, T H E AT R I C A L I M A G I N AT I O N , A N D B I R M I N G H A M H O S P I TA L I T Y I N TO E V E R Y E V E N T H E C R E AT E S .

ARTICLE BY DAVID KIRK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR

B ACK STAGE | ARTS + C U LT U RE

Images on this spread photographed at Prophouse Birmingham.

“THERE ARE COLLEAGUES, AND THEN THERE ARE TRUE FRIENDS. THAT IS THE CONNECTION MANDY AND I SHARE.” - CHRISTOPHER CONFERO

After 20 years of creating events across the globe, Christopher Confero still proudly calls Birmingham home. Since launching CONFERO after graduating from Auburn University in 2007, Confero has remained steadfast in his desire to build a life that reflects his values: an enduring work ethic and a drive for excellence. “We work hard for our clients and creative partners,” says Confero. “Our portfolio represents a range of diverse designs with creative integrity in mind. Every project is specific to the individuals who trust us with their most important milestones.” Confero’s work in Birmingham has been built on a foundation of his relationships with respected peers and heroes. On a summer day, you may easily find him at Bottega, sipping an Orange Thing or enjoying a slice of coconut cake. The patio there has served as a crossroads for conversations among his clients, friends, and family, and where those three intersect all at once. “I went to Highland’s for dinner before my high school senior prom in 2003,” says Confero. “As a child from Jasper, CONTINUED >

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

Confero enjoys some of Bottega Café’s greatest hits.

“SITTING AT MY CORNER BAR SEAT IN BOTTEGA FEELS LIKE HOME TO ME. SEEING PARDIS COME AROUND THE CORNER WITH A WARM SMILE AND A LOT TO SAY — THERE IS NOTHING BETTER IN THIS WORLD.” -CHRISTOPHER CONFERO I was starstruck. How lucky I am, 25 years later, to call Pardis and Frank Stitt great friends and work alongside them. Sitting at my corner bar seat in Bottega feels like home to me. Seeing Pardis come around the corner with a warm smile and a lot to say—there is nothing better in this world.” Dinner at Bottega always pairs well with a show, and Confero is an avid theatre patron locally and abroad. As a theatre kid and a former member of the Auburn University Singers, Confero enjoys incorporating theatrical elements into every event, from lighting cues and musicality to custom set pieces. The productions at Red Mountain Theatre Company inspire Confero to bridge his love of showmanship on stage with fully realized concepts in an event space. Roy Lightner, RMTC’s Singh Artistic Director, has played a major role in allowing creatives like Confero to enjoy world-class art at a local venue. When it comes to finishing touches, Confero cherishes his career-long friendship with Mandy Majerik, proprietor of PropHouse Birmingham. Majerik’s impressive collection of rentals and art objét has become an industry standard in the

Southeast and has been home to some collaborative creations with Confero through the years. “Mandy and I go back nearly two decades before PropHouse was born, and HotHouse was us each day,” says Confero. “That is, until her mother, Francis Majerik (whom we lovingly call Spook), would arrive with her famous cornbread salad or other homemade treats for lunch. There are colleagues, and then there are true friends. Those you call on to celebrate the highs and lows, that you champion from afar as you both grow together. That is the connection Mandy and I share.” The relationships he has fostered in Birmingham have made his work beyond Alabama shine. His Southern upbringing, matched with the lessons he has learned throughout his career, position him well to represent Alabama afar, from ballrooms in Beverly Hills to grand estates in Scotland. Confero admits this wasn’t the world he was born into, but rather that hard work has opened the doors. More than freshly pressed linen napkins at every guest’s seat, Confero also firmly believes that investing well in the human aspect of an experience is imperative. CONTINUED >

B ACK STAGE | ARTS + C U LT U RE

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

More than ever, Confero is ready to apply what has inspired and shaped him to international fêtes. While one hand shall be orchestrating and transforming spaces afar, the other will continue tending his garden here at home. His role as publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Alabama Weddings since 2020 keeps him on the move across the state as he marries global influence with Southern charm.

Images on this spread and previous page photographed at Red Mountain Theatre Arts Campus.

B ACK STAGE | ARTS + C U LT U RE

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

STYLE BEGINS AT HOME. SCAN HERE

Beautiful homes never go out of style. Whether you're searching for historic character, timeless architecture, or contemporary design, every successful move begins with understanding what truly fits your lifestyle. When local knowledge meets thoughtful strategy, exceptional results follow.

JAKE CALLAHAN

205-447-7724 www.Birmingham-Realtor.com JCallahan@RayPoynor.com 600 Olde English Ln, Suite 104, Mountain Brook, AL 35223

UNDENIABLE RATES. UNPARALLELED SERVICE. UNIQUELY LOCAL. Call and find out what we can do for you that others won’t.

Pritchard Allen

Independent Mortgage Broker

Company NMLS#2552907 | Personal NMLS#1569469 pritchard@allenmtg.com | allenmtg.com Mobile 205.936.4136 | Office 205.306.0104 880 Montclair Rd Suite 277, Birmingham, AL 35213

Get the Best for Your Pet with Holistic Pet Care "When I first heard about Dr. Natalie, I thought it was too good to be true. I had already been looking into alternative medicine for my sweet Buddy, who is a 90 lb lab-mix. Buddy was 11 years old at the time and unable to stand to eat. He is now going to be 13 in November, and we are once again taking long walks." - Marilyn Marshall Hart

(205) 637-6653 wellbeingpetcare.com 3557 Cahaba Beach Rd Birmingham, AL 35242 @wellbeingvet

Natural Nutrition Counseling • Alternative Cancer Treatments Acupuncture • Allergy Testing • PEMF Therapy • Cold Laser Therapy Herbal Medicine • Chiropractic/Spinal Manipulation • Piezo Wave Therapy Canine Rehab • Underwater Treadmill

McKenzie R. Cox Associate

Elizabeth R. Vann Associate Laura Montgomery Lee Managing Partner

Nicole R. Saia Partner

Deborah A. Gregory Partner

THE STRENGTH OF INTEGRITY FAMILY LAW | DIVORCE | MEDIATION WWW.CRITTENDENPARTNERS.COM | 205.874.8680 1 INDEPENDENCE PLAZA, SUITE 305 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209

Honoring Judy’s Legacy. Defending Yours. NO REPRESENTATION IS MADE THAT THE QUALITY OF LEGAL SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED IS GREATER THAN THE QUALITY OF LEGAL SERVICES PERFORMED BY OTHER LAWYERS.

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

Just Keep Painting

Two Birmingham artists inspire each other and future artists ARTICLE BY KATHARINE ARMBRESTER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREDDINS

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

A native of Georgia, artist Laura Deems moved to Birmingham in 2022 when her husband received a job opportunity. They’ve since settled into their home in the Hollywood area of Homewood. Having spent time in Charleston and Atlanta, where she was mentored by painter Sally King Benedict, Deems believes that Birmingham is “hands down, the most creative sphere” she has been in. “There are so many creatives doing big things that are being recognized nationally.” A professional contemporary abstract artist since 2017, Deems has developed an evolving visual language. Her roots are in her formal training in textile design, where she studied dyeing, weaving, pattern making, and screen printing. This foundation continues to inform her practice, resulting in layered compositions that explore gesture, movement, and the liberation of pattern from the traditional grid. Her work has been featured in numerous national publications, and she is currently represented by the ARDEN + WHITE GALLERY in New Canaan, Connecticut. When she arrived in Birmingham, Deems needed help organizing her new studio, and, already a successful artist herself, she wanted “to help bring someone along for the journey.” She looked forward to an opportunity to mentor someone just beginning an art career. “Everyone has their own path, and I think it’s really important when you’re creative, and you’re a few steps ahead, to pour back into the younger generation,” she says. “There’s enough for everyone.” CONTINUED >

Laura Deems S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

Deems shared on her social media that she was offering an internship, and Frances Rebula’s first email made an impression. “She seemed really fun, and she had an interesting story,” Deems says. During the internship, she offered constructive critique at a pivotal stage in Rebula’s artistic development. “She is really intuitive with her painting,” Deems says. “She’s doing her own thing, and it doesn’t look like anyone else’s.” “I’ve always loved art,” Rebula says, “but I never thought it would become my full-time job.” A native of Mountain Brook, Rebula was a special education teacher at Helena and Homewood High Schools after graduating from Auburn. Deems enjoyed helping Rebula develop her portfolio and elevate her craft. She also educated her about the art market. “Navigating the art world is intimidating, especially the gallery sphere,” she says. “But once you have your rhythm, you can do it.” After the internship, Rebula taught again at Homewood High School and became engaged to her now-husband, Jovan, a professional golfer from South Africa. As she prepared to move to his native country, she decided to pursue painting full-time, which enabled her to travel along with her husband on his international golf tours.

Frances Rebula

“Everyone has their own path, and I think it’s really important when you’re creative, and you’re a few steps ahead, to pour back into the younger generation.” — Laura Deems 34

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

For several years, Rebula's studio consisted of a drop cloth, deftly rolled canvases in a golf bag, and a portable makeup vanity for her paints. She is delighted that she and Jovan have recently purchased a home in Birmingham. Since launching Rebula into an art career, Deems has become a mother of two, and her stunning mixed-media collaboration with artist Cameron Wilson Ritcher was recently featured in Vogue. Both artists are busy with commissions, continuing to develop their already distinct styles and hope to work together in the future. “I now consider Laura one of my very best friends,” Rebula says. The world of professional art is highly competitive, rendering friendships between artists especially meaningful. From an intern with little art experience to a successful fine artist, Rebula now has her own advice. “Just keep painting,” she says. “Practice makes…” – she chuckles – “not always perfect, but just keep painting. Keep experimenting and exploring the creative process that feels authentic to you, and you never know where it will take you.” S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

Wise Counsel

By Your Side

As life and wealth grow more complex, it's easy for financial decisions to become disconnected. We can help design a plan to bring things together. Savant Wealth Management’s experienced Birmingham team serves individuals, families, and business owners with integrated investment, tax, and estate planning. As an independent, fee-only firm, we strive to bring clarity and coordination to help you pursue your ideal future.

Learn more about our team

INVESTMENTS | FINANCIAL PLANNING | TAX | PRIVATE TRUST | RETIREMENT PLANS ®

205.208.8700 | savantwealth.com Savant Wealth Management is a Registered Investment Advisor. A copy of our written disclosure brochure discussing our services is available upon request or at www.savantwealth.com.

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

The Gospel of a Good Fit JERMAINE ERVIN IS BRINGING 1920S NEW YORK STYLE TO BIRMINGHAM

ARTICLE BY KALI MCNUTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRIPLE SEVEN PRODUCTIONS

T R E N D SE T T E R | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Birmingham native Jermaine Ervin's menswear boutique is downtown by design. Two doors from Armour House, the shop windows of J. Ervin Collection are dressed up for the viewing pleasure of diners coming and going. "You might not need a suit today," Ervin says, "but when you need a suit, I want you to remember this shop." Ask him to describe his personal style, and one era comes up immediately: the 1920s. Not the flapper caricature, but working New Yorkers. "The blue-collar workers – they were still dressing up. Everybody had a tailor, everybody had the dry cleaner they used," he explains. A relationship-based world, dressed properly, top to bottom. That aesthetic didn't come from nowhere. His aunt worked for Vogue in New York, and childhood trips to visit her meant time around pattern-makers and stylists — plus a front-row seat to her own effortless, ultra-confident preppy style. "She gave me a window into a world I was already interested in," he says. Before he could afford the looks he liked, he thrifted them — cheap finds taken straight to a tailor to be reshaped into something closer to the vision in his head. His signature now is a bold peak lapel jacket, the wide 1920s shape updated with a slimmer modern trouser. He didn't make himself a plain notch lapel jacket until last year — and it remains the only one in his closet. "I've been kind of consistent in my style," he laughs. That consistency comes with a firm philosophy: no boxes. His own preference is a clean pant break, hitting the top of the shoe with no puddle. But a client who's worn a suit a certain way for 50 years gets met where he is. "There's so much variation, and that's why we do custom — because it's creative, and when you kill the creativity, you might as well go to a big box store.”

The same logic governs ties: proportion over rules. Pants at the natural waist, tie landing right around the belt line. "It's all about proportion in style, from the top to the bottom, creating the whole silhouette and making it flow." He has his own signature tie knot, a technique his uncle in New York taught him as a kid — one he later refined while sitting in front of a mirror until he'd found a version that worked with any collar. When his uncle passed away, the family asked him to tie his tie for the funeral. "That was a big deal for me.” Menswear isn't Ervin's only calling. He preached his first sermon in San Francisco in 2017, at age 26, after years leading his church's youth ministry — and knew, in that moment, he would never stop preaching. Nearly a decade of travel followed before he and his family (wife, Bri, and kids Stella Jade, Beckham Grey, and Brooklyn Dior) felt called to settle down in Birmingham. They planted a church in Birmingham this year. As of today, the growing congregation of New Life Hoover meets across the street on 1st Avenue North at Memory Lane, the popular sneaker shop co-owned by one of his best friends, Tanarius Hayes. Asked about the similarities between custom suiting and ministering, Ervin is quick to respond. "We're in the people business," he says. "It's bigger than me just selling you a garment. I want to get to know you." Whether it's a groom on his biggest day or a young person launching their dream career, the job is the same: meet people where they are, and help them be their best. J. Ervin Collection is open by appointment and located at 2301 1st Avenue North, Suite 103, in downtown Birmingham. Appointments can be booked through jervincollection.com or via Instagram @jervincollection.

“It’s all about proportion in style, from the top to the bottom, creating the whole silhouette and making it flow.” - Jermaine Ervin S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

NATURE AND NURTURE

Cedar Ridge Grows at Kirkwood

120 wooded acres along the Cahaba River. Independent Living built for the way you want to live. At Kirkwood, luxury is found in peaceful surroundings, natural

beauty, and room to roam. Cedar Ridge Phase III is now open for priority reservations, with brand new two- and three-bedroom cottage homes designed for modern mountain living. Schedule your personal tour today.

kirkwoodbytheriver.com | 205-956-2184 INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE SKILLED NURSING | REHABILITATION

Celebrating

We are honored to continue serving as your wealth management partner. (205) 730-5100 | ArgentTrust.com

YEARS of Service

I N BI RMI N G HA M!

600 University Park Pl., Suite 200, Birmingham, AL

Trusts & Estate Planning | Wealth & Investment Management | Retirement Planning & More

Because Feeling Good Never Goes Out of Style.

This September, invest in something you’ll wear every day—your health. Visit our beautifully updated Birmingham office for expert allergy, asthma, and immunology care from founder Dr. John Tole and Birmingham native Jennifer Acuff, FNP-BC. Trusted expertise. Personalized treatment. A fresh experience from the moment you walk through the door.

254 Inverness Center Dr, Suite 200 | (205) 453-4747

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

ARCHITECT OF EMOTION

In The Soulful House, Jeffrey Dungan ref lects on why the most enduring homes aren’t def ined by st yle or scale, but by the feelings they leave behind ARTICLE BY KALI MCNUTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIAN GAUT

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULTU RE

"Be a good neighbor." It isn't the sort of phrase one expects from an architect whose work spans continents. But for Jeffrey Dungan, it may be the clearest expression of his design philosophy.

“I always want our houses to be special,” Dungan says. “I always want to have a little zinger in there...something that gives you a memory.” Whether he's designing a home in Mountain Brook, Nova Scotia, or the Dominican Republic, Dungan begins the same way: by paying attention. Before drawing plans, he studies how a place has learned to build—its climate, materials, traditions and rhythms. "You don't show up to the black-tie party in a beach shirt," he says with a laugh. "The architecture should fit in." That instinct lies at the heart of The Soulful House: Stories of Beauty, Belonging, and the Spirit of Home, Dungan's second monograph. While his first book introduced readers to a body of work rooted largely in the American South, this new collection reflects an increasingly international practice, with projects stretching from California and Canada to Great Britain and the Caribbean.

"I had something different to say," Dungan says. "Maybe in the same Southern dialect, because I am Southern and I'm proud of it. But with new experiences, new places and, I hope, more maturity." The projects in the book may be geographically diverse, but they share a common discipline. Dungan is less interested in creating houses that command attention than houses that feel inevitable. "I don't want people to look at our work and think, 'Wow, they work with wealthy people,'" he says. "If that's the message, we've probably failed." Instead, his architecture begins with context. A house should belong to its landscape as naturally as it belongs to the people who live there. Building traditions matter—not as nostalgia, but as accumulated wisdom. Climate dictates construction. Materials are chosen because they make sense where they are. CONTINUED >

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

“I can’t say everything,” Dungan says. “I have way more ideas than should go into one house.”

Of course, fitting in doesn't mean disappearing. "I always want our houses to be special," Dungan says. "I always want to have a little zinger in there... something that gives you a memory." That tension — between restraint and expression — became one of the central ideas explored in The Soulful House. Dungan writes candidly about the discipline of editing, and of resisting the temptation to include every good idea simply because it's available. “I can’t say everything,” he says. “I have way more ideas than should go into one house.” The observation extends beyond architecture. Writing the book, he admits, was every bit as demanding as designing the homes within its pages.

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULTU RE

"I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking." In the process, he arrived at a realization that surprised him. "What I'm really after," he says, "is emotion." Perhaps that's why Dungan's houses resist easy categorization. They're recognizably his, yet never repetitive. They respond first to place, then to people, and only then to style. After all, beauty alone isn't enough. A soulful house should do something more difficult: It should make you feel at home. The Soulful House: Stories of Beauty, Belonging, and the Spirit of Home by Jeffrey Dungan will be available September 1 and is published by Rizzoli.

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

Transitional

Modern Mood PAPER, PATTERN, AND PERFORMANCE FABRICS DO THE HEAVY LIFTING AT THIS REFRESH BY DESIGNER KELLY NEELY ARTICLE BY KALI MCNUTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREY GLENN STYLING BY KATHLEEN VARNER

After relocating from Homewood to The Preserve in Hoover, the Rothermich family enlisted designer Kelly Neely of Kelly Neely Interiors to transform their new home from dark and industrial to colorful and cohesive. Working within the home’s existing footprint and without altering any architectural elements, Neely nixed heavy, black finishes in favor of brass fixtures and swirls of color, both moody and cheery. “It’s incredible how different the house looks from where it started,” she says. Neely's process always starts the same way, regardless of the project: with inspiration images gathered from the client. “Someone might say ‘I like traditional.’ I try to understand what that really looks like for them," she says. Looking for common threads and color schemes, she begins to dial in the client’s style. As for her own creative fuel, she's candid about the source. "My client is really where I draw the most inspiration. I want to enhance their personal style." Fabrics are often a jumping-off point for a room’s scheme. In this home, kid-friendly fabrics were paramount. "Like me, the client has three young kids and wants to entertain,” Neely explains. “The way I approach certain projects has evolved so much in the last five years. I'm able to lean into my own experiences as a mom.” CONTINUED >

H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E + D E SIGN

Grasscloth wallcovering and black case pieces set the tone in the primary suite. Marble lamps and a 36-inch tiered brass chandelier from Currey & Company add polish. Reeded bedside tables by Noir; framed botanical plaster reliefs from Etsy. Bedding mixes a cutvelvet Schumacher fabric with a floral bolster. S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

“MY CLIENT IS REALLY WHERE I DRAW THE MOST INSPIRATION.” — KELLY NEELY

H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E + D E SIGN

Much of the project was less about redesign than negotiation. The homeowners had pieces they weren't giving up — an oversized black console from early in their marriage held sentimental value — so instead of fighting those elements, Neely built around them. The console found its home in the primary suite, prompting a more masculine palette the designer softened with golden-hued grasscloth and a f loral bolster pillow. Likewise, the dining room’s coffered ceiling – originally painted black and something the homeowners considered removing – was incorporated in the room’s teal-toned color drench. Now, it plays a supporting role to the room’s new pièce de résistance: House of Harris’ Fauna wallpaper. Throughout the home, Neely deftly incorporated pre-existing features while expertly layering pattern, applying color, and swapping lighting fixtures. The result is a home with rooms that speak to one another in the language of their happy new owners.

Left The cheery breakfast nook’s banquette is upholstered in a sage leather that plays well with the homeowners' existing caned dining chairs. Table by Villa & House. Center The kitchen’s green cabinetry and tile backsplash are original to the house. Neely tempered rather than replaced them, swapping three heavy black iron pendants for two oversized brass Visual Comfort pendants and updating the sconces. New Roman shades in a coordinating fabric family unify the kitchen with the adjoining living space. Barstools by Worlds Away. Right In the living room, a conversation sofa by CR Laine does not obstruct the window. Abstract artwork above built-ins by local artist Margaret Anne Lee. CONTINUED >

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/B I R M I N G HA M

The dining room’s House of Harris wallpaper is a pattern Neely loves enough to have in her own home’s powder bath. Lacquered Highland House cabinet, ceiling, and all trimwork in Benjamin Moore Knoxville Grey. Chandelier by Visual Comfort. Vintage chairs reupholstered in a burgundy leather fabric chosen for durability with young kids.

A custom round table skirted in a Kelly Wearstler fabric for Groundworks adds pattern and visual weight the space was otherwise missing. A scalloped stool from Noir doubles as a landing spot for bags.

H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E + D E SIGN

Driven to Serve.

IRONDALE & HOOVER | 205.848.7000 | MBBHM.COM