We are all obsessed with style – from stylish celebrities to style blogs, stylish shopping services and more. However, true style cannot be bought or borrowed. Genuinely stylish people look amazing all the time, no matter what they’re doing, if they’re dressed up or dressed down, their confidence shines through. Each one of the five fashionable New Orleanians profiled here commits their time and talents to worthy causes aimed at improving the lives of everyone living in the city. We have enjoyed learning their secrets to cutting a stylish figure and hearing about some of the charities they’re involved in, and we hope you do, too.
Martine Chaisson Linares
Age: 35
Occupation: Director of Martine Chaisson Gallery
Event you have chosen to represent: BRAVO Gala
What is appropriate attire for the event: Black-tie
How would you describe your personal style: “Always a little over the top. I’m in mommy mode (I have a 4 year old and a 2 year old) most of the time, so when I get to express my personal style and escape the athleisure look I really go for it.”
Is your significant other well dressed: “He is always handsome in whatever he’s wearing … but I do enjoy having a say so.”
Where do you like to shop locally: Saks, Em’s Boutique, UAL
Whose style do you most admire: Lauren Santo Domingo
What are you wearing: Milly dress and Jimmy Choo shoes.
Carroll W. Suggs
Age: “Who cares! Old enough to be worldly and wise and young enough to enjoy every moment of life.”
Occupation: Philanthropist; Former Chairman and CEO, Petroleum Helicopters, Inc.
Event you have chosen to represent: “‘Key to the Cure,’ a fabulous party hosted by and held at Saks Fifth Avenue benefiting the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium dedicated to research and eradicating this disease.”
What is appropriate attire for the event: Cocktail
How would you describe your personal style: “It varies but I like to think of my look as sophisticated, fashionable, colorful and fun. I love to seek great ‘finds’ that are interesting and unusual, and I enjoy dressing to depict a holiday, event theme or team colors on game day!"
Where do you like to shop locally: Saks Fifth Avenue and Ballin’s
Whose style do you most admire: Phyllis Taylor
What are you wearing: Midnight blue Marisa Baratelli three-piece Thai silk suit
Jill McKay Pipes
Age: 46
Occupation: Professional volunteer supporting a variety of community organizations
Event you have chosen to represent: “Cocktails for KID smART”
What is appropriate attire for the event: Cocktail
How would you describe your personal style: “I’m mostly conservative with a bit of an edge. I gravitate toward neutral colors and detailing in clothes that’s unexpected.”
Is your significant other well dressed: “I think so, especially when he wears what I buy for him! Seriously, his suits are Brooks Brothers and Perlis; his shirts are Charles Tyrwhitt; and he buys an occasional piece from Harvie and Hudson on Jermyn Street in London.”
Where do you like to shop locally: “Locally, I’ll pop into Em’s, Clover, Spring, Head Over Heels, Hemline and UAL.”
Whose style do you most admire: Sarah Jessica Parker
What are you wearing: Liniert dress with Tibi shoes
Edgar “Dook” Chase IV
Age: 35
Occupation: Owner, Chase Hospitality Group
Event you have chosen to represent: Edgar “Dooky” & Leah Chase Foundation Gala
What is appropriate attire for the event: Cocktail
How would you describe your personal style: Classic and clean
Is your significant other well dressed: “Yes, she picks out my clothes. She tries to get me to mix it up a little.”
Where do you like to shop locally: “Saks and my own closet (I believe in recycling-same suit, different shirt)”
Whose style do you most admire: “Overall, President Barack Obama because he’s classic and confident. Also, James St. Patrick from the television series “Power,” strictly based on wardrobe not morale compass.
What are you wearing: Jos A. Bank suit with a Hugo Boss shirt, Saks Fifth Avenue tie and Gucci loafers
Ileana Suquet
Age: Suffice to say I will be entering a new decade soon!
Occupation: Community Activist (“In my prior life I worked in International Banking, Real Estate and Jewelry Design”)
Tell us about the event you have chosen to represent: The New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s “Azúcar Ball.” (Ilena serves as Board President).
What is appropriate attire for the event? This year’s theme is Una vez en Nuevo Orleans (Once upon a time in New Orleans) in keeping with the Tricentennial, and the attire is black-tie.
How would you describe your personal style? “It is more classic than not, but I do throw in an occasional trend! My current favorite is colorful large fringe earrings! I love jewelry so I focus on accessories and shoes and handbags are a passion.”
Is your significant other well dressed? “My husband isn’t trendy at all; he’s very classic and his business calls for it. As a CEO in the financial world he’s all about suits and ties. He usually wears golf attire on the weekends! I think he always looks great!”
Where do you like to shop locally? “I shop with Orelia at Saks. I like a few of the new boutiques on Magazine Street, and Pie at Ballin’s hooks me up with some great linen and silk separates. I also shop with Lynne at Carlisle during their shows.”
Whose style do you most admire? I believe that Carolina Herrera’s style is terrific! She’s chic and elegant and always age appropriate.
What are you wearing? Black Escada dress with black suede and feather Dior shoes; diamond earrings from Friend and Company and a Cartier watch.
