THE HAUTE 100: New York City

41. John Paulson

What makes him haute: John Paulson is President and founder of the New York-based hedge fund Paulson & Co. He is a native New Yorker, hailing from Queens and attended both NYU and the Harvard Business School. At the age of 39, Paulson started his own hedge fund with just $2 million and one sole employee. He was ranked 39 on Forbes list of the wealthiest people with a net worth of $16 billion. Between the years of 2009 and 2011, Paulson gave $15 million to the Center for Responsible Lending and $20 million to the New York University Stern School of Business as well as millions more to other charities.

42. Ruth Porat

What makes her haute: With Morgan Stanley since the mid ‘80s, Porat claims the much lauded title as the most senior woman on Wall Street. She sits at the number two spot at Morgan Stanley, as CFO.

FASHION

43. Daphne Guinness

What makes her haute: Inducted into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame in 1994, we’ve been taking fashion cues from this savvy socialite for years. In addition to her boundary-pushing and always unique sense of style, Guinness collaborated with notable jewelry designer Shaun Leane in 2006 to design and construct a gold and diamond arm glove. The project, “Contra Mundum,” Latin for “Against The World,” took five years to complete and the outcome is considered one of the finest pieces of artisan jewelry the world has ever seen. In 2009, Guinness released a fragrance with Comme des Garçons that launched her into the world of luxury cosmetics. But it is her enviable couture collection, assortment of jewels and signature hair that propels Guinness into the world of legends.

44. Marc Jacobs

What makes him haute: Marc Jacobs has been at the top of the fashion game for years. Since being named creative director of ultra luxe brand Louis Vuitton in 1997, Jacobs has split his time between leading Vuitton and cultivating his two eponymous lines, Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs.  With two major brands and more than 200 retail stores in 60 different countries, Jacobs continues to impact the global fashion market. Socially conscious in addition to stylish, Jacobs has also made great strides for the gay community; and in 2011 was ranked 12th on Out Magazine’s “50 Most Powerful Gay Men and Women in America.”

45. Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller

What makes them haute: From princess to famed fashion designer, Diane von Furstenberg has done it all. First propelled into stardom with her iconic wrap dresses that debuted in 1973, von Furstenberg has continued to be a fixture on the high fashion circuit. Her timeless wrap dresses have staying power as well, appearing not only within her super luxe boutiques, but in the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, as well. The wrap dress also served as the inspiration for the exhibit Journey of a Dress in 2011.  Furstenberg’s second husband Barry Diller is an icon in his own right in the media field. Diller currently serves as Chairman and Senior Executive of  IAC/InterActiveCorp and is widely credited as one of the founding partners of USA Broadcasting and Fox Broadcasting Company.

46. Carolina Herrera

What makes her haute: One of the biggest names in luxury clothing, Carolina Herrera has long been recognized for her keen fashion sense. Since she burst on the scene in the 1970s and founded her clothing company in 1980, Herrera has widely been considered one of the best-dressed women in America, dressing icons like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Renee Zellweger. As one of the world’s leading fashion designers, with two successful brands, multiple boutiques and the recipient of numerous awards such as, Womenswear Designer of the Year and the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, Herrera has proven to be an unstoppable force of nature in the fashion world.

47. Oscar and Annette de la Renta

What makes him haute: Known for his beautifully crafted clothing and shoes, this iconic fashion designer began his career as an apprentice to the famous Cristóbal Balenciaga. De la Renta gained notoriety in 1963 when he began designing for Elizabeth Arden. In 1965, de la Renta began working under Jane Derby; upon Derby’s death, he took over the brand, renaming it Oscar de la Renta for Jane Derby. Later he pared it down to just Oscar de la Renta. But his expertise stretches far beyond fashion design; in 2006, de le Renta was commissioned to design Tortuga Bay, a boutique hotel at Puntacana Resort. Despite his varying pursuits, de la Renta has continued to bless the fashion world with his luxury garments. His wife, Annette, is active in charity, serving on boards of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Morgan Library, The Animal Medical Center and the New York Public Library.

48. Ralph Lauren

What makes him haute: The 173rd richest man in the world, Ralph Lauren has developed a brand considered synonymous with classic American style. Polo Ralph Lauren started out with a line of men’s ties in 1967. By 1969, the designer was able to secure a spot in Bloomingdale’s, next came the bold women’s suits, the first to feature the iconic Polo emblem. Polo Ralph Lauren quickly grew from there and today is one of the most well known brands in the world. The designer also has an eye for philanthropy. In 2003, Polo Ralph Lauren teamed up with the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to create the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention, which provides top of the line cancer treatment in underprivileged communities.

49. David Lauren and Lauren Bush

What makes them haute: David Lauren has worked for his father’s company, Polo Ralph Lauren, in sales and marketing since 2001. He has helped the company tremendously by helping launch the brand’s official website, starting the popular Rugby brand and moving the company into the mobile era. His wife, former model and member of the presidential Bush family, re-launched her clothing line in 2008. Bush’s line, Lauren Pierce, is centered around helping women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo become more self sufficient by teaching them how to dye fabrics, which were subsequently used throughout the collection. Ten percent of the proceeds were then used to support these same women. Bush is also the founder of Feed Projects LLC.

ENTERTAINMENT

50. Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z

What makes them haute:  This notoriously private, insanely successful power couple is currently expecting their first child. Former Destiny’s Child star Beyonce went solo in 2003 and never looked back. Since then, she’s recorded four solo albums, the third of which, “I am… Sasha Fierce,” earned her a record-breaking six Grammys, bringing her grand total to 16. But these are only a few awards on her laundry list of accomplishments. As if being music royalty were not enough, Beyonce has crossed over into acting, starring in movies such as Dreamgirls, Charlies Angels and Bad Boys II. Her songs have appeared in countless feature films and hit TV shows. Beyonce has even started her own clothing line, House of Dereon. But Jay-Z is not one to be out done. Winner of 13 Grammy Awards, author, and artist in his own right, Jay-Z is the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella records and Roc Nation. Worth an estimated $450 million, Jay-Z is widely considered one of the most financially successful hip-hop artists ever. Jay-Z is also founder of the swanky 40/40 Club, now with five locations.

51. LA and Erica Reid

What makes them haute: Antonio “L.A.” Reid has made his mark in the music industry. The winner of three Grammy Awards, Reid is co-founder of LaFace records and has helped artists like Usher, Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber and Kanye West achieve success. Reid is the chairman and CEO of Epic Records, the president and CEO of Hitco Music Publishing. His latest gig: a post as judge on the U.S. version of The X Factor. Meanwhile, wife Erica is an emerging author with a killer closet to boot. Keep an eye out for the couple’s son Aaron, who is climbing up the music ranks as a stellar talent all his own.

52. Denise Rich

What makes her haute: A songwriter, Denise Rich is known for her Grammy Award-winning tunes. On the social circuit, she’s known as the woman behind Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, a charity created in remembrance of her daughter who lost her life to Leukemia. She recently worked with Ne-Yo to raise money for his charity, The Compound Foundation.

53. Clive Davis

What makes him Haute: Davis started out in the music industry as a vice president and general manager at Colombia Records, soon claiming the post of president. Davis went on to co-found Bad Boy Records alongside Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, as well as Arista Records and LaFace Records. He is currently chief creative director of Sony Music Entertainment, and has won four Grammy awards as a producer and was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll hall of fame in 2000. The theater at the Grammy museum was named the Clive Davis theatre in 2011, firmly cementing Davis’ icon status.

54. Woody Allen

What makes him Haute:  At only 19 years old, Woody Allen was already writing scripts for The Tonight Show, The Ed Sullivan Show and specials for Sid Caesar. Allen, now known as somewhat of a cinematic genius, has conquered Broadway, film, screenwriting and directing. He is known for using literature, philosophy and psychology. Allen has since become known for his nervous, intellectual charm onscreen, essentially founding the now classic story of the less than good looking nerd who successfully woos the unattainable bombshell. Today, his body of work is large and unrivaled.

55. Robert De Niro

What makes him Haute: A legendary actor with a body of work comprised of more than 70 films and a plethora of awards for his work, De Niro has firmly rooted himself in the category of Hollywood legend. De Niro is an entrepreneur in his own right, as well – he’s co-Founder of Tribeca Productions, partnered with the creators of high-end eatery Nobu and co-owns Tribeca Grill. De Niro also served as President of the Jury at the 64th annual Cannes Film Festival this year.

56. Alicia Keys and Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean

What makes them Haute: After first signing with Colombia and Arista Records, Alicia Keys debuted her first album with J records, selling more than 12 million copies. Keys followed up with several more chart topping records and a dozen Grammy Awards. Keys has since ventured into acting, most notably appearing in film adaptation of The Secret Life of Bees. Her husband, Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean, has made his name as a rapper, producer, DJ and painter. After the release of his successful 2010 album, aptly titled Haute Living, Swizz Beatz won a Grammy win for Best Duo Performance alongside Jay-Z for “On to the Next One.” Swizz is also a Producer in Residence at the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music at New York University. Dean and Keys have one child together and reside in New York City.

57. Georgina Chapman and Harvey Weinstein

What makes them Haute: Georgina Chapman, daughter of millionaire coffee mogul Brian Chapman, started out as a model and after graduating from the Wimbledon School of art, started the couture line Marchesa with business partner Keren Craig. She has also racked up some acting credit, appearing in films such as Awake, The Nanny Diaries and Factory Girl. Harvey Weinstein, co-founder of production company Miramax, has earned numerous awards for the production of such films as Shakespeare in Love, Good Will Hunting and The English Patient. Weinstein and Chapman live in New York City with their daughter.

58. Charles and James Dolan

What makes them Haute: This father-son duo is quite a power pair. American billionaire Charles Dolan is founder of Cablevision Systems Corporation and HBO and is worth approximately $3.3 billion. His son, James Dolan is executive chairman of Madison Square Garden Inc. and is President and CEO of Cablevision Systems Corporation. James also is the manager of the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers, the New York Liberty and the Connecticut Whale. Since its founding in 1973, Cablevision has expanded across the country, recently acquiring Bresnan Communications. Cablevision is the 8th largest cable provider in the United States.

59. Edgar Bronfman, Jr.

What makes him Haute: Son of the wealthy Edgar Bronfman Sr., head of the Seagram Company, Bronfman decided to go his own way in business. He sold his Seagram’s stake in DuPont Oils in order to start the short lived production company, Vivendi Universal. He started out as Chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group, which he acquired in 2004. He is now solely Chairman. He has a bit of a creative side as well, writing songs for vocal powerhouses Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand