Distinction

Culture | Dining | Style

Peek inside the closets of these local fashion icons

photography by Todd Wright

When you get down to it, fashion is a bit like abstract art. Words like “good” and “bad” are poor indicators, because one person’s masterpiece is someone else’s inkblot. So for this year’s fashion spread we decided to do something entirely different. Instead of hiring models and bringing you today’s trend, we hit the streets to find six local fashion icons, each of whom sports a distinctively different style. Their approach might spark a few ideas for your look, whatever it may be.

photograph by Todd Wright

JOSEPH BARBOUR
Creative director, Norfolk

Describe your personal style.
Very classically inspired, although I’d like to think I succeed in putting my own modern spin on things. I will also take a great deal of inspiration from Italian menswear. They’re the best at being bold and taking style risks without losing any of the elegance, and I strive to emulate that.

What three things are always in your closet?
I like to follow the idea that simple is king, so you start with the basics and build from there. And the first “basic” would be just a classic navy blue suit. Personally I’d go with a double-breasted jacket cut, but that’s my own preference. Then a crisp white cotton dress shirt – it works with just about everything formal or lightly casual. And finally, a good pair of white low-top sneakers. Which I think hands down is the most versatile color/style of shoe a guy can have in his wardrobe.

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life…?
It would be one of the most all-purpose looks that a gentleman could be stuck in for the rest of his years. I’d keep the white sneakers, swap the white dress shirt for a denim button-up dress shirt, and opt for a double-breasted pinstripe suit. Peak lapels, with Neapolitan shoulders, because details are key if I’m stuck in this outfit forever.

What new trend or style are you excited about?
I’ve been big into the looser fitting, almost ’70s-inspired cuts and styles that are resurfacing right now in menswear. Including all the rayon shirts in floral and other various patterns that are getting a bit more attention this season – which is a style I look forward to seeing more of and experimenting with myself, both casually and with a suit.

photograph by Todd Wright

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photograph by Todd Wright

BRIANA MACON
Photographer, Chesapeake

Describe your personal style.
Extremely eclectic! I love bright colors, bold patterns and fun outfits that just make me happy. I love a good vintage vibe and retro feel. But I also like neutrals, textures and timeless pieces. And I’m a firm believer that Vans go with everything.

What three things are always in your closet?
A good pair of high-rise denim, a flowy maxi, T-shirts.

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life…?
High-rise Levi’s, T-shirt and Vans.

What new trend or style are you excited about?
I love that tie-dye is coming back in style. Makes my hippie heart so happy. (It is back, right?) I’ve also always loved bandannas and hair wraps, and hope they stay. And I hope low-rise jeans never make a comeback.

photograph by Todd Wright

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photograph by Todd Wright

JARRELL WILLIAMS
Sales, Moyock

Describe your personal style.
I have been very influenced by skate and streetwear cultures. Have two kids of my own now, so I shop a lot of secondhand, or deals and steals. I like to be as comfortable and budget conscious as possible.

What three things are always in your closet?
Sneakers, hats and denim.

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life…?
Sneakers (Vans, Nike, or whatever looks and feels great), a pair of dark selvedge jeans, and a well-fitting, comfortable T-shirt.

What new trend or style are you excited about?
I like that clothes fit again. I like the idea of more pastels and floral patterns. It’s been awhile but gone are the days of wearing clothing twice the size we should be in.

photograph by Todd Wright

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photograph by Todd Wright

KIM WADSWORTH
Makeup artist, stylist, Virginia Beach

Describe your personal style.
Fashion-forward and a bit eclectic. I love mixing patterns, textures and color. Layering is the key to changing things up. Wearing several necklaces or bracelets, putting on different shirts and jackets of varying lengths, and mixing up bags and shoes help orchestrate a look. It requires an organized and curated closet – the key to style success. Wearing colorful clothing and big jewelry always brightens my day.

What three things are always in your closet?
Black pants. Short black boots. Black leather jacket.

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life…?
I don’t like stains, wrinkled clothes or being cold, so black slim-cut pants, black jacket with a zipper, black button-down shirt with a white crew-neck tee underneath, and short black boots. Everything in a wash-and-wear, no-wrinkle fiber. Oh! And red lipstick.

What new trend or style are you excited about?
In today’s fashion world, history repeats itself quickly. That means designers are willing to press the refresh button on styles from the 1960s through the early 2000s and offer clever spins that are innovative and fun to wear again. Of course, sourcing originals at consignment and thrift stores is always a thrill for me. I’m excited when hemlines are short and color palettes are bright because they are indicators in the fashion forecast that the economy is good, and the vibe is happy.

photograph by Todd Wright

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photograph by Todd Wright

MINH NGUYEN
Art director, Virginia Beach

Describe your personal style.
I would say it is casual, old-school and minimal.

What three things are always in your closet?
A nice pair of jeans, well-made denim shirts, and graphic T-shirts.

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life…?
Duck canvas pants, denim shirts and brown leather boots.

What new trend or style are you excited about?
I am really liking slim chinos and sage color.

photograph by Todd Wright

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photograph by Todd Wright

HEATHER BRYANT
Adjunct assistant professor of art, Old Dominion University, Norfolk

Describe your personal style.
Colorful, use of pattern clashing and unusual juxtapositions, vintage or retro-inspired, Western flair, eclectic, inventive.

What three things are always in your closet?
I created a “closet room,” and my cat, my vanity table and artwork are always there – but otherwise there is always vintage, patterns and color.

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life…?
I would wear my rainbow-striped dress and a pair of cowboy boots.

What new trend or style are you excited about?
Western wear! I enjoy the angularity, the stripes, embroidery and embellishment.

photograph by Todd Wright

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