Fashion: Power Play
They are strong, majestic women — leaders in their perspective industries — at the top of their game and killing it in their careers with style and finesse like no other. Often called “Alpha-Female” or “Lady-Boss” these ladies show off their style sense with fashions from Saks Fifth Avenue.
CAROLYN ELDER
VP General Manager, Saks Fifth Avenue
Describe your fashion style.
Modern style with a feminine touch. For work I much prefer a great fitted dress to a business suit.
How would you describe New Orleans fashion?
After 40 years in retail, New Orleans fashion aficionados continue to have a great eye for fashion, luxurious taste in fabrics and on the pulse of up-and-coming designers. Today, designer shoes and handbags are at the top of everyone’s fashion investment.
What’s your favorite style secret?
Being fashion-relevant doesn’t have to be expensive. You just have to be style-savvy.
What’s your reaction when you hear the phrase “Lady-Boss”?
Lady boss just means you have to have a leader who becomes the facilitator who engages collaboration with the leadership and the associates. To be an effective organization, it really does take a village.
What is a random fact about you?
I was a ballet dancer for over 20 years.
Elder’s Outfit: Multicolored, mix-patterned fit and flare jacquard dress by Etro; black mesh and suede panel sandal by Gianvito Rossi; gold bracelet; topaz drop earrings
BRANDY CHRISTIAN
Chief Operating Officer & Future President/CEO, Port of New Orleans
Describe your fashion style.
I love outfits with personality — bold color, distinctive designs, and unique accessories. That said, I am also pretty practical. My closet has a lot of classic black.
What is a random fact about you?
I studied and lived abroad in China, which definitely influenced my style.
What’s your favorite style secret?
A black blazer instantly makes any outfit more professional. I keep an extra in my office.
What inspires you now?
That’s easy. New Orleans’ resilience and vibrancy reminds me that anything is possible if we have a clear vision and are willing to work hard together.
What’s your reaction when you hear the phrase “Alpha-Woman” or “Lady-Boss”?
They would make great song titles. Beyoncé could rock that theme!
Christian’s Outfit: Chartreuse yellow jersey sheath dress and painterly jacquard print jacket, both by Akris; multicolored suede cutout sandal by Christian Louboutin; pendant necklace and hand-painted lucite cuff bracelet
SIMONE BRUNI CROUERE
President, The Demo Diva Demolition
What is your go-to outfit or signature look?
All white. It’s clean and fresh, and unexpected for a girl in demolition!
What’s your favorite style secret?
Real gems. Real gold. After all, diamonds are a girl’s best friend!
What’s your reaction when you hear the phrase “Alpha-Female”?
Strong. Bold. Determined. Resilient. No boundaries!
What are three words that best describe you?
Intuitive, Passionate, Bold.
What is a random fact about you?
I rescue baby squirrels.
Bruni Crouere’s Outfit: Silver with apricot lining, snap-front cashmere jacket by Armani Collezioni; painterly floral scarf by Bindya; silver link chain necklace
LIZ REYES
News Anchor and Reporter, WVUE FOX8
What is your go-to outfit or signature look?
I love fitted dresses or wrap dresses. The key is knowing what suits your body type and how to accentuate the positives.
What’s your favorite style secret?
Every area of the country has its own particular flair. From Miami and New York, to San Francisco, Los Angeles and Honolulu, so I love to shop along my travels picking up unique pieces.
What’s your reaction when you hear the phrase “Alpha-Female”?
I’m all for a strong woman, but I think we still have to remember that we are women and you can combine beauty with strength. Dressing for success is as important as ever, but we must never forget that we are women first.
What inspires you now?
My Mom. She has taught me the strength of being an alpha-female and having ladylike manners at the same time. She continues to inspire me daily to achieve my goals and perseverance to never give up on my dreams and the backbone of my family.
What’s the one fashion (or beauty) item that you can’t live without?
It’s a toss up between a color corrector concealer and a good daily face skin cleanser. You have to start with a great canvas.
Reyes’ Outfit: Red sleeveless faille gown by Halston; leopard print, point-toe stiletto by Christian Louboutin; tiger eye necklaces and gold cuff double bracelet
Photographer: Rodolfo Michel
Fashion Stylist: Tracee Dundas | New Orleans Fashion Week
Fashions: Saks Fifth Avenue, Canal Place