Style icons: New Yorkers that inspire our most stylish

“I met Betsey Johnson through my mom when I was around 12. She gave me an unforgettable rainbow swimsuit that I wish I still had. Later, I was fortunate enough to attend a few of her shows. She’s just incredible.”—Eloïse Simonet, 33; Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn; designer and co-owner of Ale et Ange

“Jam Master Jay of Run-D.M.C. To me, style is how you treat people and how you inspire people, as well as how you dress. True style breaks down barriers and builds bridges. When I was a young nobody running with another notable rapper’s entourage and crossed paths with JMJ, he was more than personable—he was cool, and made me feel cool. That’s style.”—Marc Williamson, 42; Woodside, Queens; co-owner of JJ Hat Center and Pork Pie Hatters

“Courtney Love [pictured] in her Lower East Side days, but I always borrow a style cue or two from Patti Smith.”—Emmy Wildwood, 28; Williamsburg, Brooklyn; president and owner of Tiger Blanket Records & Vintage Boutique and lead singer of rock group Velta

“Jackie Kennedy in her years after the White House, when she was living in NYC. She was always put-together, but never in a way that seems like it took much effort.”—Loriann Smoak, 29, Nolita; owner of Condor

“If I could blend Woody Allen’s personality [pictured] and charm with Peggy Guggenheim’s style and Iris Apfel’s pizzazz, that would be my [idea of] perfection.”—Claire Distenfeld, 27, Greenwich Village; owner and buyer at Fivestory

“I love the kooky look of Diana Vreeland, Zandra Rhodes [pictured] and Vivienne Westwood. My ultimate style icon is Iris Apfel; what an amazing woman, still turning it out until her last breath.”—Andrew Clancey, “ ’60s child,” Lower East Side; owner of Any Old Iron

“JFK Junior for his iconic and timeless style.”—Bertrand Thomas, 42, Upper East Side; cofounder of Caudalie