I am inspired by individuals from all walks of life and from all over the globe. The key is to be confident and chic – that’s what makes someone truly attractive anywhere in the world. I’ve put together a list of women, men and couples – from New York to Paris – who have impressed me with their distinguished personal styles whenever we’ve cross paths…

New York Women

Coco Kopelman – Patron of the Arts

Always clad in Chanel and always so chic. She wears Chanel as if it were made just for her. I see Coco both in New York and Paris. We share our love for fashion and the New York City Ballet, and I am always enamored of her ‘look.’

Fe Fendi – Patron of the Arts

I love Fe’s style. She, of course, wears Fendi when she goes out, but it is so completely her — she is a great advertisement for the brand. Like Coco, Fe and I also share our passion for fashion and the New York City Ballet.

Michele Gerber Klein – Patron of the Arts

I would say that Michele’s personal style is somewhat classic, but never boring. She is not devoted to one brand, although I know she particularly loves Bill Blass and Ralph Rucci.

Ahn Duong – Painter

Ahn’s personal style is a bit more adventurous. I saw her one time in an amazing Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture. It’s rare to find someone who can wear some “wild” fashion and look elegant. Ahn can pull it off with panache.

Aerin Lauder – Beauty Industry Executive

Aerin is the personification of American Chic — whether she is at Mary Arnold Toys with her kids or at some fabulous party. Her simple yet elegant look always attracts the photographers.

Marina Rust – Author

Another one of my favorites. Marina is a natural beauty — she wears very little make up. She wears the clothes, they don’t wear her.

New York Men

Tim Archambault – Architect and American Indian Flutist

Tim stands out in a crowd not only for the way he combines interesting pieces of clothing but for his sense of accomplishment and passion for the arts, both which make him a fascinating and stylish presence.

Tom Sachs – Artist

While this photo isn’t particularly “chic,” Tom is cool and an of-the-moment contemporary artist. He’s had exhibits in Paris at the Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery, the Beverly Hills Gagosian, and Fondazione Prada in Milan, among many.

Oz Garcia – Nutritionist

Although this photo is rather buttoned up, Oz is often seen during the day in jeans with a tuxedo shirt. I like the contrast of sporty with dressy. This interesting mix suits Oz.

Marcus Samuelsson – Chef

James Beard award-winning chef, a sharp dresser who clearly thinks about what he is going to wear. I think it’s important for a guy to pay attention to fashion — it’s the first thing you notice about a person. Marcus gets an A.

Scott Schuman – The Sartorialist

It’s Scott’s business to look good — and he does a great job — whether he’s working or posed, as in this photo. Scott is put together — a good example for men to follow.

John King – CNN Anchor

John needs to look good for TV.  His business, like style, is professional and appropriate.  It’s hard for men as they don’t have as many choices in fashion as women do, but he does well for his TV persona — adding color and texture that interests but doesn’t overwhelm.

Paris Women

Marisa Berenson – Actress

I see Marisa both in New York and Paris. I love her hair — not so done.  Maybe I should take a lesson and try to go au naturale — that’s more French after all!

Lou Doillon – Model

This photo is very done, but I saw Lou at L’Esplanade, one of my favorite restaurants in Paris, wearing her hair up in a loose ponytail with leggings and high boots, and I thought, “Oh my, she is so cool!” It’s just the French je ne sais quoi. Effortless chic.

Victoire de Castellane – Dior Haute Joaillerie; Camille Miceli – Louis Vuitton; Mathilde Agostinelli – Prada

Three friends who work in fashion with completely different styles.  This photo reflects their personalities.
UPDATE: Camille Miceli has moved from Louis Vuitton to Dior, where she’s been named Artistic Director of costume jewelry and Artistic Advisor for their leather goods. (September 2009)

Cordelia Lanvin – Designer

Fashion is in Cordelia’s soul because she was born into it — how lucky. She is now designing children’s clothes.

Alejandra di Andia – Designer

Of Chilean decent, Alejandra lives in Paris and is now creating her own couture line.

Paris Men

Lorenz Baümer – Jeweler

Lorenz is a jeweler on the place Vendôme. His look is classic but with a European allure.
UPDATE: Lorenz has also designed an extraordinary jewelry line for Louis Vuitton, called L’Ame du Voyage. (October 2009)

Dominique de Villepin – Politician

It’s nice to see a politician with movie star looks – non?

Hubert de Givenchy – Designer

To this day M. de Givenchy is the epitome of elegance and style.

Alexis Mabille – Designer

A signature item can be the axis for style. Alexis — known for his creative bowties — weaves his look around his vision of extraordinary neckwear to an often androgynous yet always stunning effect.

Daniel Lalonde – President and CEO, Louis Vuitton, N.A.

I think any businessman would want to look like him.

New York Couples

Shirin von Wulffen and Frédéric Fekkai

Shirin’s natural and healthy good looks are the key to her effortless style — she is always smiling! Frédéric dresses simply and strongly, perfectly complimenting his sculptural and handsome face.

Rachel Roy and Damon Dash

Rachel is like a tall, cool glass of water. She has a streamlined look with touches of “dazzle.” Damon is a Renaissance man, a music entrepreneur, a watch and Vodka designer/creator, and mentor to world famous musicians. He puts his life together the way he puts his clothes together – always the best brands with everything color and texturally coordinated.
UPDATE: Though the couple has since since separated, they continue to move forward in style.

Paris Couples

Jarvis Cocker and Camille Bidault-Waddington

I saw them at a Louis Vuitton party hosted by Mario Testino one season during fall prêt-à-porter. I thought they looked hip.

Mina and Philippe d’Ornano

A very glamorous and chic Parisian couple. Mina (who is in my book) is owner of minaPoe, a wonderful boutique on the rue Saint-Honoré. Her husband, Philippe, is the CEO of the Sisley company. He has the most incredible blue eyes.

This is my first Chic List, but it certainly won’t be my last. I’d love to hear your thoughts as I continue to share, discover and celebrate the women and men who possess a unique brand of chic…