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[title]RECOMMENDED: Most stylish New Yorkers
Julius Debruhl Lewis, “107”; Forest Hills, Queens; owner of Julius Debruhl Lewis Design Studio Inc. (247 W 38th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, suite 608; 212-947-0363, jdl1designstudio.com)
His personal style: “It’s eclectic. I love glamour.”
His inspirations: “Marchesa Luisa Casati, actor Harold Lloyd and Jonathan Harding, the retired banquet manager of the ‘21’ Club (21 W 52nd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves; 212-582-7200, 21club.com). They are all legends and class acts. I admire all three of them for their interesting personalities and immense amount of talent.”
About his store: “I sell inspiration and hope to a bunch of wonderful design companies, as well as my collection of prints, garments and accessories for the fashion world.”
Favorite NYC stores: “I mostly look for ideas at Saks Fifth Avenue (611 Fifth Ave at 50th St; 212-753-4000, saks.com), but if I spot something interesting, I’ll buy it. I shop for accessories and home furnishings at Bergdorf Goodman (754 Fifth Ave at 58th St; 212-753-7300, bergdorfgoodman.com), although the men’s store across the street (745 Fifth Ave at 58th St, 212-753-7300) is quite tempting. I enjoy shopping at certain locations of the Salvation Army (salvationarmyusa.org) because you can really find some great designer pieces. The clothes there tell a story, and it’s interesting to imagine the person who had [the garment] prior to me. The same goes for City Opera Thrift Shop (222 E 23rd St between Second and Third Aves; 212-684-5344, nycopera.com). It has amazingly beautiful costume pieces that take you to another world of playfulness. I quite enjoy dressing up.”
Favorite salons: “None. I do my own hair, and my favorite salon is my kitchen. A little olive oil, castor oil and almond oil is all you need.”
His signature accessory: “My shaman ring. I like wearing it because I can gaze into it. It brings me to another world.”
Favorite New York designers: “[Women’s clothing designer] Donna Ricco—she has class. And Ralph Lauren (ralphlauren.com). He’s a Libra, like me, and he has style.”
His New York style icon: “I don’t have one. I am a unique individual, and I admire everyone’s style and freedom to express themselves through fashion in their own way.”
How his style has evolved: “I’m always evolving, but my style stays the same. It all depends on my mood. Who cares what people say?”
How he describes New York style: “Do what you want to do—no comment.”
Follow Cristina Velocci on Twitter: @cvelocci