Queen City, NC September 2025

Cool. Calm. Refreshed.

Experience the icy rejuvenation of a Glacial Facial.

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face to Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery.

• Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery is a collaborative partnership between Dr. Andrea Garcia and Dr. Josh Surowitz. At Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery, we apply a team-oriented, two-surgeon approach to all aspects of your care—at the time of consultation, during surgical planning, and in the operating room.

• This cutting-edge model is a first in the greater Charlotte area and one of only a handful in the country. With a surgical focus on facelift, necklift, eyelid lift, brow lift, rhinoplasty, skin cancer reconstruction, hair restoration, and laser resurfacing, Drs. Garcia and Surowitz deliver beautiful and natural results individually tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

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• In addition to surgical treatment options, we offer a wide range of injectable fillers, Botox, Dysport, a full complement of skin care products, and lasers.

• Our skilled injectors Morgan Nelson, NP & Cassie Smith, RN approach the art and science of injectables with a personalized touch to give natural results.

• Skin care, the foundation of a youthful face, is provided by Allie Harris, our licensed medical esthetician.

A Year of Style

This month marks a special milestone for Queen City Lifestyle—our one-year anniversary! As we celebrate this exciting moment, it feels only fitting that our September issue is all about style Style is so much more than the outfits we wear or the accessories we choose. It’s woven into every aspect of our lives—how we design our homes, the art and music that move us, the books we reach for, even the way we engage with others. Style is personal, expressive and ever-evolving. It’s the quiet, visual story of who we are.

Here in Charlotte, we’re surrounded by so many opportunities to explore and celebrate style. From locally-owned boutiques and innovative designers to our city’s creative entrepreneurs and cultural gems, there’s no shortage of inspiration.

In our September issue, we celebrate the elevated luxury of Society Awards CEO David Moritz, the colorful and authentic design of Marie Cloud, the craftsmanship of hair stylist Dhiran Mistry, a new collection by local fashion designer Daniel Gonzalez and the lasting impact of Madelyn’s Fund, founded by Rachel and Andy Lee.

In closing, we would like to thank our incredible founding partners. Your support this past year helped bring our vision to life.

Cheers to 12 issues!

LIZ BROWN, PUBLISHER

September 2025

PUBLISHER

Liz Brown | liz.brown@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Carroll Walton | carroll.walton@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jennifer Fenner | jennifer.fenner@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Matias Arredondo | matias.arredondo@citylifestyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Seth Patrick

MARKET AREA COORDINATOR

Summer Mendoza

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Gillian Horn

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Liz Brown, Krisha Chachra, Elliott Harrell, Allie Papajohn, Carroll Walton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amanda Anderson, Heather Ison, Carissa Rogers, Robb Webb, Olly Yung, Shrimp & Grisettes

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

inside the issue

Whether reconfiguring existing spaces, adding new rooms, or changing floor plans, our design and build process elevates your remodeling experience while transforming your house into a place you lovingly call home.

Style Your Home Best

Charlotte Black Car Service

Charlotte Black Car Service delivers luxury transportation with precision, privacy, and professionalism. We specialize in executive travel, high-profile events, and seamless airport transfers. Our fleet of premium vehicles and expertly-trained chauffeurs ensures a flawless experience from start to finish. For clients who value discretion, timeliness, and comfort, arrive in style with Charlotte Black Car Service, where excellence isn’t promised, it’s expected. CharlotteBlackCarService.com

ArtPop Upcycled Fashion Show

ArtPop Street Gallery’s annual Upcycled Fashion Show is back for its fifth year Sept. 6 at Blume Studios. Fifteen designers showcase one-of-a-kind couture dresses made from upcycled vinyl ArtPop billboards in a live runway show. The immersive evening runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and will also feature a silent auction and interactive artist activations. The event raises funds for year-round initiatives including public art installations and community events.

Photography by Robb Webb Photography

Jennifer Aniston’s Fitness Secret Comes to Charlotte

Pvolve, the low-impact workout that transformed Jennifer Aniston’s routine, is coming to Charlotte this November. Located in Dilworth’s Seventeen Hundred building, the studio offers functional movement that blends yoga, Pilates, and resistance training for results without burnout. Led by local owner Mariana Lim, Pvolve Charlotte is a wellness sanctuary with spa-like touches, expert-led classes, and a mission to support women at every stage. Follow @pvolvecharlotte for preview classes, pop-ups, and a smarter way to move.

At Ethic LLC, we’re not just construction professionals—we’re trusted partners committed to crafting the custom home or renovation your family will cherish for generations.

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Full-scale new construction.

Renovations & Additions

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Accessory Units

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Edit Sale

Edit Sale is a luxury consignment pop-up offering high-end designer pieces at a fraction of their original price.  The vibrant, welcoming atmosphere makes shopping feel more like a curated experience than a sale.  Edit Sale brings together those with a love for fashion, quality, and great finds, while giving a second life to beautiful pieces and reducing fashion waste. The next sale is Sept. 24 - 28. Location TBA on Instagram @edit_sale.

by Hayden Hendrix

We

Dr. Euphemia Mu,

Coffee & Catchup Series at The Grove

Open to the Charlotte community, The Grove features a speaker series focusing on wellness, school readiness, and parenting neurodiversity. On Sept. 11 Sarah Wragge and Annie Dixon of Sarah Wragge Wellness will discuss how to fuel your body for sustained energy, focus, and resilience. On Sept. 19 Sally Brown of Start Small, Learn Big will discuss how to set your child up for success in independent school admissions. On Sept. 26 cognitive specialist Bea Moise will discuss supporting children whose brains are beautifully different.

Window treatments, cushion and pillows fabricated by Chancery Custom. Window seat cushion and pillow in Wild Essence – Textured Terrain in Sagebrush

ROOTED IN SOUL

MARIE CLOUD BRINGS VIVID COLOR AND AUTHENTICITY TO TEXTILE COLLECTION

ARTICLE BY CARROLL WALTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER ISON

“Wallpaper allows you to be your wildest, most fearless self.”

Marie Cloud, the force behind Indigo Pruitt Design Studio, brings an underdog mentality and colorful vitality to her work. Her vibrant sense of style shines through in her first textile collection, produced in collaboration with Durham-based digital printing company Spoonflower. She used one of her creations—Autumn Orchard— to make a statement in the “her” closet she designed for the Southeastern Showhouse in Atlanta.

In a recent conversation with Queen City Lifestyle, Cloud explains the process behind creating her first custom-designed wallpaper and fabric, why it’s a great way to go bold, and how she developed a passion for designing in the “nooks and crannies” of a home.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO CREATE WALLPAPER?

I’ve always wanted to get into product development. The goal was always to branch out into creating tangible products, and wallpaper made sense because we use it pretty often in projects.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR IT?

I wanted to create a line representative of our clientele. We sent out a questionnaire asking our clients to describe their style. For the Boho, earthy vibe folks who wanted to bring the outdoors in, there’s the Wild Essence collection. For those who weren’t afraid of color and pattern and playing with various textures, there’s Vivid Rhythm. Inner Calm is for the minimalists who value tranquility, and Heritage Charm is for those who love tradition with a twist.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE?

Vivid Rhythm is probably my favorite because it’s the most representative of my personality. It’s colorful and bold. There are some beautiful, feminine tones to it. I love the vibrancy that I hope I bring into spaces and my relationships. It may feel a little spontaneous, but it is expressive. You’re going to feel it.

HOW DO YOU CREATE A LINE OF TEXTILES?

We partnered with the amazing team at Baxter Mill Archive in Rock Hill and did a lot of

Lush custom drapery and wallpaper in Botanical Tapestry, Autumn Orchard, offers rich, feminine tones in this romantic retreat

Drapery fabric and wallpaper from Botanical Tapestry, Midnight Forest, adds texture and dimension to moody, masculine counterpart. Drapery Liner Fabric: Textured Terrain in Riverbed. Window treatments fabricated by Chancery Custom.

“There’s a beautiful balance of creating good, solid design and still allowing it to do something for your soul, capturing the essence of who you are, making it feel approachable.”

— MARIE CLOUD

research with their library of textiles. You can ask, “What is this texture about?” or “Why has it stood the test of time?” “Is it relevant for today? How can we change this pattern to make it more modern?” or “How can we start from scratch and put our ideas on paper?”

WHAT’S AN EXAMPLE OF HOW YOU CAME UP WITH AN IDEA?

The Heritage Charm collection is the way I want to honor traditional design. We tried to take elements of traditional design and add a modern flair. You’ll see a plaid, but it’s a watercolor plaid. The lines aren’t perfectly aligned. It has a little movement. You may see a beautiful floral pattern, but the colorway we added lends a sense of relevance and modern charm to it.

WHAT DRAWS YOU TO WALLPAPER?

It allows you to be your wildest, most fearless self, without feeling as though it’s permanent. I’ve seen someone recently use the Kinetic Energy pattern from the Vivid Rhythm collection in their closet. They used the chartreuse colorway. It’s vibrant. It’s playful… It gave them the courage to play with it a little bit, knowing, “If I don’t like it, in a couple of years, I can pull it down.” That’s the power and beauty of wallpaper. It allows you to create a temporary, artistic moment in your space without feeling as though you’re bonded for life with it.

WHAT

IS YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

My design is something that feels sophisticated and intentionally curated, but you can live in it. It has a way of feeling authentic, genuine and approachable. Interior design has had a bad rap of feeling as though

it has to look magazine-pristine. But there’s a beautiful balance of creating good, solid design and still allowing it to do something for your soul, capturing the essence of who you are, making it feel approachable.

HOW DO YOU MAKE CLOSETS LOOK SO INVITING?

I do some of my best designing in the nooks and crannies of the space. People want to abandon the closets. I say, “Let’s rip these doors off and have some fun! You love reading? Why don’t you have your own cozy reading nook that speaks the language of your soul? Why doesn’t your space align with who you are? It’s just pretty to be pretty. Let’s pull back the layers and figure out what your space needs to do for you. That doesn’t fall flat to white and black. That is full of pattern, texture and expression.”

DID YOU ASK TO DO HIS AND HERS CLOSETS AT THE SOUTHEASTERN SHOWHOUSE?

I specifically asked for closets because I was also doing a showhouse in West Palm Beach, the Kips Bay Show House. I do like to be the underdog. I like to be in a position where no one wants the ugly duckling, but I can take something and make it beautiful.

WAS THERE A TIME YOU DIDN’T GET TO PICK?

My first showhouse was a closet, and I was disappointed. I was still young in the industry. [But I said] “We’re going to make lemons into lemonade.” I was told it was one of the best spaces in the house. We went all out. We took the doors off. We made it into a nook. We upholstered a panel on the back wall. We had fun with it. I’ve taken that premise into my business today.

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ARTICLE BY ALLIE PAPAJOHN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHRIMP &

IF YOU EAT ONE THING

Located in a historic 1915 church in Dilworth, newly-opened restaurant Leluia Hall is the sixth concept from owners and husband-wife team Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown. The kitchen, led by Executive Chef Chris Rogienski, offers an array of prime steaks, seafood options and unique sides to complete the “steak and surf” menu. One such dish is the Crab Louie Board, a fun, interactive way to start the meal, allowing the whole table to get involved with a build-your-own-bite vibe. The board has that certain “wow” factor with its bright colors and large size, making it the perfect platter to kick off dinner.

THE INSPIRATION

“I love a traditional Crab Louie salad with all the fresh ingredients, but we wanted to do our own take on it so it could be easily shareable at the table,” says Leluia Hall owner Jamie Brown. “For us, this nibble board has all the crunch and health of a fresh crudité platter but with lump crab as a playful, luxe ingredient.”

THE DIPPERS

When enjoying the Crab Louie Board, guests are encouraged to customize each bite to their liking. Try filling a lettuce cup with watermelon radish, lump crab and jalapeño. Stack a cucumber, cherry tomato and red onion for a mix of textures. Grab a piece of asparagus and dive right into the sauce. And if you’re an egg fan, don’t skip these jammy delights: they’re excellent on their own or paired with a dab of...

THE SAUCE

Vibrant, crunchy veggies are always begging for a little something extra. Leluia Hall’s Crab Louie Board comes with an impeccable accompaniment: a housemade Island Dressing created by Chef Chris. The creamy sauce has a moderate but flavorful kick with its Worcestershire, smoked paprika and ají amarillo. You’ll be begging for a bottle of it by the end of the night.

Charlotte’s go-to shopping destination for stylish and whimsy clothing, accessories and gifts for babies and kids. A curated collection of “conversational” styles from small brands across the globe, where thoughtful production and responsible materials are top of mind, but comfort and playful design are never compromised.

980.423.0128 | cocoleto.com | 2902B Selwyn Avenue · Charlotte, NC

CHA R L OTTE

REFINED

PORTRAITS OF FALL FASHION BY EASTOVER-BASED

DESIGNER DANIEL GONZALEZ

Opposite page: Navy Thelma sweater, $950, and Catalina Slip Dress in Foam, $1,300, Daniel Gonzalez.

This page: Clementina camisole in gray, $420, and Dina coat in octopus print, $1,300, Daniel Gonzalez. CONTINUED

Opposite page: Mattie trouser in green, $735, and Sydney vest in green, $750, by Daniel Gonzalez. White button-up shirt by Theory, $245; with collar clip by Demarson, $275; and sunglasses by Quay, $50.

This Page:

On the left, the Lelia blouse in navy by Daniel Gonzalez, $650, and a short coat from Veronica Beard at Phillips Place, $748. (Pictured in the middle) the Dina coat in tan, $1,180; Lelia blouse in white, $650; and Athena trouser in tan, $615 (all by Daniel Gonzalez). Also in the middle, a Theory sweater vest, $375; TOTEME neck scarf, $220; and glasses from Sally’s Optical. On the far right, the Andy asymmetrical sweater in green by Daniel Gonzalez, $600; a striped button-up by J.Crew,

and a brown belt by

Opposite page: M.A. Jacket in golden sand, $1,130; Chiqui skirt in navy, $830; Lotus T-shirt in white, $480; and belt (all by Daniel Gonzalez). Vince fringed cashmere scarf in burgundy, $165, with a YSL Cassandra medium bag.

This page:

(From left to right) The Alysi blazer, Thirty-One Jane, a bustier from Zimmerman, feather cuffs from McNeely Purcell, a Lele Sadoughi necklace, $295, and a handbag by Dries Van Noten, $1,130. In the middle front, Marina blouse in foam by Daniel Gonzalez, $680; with necklaces from Veronica Beard at Phillips Place, $150 each; and a handbag by Altuzarra, $595. Middle to the back, the jacket is Favorite Daughter from ThirtyOne Jane. On the far right, the Gwyneth dress in octopus print, $1,865, is styled with the Misty knit shrug in deep ocean by Daniel Gonzalez, $350, an Ada belt, $125, and earrings from Mignonne Gavigan.

Modeling by Nara King and Jarin Simmons

David Moritz, Founder of Society Awards

ARTICLE BY CARROLL WALTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLLY YUNG

Society Awards founder who crafts the Golden Globes also dresses the part

Red Carpet

Worthy

It takes a refined eye and a deep appreciation for luxury to realize when something meant to be iconic falls short. That’s how David Moritz got the idea for Society Awards, a company that reimagined the trophies actors and musicians win for being the best at their craft.

On a tip from a friend at a Las Vegas trade show, Moritz recognized the quality of the awards didn’t always match the moment. He launched Society Awards in 2007, the year after he graduated from law school at New York University.

“I thought, ‘OK, why not?’” says Moritz, who’d had childhood dreams of becoming an entertainment lawyer. “That’s entertainment, fashion design. I like shiny things. That sounds like something I might be interested in.”

As founder and CEO of Society Awards, he quickly rose to the top of the industry and continues to set the standard, creating awards for the Golden Globes, Emmys, MTV, YouTube, the Academy of Country Music, “The Voice,” “Dancing with the Stars” and more. His first client was Billboard magazine, and the first award he created was for legendary singer Neil Diamond. While rubbing elbows with celebrities is just part of Moritz’s job, some of his favorite personal connections have come with artist Jeff Koons, jeweler David Yurman and his son Evan.

Moritz decided to move his family and his company from New York to Charlotte in 2020. He and his wife, Charlotte, had two young daughters and were looking to leave Manhattan, even before the pandemic. They wanted a home somewhere different, family-friendly and warmer. His wife had attended Wake Forest University and suggested Charlotte.

“I immediately fell in love with the city, the vibe, the lifestyle, the weather and the quality of life here,” Moritz says. “It was the perfect fit, just what we were looking for.”

He and Charlotte just happened to stop in at Sycamore Brewery on their first visit. It proved to be a serendipitous spot.

“It was a beautiful, warm November day,” Moritz said. “It was probably rainy, wet and cold in New York. The beer was

delicious, and they had a bonfire going, along with live music. I thought that was really incredible.”

Moritz moved Society Awards to Atherton Mill in South End. By 2023, they needed more space, so they moved some offices to a separate location in The Line, a mixed-use tower in South End they now share with Sycamore’s tap room. Society Awards and Sycamore recently collaborated to create “A Taste of Victory,” a limited-edition West Coast-style IPA.

Moritz also embraced the city of Charlotte in other ways. In the home of NASCAR, he’s developed a newfound passion for luxury cars. Society Awards has established a relationship with McLaren and Rolls-Royce dealers in Charlotte. Moritz attended a black-tie event in June celebrating the unveiling of RollsRoyce’s new showroom and hospitality space.

Society Awards has also established a rapport with the Mint Museum. More than 150 of their custom-sculptured awards were featured in an exhibit there in late 2023 called “Beyond the Red Carpet.”

Moritz has thrived in Charlotte’s fashion scene as well. He says many of the brands he wears aren’t available here, so he does a lot of his shopping on international trips. But he says he feels more freedom to wear what he loves because Charlotte’s style hasn’t gone as “smart casual” as New York City has.

“[New York] has become less and less formal over time, and that is not very exciting to me,” he says. “Everyone tends to just dress the same, look the same. You’re going to a new hip place that just opened,

and [if] you wear a really nice suit, you’ll stand out like a sore thumb, maybe even get teased. If you wear Dolce & Gabbana, it’ll look like you sell Dolce & Gabbana suits.”

He says Charlotte is more open to variety.

“I just wear whatever I want, wherever I want,” he says. “If I want to dress up, I do. If I want to wear a suit and tie to a restaurant for dinner, I do. No one bats an eye. Some people will be wearing polo shirts or golf shirts. That’s fine. I don’t care. It gives me an opportunity to be a lot more creative and have a lot more freedom. And I’m actually dressing a lot more upscale here than I did in New York.”

Moritz says he likes to integrate different brands into his looks.

“I like to combine a sleek and restrained style with, at times, exuberant flashes,” he says. “So my go-tos are very different brands. It would be Dolce & Gabbana on the one hand, which is sleek and sexy, and then Etro on the other hand, which is incredibly extra and over the top, with fantastic florals, paisleys and bright colors. I also wear a lot of John Varvatos, who’s also someone I’ve met and worked with. I really like the cool, edgy men’s style of John Varvatos.”

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A tradition in the making.

The Major Experience: Quiet Luxury. Timeless Service. Your Story.

At J. Major’s Bridal Boutique, finding your wedding dress is a treasured moment in a story generations have shared. Since 1984, our boutique has been where Charlotte’s brides, their mothers, sisters, and best friends come to celebrate. Each gown chosen, each joyful tear, each heartfelt “this is the one” adds to a legacy woven into the very fabric of this city. Step into J. Major’s and discover a place where expert styling meets heartfelt tradition. Where your once-in-alifetime dress is just the beginning of a memory you’ll never forget.

RUNWAY, RECYCLED

ARTICLE BY ELLIOTT HARRELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBB WEBB, ROBBWEBBPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

ArtPop Street Gallery’s annual Upcycled Fashion Show is back for its fifth year on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Blume Studios. The event raises funds for year-round initiatives for its mission like public art installations and community events. It is part of the Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF) that runs throughout September.

Fifteen designers, including two student designers, will showcase one-of-a-kind couture dresses made from upcycled vinyl ArtPop billboards in a live runway show. The immersive evening runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and will also feature a silent auction and interactive artist activations.

“This show is special because it provides me the opportunity to design from an uninhibited ‘more is more’ perspective,” says Will White, a designer returning for his third show.

ArtPop Billboard Program

Each year ArtPop Street Gallery chooses 20 regional artists to participate in its billboard program. Artists get their own static billboards and digital displays which can be seen throughout the greater Charlotte area and in locations throughout the country for a year. It’s a unique opportunity for artists to receive widespread exposure for their art.

Retired billboards then become the canvases for designers in the Upcycled Fashion Show. The vinyl material is reimagined into haute couture-looking dresses, using the designers’ vision and a team of creatives, and brought to life on the runway. More than 400 guests will see the repurposed looks at the Upcycled Fashion Show on September 6.

By upcycling billboard materials, ArtPop keeps more than 13,000 square feet of vinyl out of landfills each year while also giving the billboard artists’ work new life.

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ARTICLE BY ELLIOTT HARRELL

HAUTE HAIR

Dhiran Mistry of The Carriage House shares art of a great cut

London-born hair stylist Dhiran Mistry has been cutting hair for 21 years and worked for some of the industry’s biggest names and salons. Getting a haircut with Mistry, owner of The Carriage House hair salon in Dilworth, is one of the hardest bookings to come by in Charlotte. He’s so popular that there’s typically about a two-month wait for new clients.

“I just saw my client from Raleigh this morning,” Mistry tells me when we start chatting.

One client, who moved to Oregon, still flies to Charlotte to get her hair done. Others come from the mountains, Wilmington and everywhere in between for an appointment with him.

While his schedule is usually packed, whether it’s day or night, he spent some time dishing on all things hair and personal style.

HOW DID YOU END UP IN CHARLOTTE?

I moved to New York in 2011 to work for [world-renowned]

John Barrett at Bergdorf Goodman. I met my wife in New York in 2013. She grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, but her brother moved to Charlotte, and then her mom. Our first son was born in 2018, and when COVID hit, we found out we were pregnant again. We needed more space, and my wife said, “If we’re going to move to Charlotte eventually, why don’t we just do it now?” So we

pivoted from buying in Long Island and ended up buying a house in SouthPark. We moved in April 2021.

WHAT MAKES A HAIRCUT GREAT?

A great haircut makes your hair work better for you, so it’s easy to manage whether you’re styling it or not. The ability to recreate whatever we do in the salon is important too. How your hair air-dries and how it sits after, and then how long you can go between haircuts, also make it great.

HOW OFTEN DOES SOMEONE NEED TO CUT THEIR HAIR?

People want to cut their hair when the ends are dry. If you have a haircut you like, and you’re really good at maintaining and managing it, and you’re not putting loads of heat on it, then you can go anywhere from six weeks to six months.

That’s what I want to give people. If your hair is easy for you, then you don’t need to cut it as often.

WHY DO YOU USUALLY CUT HAIR DRY?

I started specializing in dry cutting in 2017. When your hair is wet, you have to pull it to cut it. And then it springs up in all different directions. When your hair is dry and straight, you don’t

have to do that, so you can see where the hair is; you can see where it’s laying. There is a lot more precision to the haircut.

DO YOU SEE DIFFERENT HAIR TRENDS IN CHARLOTTE COMPARED TO NEW YORK CITY?

No, as far as trends go, they’re pretty universal. And post-COVID, people have moved all over the country, so the typical Charlottean is now someone who moved from Austin, New York, Florida, or London. A trend in New York is similar to a trend in Charlotte. Maybe we hear about it a day or two later; that’s all.

ARE THERE PARTICULAR STYLES THAT ARE CURRENTLY POPULAR?

Not really. Styles go in cycles. One year, it’s a bob, and then the next minute it’s a lob because your bob is growing out. Then the next minute it’s a layered haircut because your bob is now long enough to be layered. Then you’re bored with that, so you get bangs.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

My personal style is an accumulation of all the places I’ve lived. I’m a city kid. I grew up in London. I grew up in the 80s. I always pushed the envelope and got wacky haircuts, piercings and colored my hair. I wore things I wasn’t supposed to wear when I was a kid because I was always trying to be different. I like accessories. I love sneakers. I love a Jordan. I wear heavy silver jewelry, so it’s a little bit like rock and roll, but then I listen to hip-hop music. My salon plays classical music. It’s really all over the place.

From Kimono to Contemporary

EXPERIENCE THE BLEND OF OLD AND NEW IN JAPAN’S EVER-EVOLVING IDENTITY

ARTICLE BY KRISHA CHACHRA

“ in Japan immediately when you see pictures.” temples, shrines, kanji lettering on the hanging signs – you know you’re

Japan has such an identifiable landscape. The architecture, street-scene, – ELIZABETH QUON

Throughout the streets of Japan’s busiest cities, the blending of the traditional and the modern is always on display. Centuries-old cherry blossom trees bloom among sky-high radio towers and high-end shopping districts. Kimono shops and tea houses are located near anime-themed restaurants, foot bath cafés, and hip coffee houses. Even the women merge old-style fashion influences with contemporary designs.

The land of the rising sun attracts tourists seeking both the simplicity of Zen gardens and top-dollar, trendy omakase, or chef-curated meals. Professional photographers are often on hand to capture families exploring the juxtaposition of Japan’s culture featuring old-world elements and modern comforts.

“Japan has such an identifiable landscape,” says South Charlotte resident Elizabeth Quon, who lived in Japan for seven years before moving to the Queen City in 2022. “The architecture, streetscene, temples, shrines, kanji lettering on the hanging signs—you know you’re in Japan immediately when you see pictures.”

On a trip to Japan this spring, Quon’s family hired popular photographer Ayako Ohkawa [@fleurandhoney on Instagram] to document their journey. “Ayako studied the art of dressing in a kimono and knows the alleyways and neighborhoods to shoot in,” says Quon.

The rise of social media and the Japanese Imperial family’s use of Instagram to connect with the people has also added to how the Japanese present themselves visually.

“There’s more of a trend to snapshots of everyday life in natural backdrops—busy streets, retail shops and noodle or sushi counters—instead of elaborate backdrops or staged scenes,” Quon says.

Quon thinks the love of taking pictures stems in part from the Japanese belief that every moment has a story, and every picture captures that storyline.

Here are three cities to add to your own story while capturing both the traditional and modern culture of Japan.

by Elizabeth Quon

TOKYO

Pick a hotel in a central location near a subway, the fastest and most cost-effective way to see the city. Take the subway to the 2,080-foot Skytree, the centerpiece of the city, which offers 360-degree breathtaking views.

Book “Tokyo Sushi-Making Tour” to learn about the history of Japan’s most famous food and roll your own lunch. Snap a shot of the “sushi pose,” where you sculpt and press the rice to get that typical sushi look. Take the train to Shinjuku, the part of the city that you probably imagine when you think of Tokyo: a sea of people, high energy, neon signs and tall buildings.

“We chose our family photo shoot here, and we wanted to have fun with it,” says Quon. “Since we were shooting down a yokocho (alleyway) in Shinjuku, we insisted we wear streetwear.”

Quon recommends shopping at Uniqlo in Tokyo for the latest in street style clothing.

“There is this effortlessly cool vibe,” she says. “You look at the racks and immediately question how the style will come together, but then you’ll roam through a neighborhood and see the kawaii mixed with modern, clean lines, the ultra-feminine made boxy, and Lolita-esque trends rubbing elbows with retro and punk looks straight out of the 80s. You get it. The Japanese know how to wear clothes.”

Northeast of Shinjuku is Kabukicho, the nightlife district filled with bars, massage parlors and hostess clubs. Try a robot restaurant and snap a picture of an over-the-top Japanesemotif cabaret show that can be ultra tacky and super flashy. Make sure to leave the kids behind.

For a visit to the traditional part of the city, visit Nakamise-dōri, the street leading to the Sensō-ji temple in Asakusa. Tourists are asked to wash their hands in the fountain and light incense to cleanse their spirits. For a small fee, you may also pick a fortune stick that corresponds to a drawer with a piece of paper that forecasts your future. If it happens to be unlucky, tie the paper to a nearby tree branch and let the bad vibes blow away.

Finally, at the main temple hall, throw a few coins at the statue of the Buddha, clap hard two times to awaken the spirits and then bow slowly to show respect. It’s a truly calming experience in contrast with the constant stimulation of Tokyo.

HAKONE

Many people take day trips to Hakone—about an hour’s drive from Tokyo. But an overnight stay will give you a full, authentic experience. Reserve a ryokan—a traditional Japanese inn featuring tatami-matted rooms, low-tothe-ground tea tables and large windows surrounded by natural waterfalls or lush gardens. Senkyoro Ryokan Hakone offers an onsen—a hot spring bathing experience (generally nude) used for therapeutic healing. Onsens are separated by gender, but couples and families may book a private experience at Senkyoro, where the hot springs pool is outdoors in a rock garden under the stars.

“My favorite onsen experiences are the outdoor ones, especially in the fall and winter,” says Quon. “There is nothing more refreshing than the contrast of crisp, cold air and the hot spring waters.”

Quon warns that visitors with tattoos might not be allowed in, but some onsens are tattoo-friendly and permit bathing suits.

A trip to Hokone isn’t complete without a cruise on Lake Ashi—the modern way to view the majestic Mt. Fuji from the water. Don’t skip the walk to Hakone Shrine—sacred to the Samari in the 10th century—located up the mountain from the lake. At the base of the mountain is a red gate, or torii, submerged in water—an iconic photo op for you and your travel companions.

KYOTO

Take the shinkansen, Japan’s famous bullet train, and arrive in Kyoto in less than two hours from Hakone. Make sure to bring your camera or book a photoshoot of you and your family strolling through the pathways in the Sagano Bamboo Forest surrounded by soaring stalks of mōsō bamboo that block the sunlight, creating an otherworldly, sublime experience.

Kyoto’s traditions and modern experiences are combined at Maikoya’s kimono and tea ceremony in Gion, the city’s famous geisha district. Women and men are first dressed separately in silk kimonos or yukatas (robes), with hair accessories and flowers included. Walk in your geta (wooden shoes) to the garden room and learn the history of the matcha tea ceremony while making your own.

After finishing the green tea and wagashi (sweets), enjoy an opportunity to discover the historical district dressed in your kimono or take pictures in the manicured gardens. A visit to Gion is not complete without meeting a geisha or maiko (trainee). The kaiseki dinner experience at Hanasaki offers a seasonal progressive Japanese meal served by a maiko. These young women, who are very well respected in Japanese culture, have chosen to dedicate their lives to studying the traditional art of dance and entertainment.

While you eat, the maiko will perform and serve drinks, especially to the males in your party.

The Japanese love their animal encounters, and the deer at Nara Park feel the same about the people who feed and pet them outside Todai-ji temple. This “large temple of the east” houses the Great Buddha statue, which stands 50 feet high.

Don’t leave Japan without seeing “the mother of all shrines,” Fushimi Inari. This shrine is known for its tunnels of more than 10,000 closely-spaced vermilion torii gates that wind over the hills of Mount Inari. Worshippers have donated torii gates to express prayers and appreciation since the Edo period (1603-1869). Now the gates are used for stylish photo ops and artful poses along the arduous trek to the summit, which could take two to three hours.

“Take your time walking through the sites and streets of Japan, when you visit,” advises Quon. “From new convenient stores next to decades-old izakayas (local bars) to yukatas replacing kimonos for casual everyday wear, there seems to be a balancing act in play that everyone accepts. You can’t capture all the moments, but the mental pictures you’ll take from the culture will last a lifetime.”

KRISHA CHACHRA is a Charlotte-based travel writer for regional and national magazines. She has visited more than 50 countries on six continents and loves exploring new destinations with her family.

Portions of this article appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of Ballantyne Magazine.

When Rachel and Andy Lee lost their newborn daughter, Madelyn, at eight days old, he honored her memory by wearing No. 8 on his NFL uniform as a punter with the Cleveland Browns.

They told their story to NFL Network, grieved as a family and held on tight to their two older sons. In the year to follow, after Lee was traded to the Carolina Panthers, they established Madelyn’s Fund to help other families going through what they had. In what can be an isolating experience, they found comfort in connection.

“In our case, none of our family got to meet her in person,” Rachel says. “It was flu season; no visitors were allowed besides parents. It was really hard because we wanted people to remember her and to honor her life. It gave me a way to talk about her without it feeling uncomfortable for me and for other people.”

Madelyn’s Fund, named after their daughter, benefits families with babies in the neonatal units at Atrium and Novant in Charlotte as well as two hospitals in Rachel’s hometown, Columbia, S.C., which provide the highest level of care for critically ill newborns.

Rachel started making her own fashion statement by hosting an annual Pink Bow Gala. The eighth annual gala will be held on Oct. 17 at The Casey by Beau Monde in NoDa.

“We always say wearing pink is encouraged, it’s not required,” Lee says. “But most people do. There’s a shade of pink for everyone. Even the guys have a touch of pink. At our first gala, I just remember looking out and seeing everybody and thinking, ‘Wow, that is really special.’”

This year’s event will feature a seated dinner, live auction and music from country artist Laura Vinson. The drummer in the band lost a NICU baby and was eager to support Madelyn’s Fund.

Throughout September, Lee is coordinating with local businesses to highlight NICU Awareness Month. She is partnering for the third time with Charlotte designer Renata Gasparian to create a clothing line for the fall. The collection, which will debut at Renata’s new store on East Boulevard, will include several dresses appropriate for the gala as well as casual looks, too.