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Previous decades have shown us the tasteful and tasteless sides of dressing, but the clothing of today is more expressive and specific. Fashion today can be political, modern, sexy and professional. It can say you are athletic, sane, crazy, frugal or extravagant. It has a different message for everyone. You wear it, and people will call it something.
Fashion statements manifested early on the port of St. Louis. I imagine that a fashion-conscious city was born when Madame Chouteau met Pierre Laclede on the riverfront in the second half of the 18th century. She probably admired his fur-trimmed jacket, and while he may not have cared much for her head wrap, he was still a gentleman and complimented her.
Fashion awareness grew in the bustling city, through the Edwardian period heralding the St. Louis World’s Fair. The heat that summer, and those layers of clothing—and flip-flops hadn’t even been invented yet. Oh, the humanity ...
Fast-forward to the mid-20th century: The fashion industry had St. Louis corseted with manufacturing all that was fashionable. The statements, small and large, were on every corner.
Today, the message is clear. We are not like other mid-size cities. Fashionable residents here, through their aspirations and worldly awareness, give clothes greater function, stronger purpose and more identity. Our fashion heritage set the stage to boast five major American department store chains and a plethora of specialty boutiques and retailers, each with its own strong statement and valuable message.
St. Louisans are proud of their city for so many reasons—from culture and history to sport and commerce. And in this issue, we remember—and celebrate—the place of fashion on this list. Our Best Dressed will guide us.
Melissa Dubman
In Marc Jacobs
“I’m not one to follow every trend religiously,” Melissa Dubman says. “I think I’m just good at knowing what looks good on me.” She doesn’t wear her best clothes often these days, though; she’s spreading peanut butter for a 2-year-old son and a6-month-old daughter, and she devotes her precious droplets of free time to animal welfare causes. The family’s companion animals are all rescues: Lexi and Leo, mixed-breed cats, and big Lola, a lab-shepherd-chow mix. “She’s fashionable,” Dubman says. “She was Miss January in the town planner calendar last year.” When it comes to living creatures, Dubman urges, “Adopt, don’t shop.” Fashion, however, is a different story.
My style: Classic with a twist; funky with my friends. A little bit of everything. Garment I’ll never part with: My black silk Armani opera coat with white lining. I hate to wear it, I love it so much. Fashion philosophy: Know what you like, know what looks good on your body and build pieces around that ... and remember, expensive doesn’t necessarily mean good taste (although good taste can be very expensive!). Next to go in a cleaning frenzy: I’m phasing out the tops that are too short, that whole look. What I wish I hadn’t parted with: Metallic woven belts—now they’re back! Trend I despise (or just don’t get): That really messy look, jeans torn and dirty ... I thought the point of fashion was to look your best! I can’t live without: A really great pair of jeans. I like Antik.
—Hair and makeup styling by Jenny Hodges of TalentPlus.
Michele Lowe
In Carmen Marc Couture
Michele Lowe earned a law degree but says her second career choice would have been fashion, hands down. She and her husband just returned from Italy, where, after a trip to the Ferragamo Museum, she couldn’t resist buying the 80th pair in a limited series of 100 Ferragamo black tucked satin heels. She collects martini shakers during her travels and, in France, hunts for original Art Deco lithographs to hang, in rotation, in their Central West End home. A mother of two, Lowe serves on the advisory council of nearby New City School and the board of John Burroughs. She wants children to be taught problem-solving and exposed to diversity as early as possible. It’ll sharpen their aesthetic sense, she says—and deepen their lives.
My style: I can be many personalities—conservative for fundraisers, edgier with friends. My ritual: I watch the videos of the fashion shows in Rome, Paris and Milan every season. Favorite designer: Escada for day, Carmen Marc Valvo for evening. Current trend I love: Black happens to be one of my favorite colors, so the fact that it’s back and I don’t have to wear all that color is fine with me. Addiction: Shoes. For me, the fun is finding things in my wardrobe that will accessorize my shoes. I still regret wearing: A blue-dotted Swiss bridesmaid’s gown, but what can you do? Advice: Only wear things in which you feel good about yourself. Don’t wear clothes that make you feel uncomfortable or costumed.
—Hair and makeup styling by Jenny Hodges of TalentPlus.
Doug Winship
In Oxford Clothiers
As the general manager of Mister Guy, Doug Winship lives style all day long. He’s been associated with the Ladue store—which he describes as “classic luxury”—since his arrival in St. Louis in 1980. As the years and decades changed, so did his personal style. “I grew up in a preppy Ralph Lauren stage,” he says, “but now I dress in more classic Italian lines like Zegna or Corneliani.” That he’s settled confidently into a look benefits us, since he can now spend more time improving our own. Winship’s approach to advice-seeking customers? “It’s a matter of listening and making them comfortable,” he says, “and making them feel like they’ll look great in whatever they’ve got on.”
My style: Classic Italian. Accessory I’ll take to my grave: Pocket square. Next to go in a cleaning frenzy: Holey socks. You can find me shopping at: AG Adriano Goldschmied in the Central West End. Stores I wish would come to St. Louis: Bloomingdale’s Home Store and Ralph Lauren. I still regret wearing: Patchwork bell-bottoms. Favorite current trend: French cuff shirts cut on the bias. Current trend I despise (or just don’t get): Ultra-tight-fitting jeans. Can’t live without: Suede shoes and belts. Fashion icon: Brad Pitt.
—Hair and makeup styling by Danielle Erb.
Isaac Bruce & Drew Bennett
Asked about good fashion advice he’s received, veteran Rams receiver Isaac Bruce—known as The Reverend—chooses, with a glint in his eye, to dole some out for the fairer sex. “Achieve things with your mind, and not your behind. Don’t wear things too tight. Leave something for the imagination.” Known for his prowess on the field and for his philanthropic work—the Isaac Bruce Foundation promotes healthy living to kids—Bruce has a leadership presence that helps welcome new players into the Rams family.
One of these current newbies: wide receiver Drew Bennett, who’s just settled into St. Louis after six stellar seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Bennett is as quick with a joke as Bruce is, and equally as service-minded: His Drew Crew supports the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation and ABLE Youth, which provides opportunities for youngsters with physical disabilities to participate in sports and recreation. Something to root for indeed.
Isaac Bruce (right)
In Calvin Klein
My style: Low-key. Accessory I’ll take to my grave: My wedding ring. You can spot me shopping at: Neiman Marcus. Store I wish would come to St. Louis: Sean John. I still regret wearing: My West Los Angeles College uniform. Favorite current trend: Three-quarter high-tops with short socks. Current trend I despise (or just don’t get): Wide sunglasses. Fashion icon: Denzel Washington.
Drew Bennett
In Hermès
My style: Very casual. Accessory I’ll take to my grave: J. Crew’s “magic wallet.” Next to go in a cleaning frenzy: Shoes I haven’t worn in five years. You can spot me shopping at: Play. I still regret wearing: A powder-blue tux to a New Year’s party. With ruffles. Current trend I despise (or just don’t get): For women, jeans tucked into boots. My girlfriend wore that all winter. Can’t live without: Super-soft T-shirts. Fashion icon: Can I say Isaac Bruce?
—Hair and makeup styling by Danielle Erb. Shot on location at An American Place.
To see the other eight Best Dressed 2007 choices, check out our print edition!
Introduction and Best Dressed selections by Jerry Talamantes; Interviews by Jeannette Cooperman, Emily Freeman and Stephen Schenkenberg; Photographs by Steve Perotti and David Torrence
