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THE STYLE ISSUE S E P TE M B E R 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Foundation of Style I'm probably showing my age by bringing up the late 90's trend of the WWJD [What Would Jesus Do?] bracelets. But if you know, you know! This is one of the earliest trends I can remember partaking in. Along with the iridescent platform Sketcher sneakers, inflatable furniture, all of the butterfly hair clips, and the list goes on. Oh, what a time to be alive! Fashion was such a passion of mine from such an early age. I grew up loving to search through all of the catalogs we would get through the mail. [Do you remember the prom catalogues?!] And every Saturday was spent at the mall. [p.s. I'm still a proud mall dweller.] Somehow my mother had the patience of a saint and would spend hours with my sister and I in every dressing room! Those early trends and memories of learning how to style in those mall dressing rooms with my mom and sister were really the foundation of my love for fashion. And I think that's what makes personal style so special. It's not just about what's trending right now. Our style is built over time, shaped by our foundational years, the people who influenced us, the places we've been, and the experiences we've had along the way. In many ways, what we wear tells a story about where we've been and who we've become, and the common thread through it all is us; the individual. Some of my favorite style moments aren't necessarily the most fashionable by today's standards—they're the ones that hold a memory. My first job at Baker's Shoes, many hairstyles that I want to so badly forget, or recalling the confidence that a specific outfit could give me. Style is personal history, and who would want to re-write that?! K AT S E AT O N G I A R R ATA N O , P U B L I S H E R @ M U S I C C I T Y. C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

September 2026 PUBLISHER

Kat Seaton Giarratano | kat.seaton@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Morgan Raum | morgan.raum@citylifestyle.com CO-PUBLISHER

Matt Giarratano | matt.giarratano@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Music City City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Music City area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/MUSICCITY

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 Music City City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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

14 Featured

14 26

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Introducing Thompson Studio

Founder Kristen Thompson Merges Her Business Expertise and Creative Vision to Redefine The Art Experience

Blue Highways

A collaborative Nashville fashion story inspired by the freedom of the open road, the rebellion of rock ’n’ roll, and classic Americana.

A Creative Vision Rooted In Culture

Alex and Shivani Darsinos Discuss The Details Behind Their Latest Concept, Leo Vas.

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Must See ARTS + CULTURE

Fashion Forward STYLE + BEAUTY

Trend Setter LIFE + CULTURE

Artist’s Palette STYLE + BEAUTY

Inspired By STYLE + BEAUTY

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S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M US I C C I T Y

FOUNDER KRISTEN THOMPSON MERGES HER BUSINESS EXPERTISE AND CREATIVE VISION TO REDEFINE THE ART EXPERIENCE

ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY MCALISTER

INTRODUCING

THOMPSON STUDIO Tennessee native Kristen Thompson doesn’t just have an eye for art—she has a talent for marketing, creating opportunities, building relationships, and advocating for artists at every stage of their career. While Nashville has no shortage of exceptional artists, what it's been missing is someone in their corner: thus, Thompson Studio Agency was born. With her mother being an artist and her father working in clay, Kristen has been around the art scene her whole life. With a background

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

spanning the gallery world and corporate marketing, Kristen brings a rare combination of creative instinct and strategic advocacy to artist representation. “I took a little bit of a corporate detour, but I found my way back to the art world and this time, it's building something of my own, rather than just admiring it from an outside perspective,” Kristen shares. Kristen launched Thompson Studio in May of this year after recognizing a recurring challenge among artists: they feel overwhelmed by the business side of their careers—having to market themselves, navigate the industry, and figure out the right strategic moves to reach their goals. The constant pressure was exhausting and often pulled their focus away from what they truly wanted to do: create. At Thompson Studio, it is their goal to act as the space between artists and audience—someone to handle the calls, navigate the contracts, open the right doors, and ensure artists are represented fairly. They pursue placements across hospitality, editorial, private collections, and interior design with thoughtful strategy and

Art by Roy Sedrick Foster lll

long-term career growth in mind. Their representation is rooted in both advocacy and transparency. “We represent visual artists exclusively—so painters, sculptors, photographers, etc.,” Kristen explains. “I like to think of it as we're opening doors that wouldn't otherwise be open. It's really all about being additives to the artists’ already existing opportunities, not a replacement for anything that they've been doing thus far.” The specific focus of their services is broken into three paths: press and editorial placements, hospitality and CONTINUED > S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M US I C C I T Y

commercial commissions, and building and expanding their collector relationships. When it comes to architects, designers, and developers sourcing art for their projects, Thompson Studio aims to be their go to, offering them direct access to a curated roster of established and emerging Nashville artists, managing the process from first conversation to final delivery. Kristen knows how to open doors, negotiate terms, and advocate for the people she represents using skills she's sharpened over the years of working across both creative and business industries. This experience allows her to navigate opportunities with intention. At the heart of it all, Kristen sees art everywhere and is passionate about creating a meaningful connection between artists and opportunity. “It’s the lens that I see everything through. For example: how a room is arranged, how a brand tells its story, how a city presents itself… even everyday stuff—small stuff, like how a table is set, how a space feels when you walk into it—it all carries the same instinct for composition and story that shows up in the work that I do professionally,” Kristen explains. Born and raised in Chattanooga, Kristen has watched Nashville evolve over the years and quickly earn its title as one of the country’s most sought after cities. Now residing in Music City, she is passionate about bringing art to life while also nurturing the creativity and individuality of the artists behind it. With the creative landscape constantly evolving with new hotels, developments, collectors, and audiences, the demand for meaningful, original art has never been higher. “Nashville is definitely proving it's more than music,” Kristen says. “There's hospitality, design, new real estate developments, boutique restaurants… It’s really cool, the growth that's happening. Having the original local, true roots of artists here is still very much in demand and I believe that boutique agencies, like Thompson Studio, can help shape how that boom plays out.” For more information on Thompson Studio Agency, visit thompsonstudioagency.com or follow them on socials @thompsonstudioagency.

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

“I D I D N ' T WA N T THOMPSON STUDIO TO FEEL LIKE ANY A G E N C Y… I WA N T E D I T TO FEEL VERY SPECIFIC, WA R M , D I R E C T, A N D HUMAN WITH A LITTLE BIT OF EDGE AND P L AY F U L N E S S .”

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M US I C C I T Y

A COLLABORATIVE NASHVILLE FASHION STORY INSPIRED BY THE FREEDOM OF THE OPEN ROAD, THE REBELLION OF ROCK ’N’ ROLL, AND CLASSIC AMERICANA. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JON MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHY

BLUE HIGHWAYS

Blue Leather Jacket: John Varvatos | White Tee: Nudie Jeans | Bellbottoms: United Rivers

FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AU T Y

Railroad Pant: Road To Nowhere | Waylon Tee: RetroBrand | Denim Jacket: Closed

Denim Chore Coat: Road to Nowhere | Tank: John Varvatos | Linen Trouser: Closed - Linen Suit: Road to Nowhere | Tee: John Varvatos

Linen Suit: Road to Nowhere | Tee: John Varvatos

Blue Highways is a collaborative editorial project from Wedgewood-Houston menswear destination Simon Says, Jon Morgan Photography, and the stylish Nashville-based band The Sea Monks. Inspired by motorcycle films of the 1960s and ’70s, the shoot reimagines the open road through a modern lens, blending classic Americana with a reinvented Western mythology. From the tailored cuts to the nostalgic color palette, every detail captures the spirit of freedom, movement, and individuality. At its heart is the rebellious energy of rock ’n’ roll—effortlessly cool, unapologetic, and timeless. Blue Highways celebrates the instinct to forge your own path, embrace the unexpected, and take the road less traveled. It’s a visual story about personal style, independence, and the enduring allure of choosing your own direction. Shop all these looks in store at Simon Says - 701 Merritt Ave, and follow along for more @simonsaysnashville. CONTINUED >

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M US I C C I T Y

SIMON SAYS A MEN'S CLOTHIER Railroad Stripe Shirt: El Sussi Co. | Pant: Mavi Jeans

Denim Chore Coat: Road to Nowhere | Tank: John Varvatos | Linen Trouser: Closed

FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AU T Y

Simon Says is a thoughtfully curated Nashville menswear destination bringing distinctive international brands and local craftsmanship to the city. Founded by Stephanie Simon, a longtime fashion and entertainment-industry stylist, the boutique offers everything from elevated denim and statement pieces to bespoke and ready-to-wear hats. With brands like John Varvatos, Nudie Jeans, Mavi, and local favorites including Hillenbrand Hat Co., Simon Says celebrates individuality and personal style. The result is a shopping experience that feels distinctly Nashville—creative, unexpected, and effortlessly cool.

Railroad Pant: Road To Nowhere | Waylon Tee: RetroBrand | Denim Jacket: Closed - Western Shirt: United Rivers | Jeans: Nudie Jeans

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M US I C C I T Y

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S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M US I C C I T Y

Style Guide

My Nashville

ARTICLE BY KAT SEATON GIARRATANO

With a background in fashion and a career rooted in creativity, Publisher Kat Seaton has always been influenced by her surroundings. As the publisher of Music City | City Lifestyle, she spends her days discovering the people, businesses, and spaces that make Nashville special—and those experiences continually shape her own sense of style. For this issue, Kat has curated a personal list of favorite local spots that spark her creativity, inspire her visually, and simply make her happy to be in Nashville. From fashion and design to dining and hidden gems, these are the places that capture her attention and keep her inspired.

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

UAL has been a favorite spot for me from the moment I landed in Nashville. I'm a retail girlie through and through; and by that I mean I'm not a great online shopper. I have to feel the fabric, go back and forth from the dressing room creating the perfect look, and with their pieces being so specialized- the hunt is always a part of the fun.

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Drift Hotel When I’m not juggling kids, meeting with clients, or answering emails at Lucid Private Offices- Drift Hotel is the perfect getaway. Open seating, great coffee, and chill!

RiverHouse Nails I’ve never been one to stay on top of my beauty routine, but RiverHouse has been that for me this past year. Treating myself every 2 weeks with a new fun nail is something I always look forward to and their team is incredible.

CONTINUED > S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M US I C C I T Y

Xiao Bao Xiao Bao has become a family staple in our home, and rightfully so. We celebrate birthdays, special life wins, and always take out-of-town guests to our favorite neighborhood spot! There really isn’t anywhere else in Nashville with such a distinct flavor palette, where every dish is a new experience.

The Aesthetics Club Nashville The team at TAC know their stuff! I started getting Botox with Hannah just a couple of years ago. Educating their clients is always a main priority and I couldn’t be more grateful for that approach. It’s truly an escape every time I step through their doors!

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

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A l e x a n d S h i va n i D a r s i n o s D i s c u s s The Det ails Behind Their Latest C o n c e p t , L e o Va s . ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY ATHANASOIS LAZAROU, MINNIE MORKLITHAVONG

A CREATIVE VISION

Rooted

I N C U LT U R E

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | STYLE + BE AU T Y

Located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood, husband-andwife duo Alexandros and Shivani Darsinos have cultivated a community rooted in art, culture, and style. Two years after opening their beloved coffee shop, Cafe Babu—known for its distinctive architecture, designed by Alex—the pair have expanded across the street with their latest concept, Leo Vas, which celebrated its grand opening last month. Their other concept, Bar Ena, is slated to open by the end of the year. Together, these spaces beautifully blend Alex’s background in architecture and design with Shivani’s passion for hospitality, creating environments that honor culture and bring people together. From designing spaces to designing clothing, Alex continues to channel his creative vision into Leo Vas, a further expression of inspiration drawn from cultures around the world and translated through the lens of fashion.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEWEST VENTURE, LEO VAS! FROM THE ARCHITECTURE TO THE FASHION, EVERY DETAIL FEELS INCREDIBLY INTENTIONAL—WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER?

Alex: Everything I do is a representation of Shivani and I's relationship in my own personal life. There's always a cultural conversation between India and Greece and Nashville happening within me—that’s what is being represented and designed. Because [Leo Vas] was a little bit more me, I was inspired by the Mediterranean aspects of the space itself. I've never wanted to create spaces that are quintessential anything—when many people think of Greece, they think of white buildings and blue doors. For me, I think of the vineyards and the white caves and Milos and the organic nature and the rocks. When Shivani and CONTINUED >

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M US I C C I T Y

I first met, we bonded over our respect for each other's culture and our pride in our own culture—even though Leo Vas is very Mediterranean, there are some elements of design inspired by India, as well.

WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME "LEO VAS," AND WHY DID IT FEEL LIKE THE RIGHT IDENTITY FOR THIS PROJECT?

Alex: Leo comes from Leontio, which is my dad's village in Greece. It is right in the middle of the largest vineyards in the Balkans—all wine country in the mountains. The name, Leontio, means ‘Land of Lion.’ It has a mythological nature to it because Hercules' first of his twelve tasks was to kill the Nemean lion—and that lion is from our village. Vas is inspired by a family heritage name, Vasilios—which is my middle name, my dad's middle name, my grandfather's name, my brother's name… everyone in our family is associated with this name in some kind of way or fashion. Bar Ena was also named after Shivani’s dad's village in India, so they both have that heritage aspect without being direct.

“ I h op e p e ople u nde r s t a nd t h at Na shv i l le i s at a pl ac e w h e re i f you do w h at you’re p a s s io n at e a b out , t h e re a re p e ople h e re w h o w i l l s upp o r t it .”

THE ARCHITECTURE FEELS LIKE IT'S TELLING ITS OWN STORY. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST DESIGN INSPIRATIONS BEHIND THE SPACE?

Alex: My passion has always been design. The natural progression of everything was to find a way to use my artistic creativity to make it into something that people could enjoy and wear. I think Cafe Babu, for me, was the first instinct where I was watching people enjoy the architecture every day. I think my favorite part is being able to share a little bit of us with Nashville. There is something so beautiful about how authentic everything is, but then also how people are receiving it. Being able to share our culture and heritage, while also being able to cultivate such a beautiful community, has been unreal. I'm from Nashville originally, and I feel like we're at a really good moment in Nashville's history. I hope we're showcasing that if you stay true to yourself, you can create something really special in your own world.

TELL US ABOUT THE CLOTHING DESIGN! HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE STYLE OF THE CLOTHING SOMEONE WILL FIND AT LEO VAS?

Alex: Shivani is my muse in so many ways—from style to attitude to personality, to what the Leo Vas woman is. We are getting a lot of the materials manufactured in her home village, so the translation and the aspect of that is very much tied to her, but I do all the design work for all the clothing. We are designing with seasons in mind—our first collection, the Nisi Edit, is very much a Mediterranean influence, European style summer wear. Altogether, there are about forty-five different looks that we have. We have a very neutral palette, but we do have a little bit of a color within that—whether it's gold or red or green that is popping up, it all fits within this season's collection.

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | STYLE + BE AU T Y

WHAT KINDS OF BRANDS, FABRICS, OR SILHOUETTES ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR PEOPLE TO DISCOVER?

Alex: We are actually going to Shivani’s village in India to source the fabrics, and we have ateliers there that make the fabrics. The beautiful thing about what we do is that everything is conceptual. There's a particular gold thread used in her village that we have used in a lot of our fabrics that, even though they're Mediterranean cuts, are very much part of her region. We always try to tie it back together. I have linens that are from Belgium, silks from India…we try to give back directly to our heritage in the businesses that we have here. Shivani: It’s really cool to see how he can truly see everything from such a holistic point of view—the fact that he's able to bring in elements of things that he's thinking about from an architectural standpoint and then also bring that similar aspect into a specific piece itself is just so interesting to see that design buildout.

YOU'VE CREATED A COFFEE MAKER DESTINATION WITH CAFE BABU, A BEAUTIFULLY CURATED RETAIL EXPERIENCE WITH LEO VAS, AND NOW YOU'RE ADDING BAR ENA NEXT DOOR. HOW DOES EACH CONCEPT BUILD ON THE NEXT, AND WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT BRINGING ALL THREE TOGETHER?

Shivani: Cafe Babu was my dream. I always knew I wanted to open up a coffee shop, and then Alex, from the architecture standpoint, was going through a rut where he was wanting to be

able to design freely. It has been such a fun way to combine our worlds. I gave him full design freedom and it became like a personal story for us. We never expected to be where we're at today. The cafe was the perfect mirror of merging both of our cultures—it’s Greek-inspired, Indian-inspired, and blends both of our cultures in a really seamless way. Now that we’ve expanded across the street for Leo Vas and Bar Ena, I almost feel like Alex has his side and I have my side. Leo Vas feels very Mediterranean and Greek, while Bar Ena is quintessential Indian.

LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT DO YOU HOPE LEO VAS REPRESENTS IN NASHVILLE FIVE YEARS FROM NOW—NOT JUST AS A STORE, BUT AS PART OF THE CITY'S CREATIVE CULTURE?

Alex: I hope people understand that Nashville is at a place where if you do what you're passionate about, you do what you love, you do what's true to you, there are other people here in the community that will support it if it's done truthfully. Shivani: Alex said it so perfectly—I hope five years from now, the communities continue to build and we can continue advocating and bringing these special spaces for people to be able to find their own personal escapes. At Cafe Babu, I love the community nights that we have and the different cultures that we can appreciate and highlight. Continuing being a space where people can just converse, laugh, get away, but also continue to feel appreciated or feel like they have another space to go to is always the goal.

S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / M US I C C I T Y

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ARTICLE BY STACY LEACH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Wear Colors That Truly

LOVE YOU A quick guide to finding flattering shades for life.

KNOW YOUR UNDERTONE Your undertone doesn’t change with the seasons. Check your wrist veins: blue means cool, green means warm, and unclear may be neutral. Cool tones love jewel colors; warm tones glow in earthy, rich shades.

CONSIDER CONTRAST Do you have high contrast between your hair, skin, and eyes (like dark hair and light skin)? High contrast looks great in bold, clear colors. Low contrast (like blonde hair and fair skin)? Softer, blended tones often suit you best.

THE WHITE VS. CREAM TEST Hold a white and ivory shirt near your face. If white flatters, you're likely cool-toned. If ivory glows against your skin, you're likely warm-toned. This quick test reveals your undertone with ease.

BUILD AROUND YOUR “WOW” COLORS Once you identify a few colors that make you look and feel amazing, use those as the base of your palette. These are your power colors—build your wardrobe and makeup around them!

PRO TIP You don’t have to follow rules perfectly. Your color palette is a guide, not a limit. Mix, match, and most importantly—wear what makes you feel beautiful.

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Consider These Upcoming Performances for Date Night

Family Outing

Girls Night Out

Featuring Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante SEPT. 11-20 The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet

NICK MULLIKIN’S

OCT. 2-4 • TPAC’S Polk Theater

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