The 2024 Best Dressed List
Recognizing your own style and embracing it confidently are crucial elements in dressing well. Whether itâ€TMs a smartly tailored double-breasted waistcoat or a frilly dress with feathers, lace, and sequins, knowing what looks good on you and wearing it with self-assurance is the key.
For this yearâ€TMs Best Dressed list, we searched for metro Detroiters who perfectly exemplify those qualities. Here are nine of the finest â€" Hour Detroit â€TMs Best Dressed list, class of 2024.
Michael Guyton, CEO of Coming Attractions Inc.
Fashion style: I appreciate the structure of a well-tailored suit for all occasions while also valuing comfort in everyday wear. This versatility allows me to effortlessly transition from professional settings to casual outings. Overall, my style reflects clean but fly â€" a balance of funky and sophistication.
Favorite places to shop locally: Saks and Ferragamo are both my choices for luxury fashion, and Suitsupply is my go-to for my stylish and well-fitted suits. I also have a custom tailor, David Abraham in Birmingham, who I turn to for all my custom pieces in my wardrobe.
Most memorable outfit: At the age of 10, my grandfather bought me a vibrant pink suit for Easter. It was tailored impeccably. I felt undeniably stylish. That day, I wasnâ€TMt just wearing a suit; I was expressing my personality and embracing fashion in a way I had never experienced before. It was a moment that not only made me feel special but also marked the beginning of my journey into the world of style.
Fashion hero/inspiration: My aunt Merlene is my fashion shero. Sheâ€TMs a true icon of style and grace. With an innate sense of what looks good, she effortlessly combines classic pieces with contemporary trends, creating outfits that are both sophisticated and approachable. Beyond her impeccable fashion sense, my aunt embodies the spirit of kindness and encouragement. Her passion for fashion is infectious. I learned a lot from her.
Fashion advice: Embrace your own style and experiment with different looks without fear. Style is not just about clothing; itâ€TMs about expressing who you are! Iâ€TMve always appreciated the art of fashion not just as a way you dress but as a means of [demonstrating] your confidence and creativity.
Vicki Celani, Proprietor of Celani Family Vineyards in Napa Valley
Fashion style: Classic elegance with a pop of fun.
Favorite places to shop locally: Tender and Lori Karbal in Birmingham, Zieben Mare in Franklin, and Neiman Marcus in Troy.
Favorite designers/brands: Carolina Herrera , Oscar de la Renta , Giambattista Valli , Rochas , Loewe , Dorothee Schumacher , No. 21 , QL2 , and for bags Louis Vuitton .
Most memorable outfit: A taffeta gown designed by Carolina Herrera. My son was to be married in August of 2020. COVID had put a real damper on the entire event, but we were bound and determined to make it happen. Shopping for a dress was out of the question as stores were shut down. I finally found a standard "mother of the groom" dress, but it really didnâ€TMt feel like me. On the day of the wedding, I wasnâ€TMt feeling it. Frantically, I started rifling through my closet for something to wear and came upon the most beautiful Carolina Herrera gown that I had purchased 10 years prior and had never worn. I slipped it on, and it fit. It was the most perfect gown on the most perfect day.
Fashion hero/inspiration: The fashion of Audrey Hepburn has always been my inspiration. Her style is classic and effortless.
Fashion advice: Be confident in your own style and never let a salesperson talk you into something you know is not right for you.
Kevin Zeitler, Right Guard for the Detroit Lions
Fashion style: Majority of the time, I lean toward a classic darker-colored wardrobe with the emphasis being on my upper body. However, I love the occasional big pop of color [or] pattern to change it up in the right situations.
Favorite places to shop locally: Shopping in stores has always been a challenge for me. Being a man of a bigger nature mixed with an athletic build, I usually have to lean toward custom-made items or places that have a tailor in-house. Saks and Nordstrom in Troy with their larger selections have come in useful for me.
Favorite designers/brands: Ralph Lauren has always appealed to me. Having the most formal of outfits all the way to their sporting line shows true versatility. I also like Hermà ̈s . The artistry and craftsmanship in the leather goods is truly something to behold.
Most memorable outfit: A custom blue suit with a yellow floral shirt from Élevée that I wore to the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore. It was such a change-up from what I normally do that it blew everyone away.
Fashion hero/inspiration: I tend to be inspired by what other athletes are wearing. Given the similar body types, it helps me figure out what will work on me.
Fashion advice: Whatever your best feature is, tailor your outfits to emphasize it. As I said earlier, my upper body with my chest and arms stands out, so in terms of tops, that could mean a calculated sleeve roll, certain sleeve cuts or necklines.
Silvia Schaeffer, Founder and Principal Designer of Silvia Schaeffer Interior Design
Fashion style: Modern and current. For me, fashion is all about curiosity and keeping an open mind. I stay aware of trends that feel right for me, but Iâ€TMm never afraid to take bold fashion risks. Whether jeans and sneakers or a full ball gown for a gala, I believe you can make a statement wearing anything. I just love dressing well.
Favorite places to shop locally: Somerset Collection is my go-to for various stores and trending brands â€" itâ€TMs always worth the trip. I also love visiting downtown Birmingham, where I shop at local gems like Dolce Moda , Jarbo , and JAUS . They have incredible, unique pieces you canâ€TMt find anywhere else.
Favorite designers/brands: My list is long, but Iâ€TMll name a few favorites. Iâ€TMm really into designers who bring something different, whether big names or just emerging. Versace , Dolce & Gabbana , Fendi , Ferragamo , and Prada . They surprise me every time, constantly pushing the limits of fashion.
Most memorable outfit: I can still relive that moment. It was a beautiful day in Michigan for a daytime wedding of people I love. I went with something flowy but structured: a gorgeous midi-length pink dress with ruffle layers and the most amazing silhouette. It had a deep open back, a high neckline, and long puffed sleeves. I paired it with silver accessories and loved how everything came together perfectly.
Fashion hero/inspiration: Chanel , hands down. Thereâ€TMs something about how simplicity and elegance come together so powerfully in this iconic brand. But what really inspires me is Gabrielle "Coco" Chanelâ€TMs belief that fashion should empower women. That idea resonates with me so much.
Fashion advice: Invest in high-quality pieces that truly reflect your style. Donâ€TMt chase every trend â€" be selective because trends come and go. You want a wardrobe that feels timeless and makes you feel confident, not one thatâ€TMs stuck in a specific era. Fashion should be personal; itâ€TMs about what makes you feel most authentic and comfortable.
Salmone Christian, Vice President and General Manager of Saks Fifth Avenue in Troy and St. Louis
Fashion style: I would describe my style as fashionably classic and timeless with a twist.
Favorite places to shop locally: Iâ€TMm slightly biased, but itâ€TMs definitely Saks Fifth Avenue . I also love finding special pieces in boutiques when on my travels.
Favorite designers/brands: I love Sacai , Alexander McQueen , and Johanna Ortiz .
Most memorable outfit: The outfit I wore on my high school graduation. To this day, it would be one of my favorites. My mother and I found this beautiful linen pant and tunic ensemble in a small boutique in Germany. It was really my first true fashion moment and the start of my love for fashion.
Fashion hero/inspiration: I would probably say of most-recent times, it would be Virgil Abloh.
Fashion advice: Buy timeless pieces and focus on craftsmanship and quality. You can weave in trendy accessories to finish the look. Also, how you feel in your clothes is so important. People will love it if you feel amazing.
David Foltyn, Attorney, Chair, and CEO of Honigman LLP
Fashion style: My style is basically relaxed, classic with a touch of flair.
Favorite places to shop locally: Almost exclusively at Sterr & Doon in Birmingham.
Favorite designers/brands: Most of my suits, sports coats, and trousers are made-to-measure by Sterr & Doon; shirts are ordered through or off the rack at Sterr & Doon. My casual wear is James Perse , Maurizio Baldassari , Vuori , and Inis Meáin , among others.
Most memorable outfit: All of my outfits are memorable.
Fashion hero/inspiration: My wife, Elyse, who is known for her great style and was on the Best Dressed list in 2020.
Fashion advice: Notice what you like about what others are wearing. Find good-quality fabrics. I grew up in the fabric business â€" color, pattern, and texture and [the] mix of all three are important. Find a good tailor. Be aware of your physical qualities and limitations. Get advice from a haberdasher you trust.
Dane Cabrera-Elsila, Hairstylist at Toddâ€TMs Room in Birmingham
Fashion style: Iâ€TMm a jeans and T-shirt guy â€" and with a good sneaker is key. My day-to-day uniform is centered around being busy behind the chair, so I dress comfortable yet cool, sophisticated yet sensible. Amiri stack jeans are on heavy rotation along with J. Crew cotton tees, always with my diamond necklace and gold chain. I gravitate toward practical, well-made, tailored pieces, and I like to accessorize with interesting bags and eyewear.
Favorite places to shop locally: Grooming products at Toddâ€TMs Room . Eyewear from Optik and Shades Optical in Birmingham. Cool books and skin care at Coup Dâ€TMétat in Detroit. Home goods at ZMC Pharmacy in Royal Oak. J. Crew for my go-to basics. Saks and Balenciaga at Somerset. Fragrance at Le Labo Detroit .
Favorite designers/brands: Gallery Dept. , John Elliott , Jacques Marie Mage , Saint Laurent , Rick Owens , Balenciaga , Celine .
Most memorable outfit: A custom single-breasted, peak lapel, black wool suit made locally by 1701 Bespoke . They tailored it so perfectly for me, and I felt so great in it at a wedding.
Fashion hero/inspiration: Tom Ford, hands down. Heâ€TMs always dressed impeccably and embodies sophisticated glamour.
Fashion advice: Everyone needs a good full-length mirror.
Jehan Crump-Gibson, Co-founder and Managing Attorney at Great Lakes Legal Group
Fashion style: Maximalist. A world without tulle, feathers, lace, sequins, puff sleeves, and dramatic necklines should never exist.
Favorite places to shop locally: In full transparency, I do a bulk of my shopping online nowadays. My time is extremely limited. And contrary to what one would think, I actually do not like the process of shopping unless itâ€TMs while Iâ€TMm traveling. I know how my favorite designers and brands fit me, and in the worst-case scenario, I will intentionally size up while ordering and get it tailored. All that said, I will pop into Saks , Nordstrom , Neiman Marcus , The Style Guru , Fashion Savvy , and Coup Dâ€TMétat . I also will have something made for an event in a heartbeat. Diane Berry is my go-to here.
Favorite designers/brands: This is so hard. There are so many designers I love for so many reasons. My front-runners that dominate my closet are RetrofÃate , Zhivago , AREA , Norma Kamali , Andrea Iyamah , Diarrablu , Alexander Wang , and Cynthia Rowley .
Most memorable outfit: I have a tie for this one. Unexpectedly, a Jean Paul Gaultier polka-dot mock neck jumpsuit I wore in New York for a night out with the girls proved to be quite memorable. I was being stopped left and right at The Mark Hotel. The second would be the gown Diane Berry made for me for the Barristersâ€TM Ball in 2017. The handsewn feathers that made up the bottom of the dress stole the show â€" and also attached themselves to quite a few other attendeesâ€TM outfits!
Fashion hero/inspiration: If I had to pick one person, it would be Tracee Ellis Ross. I love her style.
Fashion advice: Whatever makes you feel and look good â€" do that. That may or may not be whatâ€TMs trending and certainly wonâ€TMt be what makes someone else look and feel good.
Ven Johnson, Attorney and President at Ven Johnson Law, PLC
Fashion style: My style could best be described as "timeless." I value quality over fast fashion or overtly branded clothing, so I invest in pieces that embody craftsmanship and sophistication made from fabrics from world-renowned mills like Loro Piana , Piacenza , Dormeuil , and Carnet .
Favorite places to shop locally: Nearly my entire wardrobe is designed and handmade by Aaron John of Cavalry & Co. Heâ€TMs effectively my personal stylist at this point, and Iâ€TMve consulted with him on nearly every piece in my wardrobe.
Favorite designers/brands: I draw inspiration from brands like Armani , Canali , Ralph Lauren , and Loro Piana , though for the past 12 years, Iâ€TMve transitioned almost exclusively to custom-made, bespoke garments. I appreciate the perfect fit and unique craftsmanship of each piece and regularly collaborate with my tailor to create pieces that reflect my personal style.
Most memorable outfit: I have a few. Cavalry & Co. made some very British, very wild check designs with different colors that I swear 10 years ago, you would have never seen me wear, but now I love them. But donâ€TMt worry. I donâ€TMt wear them in court.
Fashion hero/inspiration: It may sound cliché, but my inspiration does draw heavily from Sean Conneryâ€TMs version of James Bond. His Bond is known for impeccably tailored suits, classic cuts, and understated sophistication, and that never goes out of fashion. I appreciate the refined and effortlessly polished look, so I work to incorporate similar elements into my wardrobe that give a sense of that timeless elegance.
Fashion advice: Invest in high-quality pieces that prioritize craftsmanship, fit, and fabric over trends and logos.
