The multifaceted Randi Layne brings her fashion prowess to an exciting new project, Style South.

Like many businesses forced to pivot in the wake of COVID-19, Catwalk Productions, an Atlanta-based event management company, needed a way to remain relevant—especially with live events on hold. “We quickly realized professionals within different facets of varied style industries faced the same challenge,” says President Randi Layne, whose diverse portfolio includes roles as an actress, model, dancer, choreographer and producer. “At a time of uncertainty, we wanted to inspire our audience. … We wanted to share stories about people who stepped outside of their comfort zone and made big changes.”

A web series called Style Slicks was born, and the idea continued to snowball. “As we considered possible subjects, we understood there was a much larger story to tell,” Layne reveals. “So, we pushed forward and dove deeper into the stories of people around us who continue to make their mark as style-makers, influential designers, innovative chefs, visionary architects and successful retailers.” Style Slicks eventually morphed into Style South (stylesouth.net), a collective of style perspectives from leading players across the region, beginning with a spotlight on Atlanta. Brand innovator and eponymous boutique founder Jeffrey Kalinsky, KZ Noel Jewelry creative director Keisha Noel and HA Modern co-owner Tim Hobby are among the local luminaries who have already been featured on the online multimedia platform.

Layne, who co-founded Style South with her longtime fashion show collaborators Warren Chaumont and Katy Mason, believes they have filled a void. “Style South may be a first. To our knowledge, until now there hasn’t been one platform where disparate voices of style from all industries can be shared,” she says. “One of our early goals is to integrate each of the channels of the Style South network with live events in real time from Atlanta to Nashville and Birmingham to Charleston, then continue to expand from there.”

Ultimately, Style South is a celebration of creativity and community. Says Layne, “I’m always looking for the good in what’s around me. Th ere is beauty and joy in life, in abundance, if you open your mind to the possibilities. What inspires me are the incredible people I meet along the way.”