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Photograph: Noffar GatDebruhl Lewis considers this custom plaid double-breasted jacket purchased on London’s famed Savile Row, Brooks Brothers (locations throughout the city; visit brooksbrothers.com) wool trousers and crisp Charles Tyrwhitt (ctshirts.com) button-up shirt to be a casual daytime ensemble. “It’s bright, trendy and eye-catching,” he says.

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Photograph: Noffar Gat“I am a collector of interesting and eclectic jewelry,” says Debruhl Lewis, who fastens an antique hand-painted pin to his lapel. “It’s a little small, but I make it work.” He slips an antique tie clip that’s also a family heirloom in front of a silk pocket square from Bloomingdale’s (1000 Third Ave at 59th St, 212-705-2000 • 504 Broadway between Broome and Spring Sts, 212-729-5900 • bloomingdales.com).

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Photograph: Noffar GatDon’t dismiss this oversize accessory as a mere cocktail ring. “It’s a shaman, or witch doctor, ring,” explains Debruhl Lewis. “They come from Tibet, and are used for protection and casting spells.” This particular version, purchased at Bloomingdale’s, is fashioned from hand-carved moss agate and set in 14-karat gold.

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Photograph: Noffar Gat“I feel that every man should wear a hat,” declares Debruhl Lewis, who models a vintage Hückel velour homburg that he purchased in Europe. “It’s a status symbol, [and shows] that you’re style-conscious.”

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Photograph: Noffar GatRalph Lauren (locations throughout the city; visit ralphlauren.com) socks pop against Cole Haan (locations throughout the city; visit colehaan.com) patent-leather loafers. “I love wearing red,” says Debruhl Lewis. “It makes me feel happy.”

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Photograph: Noffar GatA vintage Robert Talbott (roberttalbott.com) waffled-cotton tie and a Brooks Brothers sweater vest add texture and dimension to Debruhl Lewis’s outfit.

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Photograph: Noffar GatBoth the plaid pants and classic blazer are vintage Ralph Lauren. A handmade silk tie from Thailand pulls the ensemble together.

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Photograph: Noffar GatThis 1940s Eisenberg Ice (eisenbergice.com) antique pin dazzles like the real thing—it’s made from rhinestones and crystals. “It’s an eye-catching piece,” he says. “I could have sold it over and over again.” He offsets it with a silk pocket square from Bloomingdale’s in a complementary hue.

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Photograph: Noffar GatThe transparency of this matching natural rock-crystal ring and bracelet allows Debruhl Lewis’s bold ensemble to shine. “I do love my jewelry,” he notes. “I hope it loves me.”

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Photograph: Noffar GatDebruhl Lewis keeps stays light on his feet with suede Ralph Lauren cap-toe shoes.

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Photograph: Noffar Gat“I love oriental garb and have a vast collection of kimonos,” says Debruhl Lewis, who pairs this circa-1960s Japanese version from a Chicago estate sale with a hand-painted fan. “I always carry a fan with me—it keeps me cool and it’s fun.”

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Photograph: Noffar GatAnother staple of Debruhl Lewis’s wardrobe is Asian jewelry—some of which he makes himself, such as the rock-crystal-and-turquoise choker. He layers it between a white jade pendant necklace and a longer strand handmade in China, featuring ivory, turquoise, carnelian, silver and red coral beads (both were purchased from antique dealers).

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Photograph: Noffar GatDebruhl Lewis accessorizes with a chunky 1950s emerald Lucite cuff bought in Paris and vintage heraldic cufflinks from England.

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Photograph: Noffar GatThese metallic perforated-leather shoes are from Italian brand Rocco P. (roccop.it).

Most stylish New Yorkers 2013: Julius Debruhl Lewis

Julius Debruhl Lewis, owner of Julius Debruhl Lewis Design Studio Inc., is drawn to glamorous costume jewelry, vintage hats and Asian-inspired garb.

By Cristina Velocci Posted: Monday February 4 2013

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Store owner Julius Debruhl Lewis proves he is one of the most stylish New Yorkers by modeling his eye-catching ensembles. He mixes dapper basics from Brooks Brothers with opulent costume jewelry and vintage clothing from the Salvation Army and City Opera Thrift Shop. He also gets inspiration from high-end department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue.

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

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