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A professional dancer and Madonna’s personal trainer, Nicole Winhoffer proves why she’s one of the most stylish New Yorkers by modeling her favorite sporty looks. Winhoffer mixes workout gear from Capezio, Y-3 and Nike with edgy designer goods from Balenciaga, Comme des Garçons and Alexander Wang.
Nicole Winhoffer, 28; personal trainer, performer and fitness guru (nicolewinhoffer.com); Upper East Side
Her personal style: “It’s original, sporty, urban, sleek, sexy and theatrical. I’m always dressed in something that’s comfortable, shows off my body, expresses myself and is unique to who I am. My clothing is an extension of my body and helps me tell a story and become a character. The influence of movement and wardrobe go hand in hand.”
Her inspirations: “My mood often dictates what I wear, but I’m inspired by dance, theater, burlesque, Europe, ’90s hip-hop, Charlie Chaplin, silent movies, Cyd Charisse, Natalie Wood, Fosse, Helmut Newton, Steven Klein’s work, ballerinas, Swan Lake and Madonna.”
Favorite stores: “I’m an impulsive shopper—I’ll be out and about, see something and grab it—so I don’t shop too often, but when I do, I love Barneys New York (660 Madison Ave at 61st St; 212-826-8900, barneys.com) because it always carries unique items. I frequent Bergdorf Goodman Men (745 Fifth Ave at 58th St; 212-753-7300, bergdorfgoodman.com) because it gives me inspiration and new ideas. I also love lingerie stores such as Kiki De Montparnasse (79 Greene St between Broome and Spring Sts; 212-965-8150, kikidm.com) because they offer unique textures, fabrics and shapes to add to my wardrobe. [The line] is sensual, feminine and sexy.”
Favorite salons: “I get my hair cut and styled by Aleksandra Nesterchuk (646-337-7095, sashahair.com). She does house calls and also [works out of] her NYC apartment. She did my hair for [Hard Candy Fitness’s] Addicted to Sweat DVD (addictedtosweatdvd.com) and knows how to straighten [hair] like no one’s business. I am obsessed with high ponytails, and she does the best ones in the world. She works like a surgeon in an operating room. I love working with people who pay attention to detail. Since I’m always traveling and work late hours, I frequent Juvenex (25 W 32nd St between Fifth Ave and Broadway, fifth floor; 646-733-1330, juvenexspa.com), which is open 24 hours. It has hot and cold baths, a steam room shaped like an igloo and a sauna that looks like a tepee. The staff is always available and accommodating. After a treatment, they supply you with fresh melon and Chinese tea. It is my favorite.”
Her signature items: “My high ponytail, Rick Owens leather jacket, tights, Maison Martin Margiela wedges and the color black.”
Favorite NYC designer: “Alexander Wang (103 Grand St at Mercer St; 212-977-9683, alexanderwang.com). He is urban, edgy and sophisticated. His amazing jackets and shirts are simple yet industrial, and his T by Alexander Wang line always has the perfect material and cut for a flattering top. He makes strong statements in subtle ways.”
How she describes New York style: “It’s purposeful, diverse, edgy, iconic, individual, cultural, ahead—yet behind Europe—sleek, black, serious, fun and quirky. It ranges from Upper East Side diamonds to NYU freshmen in sweatshirts and jeans, from fresh blowouts to sweaty gym hair. You’ll find everything. I hope to inspire NYC’s culture with my own taste.”
How her style has evolved: “I have always been into fashion, even as a little girl. I shopped at the Limited, Gap and Diesel, wore lots of color and always matched. I was ‘the different one’ in school, wearing out-of-the-ordinary clothing for suburbia. I was influenced by fashion, music, theater and MTV from a young age. One thing that I’ve always done is mix my dance and workout clothes with my everyday wear. During middle school, I would wear leotards with leather jackets or fishnets with jean shorts. Dance is something so dear to my heart that I think wearing [workout] pieces throughout the day makes me feel comfortable. In the last four years, I moved from Broadway to personal training and fashion-video work. My style is still urban and edgy but more sophisticated and sexy. I love being a woman and I like to dress like one. Even though I love wearing my trainers and matching them with my looks, there is nothing more feminine than a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood pumps to make you feel sexy.”
Follow Cristina Velocci on Twitter: @cvelocci