Best Dressed 2017

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Ziggy Ansah // Kelli Coleman // Robert DiPilla  // JJ Curis // Robert ‘Chef Bobby’ Nahra
 J.K. Rakolta  // Salvador Salort-Pons // Scott Stinebaugh // Tiffany Moore // Armond R. Harris


Each year, Hour Detroit staffers and society writer Chuck Bennett put their heads together and come up with a list. Then they check it at least twice. The result is our annual gathering of who wears it well. This year’s picks range from those entrepreneurs and hospitality experts to athletes and supporters of the arts.


Ziggy Ansah

Detroit Lions Defensive End

“I like to keep people guessing. A suit jacket, or shorts and a t-shirt, or an african outfit … You’ll just have to tune in to see.”


Why Dressing Well is Important
How you dress can say as much about you as what you actually say out of your mouth, so it’s important to know the kind of impact it will have.

Sharpest Oufit
My good friend, Chocolate, who is a designer, made me a black African outfit with just a touch of kente for the launch of the Ezekiel Ansah Foundation.
The fit and look were just right for the occasion.

Style Icons
I don’t know if it’s anyone specific, but when people are feeling good in what they are wearing, it shows. That can be anyone from a celebrity to the guy you pass on the street.

When did dressing well become important?
Since childhood. Had to have my best outfit for church.

Fashion Advice
Dress for yourself and don’t be afraid to be a little different.

 

Ziggy Ansah // Kelli Coleman // Robert DiPilla  // JJ Curis // Robert ‘Chef Bobby’ Nahra
 J.K. Rakolta  // Salvador Salort-Pons // Scott Stinebaugh // Tiffany Moore // Armond R. Harris


Kelli Coleman

Entrepreneur, co-owner of The TEN Nail Bar

Elegance with an edge

Why Dressing Well is Important
When you look good, you feel good. Confidence is key.

Favorite Shops
Locally, I love the people I shop with and how well they know what I like. Sue at Intermix, Somerset; David at Neiman Marcus. Shops I love are Tender in Birmingham, Colette in Paris, and the cutest local Detroit newcomer, Bird Bee for its cute casual/boho vibe.

Favorite Designers
I don’t really have favorites. I love what fits my personal style and generally mix high and low pieces.

Craziest Outfit of All Time
I don’t recall. LOL! It was probably before I started dressing myself.

Sharpest Outfit
I have a Proenza dress I love from Fall ‘15 I believe, and a Cushnie Et Ochs jumpsuit that is amazing and a go-to. When’s it time to get “dolled up,” I’m ready!

Style Heroes
Jennifer Lopez. She maintains class with any look, conservative to sexy.
Fashion Blogger Aimee Song for her timeless looks with the right amount of trendy.
InStyle magazine Editor Kahlana Barfield Brown, a perfect blend of elegance and edge.

Icons
Bianca Jagger, Naomi Campbell.

When did dressing well become important? 
I think when I realized I enjoy it and love how much more confident I feel when I’m put together in a way I desire.

Fashion Advice
Style should never mean discomfort. Also, always buy the appropriate size. No one knows the number on your tag but you. However, an ill fit is obvious.

 

Ziggy Ansah // Kelli Coleman // Robert DiPilla  // JJ Curis // Robert ‘Chef Bobby’ Nahra
 J.K. Rakolta  // Salvador Salort-Pons // Scott Stinebaugh // Tiffany Moore // Armond R. Harris


Robert DiPilla

Cosmetic Dentist

European classic with a contemporary flair

Why Dressing Well is Important
I value aesthetics. It’s an extension of who I am and what I do.

Favorite Shop
Barney’s New York

Favorite Designers
Alessandro Satori, Mararo by Roberto.

Craziest Outfit of All Time
I don’t do “crazy.”

Sharpest Outfit
My wedding day in New York. I wore a Ralph Lauren Black Label tuxedo with a wide lapel, narrow pant, perfectly tailored, and no socks. A throwback to my east side roots.

Style Heroes 
My father and grandfather. Both were tailors in Rome.

When did dressing well become important?
At birth. It was ingrained in me. Our clothes were custom made by my dad and his dad, growing up. It was a painful experience to one day have to buy “off the rack.”

Fashion Advice
Don’t try too hard and do not “over-label.”  My dad said, “Spend your money on great shoes, a great belt, and a great watch, and even if you’re in a T-shirt and jeans, you’ll look like a million bucks.” Another favorite, which I use in my everyday practice in designing smiles: “Measure twice, cut once.”

 

Ziggy Ansah // Kelli Coleman // Robert DiPilla  // JJ Curis // Robert ‘Chef Bobby’ Nahra
 J.K. Rakolta  // Salvador Salort-Pons // Scott Stinebaugh // Tiffany Moore // Armond R. Harris


JJ Curis

Co-owner of Library Street Collective, Art Director at Bedrock

Casual and comfortable

Fashion style
It seems boring to say I have a uniform, but I end up wearing some combination of the same things each day. Jeans, a white tank, and a leather jacket are my staples. For special occasions, you won’t see me in anything but black.

Why Dressing Well is Important
To me, dressing like myself is what’s most important. I feel my most productive when I’m comfortable.

Favorite Shops
Detroit is the New Black, Orleans and Winder, and Elyse Walker.

Craziest Outfit of All Time
Probably my wedding dress. Wearing a long white dress is so out of character for me.

Sharpest Outfit
This question makes me laugh because I don’t describe myself as a sharp dresser.

Style Heroes
I’ve always looked up to my mom’s style. She’s been involved in the fashion industry for a very long time, and she has this very polished, Donna Karan-esque aura. And of course, I really admire Gisele Bunchen’s every day, relaxed style.

When did dressing well become important?
I’ve been dressing like I do for as long as I can remember. I don’t know that I would describe that as “dressing well,” but it’s me.

Fashion Advice
Life is hectic and if you’re like me, you’re always juggling a million things. My best advice is choose a formula that works, then wash, rinse, repeat.

 

Ziggy Ansah // Kelli Coleman // Robert DiPilla  // JJ Curis // Robert ‘Chef Bobby’ Nahra
 J.K. Rakolta  // Salvador Salort-Pons // Scott Stinebaugh // Tiffany Moore // Armond R. Harris


Robert ‘Chef Bobby’ Nahra

Owner, Lakeland Catering; Resident chef, Fox 2 News

Trendy and eclectic casual attire, custom-made suits with quality fabrics

Why Dressing Well is Important
Being meticulous with my attire and my words are a must. If you invest in yourself, people will invest in you. Look sharp and feel great.

Favorite Shops
Rick and Ray at Cicchini are absolutely a must for custom – everything. Jen at Dolce Moda for fun and trendy, and Somerset (Collection) to fill in on all the hot designers.

Favorite Designers
I love the design team at Cicchini. I also love Tom Ford, Armani, Zegna, and Ferragamo, and anything with Loro Piana fabrics.

Craziest Outfit of All Time
I was a Versace addict for a while. I did the whole thing — bright, slick, wild colors and cuts.

Sharpest Outfit
A toss-up between a custom 3-piece cashmere midnight-blue, gray chalk-stripe suit and my first custom casual sport outfit with a hunter green linen sport coat, soft-blue custom shirt, and off-white summer cashmere slacks.

Style Heroes
Al Pacino in The Godfather, Frank Sinatra in his prime, 007 (all of them), Mad Men, and David Beckham.

When did dressing well become important?
At a very young age my mother and father made it a priority to dress us over the top. Every Christmas, Mom and Dad would go to Saks and see Marty, their favorite salesperson. From my 17th Christmas I still have my first Armani top coat and suit . Mom would glow when I had a suit on.

Fashion Advice
Style is what you choose, so choose your own style. Enjoy mixing colors. Don’t match everything. Give the khakis and blue blazers the night off as often as you can. Roger that GP? Purchase the best shoes and clothing you can afford and take care of them

 

Ziggy Ansah // Kelli Coleman // Robert DiPilla  // JJ Curis // Robert ‘Chef Bobby’ Nahra
 J.K. Rakolta  // Salvador Salort-Pons // Scott Stinebaugh // Tiffany Moore // Armond R. Harris


J.K. Rakolta

President, Advomas — Healthcare Eligibility Advocates

Eclectic, bold, fun, thoughtful

Why Dressing Well is Important
It’s another way for me to exercise choice. I am in control of the message I want to project and I take this into consideration at every meeting and every event. What you wear has the power to immediately convey an attitude. I respect the design world and appreciate the craftsmanship and the artistry that goes into producing clothing, shoes, and accessories. Dressing well shows I care.

Favorite Shops
I have nearly no time to shop in Michigan because I’m always working. Traveling and online is where I do the most damage — Harrods, Bergdorf Goodman, Intermix, Five Story NYC, Net-A-Porter.

Favorite Designers
Dries Von Noten, Libertine, Gucci, Puma, Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Shahin Mannan, Alaia.

Craziest Outfit of All Time
Yikes. I think my entire early 20s were filled with one crazy outfit after the next and I never wore the same thing twice. I was finding myself. Ask my father, he would tell you every outfit outside of the office was my craziest.

Sharpest Outfit
The vintage Isaac Mizrahi tea length silk gown with Charlotte Olympia “Love” heels that I wore to the Trump Presidential Inauguration Ball. I found the gem with my best friend, Greta, at the New York Vintage Fashion show one week before my wedding last year. I still hug that dress when I look at it.

Style Heroes
My mum, Daria “Dasha” Knight, will always be my No. 1. I am interested in women whose style evolves … Melania Trump, Blake Lively, Victoria Beckham, J. Lo

When did dressing well become important?

For as long as I can remember. Two years old? I grew up watching my mother get decked out in her dressing room. I thought she was so unique and beautiful — she still is; she made everything look like art. Her style routine captivated me and ever since I’ve enjoyed fashion.

Fashion Advice
Do whatever you want and be respectful.

 

Ziggy Ansah // Kelli Coleman // Robert DiPilla  // JJ Curis // Robert ‘Chef Bobby’ Nahra
 J.K. Rakolta  // Salvador Salort-Pons // Scott Stinebaugh // Tiffany Moore // Armond R. Harris


Salvador Salort-Pons

Director, President, and CEO, Detroit Institute of Arts

Classic and well-tailored

Why Dressing Well is Important
Whether for business or pleasure, wearing the appropriate outfit for each occasion is important. In any social context and in terms of clothing, I’d rather blend in and let others shine.

Favorite Shop
Davide Cenci in Rome.

Favorite Designers
For me, fashion design is about fit and feel. Tom Ford does a great job and Hermès ties are classic, colorful, and fun.

Craziest Outfit of All Time
My distinguished clown costume for Detroit’s Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Sharpest Outfit
I have a blue wool jacket with a blue velvet collar that keeps getting compliments.

Style Heroes
My father, Salvador. He taught me that clothes cover the body, but do not make the man. To express this idea he would use a Spanish saying: “Even if a monkey wears a silk dress, it is still a monkey.”

When did dressing well become important?
When I started to teach art history at the University of Madrid. I felt I had to dress artfully when explaining the aesthetic qualities of a work of art to my students.

Fashion Advice
You should always feel comfortable in your clothes. Don’t let your clothes wear you — you wear them.

 

Ziggy Ansah // Kelli Coleman // Robert DiPilla  // JJ Curis // Robert ‘Chef Bobby’ Nahra
 J.K. Rakolta  // Salvador Salort-Pons // Scott Stinebaugh // Tiffany Moore // Armond R. Harris


Scott Stinebaugh

Director of Sales and Marketing at the Westin Book Cadillac

Modern, fresh, effortless

Why Dressing Well is Important
First impressions are lasting, and you may only have one opportunity to do so. Non-verbal communication, including your sense of style, is proven to be as important, if not more, than verbal communication. Think about it. What if you had just one chance?

Favorite Shops
Dolce Moda, Emporio Armani, Ferragamo, Hugo Boss, Zara, Shinola.

Favorite Designers
Business: Armani; Formal: Tom Ford; Everyday: Ted Baker.

Craziest Outfit of All Time
The time I went to a Christmas in July party and wore a green felt suit covered with felt Christmas ornaments. It was epic.

Sharpest Outfit
A black and white Tom Ford dinner jacket with black Ted Baker tuxedo pants that I wore to the Motown Museum Fundraiser.

Style Heroes
Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Jackie Kennedy, Madonna.

When did dressing well become important?
At a very young age. As far back as I can remember, my mother, who I give full credit for my sense of style, made it clear to my siblings and me that details matter. It was impressed upon us that you must try and look your best at all times whether it be to school, to travel, or simply out to play.

Fashion Advice
First and foremost, fashion can be found at every price point in addition to these five simple tips: details matter; don’t be afraid of color; be believable; less is more; and mix it up — do the unexpected.

 

Ziggy Ansah // Kelli Coleman // Robert DiPilla  // JJ Curis // Robert ‘Chef Bobby’ Nahra
 J.K. Rakolta  // Salvador Salort-Pons // Scott Stinebaugh // Tiffany Moore // Armond R. Harris


Tiffany Moore

Model/Corporate Spokesperson/Engineer

Classy-flirty

Why Dressing Well is Important
Someone once said, “”If you stay ready … you don’t have to get ready!” Once I get dressed for the day I’m done, so I like to wear clothes that I can wear to multiple venues and never have to go home and change.

Favorite Shops
I used to love Loehman’s when it was open. Now my top contenders for favorite shops are BCBGMaxazria, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Saks Off Fifth.

Favorite Designers
I have modeled in so many designs that it really just comes down to whoever makes clothes that fit me perfectly off the rack and have a great balance of quality, price, and unique style.

Craziest Outfit of All Time
A glass dress from Monique Lhuillier that I wore in a fashion show.

Sharpest Outfit
I’ve had the opportunity to wear so many amazing outfits for work that it would be impossible for me to choose just one.

When did dressing well become important?
When I became involved in the fashion industry. Our society tends to size you up by how you dress. And almost every industry/profession has a (sometimes unspoken) uniform, so if you want to be looked at as a business professional, a fashion guru, cop, model … you dress the part.

Fashion Advice
Only buy it if it’s a “Staple Wardrobe Piece” or if you love it. The true test to see whether you love it or not, is to walk away. And if you are still thinking about it, get it!

 

Ziggy Ansah // Kelli Coleman // Robert DiPilla  // JJ Curis // Robert ‘Chef Bobby’ Nahra
 J.K. Rakolta  // Salvador Salort-Pons // Scott Stinebaugh // Tiffany Moore // Armond R. Harris


Armond R. Harris

Co-owner, Jabs Gym in Eastern Market

Tailored, sleek, clean, and athletic

Why Dressing Well is Important
Dressing is important because it often tells a story about you before you even get the chance to.

Favorite Shops

Lately, I find 70 percent of the items I need at Nordstrom’s or at the Hugo Boss Store. My goal is to add a lot more local options in my shopping plans for the fall.

Favorite Designers
Hugo Boss for suits; Zara for streetwear; Kit & Ace, Lulu Lemon, and Nike for sportswear; Magnanni and Salvatore Ferragamo for shoes.

Sharpest Outfit
My 28th birthday suit! A 3-piece by Hugo Boss.

Style Heroes
Tyson Beckford, LeBron James, and David Beckham.

When did dressing well become important?
First grade! I wanted to impress the pretty girl in the school, LaTisha!

Fashion Advice
Your clothes are more about how it makes you feel and the confidence it gives you.