Best Dressed Men and Women - Trends Magazine

ANNOUNCES
10
THE 2007
Best Dressed
Men and Women
,
OF PHOENIX
Honorees received the most number of nominations from Trends readers.
The annual Best Dressed Men and Women awards are announced each spring.
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Deborah Bennett
Gifted with an artistic background, Debbie views fashion as works of art. She believes
people look best when they compose their attire based on their body lines. Since she is
petite, she wears three-quarter-length sleeves to look taller. Debbie learned about the cut
of fabric, texture and lines from her mother. But two local friends also influenced her.
She likens Cheryl Fine to 1960s socialite Babe Paley, and Priscilla Nicholas to former
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
Favorite Fragrance: I mix Cartier Le Baiser
Du Dragon with Chanel Mademoiselle by day
and Chanel No. 5 at night.
Favorite Formal Wear Designer:
Monique Lhuillier and Valentino.
Favorite Sports Wear Designer: Akris tops
and Escada slacks.
Most Interesting Up-and-Coming
Designer: Olivier Theyskens, who designs for
Rochas. He’s very hip and fresh.
Favorite “Funky” designer: Olivier Theyskens.
Favorite Jewelry Designer: Alan Levy.
Favorite Shoe Designer: Manolo Blahnik.
Must-Have Accessory: A great handbag.
Your “signature look”? Classic American,
favoring American designer Ralph Rucci. He
cuts his jackets with flaired sleeve bottoms,
upturned collars and shorter sleeves.
Favorite Dressing Area Feature:
Glass-fronted drawers with crystal knobs
and black-velvet lining so I can view my dress
belts, handbags and jewelry.
What fashion items do you have the
most of? Handbags. I do adore alligator
handbags; they go with everything.
How would you rate Phoenix as a
fashion capital? It’s fun and up and coming
since the Arizona Costume Institute added
the Kelly Ellman gallery.
What do you never leave home without?
Great earrings because my hair is so short.
They frame a woman’s face.
What is your best fashion tip? Look
complete from head to toe.
Favorite Way to De-stress: Time with my
husband and grandchildren.
Favorite Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz SL600
Favorite Architectural Style:
Contemporary.
Favorite Interior Design Style:
Voluptuous rich-looking contemporary pieces
along the line of Mario Buatta.
Nick Esposito
The owner of Moda Georgio custom menswear, Nick Esposito stays on top of current
trends. Nick scrutinizes such international men’s and women’s magazines as Esquire and the
Robb Report for the latest colors and fabrics, and then customizes the looks for both
himself and his clients.
Favorite Fragrance: Moda Georgio’s
custom blend.
Favorite Formal Wear Designer:
Brioni and Armani.
Favorite Sports Wear Designer:
In Fiamme and Paul & Shark.
Most Interesting Up-and-Coming Designer:
Tom Ford
Favorite Jewelry Designer: Cartier.
Favorite Shoe Designer: Artioli from Italy.
Must-Have Accessory: A navy blazer, a great
tie and a nice watch.
Your “signature look”? I always dress in
a tie and suit made of high-quality natural
fibers. I’m not an open-collar kind of guy.
Favorite Dressing Area Feature:
Good true lighting and hooks.
What fashion items do you have the
most of? Shirts are my business so I have
50 dress shirts in a rainbow of colors. I have
more shirts with a white collar and cuffs than
most men.
How would you rate Phoenix as a fashion
capital? Coming along but it’s still behind
the world by a few years. Fortunately, people
moving here from more cosmopolitan areas
are requesting higher quality merchandise.
Where in the world do you enjoy clothes
shopping? Italy, like Via Condotti in Rome
and Milan in the Via Monte Napoleon region.
What do you never leave home without?
A nice tailored shirt made from Sea Island
Cotton. It has a silky feel.
Who is your fashion inspiration?
Cary Grant and Gary Cooper were
wonderful. Today, it’s Pierce Brosnan and
George Clooney. Jay Leno dresses well.
I know his tailor.
What is your best fashion tip?
When you dress up, wear a white shirt at
night and a colored shirt during the day.
Favorite Way to De-stress: Sailing in
San Diego.
Favorite Vehicle: Ferrari Spyder.
Favorite Architectural Style:
Spanish Colonial, Santa Barbara.
Favorite Interior Design Style:
French Country.
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Nanci Bruner
People need to wear their clothes and not let their clothes wear them, says fashionista
Nanci Bruner. She admits she can’t wear all styles but no matter whether she dons a classic
or whimsical look, she makes sure the clothes fit well on her petite frame. Nanci views clothes
as investments. She received her fashion sense from her chic and fashionable mother, who
had a natural flair in an era where hats, suits and handbags prevailed.
Favorite Fragrance: None. I’m allergic
to scents.
Favorite Formal Wear Designer:
Oscar De La Renta and Christian La Croix.
Favorite Sports Wear Designer:
Juicy Couture. I love the sweats.
Favorite “Funky” Designer:
Christian La Croix.
Favorite Jewelry Designer: I love all jewelry.
Favorite Shoe Designer: Manolo Blahnik,
Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin.
Must-Have Accessory: Lipstick.
Favorite Dressing Area Feature:
Valet rods that pull out to hang clothes
you’re planning to wear to help organize
your look.
What fashion items do you have the
most of? Handbags. I’m too embarrassed to
admit how many.
How would you rate Phoenix as a
fashion capital? We’re very well dressed
here. We can obtain all the designers
here.
Where in the world do you enjoy
clothes shopping? Paris. Every woman wants
to shop in Paris.
What do you never leave home without?
Lipstick.
Who is your fashion inspiration? I have
no current inspiration. The old movie stars,
like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn,
were absolutely classic.
What is your best fashion tip?
Wear the classics.
Favorite Way to De-stress:
Take a nap.
Favorite Vehicle: My yellow-and-black
Mini Cooper in Florida. It’s my mid-life
crisis car and I love it! Everyone in
Palm Beach knows that car. It looks like
a bumblebee.
Favorite Architectural Style:
Mediterranean.
Favorite Interior Design Style:
A mix of antiques, French, Italian and
English.
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Tanner Flynn
Want to always look your best? Go with the classics, says Tanner Flynn. “I usually regret it
when I don’t,” he remarked with a grin. “I receive my fashion sense from whoever was the last
person to compliment my look,” he added good-naturedly.
Favorite Fragrance: Terre D’Hermés.
Favorite Formal Wear Designer:
Ralph Lauren.
Favorite Sports Wear Designers:
Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci.
Most Interesting Up-and-Coming Designer:
J. Lindeberg.
Favorite “Funky” Designer: D Squared and
Joy Stick.
Favorite Jewelry Designer: Scott Gauthier.
He designed the few pieces I wear, such as
my black pearl on a black rubber cord.
Favorite Shoe Designer: Mark Mason.
Favorite Hair Stylist: Gillette Sensor III.
I think he’s French because I shave
my head.
Favorite Hair Product: Sunscreen!
Must-Have Accessory: A good briefcase.
I have a well-worn black Gucci briefcase.
Your “signature look”? Boots and jeans.
Favorite Dressing Area Feature:
Cedar hangers.
What fashion items do you have
the most of? Old and new cuff links. My
grandfathers have tons, from big and gaudy
to classic and engraved.
How would you rate Phoenix as a fashion
capital? It’s getting better all the time. We’ve
had such an explosion in new retail space,
particularly in smaller stores and boutiques.
Where in the world do you enjoy
clothes shopping? Boutiques here, in
L.A. and Aspen.
What do you never leave home without?
Sunglasses.
Who is your fashion inspiration?
Cary Grant and Willie Nelson. Willie’s a boots
and jeans kinda guy.
Which celebrity’s fashion style do you
admire most? Tom Ford. He looks great in
a tuxedo or jeans.
What is your best fashion tip?
Mix inexpensive things with great pieces,
and try not to spill.
Favorite Vehicle: Convertibles.
Favorite Architectural Style: Modern.
Favorite Interior Design Style:
Casual modern, something with a sofa I can
take a nap on.
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Diane Halle
Always elegant, Diane Halle’s fashion philosophy revolves around cleanliness, beautiful
fabrics and looks that flatter her frame and lifestyle. Her fashion sense is inspired by the
designers themselves.
Favorite Fragrance: Black Orchid.
Favorite Formal Wear Designer:
Ralph Rucci, Chado.
Favorite Sports Wear Designer:
Brunello Cucinelli.
Most Interesting Up-and-Coming Designer:
Lynn Devlin.
Favorite “Funky” Designer:
Chanel with jeans.
Favorite Jewelry Designer: Donald Tallarico.
Favorite Shoe Designer:
Christian Louboutin.
Favorite Hair Stylist: “Paco”
Favorite Hair Product: Bumble & Bumble.
Must-Have Accessory: Nail polish.
Your “signature look”? Polished.
Favorite Dressing Area Feature:
Mirrors and good lighting.
What fashion items do you have the
most of? Sunglasses.
How would you rate Phoenix as a fashion
capital? This must be a trick question.
Where in the world do you enjoy clothes
shopping? New York, Rome and Paris.
What do you never leave home without?
Sunglasses for the day and my lipstick.
What is your skin care regime?
Anything and everything.
Who is your fashion inspiration?
Ralph Rucci.
Which celebrity’s fashion style do you
admire most? Coco Chanel.
Do you have a fashion stylist?
My husband.
What is your best fashion tip?
Don’t copy others. Instead, wear what makes
you feel good and look beautiful.
Favorite fashion season – Summer or
Winter? Spring.
Favorite way to look cool during warm
weather: White, white and more white.
Favorite Way to De-stress: A massage.
Favorite Place to Dine: Alain Ducasse.
Favorite Vehicle: Falcon 900.
Favorite Place for Drinks with Friends:
Our home or their home.
Favorite Architectural Style: Tabou Ando.
Favorite Interior Design Style: Uncluttered.
Dan Santy
Dan Santy would love to see the world dress up more. He believes people dress too
casually. “I know it sounds kind of corny, but it’s really easy to take the time to look nice
even if you don’t have a big wardrobe,” he said. His eye for fashion began with his dad and
a 1960’s fashion icon – the JFK hat, which always looked masculine and dapper in a classic
fashion sense.
Favorite Fragrance: Jo Malone.
Favorite Formal Wear Designer:
Armani and Zegna.
Favorite Sports Wear Designer:
Italian designers.
Favorite “Funky” Designer: None.
I prefer classic lines but I funk up the look
with big bold colors, like orange, or
patterns.
Favorite Shoe Designer: Michael Toschi.
Favorite Hair Product: My fingers.
Must-Have Accessory: My Baume & Mercier
watch.
Your “signature look”? A Zegna sports
coat and black slacks.
Favorite Dressing Area Feature:
Shoe racks.
What fashion items do you have the most
of? Shoes and shirts.
How would you rate Phoenix as a
fashion capital? I wouldn’t. Sorry. The
availability of clothes is here but people
dress too casually for business and formal
occasions. Logo’d golf shirts under a sports
coat? Spare me, please.
Where in the world do you enjoy
clothes shopping? New York and
San Francisco.
What do you never leave home without?
My watch.
Who is your fashion inspiration?
Armani and George Clooney.
Which celebrity’s fashion style do you
admire most? George Clooney.
What is your best fashion tip?
Polish your shoes.
Favorite Way to De-stress: Put on
a bold pair of jeans or an old T-shirt. I like
Fly Catcher T’s. They have a nice weight
and nice colors, and they fade well.
Favorite Vehicle: 1976 convertible
Caprice Classic.
Favorite Architectural Style:
Contemporary.
Favorite Interior Design Style: Phoenix
interior designer David Michael Miller.
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Ina Manaster
Ina Manaster bypasses what’s in style for sophisticated looks and simple lines. The
ultimate hostess, she developed her fashion sense through trial and error. “If I put on
something and I want to laugh, well, it’s not for me,” Ina said good-naturedly. She admires
the signature timeless looks synonymous with classic movie stars Audrey Hepburn and
Grace Kelly.
Favorite Fragrance: Armani for Women.
Favorite Formal Wear Designer:
Bob Mackie and Mark Zunino.
Favorite Sports Wear Designer: Akris.
Most Interesting Up-and-Coming
Designer: Naeem Khan. The gowns are
elegant and feminine without all
the ruffles.
Favorite Jewelry Designer: Tallarico.
He designs for you and is careful that you
don’t see yourself coming and going.
His stones are magnificent and his look
is bold.
Favorite Shoe Designer: Manolo Blahnik.
Must-Have Accessory: The perfect purse.
Right now it’s a smaller size. Big-purse black
holes are out of the question.
Your “signature look”? Heels, a simple,
sleeveless sheath with a jewel neckline,
which presents a palette for jewelry,
and a matching coat.
Favorite Dressing Area Feature: A jewelry
drawer with multiple compartments.
What fashion items do you have the
most of? Purses and shoes, about 150 shoes
and 75-80 purses.
How would you rate Phoenix as a
fashion capital? I can’t call it a fashion
capital but it is getting better.
Where in the world do you enjoy
clothes shopping? I really like L.A. It has
everything, from Barney’s to boutiques.
What do you never leave home without?
Makeup. I use a lot of Bobbi Brown.
What is your best fashion tip?
Understatement.
Favorite Way to De-stress:
Meditate or walk.
Favorite car: Mercedes-Benz S65.
Favorite Architectural Style:
Art deco or modern.
Favorite Interior Design Style:
I love art deco but it’s too sophisticated for
Phoenix, so I do eclectic.
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Mark Tarbell
Mark Tarbell is comfortable in his casually chic attire. Not driven by any one style or
designer, he admires a diverse group of male fashionistos. From Rolling Stones guitarist
Keith Richards to fashionable celebrities Cary Grant, Sean Connery, Johnny Carson and
Jimmy Stewart. “I dress for comfort. No matter what the cut, fit and look, I have to be
comfortable wearing it, even if it’s an outrageous pair of purple pants,” the Valley chef said.
Favorite Fragrance: “Au natural.”
I don’t wear cologne.
Favorite Formal Wear Designer:
I don’t favor any one designer. But I have
five tuxedoes and two are by Armani.
Favorite Sports Wear Designer:
My favorite sports coat is by Wilke Rodriguez.
It’s a Nehru jacket with a good cut in great
fabric.
Most Interesting Up-and-Coming
Designer: Chris Wicks
Favorite “Funky” Designer: English Laundry,
Paul Smith and Dolce & Gabbana
Favorite Jewelry Designer: Me & Ro,
New York. They’re simple and organic.
Favorite Hair Stylist: Sean at Juan Juan
in L.A.
Must-Have Accessory: A copper-wire
scalp massager.
Your “signature look”? Just woke up.
Favorite Dressing Area Feature: An
authentic 1950s light fixture. It’s a simple,
utilitarian dome with chrome.
What fashion items do you have the most
of? Dress and casual shirts.
How would you rate Phoenix as a
fashion capital? Very high. We have a lot
of great people and stores. Our fashion is
driven by our outdoor lifestyle.
Where in the world do you enjoy clothes
shopping? Barney’s in New York City or
Maxfield Blue in L.A.
What do you never leave home without?
My wedding ring.
What is your best fashion tip?
Wear what feels right for you.
Favorite Way to De-stress: Hiking.
Favorite Vehicle: My 1987 Mercedes-Benz.
It runs on french fry oil.
Favorite Architectural Style: Mid-century
modern.
Favorite Interior Design Style: Eclectic.
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Miriam Sukhman
If Miriam Sukhman could have only one bit of advice on fashion, she’d tell people to
cultivate their own unique style. She developed her own unique look from her mother,
who was always fashionable and loved clothes. “I always admired her. We are from Russia
so didn’t have many galas, but my mother’s clothes fit her perfectly when she went out,”
Miriam recalled.
Favorite Fragrance: Anything from
Takashimaya.
Favorite Formal Wear Designer:
I’m not really loyal to anyone. I prefer
French, German and Scandinavian designers
in particular. European designs are very flirty
and feminine.
Favorite Sports Wear Designer:
Same as the above.
Favorite “Funky” Designer: I love
contemporary jewelry but don’t know all the
designers.
Favorite Jewelry Designer:
Steven Webster. He’s very original and
doesn’t follow anyone.
Favorite Shoe Designer: Robert Clergerie.
Must-Have Accessory: Good taste.
Your “signature look”? It changes with
my mood and all depends where I go.
If I go to a contemporary art show, I will
wear contemporary.
Favorite Dressing Area Feature:
A three-way mirror is a must-have.
What fashion items do you have the
most of? I own tons of accessories, like
scarves, necklaces and earrings.
How would you rate Phoenix as a fashion
capital? I would not call it a capital.
Where in the world do you enjoy clothes
shopping? Anywhere my travels take me.
I enjoy Bergdorf’s in New York City.
What do you never leave home without?
The attitude.
What is your skin care regime? Moisturize,
moisturize, moisturize.
Who is your fashion inspiration?
Balenciaga. He’s such an original.
Do you have a fashion stylist? Oh, god no.
What is your best fashion tip?
Be true to yourself.
Favorite Way to De-stress: Relaxing at the
Four Seasons Resort in Maui.
Favorite Vehicle: Porsche Cayenne.
Favorite Architectural Style: Modern.
Favorite Interior Design Style: Modern.
Don Ulrich
Don Ulrich looks for two things when buying clothes – purchase items made from high-quality
fabrics, such as tight-knit, lightweight wools, and find a good tailor, such as Zizzo. Doing so will
bring you one step closer to the classic look epitomized by actor Cary Grant, an impeccable
dresser who Don admires.
Favorite Fragrance: I seldom use them.
Favorite Formal Wear Designer: Brioni.
Favorite Sports Wear Designer:
Ralph Lauren.
Most Interesting Up-and-Coming Designer:
The clothes much of the younger generation
is wearing are ridiculous. Manufacturers are
using a lot of cheap fabrics and charging
unbelievable prices for clothes that are
skin tight.
Favorite “Funky” Designer: I funk up my
own look often enough. Maybe Versace, but
not the way-out stuff.
Favorite Jewelry Designer: My wife.
I wear the wedding ring she designed.
Favorite Shoe Designer: Anybody who
makes comfortable loafers with style, such
as Ferragamo.
Favorite Hair Stylist: Lynn Felix at Etch.
I’ve been going to her for 25 years and told
her I’d keep coming until she gets it right.
Must-Have Accessory: Pocket squares.
They’re the difference between business
and style.
Your “signature look”? Unusual, colorful
and maybe eclectic.
Favorite Dressing Area Feature:
Plenty of hooks.
What fashion items do you have the most
of? Suits, sports coats, slacks and shoes.
Where in the world do you enjoy clothes
shopping? New York City, Los Angeles,
Las Vegas and Rome.
What do you never leave home without?
My wedding ring.
Who is your fashion inspiration?
Cary Grant.
What is your best fashion tip?
Buy clothing you like and then get it to
fit well.
Favorite Way to De-stress:
Laugh with friends.
Favorite Vehicle: Ferrari.
Favorite Architectural Style: Authentic
Tuscan, not Phoenix Tuscan.
Favorite Interior Design Style:
Big, comfortable furniture and a lot of art
and antiques.
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