lifestyles | women of substance & style
style mavens From a law student turned pageant queen to entrepreneurial Marines, our men and women of Substance and Style span all walks of life.
Bindhu Pamarthi
2013 Miss D.C. and second year Georgetown Law student Describe your personal style. I believe that what you wear should reflect how you feel, not mask it. Then, style becomes a way of communicating, rather than a way of covering. That said, I tend toward timeless, classy pieces as well as fun and eccentric items. What does style mean to you? It is the art form of taking something cast away, forgotten, or ignored and wearing it in a way that turns heads and leaves a lasting impression. What is something you’d never wear again? A nude pump with a black trouser. I don’t know if there is a rule against that but there should be.
PHOTO BY TONY POWELL Bindhu wears a Stephen Yearick Privata dress. Photographed at Georgetown University, Healy Hall
‘I wouldn’t be happy under a stylistically oppressive regime.’ Tell us a fashion rule you don’t regret breaking. The rule I regret breaking the least is wearing a dress to a conservative firm interview. The employer’s website advised applicants to wear a suit. I could tell that as soon as I walked into the interview that I wasn’t going to be considered, but if conformity is their idea of communicating competence, I’d rather take my individuality. I wouldn’t be happy under a stylistically oppressive regime! A current trend you could do without? Fur. I don’t think fashion justifies animal suffering. What is the most eccentric item in your closet? A Christian Lacroix orange, black and white cropped vest in plaid with polka dot piping. I wore it in a photo shoot and have no idea if and where I would ever wear it again! What never goes out of style? A great sense of humor and a sassy shoe!
wardrobe provided by saks jandel, 301-652-2250
Who is your style icon? I don’t know that I have one. I like what I like and I try not to let the media tell me who or what is attractive.
PHOTO BY TONY POWELL
Chance Mitchell CEO and co-founder, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE I would say modern and classic. I tend to avoid trendy fashions. Instead, I focus on clothing and shoes that are adaptable, structured and tailored to have a shelf life beyond a season or two. I prefer quality over quantity so I am willing to invest more in the 20 percent of clothing I will frequently wear and not the 80 percent that will gather dust in my closet. WHAT DOES STYLE MEAN TO YOU? Personal style is an expression of who you are and, often times, how you feel. It is a snapshot of how you view the world, what you believe in, and how you live your life. For the most part, I believe if you look good, you feel good. It’s up to each individual to decide what makes him or her feel good. SOMETHING YOU’D NEVER WEAR AGAIN? Acid washed jeans or denim shorts. I will leave those to the ’80s. No promises though if parachute pants make a resurgence! WHICH CURRENT TREND ARE YOU ITCHING TO TRY AND WHICH ONE ARE YOU READY TO SEE DIE? I have often thought about getting a tattoo. I think, when tastefully done, it can add a nice edge to anyone’s look, but I have not decided what is right for me. A trend that I can do without is men wearing suit pants that are too short so they can show off their colored socks. It’s hard to tell if the look is by design or just poor tailoring.’
‘Nothing tanks a fashion statement quicker than a lack of confidence in the look.’ FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET? My John Varvatos leather jacket. WHAT STYLE ADVICE DO YOU HAVE? If you wear it, you better “own it.” Nothing tanks a fashion statement quicker than a lack of confidence in the look.
Chance wears Hugo Boss shirt, tie and pants along with a Banana Republic sweater, John Varvatos leather jacket and Donald J. Pliner loafers. Photographed in the W Hotel lobby.
lifestyles | women of substance & style
Pari Bradlee
Fitness and yoga instructor Describe your personal style. It is difficult to describe, but I’d say eclectic and unexpected. It’s anywhere from Alice in Wonderland to Little Eddie to Catholic School refinement to Motley Crue to thug, given the day. What does style mean to you? It is a way of expressing yourself fully, and I see it as an art form. I dress according to my mood; if I’m feeling feminine, I’ll wear a frilly dress and if I’m feeling more dark and masculine, you’ll see me in a knit skull cap and low suede boots. No matter what I’m wearing, I’m always wearing beautiful lingerie underneath. It’s my obsession, as I believe it gives a woman more confidence and makes her clothes fit better.
“I’m always wearing beautiful lingerie. It’s my obsession, as it gives a woman more confidence and makes her clothes fit better.” a fashion trend you’re itching to try and one you’d like to see die? I love the new Oscar de la Renta look with the dark velvets and hoods; it’s very witchy and mysterious. But gladiator shoes of any kind do not look flattering on anyone. What never goes out of style? Very well-made, fitted motorcycle jackets.
PHOTO BY TONY POWELL
Pari wears a Burberry jacket, a House of the Gods top, J Brand jeans and Prada boots.. Photographed at Tudor Place.
your favorite item in your closet? A heather grey, cashmere poncho that a dear friend sent me from her boutique in Paris. It’s like wearing a blanket and is just so easy to throw on with sunglasses to create instant sophistication and elegance. Who is your fashion icon? Macklemore! My dream is for him to take me to the thrift shop!
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David Tafuri Partner at Patton Boggs LLP WHAT DOES STYLE MEAN TO YOU? Being comfortable enough with yourself to wear what you want to wear, rather than what you think you should wear. A FASHION RULE YOU DON’T REGRET BREAKING? White pants after Labor Day. I’m in whites well into Autumn. A CURRENT TREND YOU’RE DYING TO TRY? I’d really like to have a Mohawk someday. I have no clue if they are in now, I just always wanted to try it. WHAT NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE? Baseball caps
“I’d really like to have a Mohawk someday. I have no clue if they are in now, I just always wanted to try it.” YOUR FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET? A Converse by John Varvatos jacket. I travel a lot, and it’s lightweight and doubles as a blazer. THE MOST ECCENTRIC ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET? I bought a full-length faux fur coat with a huge collar for Halloween at a thrift store one year. My friends named it “bunny.” I have no good reason to wear it anymore, but I can’t bring myself to throw it away. WHO IS YOUR STYLE ICON? The Clash.
PHOTO BY JOSEPH ALLEN David wears a Brimble & Clark jacket and pants, Ralph Lauren shirt and tie and Gucci shoes. Photographed in his Georgetown residence.
lifestyles | men of substance & style
Max Major Magician
Describe your personal style. Fashion forward, young Hollywood, invites attention. It is sometimes loud, but never conservative. What does style mean to you? A consistent image that communicates who you are. It demonstrates personality and individuality. Despite the rule, people do judge a book by its cover. First impressions count! a trend you are dying to try? Colored trousers. I love the bold pop of color. What is something you’d never wear again? The official uniform of cubicle nation: A blue dress shirt. When I was 21, I walked into a performance at a corporate event and one person commented “who
‘Despite the rule, people do judge a book by its cover. First impressions count.’ invited the accountant.” It will never happen again
the most eccentric item in your closet? A white tuxedo jacket with tails. I’m still waiting for the right time to break it out. What never goes out of style? Confidence, because if you love what you’re wearing you’re comfortable in your own skin. And a nice watch. What is the best style advice you ever received? I had a mentor early in my magic career named Denny Haney who told me to always dress like you’re going somewhere better later. Who inspires you, stylistically? Locally my fashion inspiration comes from James Cornwell of Cornwell Styling. Nationally, I think Justin Timberlake is an icon. He’s the prince of pop and fashion.
PHOTO BY TONY POWELL
Max wears Diesel jeans, jacket and shoes paired with an American Apparel shirt, Michael Kors watch and a Minion neck chain that he made himself. Photographed at The Huxley.
PHOTO BY JOSEPH ALLEN Michael wears APC jeans, an American Apparel T-shirt, Tod’s loafers and his father’s vintage leather jacket from Bloomingdale’s. Harrison wears Tellason jeans, Read Wall shirt, Rag & Bone jacket and Sperry shoes. Photgraphed at Rock Creek Park.
Michael Haft
Harrison Suarez
Co-author of ‘Perfect Coffee at Home”’ and former Marine Corps officer
Co-author of ‘Perfect Coffee at Home’ and former Marine Corps officer
DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE I try to balance form and function with clothes that look great and fit well. I prefer things on the slightly preppier side.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE I’d say it’s a modern take on classic all-American. I tend to go for more athletic cuts, but otherwise fairly timeless.
WHAT DOES STYLE MEAN TO YOU? Good style is all about being authentic. It’s about being true to who you are.
WHAT DOES STYLE MEAN TO YOU? Style is an extension of personality. The specifics change based on the situation, but the principles stay the same.
SOMETHING YOU’D NEVER WEAR AGAIN? A buzz cut. I spent four years in the Marines getting a haircut every Sunday, so I’ve really enjoyed growing it out these past few months. YOUR FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET? A scrimshaw belt handmade on Nantucket. THE MOST ECCENTRIC ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET? A red, dragon-print jacket I had made when I lived in Hong Kong. I can’t say I wear it very much, but it always makes me laugh. WHO IS YOUR STYLE ICON? James Dean. Enough said.
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A CURRENT TREND YOU COULD DO WITHOUT? I avoid all things hipster. About a year ago, back when I was in the Marines, I was in Baltimore at a trunk show. This guy came up to me and said, “hey man, I love your haircut, where’d you get it?” His expression when I explained was priceless. “Oh, so it’s real?” The conversation ended shortly thereafter. WHAT NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE? A trusty pair of jeans. They’re comfortable, they fit right and they’re versatile. YOUR FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET? I have this blue-and-white gingham shirt that my friend Read Wall designed. It’s just perfect. I probably wear it too much, but I absolutely love it.
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lifestyles | men of substance & style
Patrick Dowd
Founder, Millennial Trains Project Describe your personal style. Eclectic and versatile — a collection of things that remind me of places I’ve lived and enjoyed visiting. What does style mean to you? It’s a form of expression, an opportunity for individuals to remix things in interesting ways and communicate with others.
“[My grandfather] taught me a good suit was a democratic thing. It gives any man the opportunity to be taken seriously.” A fashion rule you don’t regret breaking? Hiking boots with a suit. Looks awesome. Is awesome. What never goes out of style? Good manners and gardening clothes. your favorite item in your closet? A sturdy, flannel olive off-duty military shirt that belonged to my grandfather when he was stationed with the U.S. Army in Calcutta during World War II.
PHOTO BY JOSEPH ALLEN
Patrick wears a Band of Outsiders shirt, Theory pants and John Varvatos shoes, all from Lost Boys. Photgraphed at Union Station. .
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the most eccentric item in your closet? At the moment, a Technicolor cowboy shirt I recently picked up at the District Flea. Who is your style icon? My grandfather. Born in Brooklyn, my grandfather started with nothing and built himself up through sports, education and military service to become the long-time CFO of Van Heusen [the shirt company]. He taught me a good suit was a democratic thing because it gives any man the opportunity to be taken seriously, earn a living and provide for his family. I love that.
WASHINGTON LIFE
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Juan Coronado Cocktail innovator for ThinkFoodGroup WHAT DOES STYLE MEAN TO YOU? Style is how a person expresses who they are through their approach to fashion. It is not just the clothes a person wears but a lifestyle that they embody, which reflects the delicate balance between who a person is now and who they will be in the future. It is a constant evolution. A FASHION RULE YOU DON’T REGRET BREAKING? Wearing jewelry and not matching shoes and belts. WHAT NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE? Black leather jacket, three-piece suit and smelling good. THE MOST ECCENTRIC ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET A mohair cardigan with Asian print lining as well as a double-breasted zipper jacket from the ’80s. WHAT’S THE BEST STYLE ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? Always get your suits tailored. WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU STYLISTICALLY? Modern dandies.
PARI BRADLEE HAIR BY MARK FRAZER AND MAKEUP BY ERWIN GOMEZ} BOTH OF KARMA BEAUTY LOUNGE CHANCE MITCHELL~ HAIR BY CHRIS PAVLOUNIS} TRESSES SALON DC MAKEUP BY COLLEEN LEO MAX MAJOR HAIR BY EVOLVE SALON WARDROBE BY JAMES CORNWELL} CORNWELL STYLING AND WILL LAWRY} CAPITAL IMAGE TONY POWELL WAS ASSISTED BY COURTNEY EVANS CAROL PEARSONS NICHOLAS AUTIELLO AND MARCUS GOODMAN
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PHOTO BY JOSEPH ALLEN Juan wears a Goorin Brothers hat, Tailorbyrd shirt, Rag & Bone sweater, Top Men tie and pants, Zara blazer and W. Gibbs brogue boots. Photographed at Barmini.
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