On the cover: New Attitude
Nashville Ballet’s Nick Mullikin
Photographed by Charlie Mahanes
Current Issue
Sophisticated Giving Charity Register 2025
A comprehensive guide highlighting the work of charitable organizations in Nashville. Presented by LBMC
Highlights from the March/April Issue
Nick Mullikin, Artistic Director and CEO of Nashville Balletcontinues to push the boundaries of contemporary dance with his latest creation, Erase the Night, a highly anticipated new ballet set to captivate audiences with its innovative choreography and emotional depth. Known for his keen artistic vision and commitment to storytelling through movement, Mullikin blends classical technique with fresh, dynamic expression, ensuring each performance resonates both visually and emotionally. As Nashville Ballet prepares to unveil this exciting new work, dance enthusiasts can expect a production that showcases the company's exceptional talent and reaffirms Mullikin's role as a transformative force in the ballet world. We were thrilled to sit down with Nick to discuss his new project, set for its world debut at TPAC May 2-4.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photo: Charlie Mahanes & MA2LA
Cover Story: New Attitude
Pamella Roland is synonymous with sophistication and elegance in the world of high fashion. Since launching her eponymous label in 2002, she has carved a niche for herself with designs that exude glamour and timeless appeal. From red-carpet gowns to chic cocktail dresses, her creations have become a staple for celebrities and style connoisseurs alike. This spring, Roland will unveil her highly anticipated Fall 2025 collection at the Symphony Fashion Show, returning to Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center on April 29, 2025.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photo: Courtesy Pamella Roland
Full-Circle Moment
A Feast for the Senses
Art has always served as a mirror to the society that creates it. Few artistic movements embody this as vividly as Impressionism, a style born in the latter half of the 19th century that sought to capture the immediacy of experience and the transient beauty of modern life. Farm to Table: Art, Food, and Identity in the Age of Impressionismat the Frist Art Museum until May 4, delves into one of the movement's deeply resonant themes: the interplay between food, culture, and identity.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photo: Julien Dupré. Haying Scene, 1884. Oil on canvas; 48 5/8 x 59 ½ in. Gift of Justina G. Catlin in memory of her husband, Daniel Catlin, Saint Louis Art Museum. Courtesy of the Frist Art Museum
The amount of money it takes to fund your goal, such as retirement, is your "number."It is common for even affluent investors not to know their number. After all, you've been successful compared to those around you, and your friends, family, and peers will likely look up to you. You may not know your number but may have a clear sense thatyou're doing well compared to your peers.
Text: Greg Luken
Know Your Number. Can You Retire?
Beyond First Class
Imagine stepping onto a vehicle that feels less like a mode of transport and more like a cutting-edge hub of comfort and technology. For the world’s top artists, this isn’t a dream—it’s Autobus’ reality as a premium tour bus operator serving the biggest names in music.
Text: Lee Sturgess & Jeremy Maul
Photo: Autobus
County With A Heart
Shelby County, located in the north-central part of Kentucky, is a thriving region that beautifully combinesrich history, vibrant culture, and modern amenities. Known as the "Saddlebred Capital of the World," Shelby County is a hub of equestrian excellence and Southern charm.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photos: Courtesy ShelbyKY
Great Wall of China
In the small community of McLeansville, North Carolina, there stands a treasure trove for anyone with an appreciation for china, crystal, silverware, and collectibles. Replacements, Ltd., located just a few miles outside Greensboro, has grown from a one-man operation into the world's largest retailer of vintage and current tableware and collectibles. Replacements, Ltd. was founded in 1981 by Bob Page, a North Carolina native and former accountant who turned his personal passion for antique china into a thriving business. Originally, Page ran the business out of his home, scouring yard and estate sales for rare and discontinued china patterns. As he began to see growing demand for his products, Replacements expanded rapidly. By the mid-1980s, Page moved the operation to a larger warehouse in Greensboro, and in 1986, Replacements found its current home in McLeansville, along a major interstate, making it more accessible to visitors.
Text: Melissa Mahanes
Photos: Courtesy of Replacements
Love In Every Bite
Katie Moessner, Creative Director of Sweet Daisy Petit Four Shoppe, played a pivotal role in establishing the kitchen in 2023. Beyond her creative leadership, she serves as a teacher and a spiritual mentor to participants in Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking's healing programs. Nestled within NAHT's headquarters, Sweet Daisy's social enterprise kitchen fosters a sense of community within the safe haven that NAHT has already created..
Compiled by: Melissa Mahanes
Photo: Madie Michel
Sophisticated Society, Presented by Genesis Diamonds -
Sophisticated Society, Presented by Genesis Diamonds -
Society Calendar
Events of note in March, April & May
Your Hidden Genius
Photos by Charlie Mahanes
Unleashed
Photos by GetPetPics
Antiques & Garden Show Preview Party
Photos by Peyton Hoge
Swan Ball Reveal
Photos by Charlie Mahanes
Swan Ball Jewelry Preview
Photos by Charlie Mahanes
Ruby Gala
Photos by Sandy Campbell
Heart Gala
Photos by Jessica McIntosh Photography
Love Big, Shop Small
Photos by The Next Door
Beats & Threads
Photos by Royce DeGrie & Charlie Mahanes
Ballet Ball Patron Party
Photos by Charlie Mahanes
How About Dinner and a Movie?
Photos by Deena Drummond
Love Our Libraries
Photos by WCLF
Publisher's LetterThe Beatles have been my favorite group since I was nine years old.I never thought I would ever meet one, but I did recently, thanks to Sophisticated Living Nashvilleand the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum.
Text: Dave Mahanes
Photo by Charlie Mahanes
From the Publisher
Get To Know Us
At Sophisticated Living, we are dedicated and passionate about all the finer things life has to offer. Whether your interests are close to home or in far-flung places, each issue shares highlights of the good life in Nashville and beyond.
Dave Mahanes, Publisher & Melissa Mahanes, Editor-In-Chief
Melissa and Dave have been married for 26 years and moved from NewYork to Nashville 18 years ago. Melissa is originally from Greenwich, CT, graduated with B.A. in Fine Arts from Vanderbilt University, and is also a graduate of Sotheby’s Fine Arts Program. During her career, Melissa worked for Sotheby’s and contemporary art dealers Larry Gagosian and Anthony d’Offay in New York. Her graphic design company, Kalligraphia, has designed invitations for many popular Nashville fundraisers. Since moving to Nashville, Melissa has been very involved in the Nashville community serving on the boards of Nashville Ballet and Sexual AssaultCenter, as well as Co-Chairing The Mad Hatter, Ballet Ball, Symphony Ball, and Swan Ball Auction.
Dave grew up in Nashville, attended Ensworth and MBA, graduated with a B.A. in Economics from Duke University, and received his M.B.A. from Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management. Dave spent most of his career as a banker in New York and Nashville. Also very active in the Nashville community, Dave has served on the boards of Belle Meade Plantation and Equal Chance for Education, the advisory boards of W.O. Smith School, and the Nashville Symphony as well as serving as a Deacon for the First Presbyterian Church.
Melissa and Dave look forward to bringing their creativity and passion for the arts, the finer things that Nashville has to offer, and the Middle Tennessee non-forprofit community to Sophisticated Living Nashville and Sophisticated Giving.
Advertise with Sophisticated Living
Sophisticated Living readers are affluent, educated, capable and influential consumers. Our award-winning editorial, full-page only ad format and unique direct-distribution method gives our advertisers ample opportunity to maximize their message in front of the highest income earners in Nashville.
For advertising information contact Dave Mahanes at dave@slmag.net or 615.495.4250
Connect with Us
Dave Mahanes, Publisher: dave@slmag.net / 615.495.4250
Melissa Mahanes, Editor-In-Chief: melissa@slmag.net 615.308.9294