Power Players: Miami’s Top Influencers In The Fashion Industry
Miami is a city unlike no other, filled with some of the most fashionable power players in the country. Haute Living catches up with some of the greatest influencers in the Magic City to get their intel on trends of the moment, their fashion inspirations, favorite designers and the next big styles we can expect to see.
LOREN RIDINGER
Senior Executive Vice President of Market America and SHOP.COM
Describe your personal style in five words.
Classic, chic with an edge.
What are some trends that you are personally loving right now?
I love how everything feels feminine now. I love the stripes and the beautiful florals—fashion feels easy, not structured. I also love the classic, old-school Adidas track suits that everyone from Kim [Kardashian West] to Gigi [Hadid] are rocking right now.
What fashion trends do you feel only Miamians can pull off?
Barely There, Ultra Sheer and Ultra Short. Miami is the sexiest city in the world.
Who are some of your biggest fashion inspirations?
Jackie O was the epitome of fashion—classic and elegant, she always knew what to wear and when to wear it. Jennifer Lopez makes 47 look like the new 30, and she works hard at it. No one looks better. She is flawless.
Favorite designers?
Balmain—I love everything they make, especially their blazers because they can make a pair of jeans look amazing.
Elie Saab—to play dress up.
Zuhair Murad—for fantasy dressing.
Go-to summer accessory?
Victoria Beckham sunnies [sunglasses].
What can we expect to be some of the next big styles/trends?
High shine, a lot of metallic, sequins in silvers and gold—very Studio 54. Additionally, we will see sleek men’s styles on women’s silhouettes.
ELYSZE HELD
Stylist
Describe your personal style in five words.
I would like to preface that request with my way of looking at style itself—real personal style has little to do with what is considered fashionable in any given season or even week. In five words: I like what I like.
What are some trends that you are personally loving right now?
The white shirt rules! White shirts have been a “wardrobe staple” and a “basic” forever—but now, the white shirt has bell sleeves, puffed sleeves, mutton sleeves; is off-shoulder, one-shoulder, ruffled, fringed and laced, elegant or boyish, fitted or slouchy. The white shirt manifests itself in many ways, and it works for everyone!
What fashion trends/styles do you feel only Miamians can pull off?
The jumpsuit. Bravo’s Andy Cohen once said that Miami girls never met a jumpsuit they didn’t love! I would agree. And the strappy and more cut out the better.
Who are some of your biggest fashion inspirations?
My pal Iris Apfel. We have been friends for years; we shop together, and I was featured in the film of her life, Iris… shopping with her!
Favorite designers?
I love my favorite designers because of what their collections were yesterday, now referred to as vintage: namely Gianni Versace, Margiela, Comme des Garçons, Yves Saint Laurent…
For evening, Naeem Khan. I wear a lot of Dries van Noten, Marni and of course Prada.
Go-to summer accessory?
Summer sandals are so important in the Miami heat—Givenchy wedges and slides.
What can we expect to see as some of the next big trends?
I am at New York Fashion Week each February and September and have not missed it in over a dozen years—for fall and “pre-fall in the stores now,” I think we will see a continuation of the power dressing with masculine and feminine contrasts… sort of a wink-wink to the ’80s! Deconstructed silhouettes—Monse kicked this off a few years back and the look continues… for fall 2017, designers mixed it up quite a bit with combining fabrics in a way not seen before. I am looking forward to seeing the new collections in the stores.
ORIANNE COLLINS
Fashion accessories designer, Orianne Collins Jewellery and Concept Store
Describe your personal style in five words.
Rock and roll, classic, glamorous, elegant, irreverent.
What are some trends that you are personally loving right now?
I adore classic Chanel paired with boots. I am loving lace at the moment!
What fashion trends do you feel only Miamians can pull off?
Miamians can pull off wearing bathing suits off the beach, tropical floral prints for men and women, gold chains with everything.
Who are some of your biggest fashion inspirations?
My biggest fashion inspirations are Dolce & Gabbana, Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld and Giorgio Armani.
Favorite designers?
Chanel, Christian Dior, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana.
Go-to summer accessory?
Big, floppy beach hats, sunglasses, sandals, floral dresses, oversized beach bags, bandanas and linen beach pants.
What can we expect to be some of the next big styles/trends?
The return of the ’80s
RACHAEL RUSSELL
Founder of Style Saves & Fashion Director of Miansai
Describe your personal style in five words.
Classic, effortless, minimal, timeless, chic.
What are some trends that you are personally loving right now?
I’m more of a timeless-over-trendy girl, but some that I’m into are exaggerated sleeves on shirts and mixed metals for accessories.
For clothing and swim, I love smallish, nondescript brands like Alice McCall or Ola Feroz, and then brands like Theory, Vince and Ralph Lauren for wardrobe staples.
What fashion trends do you feel only Miamians can pull off?
24/7 swim and resort wear in the winter. It’s so funny because whether you see someone in a swimsuit or a jacket with scarf in December, it’s totally okay.
Who are some of your biggest fashion inspirations?
I’m mostly inspired by travel—the places I go and the people I meet. I love finding the fashion or beauty items that are specific to those places and really get into researching them.
Favorite designers?
If I could live in Balenciaga, Chloé or Oscar de la Renta I would—only if it was discounted, of course—otherwise I couldn’t justify spending the money.
For my wedding, Celestina Agostino in Paris is creating a custom dress, so I absolutely adore her too.
For accessories, I obviously am partial to all accessories made by Miansai. Is it weird if I say my fiancé, [Miansai founder] Michael Saiger? Ha ha.
Go-to summer accessory?
My Miansai mini rucksack tobacco-colored backpack or my vine calfskin slides in the same color.
What can we expect to be some of the next big styles/trends?
I’ve been seeing a huge upswing in pastel, neutral tones, lots of stripes and vintage denim adorned with patches or pins.
Calyann Barnett
Stylist
Describe your personal style in three words.
Fun, unconventional, expressive.
What are some trends that you are personally loving right now?
High-waist trousers, Monochromatic looks, bold colors and patterns, murses and manny packs, track suits and the continuation of denim.
What fashion trends do you feel only Miamians can pull off?
The world is so small, so fashion trends are no longer based on geographic location. However, thanks to our lack of seasons, I would say slippers in winter.
Who are some of your biggest fashion inspirations?
Pharrell, Marni [stylist], Prince, Anna Dello Russo and Michele Lamy.
Favorite designers?
Dsquared2, Neil Barrett, Vivienne Westwood, Sacai, Julien David, Dior, Fabrice Tardieu and Alexander McQueen.
Go-to summer accessory?
Verso Galaxy sunglasses, excessive rings and enormous hats.
What can we expect to be some of the next big styles/trends?
Man bags, gender-neutral clothing, art on clothing, embroidery, thigh-high boots, red—which means I will always be on trend—and onesies [for all].
FABRICE TARDIEU
Fashion designer, Fabrice Tardieu
Describe your personal style in five words.
Luxurious, laid-back, casual chic.
What are some of your favorite trends right now?
Sneakers on every occasion.
What fashion trends/styles do you feel only Miamians can pull off?
Fashion is a form of self-expression, in my opinion. I think anyone can pull off anything as long as they feel good with themselves doing it. However, I can think of one fashion trend Miamians love that I feel is outdated, and that’s big-collared shirts or wide-legged jeans.
Who are some of your biggest fashion inspirations?
Believe it or not, but my 9-year-old son Driss’ choice of color combinations and athletic gear inspires me tremendously.
What’s something from your own line that you wear the most?
My python runner sneakers.
Go-to summer accessory?
My classic Orlebar Brown bathing suits.
What can we expect to see as some of the next big trends?
Men wearing slip-on mules on every
occasion.