St. Louis' Best Dressed 2011

ach of the past seven years, we’ve chosen an exclusive cast of men and women from a wide range of industries and backgrounds for SLM’s annual Best Dressed List, and this year is no different. We spend quite a bit of time meticulously selecting fashionable individuals who not only have impeccable style, but also exude confidence. These fabulously dressed St. Louisans arrived at the photo shoot in their favorite heirloom jewelry, tailored suits, stunning dresses, and sky-high stilettos. One smooth-talking inductee wowed us with his fashion confidence at such a young age, while another inductee schooled us on dressing elegantly, no matter the occasion. We oohed and aahed over a pair of famously red-soled heels, a masculine polka-dot Tom Ford tie, and a flawless estate ring, all while feeling right at home talking fashion. These individuals prove that style has nothing to do with money and everything to do with knowing what looks best and how to light up a room. Congratulations to this year’s Best Dressed List inductees!  

Patrick Brown

Patrick Brown doesn’t do socks. “I just really hate them,” he says. One accessory he does love, though: bow ties. As special assistant to Mayor Francis Slay, the 26-year-old is making an impact on city government. His main role is getting young people more engaged in city policy. Though Brown’s political career is just taking off, he started as a visual manager at Express and Lucky Brand Jeans. “I thought I wanted to work in retail, but then I realized I hated Black Friday and I got bored,” he says, “so I changed my focus.”

Style Icons: For a classic American style icon, I’d say Steve McQueen. I also really like Marcello Mastroianni, who was an Italian movie star with a very fluid, casual style. Kanye West is a more contemporary choice. There’s an ease in which he can flow from an urban, hip-hop style to Prada and Louis Vuitton.

Favorite Accessory: A monogrammed pocket watch that was given to me as a gift, and there’s a slim brown belt I wear all the time, but my favorite accessory would have to be bow ties.

Favorite Fashion Era: I wish people dressed today the way they did in the ’50s and ’60s. Wearing suits was just a part of life, and people had a much more intimate relationship with their belongings.

Most Embarrassing Fashion Moment: When I was in middle school and high school, I used to wear Marc Ecko from head to toe, and my friend and I used to wear completely matching outfits. It was ridiculous.

Favorite Stores: Locally, it’s J.Crew, Urban Outfitters, H&M. Outside of St. Louis, it’s MacDonald Drug Store in South Haven, Mich.

Go-To Outfit in a Pinch: Dark denim with a plain black pocket T-shirt and some very benign-looking Keds-type shoes.  

Faith Berger

Faith Berger sees her style as an expression of art, which makes sense, given her day job as an art consultant. After beginning her career as a shoe buyer, she moved on to co-own Barucci Gallery; she also runs Faith Berger Art Consultants, a firm based in Ladue. Beyond her career, Berger devotes herself to her family: She’ll celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary this month, and she often visits her two children, a 26-year-old sports broadcaster in Sioux City, Iowa, and a 23-year-old political fundraiser in D.C.

Style Icons: I’m influenced by many designers: Donna Karan, Luisa Prada, and Versace. Currently, I’m inspired by Kate Middleton, who’s bringing in a whole new kind of elegance, and the polished look of Grace Kelly and chic style of Alexander Wang and Alexander McQueen.

Favorite Accessory: I’ve been a shoe addict since day one.

Favorite Fashion Era: I’m very influenced by old movies in the ’40s. I think the way women dressed at that point, we’ll never get back to. Fashion was really an art then.

Most Embarrassing Fashion Moment: One night, I went to dinner at Café Napoli, and the skirt I was wearing was pretty short and had a handkerchief side that really accentuated the hips. My husband asked, “What are you wearing? We’re sitting on a patio.” I loved it, but I think he was cowering.

Favorite Stores: In St. Louis, it’s Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Vie. Outside St. Louis, Barneys New York.

Go-To Outfit in a Pinch: I have this fabulous Prada little black dress that I take everywhere I go.

Your Style in Five Words: Avant-garde, cocktail, upscale, professional, a little crazy.  

Jeff Orbin

Look around Monarch or Herbie’s Vintage 72, and you’ll find the recipe for Jeff Orbin’s style: modern meets classic. Orbin, the co-owner and designer of both restaurants, started his career as a graphic designer. In the 1990s, he ran his own downtown design firm, doing work for restaurants and hospitality groups. After the 9/11 attacks, however, he says a culinary friend in New York moved back to St. Louis and business slowed down. Working together on the design and menu, the pair opened Monarch and later Herbie’s.

Style Icons: I just try to dress my way. I don’t really have a person that I try to copy.

Favorite Fashion Era: Now. I like to stay on top of fashion.

Most Embarrassing Fashion Moment: When I was getting ready for opening night at Herbie’s in 2009, I made the mistake of hitting the tanning bed on the same day for longer than I should have. I looked like a ripe tomato. I was also wearing a white shirt with a light-gold tie, and a guest knocked a huge glass of red wine all over me, face included.

Favorite Stores: Locally, it’s Moris Fashions. Outside of St. Louis, it’s Apartment Number 9 and Haberdash in Chicago.

Go-To Outfit in a Pinch: Black suit, white shirt, and tie for a professional outfit. For casual wear, I usually put on jeans and a button-down.

Fall-Fashion Staple: Scarves.

Your Style in Five Words: Edgy but safe, classic, modern, comfortable, clean.  

Pat Whitaker

Before arriving for her photo shoot, Pat Whitaker attended a function for Go Red for Women—one of the many causes to which she gives her time. Whitaker’s look is classic and sophisticated, just like her design aesthetic. She’s an interior designer and CEO of Arcturis, the multidiscipline planning, architecture, and interior-design firm she founded almost 35 years ago. Outside of Arcturis, Whitaker sits on boards of organizations including the United Way of Greater St. Louis, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association, and the YMCA of Greater St. Louis.

Style Icon: Armani. I love his classic lines.

Favorite Fashion Eras: I love the ’20s and ’40s. The look of the dramatic movie star was powerful.

Most Embarrassing Fashion Moment: I was walking across the quad when I was a student at Ohio State University, and I was wearing a wraparound skirt. All of a sudden, I felt my skirt slipping, and I was carrying my books, so there was nothing I could do. It fell off. It was early, though, so I doubt anybody saw it.

Favorite Stores: Saks Fifth Avenue, J.Crew, and Gap. Outside St. Louis, it’s Barneys New York.

Go-To Outfit in a Pinch: For a professional outfit, it’d be a jacket and skirt or pants. When I’m not at work, it’s jeans.

Fall-Fashion Staple: Platform shoes.  

Ricki Tischler

A mother of three, Ricki Tischler is adamant about encouraging wellness. “My passion is healthy living and raising awareness that your lifestyle choices directly impact your physical and mental well-being,” says Tischler, who began her career in the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare before becoming a full-time mom. Tischler is now an active volunteer with such organizations as St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness, Doorways, Autism Speaks, Girls on the Run, Food Outreach, COCA, and Wings in the City.

Style Icons: I like a classic look with a modern twist, so I really like Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Favorite Accessory: Besides my dog, Rosie—who I take everywhere—I’d say my wedding band. I just got one for my 20th anniversary with three diamonds that represent my three kids.

Favorite Designer: I love Gucci shoes and handbags, but I also love Catherine Malandrino. She has a very current, chic style.

Most Embarrassing Fashion Moment: At one point, I wore ankle socks with flats. I also cut my hair too short once, and it got really big and bushy, which was awful.

Favorite Stores: I like to shop at all the boutiques in town; I also love Target and T.J. Maxx. Outside St. Louis, there’s the J.Crew store in Aspen and Scoop in Chicago.

Go-To Outfit in a Pinch: White jeans and a fun top with heels or boots and accessories.

Fall-Fashion Staple: Boots—everything from tall boots to rain boots to cowboy boots.  

Gene Dobbs Bradford

In jazz, smooth personal expression is part of the equation. As executive director of Jazz St. Louis, Gene Dobbs Bradford personifies the nonprofit’s focus with a wardrobe that hits all the right notes. Trained as a double-bass musician, Bradford played in sym­phony orchestras across the country before becoming director of operations at the St. Louis Symphony in 1994. Five years later, he became the executive director of Jazz St. Louis. Since then, he’s worked to expand its educational programs and artistic diversity, serving its 100,000th student this year.

Style Icons: I love the style of jazz musicians in the 1950s and ’60s, like Miles Davis and Dexter Gordon. It was all about hipness and personal expression.

Favorite Accessory:  My great-grandfather’s pocket watch. He got it when he graduated from Northwestern University in 1919, which for the time was quite an accomplishment for an African-American. It’s a beautiful watch and it keeps great time.

Favorite Designers: Hugo Boss, Tom Ford, and Joseph Abboud.

Most Embarrassing Fashion Moment: I used to settle for clothes that didn’t fit. I have difficulty finding clothes that fit me, and I just used to believe sales clerks when they told me something looked good. It just didn’t look right.

Favorite Stores: In St. Louis, Woody’s for a rare treat, but I’m a huge bargain shopper. Beyond, it’s SYMS.

Fall-Fashion Staple: A three-piece suit.  

Amy Koman

Step into Chill Frozen Yogurt, the three-location dessert shop owned by Amy Koman and her three daughters, and you’ll notice the hip interior. “I got to use my interest in design mixed with my interest in what’s trending around the country when I opened Chill,” says Koman, who splits her time between St. Louis and San Diego. Last year, Koman and her husband, Bill, a two-time cancer survivor, founded Pedal the Cause, an annual bike-riding challenge that raised close to $1 million for medical research in its first year. The Komans hope to raise twice that amount with this year’s race in October.

Style Icons: Grace Kelly and Jennifer Aniston for their classic, effortless looks.  

Favorite Accessory: I’ve started collecting clutches and beaded jackets, but my favorite things would definitely be shoes and handbags. I also have a nice collection of jewelry from Elleard Heffern in Clayton and pieces I’ve found from traveling.

Favorite Fashion Eras: I have some great vintage Chanel pieces from the ’80s, but the ’20s and ’30s also really inspire me.

Most Embarrassing Fashion Moment: Almost 14 years ago in Palm Beach, Fla., I was traveling with a good friend and her in-laws, and I didn’t get the memo about the attire at this exclusive club. I showed up in either a skirt that was too short or pants; I can’t remember. The next thing I knew, I was in an 80-year-old woman’s St. John knit suit—not a good look for me.

Favorite Stores: In St. Louis, it’s Byrd and Neiman Marcus. Beyond the Midwest, it’s Two Skirts in Telluride, Colo., and Pink Lagoon in Solana Beach, Calif.

Go-To Outfit in a Pinch: My Rich & Skinny flare jeans, a pair of tan wedges, a tank top, and a knit long-sleeve top over the tank. I’d also grab my nude-colored Jimmy Choo handbag, my wedding ring, and a pair of hoops or diamond studs.

Fall-Fashion Staples: Beaded jackets and fur vests and jackets. They can transition to both casual and dressy events.  

Kevin Glazer

Step into Kevin Glazer’s Clayton-based marketing company, Glance Creative, and you’ll see orange metalwork, graffiti-emblazoned furniture, and colorful stacks of books on Andy Warhol. Glazer’s passions range from graphic design to jewelry, furniture to screen-printed clothing. He shows off his screen-printed T-shirts and dresses in his Clayton mini boutique, Vintage Highway. There are bold motifs from the pages of French newspapers, India-inspired architectural details, distorted images of pinup girls—many of these designs that he created.

Style Icons: David Arquette for his personal, confident sense of style, and Ralph Lauren.  

Favorite Designers: James Perse for his T-shirts and Calvin Klein.

Favorite Accessory: Tennis shoes. There’s a culture that comes with tennis shoes that I really love. You can get great shoes for $25 or $1,200.

Favorite Fashion Era: I love the ’60s—that was probably the most explosive time in fashion. There was a really understated sexiness, like you see in Mad Men.

Most Embarrassing Fashion Moment: It’s got to be the leather pants I wore in Vegas that I got from the Armani store at Caesar’s Palace.

Favorite Stores: Here, it’s R-sole for great tennis shoes. Outside St. Louis, it’s All Saints in L.A.

Go-To Outfit in a Pinch: A blazer, jeans, and tennis shoes.

Fall-Fashion Staple: Outerwear from surf stores and snowboarding stores.  

Peggy Ritter

Look at the board of any St. Louis–based charity, and it’s likely that Peggy Ritter or her husband, Jerry, is on it. Ritter has been a philanthropist for decades, serving on the boards of the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, and countless other organizations. She’s been recognized as a St. Louis Woman of Achievement in the area of cultural enrichment, Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis’ Woman of the Year, and more.

Style Icon: Audrey Hepburn.  

Favorite Accessory: I’m a shoe fanatic. It’s a disease.

Favorite Designers: I like Peggy Jennings and Zenobia, but I’ll buy anything that works for me.

Most Embarrassing Fashion Moment: I always hate walking into a room and seeing someone wearing the same dress. It’s embarrassing for everyone.

Favorite Stores: Locally, Saks Fifth Avenue. Outside St. Louis, it’s Bergdorf Goodman in New York and Harrods in London.

Go-To Outfit in a Pinch: A pair of black pants and a really jazzy-looking colored jacket.

Fall-Fashion Staple: An orange leather jacket.

Your Style in Five Words: Classic, feminine, colorful, unique, fabric-conscious.  

Orlando Pace

At 6 feet 7 inches and 300 pounds, Orlando Pace is tough to overlook—but it’s not just because of his stature. Pace, an offensive tackle with the St. Louis Rams from 1997 to 2008, has a name that most St. Louisans recognize from his football days. Pace’s style off the field is less well-known but equally striking: He recently became a partner in a new ticket brokerage, The Ticket Block, and at press time was planning an upcoming move to Ladue.

Style Icons: I looked up to athletes back in the day like Michael Jordan, who always looked great in a suit.  

Go-To Outfit in a Pinch: Jeans, a Mister Guy custom shirt, and Converse shoes.

Favorite Brand of Jeans: True Religion.

Favorite Accessory: I collect Breitling watches—they’re unique and just the right size.

Favorite Stores: Locally, Mister Guy. Outside St. Louis, it’s Rochester Big & Tall.

Fall-Fashion Staple: Leather jackets.

Most Embarrassing Fashion Moment: Back in college, the locker room was tough. One time I wore a vest from high school, and my teammates rode me out for weeks.  

Selections and Introduction by Jan Leach, Interviews by Nancy McMullen, Photographs by Stephen Seebeck, Hair & Makeup by Julie Dietrich, Talent Plus