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    StyleMakers 2016

    Meet the CultureMap Stylemakers semifinalists: Cast your vote now for Houston's most stylish

    Clifford Pugh
    Sep 8, 2016 | 9:00 am
    Houston Stylemaker seminfinalists
    A panel of judges had the difficult job of selecting 12 semifinalists in the CultureMap Stylemaker Awards.
    Collage by Marcy de Luna

    Houston sure does have a lot of stylish men and women. When we asked for nominations for the second annual CultureMap Stylemaker Awards, you responded in droves, nominating more than 120 stylish men and women in the Bayou City.

    Then came the hard part.

    A panel of judges had to narrow the pool to 12 deserving semifinalists.

    There were many more that could have made the list, but after carefully considering each and every nominee, we present a list of men and women who represent a diverse array of styles and professions. Some have made an impact on the fashion business; others have simply impressed with their ability to make a fashion statement in any circumstance.

    So take a look at this list, and then cast your vote. You can vote once a day, every day, through September 23 at 11:59 pm. The top six vote-getters will move into the final round to determine the readers’ choice. That person, along with the editors’ choice and your favorites, will be honored.

    Meet the Stylemaker semifinalists (listed in alphabetical order by last name) and then click here to vote:

    Monica Abney

    Occupation: Fashion blogger and illustrator

    Website: classandfab.com

    Why Monica deserves to be a Stylemaker: Monica, who founded the Classy & Fabulous style blog, dresses in a modern, yet classic way. She always looks "of the moment" and makes it look effortless. Monica's love of high fashion, fabulous style and the latest beauty trends shines through in her ensembles that feature a combination of stylish designers.

    Fady Armanious

    Occupation: Tootsies creative director

    Website: tootsies.com

    Why Fady deserves to be a Stylemaker: Fady believes that style is a way to say who you are without having to speak. In Houston, New York, Milan. and Paris, Fady is one of the most fashion forward, elegant men out there. He has his own personal style. He mixes looks his own way. Every day is a runway, he says. Fady likes to quote Audrey Hepburn, "Elegance is the only beauty that never fades."

    Chiara Casiraghi Brody

    Occupation: Online editor for La Palme magazine

    Website: casiraghistyle.com

    Why Chiara deserves to be a Stylemaker: Not only does Chiara work within the fashion and styling industry but she exemplifies the concept of style in both a material and personal sense. As a former ballet dancer, she carries herself with tremendous grace, yet she knows how and when to let go and have fun. She is active in the fashion and non-profit communities, recently hosting a fundraiser for Blue Cure at Alice and Olivia in River Oaks District.

    Travis Cal

    Occupation: Fashion stylist and event planner

    Website: Traviscalstyles.com

    Why Travis deserves to be a Stylemaker: Travis has a passion for fashion and all things beautiful. He produced his first fashion show in high school and ever since has loved to curate and create looks. With a tireless work ethic, Travis seamlessly works with local and national celebrities, athletes and socialites. His unique point of view, bold use of color and prints, and versatile mix of high-low designers and brands allow for an innovative take on how to present fashion.

    Joyce Echols

    Occupation: Shoe designer

    Website: JoyceEchols.com

    Why Joyce deserves to a be a Stylemaker: Joyce combines the unique, independent spirit of Texas – a little rough and rowdy, yet metropolitan and vogue. With inspiration from the objects she adores, she creates her distinctive, eponymous shoe line worn by such celebrities as Miranda Lambert. Her personal style is "classic with an edge, sexy but not vulgar. feminine yet masculine."

    Gregg Harrison

    Occupation: Attorney, photographer

    Website: greggharrison.com

    Why Gregg deserves to be a Stylemaker: Whether ready for the court room, a night out on the town, or a day at the pool at The Houstonian, Gregg always pulls it together. He is creative and bold with his fashion choices and pairings, and is meticulous about his pocket squares. You can see the way he views the world in the way he presents himself. "Everything is beautiful," says one person who nominated him. "He is James Bond," says another.

    Michael Pearce

    Occupation: Attorney, society blogger

    Website: blog.chron.com/coolkids/

    Why Michael deserves to be a Stylemaker: Michael is totally fearless when it comes to fashion. He uses fashion as a way of expressing his personality, but does it for himself and not to try to impress anyone else. Fashion makes him happy, and he hopes that makes others happy. He also believes that you don't have to spend a lot to look good. He is all about the high-low. He will wear a a $99 tux jacket with a $1,200 pair of shoes. It's about the look— not the price — for him.


    Kavya Pernankil

    Occupation: Business analyst, fashion blogger

    Website: stylexkavya.com

    Why Kavya deserves to be a Stylemaker: As a stylish young professional, Kavya's passion for fashion shines through her daily styles. Her style is best described as minimalist, contemporary, and chic. Kavya not only stays on top of what's in fashion, she also has an eye for what may be in fashion in the future. To her, it's all in the details of her outfits. From accessories to makeup, she has a keen eye for putting it all together and making the look effortless.

    Alfredo Rojas

    Occupation: Petroleum engineer; fashion designer

    Website: Newunion.co

    Instagram: @alfredolegario and @newunionco

    Why Alfredo deserves to be a Stylemaker: Alfredo works full-time as an engineer at an oil and gas company but has been working on the side with his wife to pursue his true passion for fashion. Their hard work has come to fruition as they launched New Union Clothing. "Anytime you see Alfredo, his wardrobe will catch your attention. Anytime I go out with him, my other friends and colleagues ask about him because they are intrigued by his undeniable sense of style," says one person who nominated him.

    Kendra Smith

    Occupation: Stylist

    Website: editsbykendra.com

    Why Kendra deserves to a Stylemaker: Kendra is the epitome of style. She somehow manages to take a trend and make it into something all her own. Even from a young age, she was never afraid to take a fashion risk and always made that risk look effortless. She has a true passion and aesthetic for style that comes through in her work she does styling her clients as well as helping a girlfriend out in an outfit bind.

    Tim Thorn

    Occupation: Stylist

    Instagram: @paisley360

    Why Tim deserves to be a Stylemaker: Tim has a great eye for fashion — whether simple or sophisticated — and has an ability to bring his vision full circle as a Houston fashion consultant. His unique style combines modern men's attire with vintage flair. He is an expert on proper use of the pocket square, with an instructional Facebook video. “Style — you either have it or you don’t,” he is often quoted as saying, adding that it can be learned.


    Rhonda Wills

    Occupation: Attorney, reality star

    Website: rhondawills.com

    Why Rhonda deserves to be a Stylemaker: From the courtroom to the red carpet, Rhonda has a style that always stands out. On the red carpet at this summer's BET Awards, the “Queen Warrior” of the reality show, Sisters In Law, "looked stunning in a yellow gown which featured asymmetrical detailing, allowing her to show off her toned legs," noted The Hollywood Reporter. "It was like a breath of fresh air."

    stylemakers
    news/fashion
    series/stylemaker-awards-2016-houston

    EFFORTLESS EDIT

    Shop Carolyn Bessette's minimal '90s style at these 8 Houston spots

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Mar 19, 2026 | 10:30 am
    Love Story
    Photo courtesy of FX/Facebook
    Thanks to the show, "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. And Carolyn Bessette," 90s minimalism is back and easy to find in Houston.

    Thanks to Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, the woman who helped define ’90s minimalism is back in heavy rotation. Her classic way of dressing serves as a reminder that great style does not need logos or loud trends to make a big impact. Bessette-Kennedy's uniform of crisp white shirts, perfectly cut denim, and minimal accessories is not only nostalgic, but a stylish blueprint for getting dressed right now.

    Houstonians don't need a NYC zip code or a Calvin Klein press badge to recreate her most classic looks. From River Oaks District to Rice Village and the Heights, boutiques are leaning into that same pared-back polish — making it easy to find a quietly expensive aesthetic without overthinking it.

    Accessories

    Lele Sadoughi

    Bessette-Kennedy often topped off her casual outfits with a slim tortoise shell headband, and Lele Sadoughi, a boutique in River Oaks District, is leaning into similar timeless styles. The Tortoise Emma Acetate Headband and the Jet Faux Leather Bessette Headband are both available for preorder with similar styles available in-store.

    Lele Sadoughi Polished headbands and statement accessories with a timeless twist.Photo courtesy of Lele Sadoughi

    Krewe

    New Orleans-born Krewe eyewear in Rice Village is channeling '90s minimalistic style with slim, small-frame sunglasses that are reminiscent of Bessette-Kennedy's go-to pairs. Its Spring 2026 collection introduces the Kate and Leah styles, each offered in three colorways.

    Krewe Sleek, small-frame sunglasses that channel effortless ’90s cool.Photo courtesy of Krewe

    Fly High Little Bunny

    This Houston go-to for one of a kind pieces offers a variety of both fine jewelry and classic sterling silver styles. Jeweled hoops, dainty rings, and minimal necklaces that were everyday staples of Bessette-Kennedy, are available at their Heights boutique.

    Fly High Little Bunny Delicate jewelry and one-of-a-kind pieces for everyday minimalism.Photo courtesy of Fly High Little Bunny/Instagram

    Moreau Paris

    Often seen carrying a tote bag, the '90s fashion icon was a big fan of understated luxury. River Oaks District handbag boutique Moreau Paris offers a variety of bags in similar styles including the Mini Vincennes Reversible Totes giving a two-in-one option, as well as the Small Ana Saddle Leather Top Handle Bag for a more structured look.

    Moreau Paris Understated luxury handbags with clean lines and quiet sophistication.Photo courtesy of Moreau Paris

    Clothing

    Tootsies

    When it came to denim, Bessette-Kennedy kept things classic, favoring straight and bootcut styles. At Tootsies, the brand DL1961 taps into that same timeless feel. The Bridget Boot High Rise Instasculpt offers a flattering polished fit and comes in a variety of colorways and lengths making it easy to find a pair for everyday wear.

    DL1961 Classic denim fits and elevated staples for a polished, everyday look.Photo courtesy of DL1961

    Alchemia

    One of Bessette-Kennedy's most celebrated looks was a basic white button down shirt. She often wore Calvin Klein, as she was a publicist for the brand, but the same classic style can be found at Alchemia. The Essentials Icon Shirt in white is tailored at the waist, chest, and back to give a flattering fit without the dreaded blouse gape.

    Alchemia Tailored essentials, including the perfect crisp white button-down.Photo courtesy of Alchemia

    Frock Shop

    A versatile black midi skirt not only goes with everything, it can be worn during any season. Frock Shop carries the ALC Remy Drawstring Midi Skirt that is easy to style and comfortable to keep on a regular rotation.

    Frock Shop Easy, versatile pieces like midi skirts that work season after season.Photo courtesy of Frock Shop

    Beauty

    Kiehl's

    Used by both Carolyn and John, the Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom delivers soft hold, subtle shine, and natural movement. Ideal for the sleek low buns Kennedy-Bessette favored as well as polished styles. Kiehl's Highland Village location also carries a scent very close to Kennedy Bessette's fragrance of choice. The Kiehl's Original Musk Eau de Toilette combines classic musk with with soft floral and woody notes.

    Kiehl's Original Musk Eau de Toilette Low-key grooming and fragrance for a naturally polished finish.Photo courtesy of Kiehl's

    kiehl'sfrock shopalchemiatootsiesmoreau parisfly high little bunnykrewelele sadoughicarolyn bessette-kennedyshopping
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