Jhoan Sebastian Grey, The Mogul
This 33-year-old designer is pushing boundaries and creating fashion with a purpose under his eponymous brand, Jhoan Sebastian Grey. The Colombia native gained the essential skills of precision and customer satisfaction while working at his family’s leather business and later pursued fashion at the Academy of Professional Drawing in Cali, Colombia. Bravo TV fans will recognize Grey as the winner of Project Runway season 17, when he endeared judges and viewers alike with his warm personality and raw talent. At home in Broward County, Grey crafts pieces focused on texture and detail at his Oakland Park studio. He describes his aesthetic as “casual, comfortable, feminine, and fun,” and notes that he’s attempted every look imaginable. In addition to pursuing a master’s degree in luxury brand management at the Istituto Marangoni in Miami, Grey is keeping busy with his design work, including a recent collaboration with Black Vision Collective on a T-shirt inspired by racial equality. He plans to debut his latest collection, “Grey, by Jhoan Sebastian Grey,” this fall.
Owns a lot of: Plain T-shirts simply for comfort and quickness. Under-the-radar label: Una Burke Design. The way this brand manipulates leather, as well as its unique accessories, is absolutely beautiful. Biggest influence: Alexander McQueen. His work was intricate, illusive, and dawned the most memorable, extreme silhouettes in history. Shops at: COS is a brand I quickly warmed up to for its simplicity and comfort. It reminds me less is more. Priceless piece: My dad designs and constructs leather products in Colombia. He created one of the most beautiful and unique overnight bags a few years back that I still utilize to this day. Collects: Shoes and bags. I don’t necessarily look at brand names as much as functionality, design, and comfort. Best style advice he’s received: To connect my feelings with my designs.
Nick Hicks, The Shapeshifter
You’ve probably bumped into Nick Hicks around town—either while training at his high-intensity gym in Davie or grabbing a warm, gooey treat in the MASS District. As the co-owner of Per4orm Sports Performance Facility and Batch, the Cookie Company, the 31-year-old is a familiar face to many. He admittedly has “more workout clothes than Dick’s Sporting Goods,” but when not training professional and high school athletes, Hicks cleans up nicely. The entrepreneur’s charming personality and real-life experiences resonate with those at Junior Achievement of South Florida, through which he volunteers and helps youth pursue their business goals. If you spot Hicks on date night, he’s likely wearing his go-to favorites: jeans, a fitted T-shirt, and shoes “that look expensive but in fact are not.”
Personal style: Simple, clean, and comfortable Beloved brands: Zara, H&M, and J. Crew Under-the-radar label: Scotch & Soda Celebrity closets he’d like to raid: Bradley Cooper and Ryan Reynolds. Those guys understand fashion at its most basic form, like me. Most expensive purchase: A pair of Golden Goose sneakers, but I usually keep things in budget. Fashion fail: I might have had four FUBU jerseys going into middle school that I thought were the greatest things ever. Looking back, not so much. Collects: Lapel pins. I have pins that I bought online, but many more that I’ve found in thrift shops. Aspirational ensemble: Whatever quarterback Cam Newton wears to the press tables on game day. His style is one of a kind. Preferred pastimes: Beach bummin’, bowling, and going to the movies.
Andrew Martineau, The Renaissance Man
The best style advice Andrew Martineau ever received was to invest in suits. It’s clear he took that tip to heart, as the 44-year-old often sports eye-catching blazers, in floral and other fun patterns, at events across Broward County. Aside from making an impact when it comes to clothing, Martineau centers his professional endeavors around solving problems and giving back. As the founder, partner, and chief creative altruist of UniteUs Group, the Fort Lauderdale resident offers creative marketing, advertising, and other niche services that seek to elevate brand awareness and build community. His efforts encompass divisions such as UniteUs Agency, UniteUs Women, and Choose954, which helps to cultivate arts and culture in Broward County by connecting artists and organizations with local audiences. Martineau also co-founded Art Fort Lauderdale, a four-day art fair along the Intracoastal, and Zero Empty Spaces, which transforms vacant spaces into affordable artist studios.
Personal style: Classic simplicity with a splash of difference Under-the-radar label: Olubiyi Thomas Go-to look: A white shirt, a blazer, denim jeans, and Cole Haans Celebrity closet he’d like to raid: Tom Ford. He has an amazing assortment of jackets, suits, shoes, denim, and eyewear. Most expensive purchase: A Theory suit Preferred pastimes: Usually, going out to dinner. Currently, listening to audiobooks from some of the world’s most influential philosophers. What drives him: I try to live a life based on the practice of altruism.
Voytek Faber, The Artistic Visionary
Some of South Florida’s most well-designed homes can be credited to Voytek Faber, owner of Equilibrium Interior Design. His career in interiors stems from a passion for building everything from houses to models, relationships, and businesses. “I love the creative process and I love to draw,” notes the 45-year-old who grew up in Poland and now resides in Fort Lauderdale. With an eye for design, Faber dresses the part and is most confident wearing a white dress shirt, jeans, and showstopping shoes. “I love the colors and shapes, including high tops,” Faber says of his footwear obsession. “No matter if you are dressed up or dressed down, a nice pair of shoes makes it fun.” Aside from interior design, Faber is the co-owner of Xera Med Research in Boca Raton and helps make miracles happen as a champion at the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Personal style: Casual comfort Designer appreciation: Kim Jones. I loved what he did for Louis Vuitton and what he’s now doing for Dior. Celebrity closet he’d like to raid: Brad Pitt Most expensive purchase: A custom Dior tuxedo Best style advice he’s received: Don’t add. Subtract. Beloved shoe brands: Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin Shops at: The Miami Design District for Louis, Louboutin, and Dior. Preferred pastimes: Learning, reading a book, and spending time in my garden. Would like to own: An over-the-top floral suit Personal gains: I love traveling and discovering the world. There is so much inspiration out there.
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