We all know of the big fashion capitals of the world, but that doesn't mean they are the only cities with fantastic designers and stylists. St. Louis has its very own hub of creatives, and here are some people to be paying attention to in the style and beauty industries.
Laura Katherine Sawyier
"Laura Katherine Sawyier approaches her work as a personal and wardrobe stylist as a way to help women in St. Louis, New York City and beyond not only refine their style, but also improve their lives—she believes that the right clothing can change everything, giving the wearer confidence and a powerful means of self-expression. She also brings unique female designers to audiences in St. Louis and New York through her Salon x LKS event series, which is part panel conversation, part social outing and part shopping pop-up. The events are free but also often include a charitable component."
—Stephanie Zeilenga
READ MORE: Get to Know: Laura Sawyier
Rachelle Hruska McPherson
"Rachelle Hruska McPherson is the founder of Lingua Franca, a beloved brand known for its hand-stitched cashmere sweaters, chock-full of clever-isms, activist statements and many of our favorite song lyrics. It all started when Rachelle needed to burn off some anxiety and keep her hands busy, which led her to pick up a needle and an old sweater. The brand was established and quickly blossomed into not only sweaters, but a business case study in collaboration at its finest. A percentage of proceeds are donated directly to nonprofits built into the business model."
—Laura Katherine Sawyier
READ MORE: Candid: Rachelle Hruska McPherson
Trisha Gregory
"Trisha Gregory is co-founder and CEO of Armarium, an on-demand luxury fashion rental platform. She launched the company with co-founder Alexandra Lind Rose in April 2016 after each spent nearly a decade in various roles within the fashion industry. For years, they were faced with the challenge of how to access runway statement pieces for events or nights out with friends. And this is how Armarium was born. It serves as the place to go for standout looks as well as expert styling advice."
—Laura Katherine Sawyier
READ MORE: Candid: Trisha Gregory
Lori Coulter
"Lori Coulter is co-founder and CEO/president of Summersalt, the disruptive swimwear and travelwear brand named on CNBC’s list of The World’s Most Promising Startups and featured in People, In Style, Elle, Forbes and more. Fresh off of closing a Series B funding round raising $17.3 million, Lori and co-founder Reshma Chattaram Chamberlin are dominating the direct-to-consumer fashion category. They’re combining technology and fashion to deliver products that fit an active lifestyle."
—Laura Katherine Sawyier
READ MORE: Candid: Lori Coulter