created and produced by Whitley Adkins
photographs by Richard Israel
on-site hair and makeup touch-ups by Josiah Reed
profiles edited by Cathy Martin
production assistants: Sydney Gallagher, Pressley Jonas, Ashley Martin, Heather Sendler and Emma Stuart
on location at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market

Special thanks to Amie Newsome, market manager at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market

Kimberly Powell, 45, senior associate and office manager at LandDesign

Personal style: Classic sophistication and eclectic flair, with a dash of country and rock. I gravitate toward pieces that are versatile, complemented by statement accessories. Comfort and confidence are paramount. Fashion influences: The sky, art, music, movies, flowers, friends, playing with what works for me and what doesn’t, taking chances. Where she shops: Handpicked Sister (Belhaven), Nina’s Boutique (Cornelius), Boris & Natasha, Revolution Clothiers, Sleepy Poet, ASOS, Hufkie-Wright Designs, my friends’ closets, Marshalls and Poshmark. Style icons: Iris Apfel. Why fashion? Fashion is my form of creative expression. Once I fully leaned into it, I felt so free to be me. I embrace “dopamine dressing” and the belief that clothing can absolutely boost your mood and confidence. Most stylish piece of produce: The pineapple, baby! Much like we clothe ourselves in fashion armor, beyond our surface layers, there’s more love and sweetness to be discovered inside.

Lee Kennelly, 45, director of training, Hilliard Studio Method; podcast co-host, “Be Powerful with Liz & Lee”

Personal style: I spend half of my day in athletic wear, so I really enjoy an occasion to play with my style. I go with unencumbered, simple silhouettes that juxtapose sweet and sassy, and a high heel always makes me feel my best! Fashion influences: My partner, muse and original IT girl-fashion icon, Liz Hilliard. She has helped me become far more confident and has taught me to dress for my body, not for trends. Where she shops: Zara and Wolf & Badger online; in town, Vestique, Poole Shop, Sloan, Veronica Beard and our boutique at HSM. Shoutout to Daniel Gonzalez for the couture gown he made me for the Bechtler gala. Style icons: Kristen Bell, Kerry Washington and Naomi Watts. Why fashion? It’s finally fun! I’m practical and linear, but I love color and texture. Most stylish piece of produce: Herbs elevate everything, and tomatoes for their diversity. 

Holly Hollingsworth Phillips, 52, interior designer and content creator, The English Room

Personal style: Whimsical, colorful and layered. I always add more accessories instead of removing them. I am a true maximalist in my personal style and interiors. Caftans and cowboy boots are my favorites! Fashion influences: My mother was always exquisitely coiffed and turned out. While her style was more classic than my own, I also love to get up and get dressed. As a child, my mother allowed me the freedom to try different looks and encouraged my individuality. She often took me to New York shopping, and I lived for the looks that had yet come to Charlotte. Fiorucci was everything for that moment. Where she shops: Everywhere — Shopbop, Net-a-Porter, 24S, Showroom, Hampden (Charleston, S.C.), Capitol, Poole Shop, Etsy, eBay. Style icons: Iris Apfel. Most stylish piece of produce: Romanesco broccoli, for the intense lime or purple color and the cool pattern.

Renata Gasparian, 42, fashion designer; co-founder and creative director of Renata by Renata Gasparian

Personal style: “Friends and a disco ball!” I like to wear clothes that turn any moment into a special occasion. Fashion influences: Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, and working with the largest fashion designers’ mecca in South America, I met, traveled abroad, and was able to feed off of so many different styles. Where she shops: I love to research and shop while traveling overseas. For shoes and bags, I shop the designers’ websites. Shopping local makes it all come together — we build a community and tight relationships. Style icons: Bianca Brandolini, Martha Graeff and Isabella Fiorentino — modern and sexy but still conservative. And Coco Chanel forever! Also Gisele — she is more than a style icon, she’s a personality icon. Why fashion? Getting dressed your own way is how you make yourself feel better, transfer your well-being to others and inspire the ones around you to do the same. It’s all about the energy! Most stylish piece of produce: I’d say corn, because you cook, peel, eat corn on the cob, or slice it off… it’s multifaceted… it goes with the flow.

Whitney N. Douglas, 38, wardrobe and prop stylist; visual production at Alice + Olivia; founder and owner, Wardrobe With Whitney

Personal style: Sartorial and sassy. Classic and cultural. I am an eclectic and conscious style soul. Fashion influences: My mother, Teresa, is a classy, refined lady of style, always seen in a scarf, stiletto heels, leopard print and the best accessories. Where she shops: Everywhere — I can find a gem in the worst or best of them. Consignment and thrift shops, designer outlets like Saks Off 5th, Nordstrom Rack, Neiman Marcus Last Call, even TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Locally, Showroom. I intentionally support indie and designers of color via Harlem’s Fashion Row — Fe Noel, Undra Celeste New York, Aime Leon Dore and Christopher John Rogers. Style icons: June Ambrose, Diahann Carroll, Tracee Ellis Ross, Amanda Murray, Victoria Beckham, Dapper Dan. Why fashion? It’s in my DNA. It is my happy place. Fluent in fashion, then English. Most stylish piece of produce: Beets — they are like revealing a jewel; they are so pretty and vibrant.

Stephen Warwick, 47, singer/songwriter, composer; visual artist; digital designer

Personal style: Vintage meets modern. Mostly tank tops or henleys and jeans. My aesthetic is pretty neutral with the occasional pattern or pop of color. I keep it simple so I can draw more attention to one or two showcase pieces like a nice boot or some accessories. Fashion influences: ’60s/’70s rock ’n’ roll, and a little bit of old Hollywood. While traveling abroad, I’m always taking mental notes of the different mix of styles and cultures. Where he shops: Boris & Natasha, Stash Pad, Hong Kong Vintage, Pochly, Levi’s. Style icons: David Bowie, James Dean, Lenny Kravitz, André 3000. Why fashion? Fashion, like any other art form, is about freedom. Freedom of expression, freedom to explore, to try new things. I love when fashion can [lead to] a conversation with a stranger. Most stylish piece of produce: Definitely watermelon. It’s eye-catching with bold patterns and vibrant colors, not to mention so much flavor.

Annie Totten, 45, founder and executive director of Generation WE, a nonprofit providing inclusive literature and workshops for children

Personal style: California dreaming — I am a San Diego native raised by gorgeous hippie parents. Those vibes are completely ingrained in me. Some of my friends here call me Fancy Granola, and I suppose it fits my fashion as well. Fashion influences: Thanks to my crazy talented interior-designer mom, I love all things vintage mixed with new. I get inspired by the colors, patterns and textures of pieces from the past. And my friend Laryn Adams taught me to push the boundaries and step into my own style. Where she shops: Farfetch, The RealReal, anywhere with vintage Levi’s — but my favorite pieces are vintage or handed down from family. Style icons: Talitha Getty and Iris Apfel. Why fashion? Fashion is a tangible way to share your energy. When I am dressed in what feels truly me, I can glide into almost any situation with peace and confidence. Most stylish piece of produce: Red radish — that color is unmatched.

George Hodge, 62, model; fashion show producer/choreographer; photographer

Personal style: Fashionable, sophisticated and diverse. Fashion influences: Kenneth Cole, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Murano. Where he shops: Mostly Nordstrom, Saks and Zara; at various boutiques during my travels to Europe. Why fashion? Fashion enhances my creativity and keeps me motivated in all situations. Most stylish piece of produce: The apple, because apples are vibrant, colorful, textured, appealing to the eye and they tend to stand out among the others. 

Sarah Edwards Bharti, 44, retired emergency-medicine physician and stay-at-home mom of four

Personal style: I always try to dress for the occasion. There is a time and place for almost every outfit. The key to looking stylish is picking the correct outfit for each occasion. Fashion influences: The women of Charlotte. Women here are gorgeous and they dress well all the time. There are tons of events, parties, occasions where I see my peers looking like they just stepped out of a magazine. The women of this city bring the heat! Where she shops: Net-a-Porter and Moda Operandi. Style icons: Sophia Richie, Lady Kitty Spencer, Charlize Theron, Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez and Queen Rania of Jordan. Why fashion? It is a form of self expression that is fun and beautiful. Most stylish piece of produce: Dragon fruit — they are colorful and full of texture on the outside, and you cut them open and they reveal another color palette inside. They are multidimensional.

Olga Brooks, 66, internal medicine physician at Tryon Medical Group

Personal style: Classic, fashion-forward and feminine. Fashion influences: My mother had an innate sense of fashion and design — something you are born with — and it was inherited by me. Where she shops: For brick-and-mortar, Neiman Marcus. The sales team is friendly and experts in their fields. Online: Jacquemus, Dolce & Gabbana, Nina Ricci, Mytheresa, Moda Operandi and Farfetch. Style icons: I do not have any, but I learn from different creative directors — Jacquemus is my current favorite. Why fashion? I dress for myself as I love fashion, and my outfits depend on my mood. I never dress to impress.

Fannie, 36, DJ/entertainer

Personal style: Moody, sleek street fashion. I mainly dress for comfort, but I will stand for an uncomfortable moment to serve an amazing look. Fashion influences: My parents and grandparents. Where she shops: I’m an avid online shopper, and I live for a sale! Why fashion? My family. As a unit, we love looking and smelling good. That has translated into a lifestyle. “You look good, You feel good.” Most stylish piece of produce: Watermelon — it’s versatile and hydrating! It’s also my favorite fruit.

Gaurav Bharti, 42, plastic surgeon and co-founder of H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery

Personal style: Classic with a modern twist. I love clean lines and patterns and quality fabrics, but I’m not afraid to add a pop of color. Fashion influences: My father always told me you have to play the part and look your best, no matter what the setting. Where he shops: TRC, Tabor, Neiman Marcus, Abbeydale, Ralph Lauren. Style icons: David Beckham, Ryan Reynolds and Brad Pitt. Why fashion? It honestly makes me feel good. I get a sense of strength and confidence when I like how I am presenting myself to the world. Also, a strong understanding of current fashion trends and aesthetic ideals allows me to better connect to my patients. Most stylish piece of produce: Avocado — its unique shape, hearty green exterior and creamy, luxurious interior exudes an effortless chicness. It’s versatile, adaptable and can double as a natural beauty product!

Alisa Gregory, 40, stylist/buyer at Sloan boutique

Personal style: I follow current trends but like to add edge by accessorizing as much as possible. More times than not, you will see me accessorize with a hat. Fashion influences: Music: Like different musical eras, my fashion choices have changed and evolved over the years, usually coinciding with whatever ear snacks I am listening to at the time. Also ’90’s culture: from Madonna and the cast of “Beverly Hills, 90210” to Korn, Guns N’ Roses and classic rock, I learned to combine trends. Nowadays, I draw influence from my peers and [social-media] influencers. Where she shops: Sloan, Shopbop, Net-A-Porter, Madewell, Gap. Style icons: My most recent obsession has been Kristen Stewart. She’s such a badass but pulls in juuuust a little femininity. I dig that. Why fashion? I love how you can express who you are or how you’re feeling through what you choose to wear. Most stylish piece of produce: I’d have to say, the pineapple. It’s sweet on the inside but edgy AF on the outside.  

Davina Fear, 53, family documentary photographer, style coach

Personal style: Expansive, spacey, dramatic, joyful, vibrant, evolving, fierce and fun. Unapologetically maximalist. Where she shops: Thrift Pony, Stash Pad, Clothes Mentor, vintage shops and charity shops around the world. Style icons: Kate McGuire of Converted Closet, Eve-Lily, Yulia Fomenko, Wisdom Kaye, Vivenne Westwood and David Bowie. Why fashion? My dream, for decades, was to get chosen for one of those makeover shows like “What Not to Wear.” I believed I had no style and wanted someone to tell me what the heck to wear, already! About three years ago, I worked with Eyenie Schultz, the Technicolor Priestess, and realized a style icon already lived inside me. Most stylish piece of produce: An artichoke flowers and has many layers. A fig has a lovely silhouette, and the inside is even more beautiful than the outside. Trusting in your own layers, inner beauty, and taking a risk on yourself is where style really begins. 

Shayne Doty, 63, vice president of development, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

Personal style: Classic, with European tailoring and a dash of color. Fashion influences: Going to school and later living in France, style — like classical music — is just part of daily life. Sixteen years in New York played a big role as well. Where he shops: Tabor — one of the most surprising and creative things about Charlotte and hands-down my favorite store in the U.S. Also: Charvet and Alain Figaret in Paris; Richard James, Peter Elliot and J. Mueser in New York; Monocle, Hackett and Oliver Brown in London; various consignment shops. Style icons: As a teen, Roger Moore and Cary Grant. More recently, Tom Ford, Bronson van Wyck, and my friend and art curator Amin Jaffer. In Charlotte, I always admire the great look that Kieth Cockrell achieves. Most stylish piece of produce: Asparagus — the long, thin stems make me think of fingers on the piano or organ.  

Daniel Gonzalez, 33, fashion designer and owner of Daniel Gonzalez Designs

Personal style: Timeless shapes and silhouettes; a natural, relaxed fit; an artistic flair. Fashion influences: My mother has always loved to dress up and have fun with her fashion. Dance, and my dance coach, taught me to appreciate quality and individuality. My most important influence comes from analyzing the garment — how it was made, what it’s made from, and how loud or quiet it is. To coexist In society, we all have our time to talk and a time to listen — I believe our clothing should be chosen to reflect that. Where he shops: I love to research brands and shop from their websites. Locally, Tabor. Style icons: Men’s ’70s fashion (the tailored pant, short-sleeve shirts in fun textures, groovy colors and playful accessories). Also vintage designers like Cristobal Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent. Most stylish piece of produce: Dragon fruit — a vibrant, spiky-skinned fruit that’s unique and dramatic but also yummy and healthy.

Grace Patrick, 24, manager, Poole Shop

Personal style: It changes daily, but right now street style with a twist of chic classics. Fashion influences: My parents — when I was younger, they let me express myself through wearing whatever I wanted. I remember wearing a pink fur coat in 90-degree heat, just because it made sense to me. I’m surrounded by women with incredible style at my job, and I always take mental notes on how I can re-create outfits for myself. Style icons: Princess Diana’s street style. I love how she could make sweats look effortlessly chic. Also Sarah Jessica Parker. Why fashion? It brings people together. One of my favorite things about putting on a fun outfit is the conversation starters that come out of it. I dress for myself, and I love affirming others that do as well. Most stylish piece of produce: Any type of berry — the deep colors of red, blue and pink are striking! 

Ricky Coleman, 59, real-estate investor and entrepreneur

Personal style: I wore suits to school from seventh to 12th grade, almost daily. A suit doesn’t make you “a boss,” but it sure makes you look like one. Proper tailoring is equally important. I love to look and dress sophisticated. Fashion influences: Old Hollywood, and J. Frederic’s in Charleston. Where he shops: Neiman Marcus (Charlotte), Saks (Atlanta), J. Frederic’s and Givenchy (online). My favorite designers are Zegna, Givenchy, Armani, Kiton and Ferragamo. Style icons: Sidney Poitier, Frank Sinatra, Nate King Cole, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Gregory Peck. Why fashion? I feel great when I look good. A man in quality clothing and shoes, well-groomed, and wearing elegant cologne can’t be beat. Your style and clothing speaks the moment you walk into a room without you saying a word. Most stylish piece of produce: Peaches — I love the taste and color variations of them.

Murielle Hage, 42, French teacher, co-chair, Generation WE’s Unique Sneaks 

Personal style: European chic and modern, always with a touch of sexy! I love expressing myself through unique pieces that reflect my outgoing personality and femininity. Fashion influences: I was born in Lebanon, I was French-educated, I inherited Argentinian roots from my maternal grandmother, and I immigrated to the United States. This has exposed me to different international cultures as well as unique fashion looks. Where she shops: Online: Zimmermann, Dolce & Gabbana, Zara, Cara Cara. Locally: Veronica Beard, Renata Gasparian, The Pearl Pagoda and Daniel Gonzalez Designs. I also enjoy a fun Edit Sale with friends, and I love my go-to (stylist) Brittany Noble Newcomb, who handpicks the most stylish gems and helps me find beautiful pieces. Style icons: My mother — she always dresses with elegance and femininity, radiating effortless confidence. Most stylish piece of produce: Red cherries — a fun pop of red goes a long way.  SP

Holly Hollingsworth Phillips, Alisa Gregory, Lee Kennelly and Renata Gasparian