There’s no denying it … this group’s got great style!
These well-appointed guys and gals were the top vote recipients in our Best Dressed campaign. They graciously took time from their busy schedules for Downtown photo shoots at The Capitol Theatre and The Durant. We think you’ll enjoy the results!
2018 Winner
Tracy Palmer
Occupation:
Owner, TrendSetters Productions Founder, “Try to Bully Me” Campaign
What three words define your personal style?
Bold, Independent, Fun
What’s your signature wardrobe piece?
Wide-leg pants
Who are your style role models?
Gabriel Union, Michele Obama and Olivia Pope (of course)
What’s your favorite outfit or article of clothing to wear?
My favorite outfits right now are my wide-leg jumpers! One-piece perfect fit from top to bottom.
What are your favorite places to shop in the area?
FAIM Boutique and Glam Box Boutique
What’s your favorite fashion trend right now?
Big scarves
What trend do you wish would go away?
Sheer dresses … I’m over it!
2018 Winner
James Richardson
Occupation:
Creative Director, James Douglas Collection
What three words define your personal style?
Aggressive, Colorful, Bold
What’s your signature wardrobe piece?
I have an affinity for single-breasted, peak-lapel suits, which is the style of 99% of my suits.
Who are your style role models?
I don’t really have any; however, I developed my style, as well as my love for fashion by watching older family members dress up for church on Sundays.
What’s your favorite outfit or article of clothing to wear?
All of my suits are handmade. I love wearing them – they tend to have a more exacting fit on me, as well as make me look slenderer as I grow older.
Where do you like to shop in the area?
James Douglas Collection Bespoke Clothiers
Do you have a current favorite fashion trend?
I don’t usually follow trends, because they are usually fleeting. But I do like the fact that men are showing more expressions of their personality through color in their wardrobes!
What fashion trend do you wish would go away?
“Business Casual” is one, although I think that we are dressing professionally in the workplace. I will also be glad when extra-tight and form-fitting suits have passed through the trend stage.
Yaushica Aubert
Occupation:
President/CEO, Valley Area Agency on Aging
What three words define your personal style?
Classic, Clean, Geographic
What’s your signature wardrobe piece?
That’s hard – if I have to choose, I would say a suit or a wrap dress.
Who are your style role models?
Cate Blanchette, Michelle Obama and Victoria Beckham. They all wear classic pieces in a modern way, such as a suit with a colorful pattern or structured sleeves, or neutrals with a pop of color. They wear pieces that do not go out of style, but add a modern twist.
What’s your favorite outfit or article of clothing to wear?
All my favorite pieces tend to be structured with clean lines. I also love statement necklaces!
Where do you like to shop in the area?
I will shop most anywhere! From boutiques, to online to rummage sales. I tend to stay away from malls though, as most of the clothes are cookie-cutter.
Do you have a current favorite fashion trend?
Couture frills, such as a sharp edge or a sleek shirt or dress with large sleeves or a structured bow – heavenly! I also love the deconstructed trend. It allows you to wear a classic piece in a totally different way.
What fashion trend do you wish would go away?
Wearing leggings as pants, dressing uber-casual in a professional office setting, and wearing a trend just because it is a trend, even though it doesn’t compliment you.
April Cook-Hawkins
Occupation:
Transitional Coach and First Lady, Prince of Peace Church
What three words define your personal style?
Colorful, Contemporary, Street-Savvy
What’s your signature wardrobe piece?
Shoes – no outfit is complete without heels.
Who are your style role models?
Michelle Obama, Gabrielle Union and Sarah Jakes-Roberts
What’s your favorite outfit or article of clothing to wear?
I love pencil skirts and I have tons of them, because they are very versatile. You can dress them up or down, depending on your day.
Where do you like to shop in the area?
I love consignment stores! I’m a woman who shops on a budget and I get excited when I can take something old and turn it into a fashion statement. You can catch me at Wears Like New or Gotta Have It!
Do you have a current favorite fashion trend?
I love leopard print and I think that with the added twist of high-color blocks, leopard print is back by popular demand.
What fashion trend do you wish would go away?
High heels with socks! Yes, we love Rihanna – but the socks and heels is a no-go for me!
Nadeem Gebrael
Occupation:
Owner, Gebrael Management
What three words define your personal style?
Smooth, Sophisticated, Sharp
What’s your signature wardrobe piece?
Sport coats, v-necks and hats
What’s your favorite outfit or article of clothing to wear?
Sky-blue Ferragamo Loafers
Where do you like to shop in the area?
I can’t say that I have a favorite – if something catches my eye and fits my style, I buy it.
Do you have a current favorite fashion trend?
Wearing a suit and loafers with no socks
What fashion trend do you wish would go away?
People wearing Crocs to work instead of shoes
Christine Hanczaryk, DC
Occupation:
Owner, Hanczaryk Chiropractic Neurology Group
What three words define your personal style?
Edgy, Trendy, Streetwear
What’s your signature wardrobe piece?
I have two: a pair of No. 6 clogs and a hat from Rag & Bone that I absolutely love and wear several times a week.
Who are your style role models?
My sister Alexis, Rachel Comey and Virgil Abloh
What’s your favorite outfit or article of clothing to wear?
Of my favorite pieces to put together, at the top is my Carhartt Work In Progress (WIP) jumper.
Do you have a current favorite fashion trend?
A trend that I find speaks to me and my own personal style is High-Fashion Streetwear.
What fashion trend do you wish would go away?
There is not one trend that I would want to go away, as I only wear what I love. Even if something is trending, if I don’t like it, I won’t wear it.
Dwayne Harrington, Sr.
Occupation:
Entrepreneur, Professional Groomer
What three words define your personal style?
Edgy, Professional, Tailored
What’s your signature wardrobe piece?
Timepiece
Who are your style role models?
I have an original style.
What’s your favorite outfit or article of clothing?
I don’t have a specific favorite outfit, but articles are a navy-blue suit and cognac dress shoes.
What’s your favorite fashion trend right now?
Beards
What fashion trend do you wish would go away?
Young men with ungroomed afros!
Donnavin Stewart
Occupation:
National Honor Society Student, Genesee High School
What three words define your personal style?
Fresh, Color, Different
What’s your signature wardrobe piece?
Shoes – I love all types, whether it’s sneakers or loafers.
Who are your style role models?
Kevin Durant, Young Thug – I don’t necessarily like Young Thug as a person, but love his different style.
What’s your favorite outfit or article of clothing to wear?
Bright blue and orange slim-fit joggers with a pair of orange and blue Jordans. Fashion makes me feel good, whether I’m in a suit or sweats and a tee. I love to dress up, mostly.
What is your favorite local place to shop?
Rue 21, H@M, Villa
What’s your favorite current fashion trend?
Ripped jeans
What fashion trend do you wish would go away?
Rompers for men – that’s a no!
Shannon Easter White
Occupation:
Architect (my side hustle is co-owning SHIFT, a boutique in Downtown Flint)
What three words define your personal style?
Fun, Cheerful, FUN
What’s your signature wardrobe piece?
Accessories! Great accessories can make any outfit fun, sophisticated, interesting, dressed up, dressed down – I love them all!
Who are your style role models?
I kind of march to my own drumbeat. I wear a little bit of everything.
What’s your favorite outfit or article of clothing to wear?
I’ve worn a couple of great dresses that really made me feel fabulous and when you feel fabulous, you exude fabulous!
Where do you like to shop in the area?
SHIFT Flint, of course!
Do you have a current favorite fashion trend?
I’m not much for trends – a great top paired with well-fitting jeans, or a fab shift-style dress and a great pair of shoes and earrings, a stack of bracelets and I can go almost anywhere.
What fashion trend do you wish would go away?
LOL all trends die eventually, only to be rejuvenated a few years later!
Asa Zuccaro
Occupation:
Executive Director, Hispanic Technology & Community Center of Greater Flint
What three words define your personal style?
Versatile, Effortless, Neat
What’s your signature wardrobe piece?
Chinos – why own any other pants?
Who is your style role model?
James Bond – he’s always neat and clean.
What’s your favorite outfit or article of clothing to wear?
I designed and sewed a shirt from recycled fabric, and greatly enjoyed the process and reward of wearing “my own” clothing.
What is your favorite local place to shop?
I’ve spent my whole life shopping at “la segunda” (“the second”) – second-hand clothing stores such as Goodwill and Salvation Army. I enjoy the affordability and great finds.
What’s your favorite current fashion trend?
Being disconnected from the fashion world, the trend I’m gravitating toward is crocheted winter apparel.
What fashion trend do you wish would go away?
The overly-dominant market of Eurocentric fashion. It takes a lot of effort to find apparel that represents Latin (and other) cultures.
Photography by Kayce McClure
