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“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
See which local luminaries supply our most stylish with sartorial inspiration as they reveal their New York style icons.
This year’s crop of most stylish New Yorkers draws inspiration from a wide range of the city’s milieu, from musicians (Jam Master Jay, Courtney Love and Patti Smith) and filmmakers (Woody Allen) to the realm of political families (Jackie Kennedy and JFK Junior).
RECOMMENDED: Most stylish New Yorkers
Discover Time Out original video