Exclusive Photos from National Black Arts Festival's Fine Art + Fashion Benefit

More than 400 of Atlanta's top fashion, business and social leaders were in attendance at the annual Fine Art + Fashion benefit for the National Black Arts Festival Thursday at 6 p.m. at Neiman Marcus in Lenox Square. The event was hosted by actress Nicole Ari Parker and health expert and "Biggest Loser" trainer Dovett Quince.

NBAF (which presents the National Black Arts Festival each year), a non-profit organization dedicated to the celebration of the arts and culture of the African Diaspora, along with Neiman Marcus are the main organizing hosts for the annual benefit.

Fine Art + Fashion honors notable artists who have a positive impact on global fashion, as well as arts and culture. This year’s Fine Art + Fashion honorees included senior vice president and fashion director for Neiman Marcus Ken Downing (Fashion Icon Honoree), Iona Rozeal Brown and Houston Llew (Visual Artist Honorees).

Crystal Star, one of the most renowned fashion directors both nationally and internationally, was be honored as the Fine Art + Fashion 7^th Annual Fashion Icon.

The benefit includes a pre-show reception, fashion show, and post-show reception; and provides financial support to NBAF’s visual arts programs, related public programs and marketing support of major exhibitions.

Prominent Atlanta business and community leaders Vicki and John Palmer are the Honorary Chairs of this year’s event, and one of Atlanta’s most talented and generous style setters Millie Smith is the Event Chair.  Additionally, SCAD student designers Christian Harris, Alicia Akrie and Salimi Akill will be recognized as the 2013 Emerging Talent Awards.  Each of the budding designers currently has their fashion collections on display in the coveted windows of Neiman Marcus at Lenox Square.

Neiman Marcus returns for its third year as the Title Sponsor of Fine Art + Fashion, with ING Americas as the Signature Sponsor.  The 2013 Presenting Sponsors include The Coca-Cola Company, Vicki and John Palmer, Millie and Steve Smith, and the First Tennessee Foundation.

-NBAF contributed to this report.