The style innovators of Naples give their personal take on what style means to them.
Alexander Hayes
Tell us about yourself and your business.
I am a Naples native who has now been in the luxury retail business for a decade. I take a great passion in making my store Hayes Haberdashery the best place for men looking for luxury menswear to be able to shop in Naples. Specifically, men who are looking to show off their own personal style or allow me to help them find their style and to be able to help them with their style profile from dress to casual. When I am not working, I enjoy being active and more than likely you can find me playing either basketball, pickleball, or tennis.
What does style mean to you?
Style to me is an expression of oneself and how they want to be perceived by the world. I think this is what makes style so interesting to me as just like how you want to be perceived can evolve so can your style to reflect in a way where you are in life or where you want to be in life as I am a big believer in faking it until you make it.
Do you have a piece of clothing or an accessory with a special story behind it?
Yes, my dress watch is a vintage Longines that my dad passed down to me for Christmas a few years back and I still wear the watch to this day.
Have you ever tried a fashion trend that you later regretted?
Yes! Ripped denim I thought was cool to wear out at night in my early 20s and anytime a picture comes up of me wearing ripped denim I instantly cringe that I thought that was a good look.
Sandy Laudando
Tell us about yourself and your business.
I am the owner of Zazu Salon on 5th Ave. I’m new to the city of Naples but not to the beauty industry. I have been a stylist for over 25 years traveling all over the world fine-tuning my craft. From fashion week in New York to fashion week in Milan Italy to Raffel Pages in Barcelona Spain, hair is my passion. The industry continues to evolve and we as the masters of our art must continue to evolve as well. Zazú is a loreal black-label elite salon home to the industry's leading hair stylists.
Who is your style icon?
Honestly, I would have to say Coco Chanel. Not only did she think outside the box with her beautiful clothing designs, but she also notably popularized the bob haircut turning it into a bold statement that reflected the changing roles of women. Coco Chanel was an innovator. She changed the fashion industry and her designs are timeless. I use the same model in my own work.
How has your style evolved over the years? I think my style has “elevated” over the years. Most people are so scared of aging, but with age comes wisdom! We figure out what works with our hair types, body types, coloring etc. We become more refined.
What are your favorite stores for fashion or design in Naples? Naples has a lot of great shopping! Love the Waterside Shops and I also love the charm in Olde Naples as well! You can’t beat 5th Ave. So many hidden Gems!
Taylor Agin
Tell us about yourself and your business.
I am the marketing and events director at Naples Luxury Imports. I graduated from Florida State University with a marketing degree in 2018 and started working for the dealership, where my dad is managing partner, the following week. We have 6 exclusive brands - Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Range Rover, Aston Martin, Maserati, & Jaguar. We are big on giving back to the community, and we try to sponsor as many events and charities as we can each year. We operate with a customer-first mindset, and my dad has instilled in everyone who works here that making it easy for customers to do business with us and building relationships is very important. I try to reflect this mindset in all of my events- constantly trying to push the boundaries and curate unique experiences that ‘money-can’t-buy.’
How would you define your personal style?
I would say my personal style varies a lot depending on where I am and what I’m doing. At work I am modest and sophisticated, when I am out I am edgy and chic, etc. I love “street style” and rocking sneakers with everything. I try to always be comfortable, but also trendy. I also love the “old money” vibes. I’m always looking at clothes, shoes, accessories, influencers, etc. and my style is constantly evolving.
How has your style evolved over the years?
I think when I was younger I didn’t really follow trends and didn’t have people I really looked up to for fashion choices. It has evolved a lot since then because now I am dressing to be more sophisticated and I am following trends and always keeping up with the fashion world. Also, I remember when wearing high heels with absolutely everything was the only option. Now I only wear them for certain events and I only buy comfortable heels. I used to be miserable in uncomfortable heels all the time and it would ruin my nights out with friends and family. The new sneaker trends really changed my life and I don’t think I’ll ever be going back!
Vivian Grimes Warwick
Tell us about yourself and your business.
Founded in 2019, Henri Noël embodies our deep passion for diamonds and our dedication to showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship behind our jewelry designs. Beyond being a business venture, it is a cherished family venture as it allows me to collaborate closely with my father and brother, merging our talents and love for jewelry into something truly extraordinary.
As a third-generation jeweler, my aspiration is to craft pieces that transcend seasons and become heirlooms that are passed down for generations. When I reflect on my most beloved pieces of jewelry, they are not just my own designs, but also the exquisite creations my parents have crafted and gifted to me with love. To me, jewelry symbolizes life's most significant moments, whether grand or intimate.
Who is your style icon?
When I think of my style icon, Olivia Palermo immediately comes to mind. Her knack for effortlessly blending contemporary trends with effortless elegance deeply resonates with me. I particularly admire her impeccable sense of knowing when to showcase a perfectly styled puff sleeve, always on the ideal occasion.
What does style mean to you?
Style, to me, is more than just what you wear—it's a reflection of your personality and values. It's about finding pieces that resonate with you on a deeper level, whether it's through their craftsmanship, history, or the story behind them. For example, I appreciate timeless elegance and quality over fleeting trends. My style philosophy revolves around selecting pieces that are not only beautiful but also meaningful, pieces that can withstand the test of time and carry sentimental value.
Ana Oates
Tell us about yourself and your business.
I’m a long-time resident of Naples. 23 years. I’m an Interior Designer specializing in luxury residential interior design. I have 4 amazing kids and love styling, from fashion to design to cooking and baking.
What are your favorite stores for fashion or design in Naples?
For fashion, I love Rouze in downtown Naples. They have such great unique selections from casual to dressy. For design, I usually buy direct from my vendors however there are many amazing retail shops around town to pick up some fun items for your home.
How would you define your personal style?
Classic with a bit of unique trendy twist.
What does style mean to you?
Style is an art form and self-expression. A way the world perceives you. I first took note of fashion as a young adolescent from another country who dressed differently and stood out.
I’ve loved the feeling of dressing up and making statements without saying a word.
Do you have a piece of clothing or an accessory with a special story behind it?
I still wear my Ralph Lauren leather and silver concho belt that I had since college. I guess it’s considered vintage. It is a classic and very much still in style. I can’t believe what they cost now.
How has your style evolved over the years?
I have a passion for fashion and a great closet to prove it. I have a hard time throwing things out because everything comes back in style with a little twist. It all recycles back.
Joe Pavich Jr.
Tell us about yourself and your business.
I have been selling real estate since 2001. Our family is one of the first real estate companies in the area. I’ve been selling full-time ever since and I love it. I love spending time with my family. My wife, Jenn, and my three kids Joey 14, Juliana 12, Jake 9. My career is great because I’m able to do the things I love to do with my family as well as give my career 110%. My strengths are having market knowledge, integrity and trust. I feel like the way I interact with people teaches my kids how to be in life and develop a great personality while being committed and “always doing the right thing”.
What does style mean to you?
Well, style is what you make of it and whatever you wear and whatever style you have, you have to have confidence while you’re wearing it and like what you wear. It feels good to dress up and it feels great when people compliment you.
How would you define your personal style?
I would say Trendy. I'm definitely a believer in dressing up and I have fun putting different styles together and “Kind of creating my own style.” I try not to overthink what I wear. It’s amazing when you wear something you’re not in love with people complement you. Always wear it with confidence and enjoy it.
Do you have a piece of clothing or an accessory with a special story behind it? Right around 1996 or so when I worked at Burdines in the Edison Mall, there was a Bailey, Banks and Biddle and they had this TAG watch in the front window just glistening. I wanted this watch so bad, it was just way too expensive to purchase. At that time, I think it was around $600.00. I wanted the watch so bad, and every time I walked by this watch sitting in the front window, I would stop and stare. So I set a goal for myself and I said if I made enough to pay for this watch, I would buy it so I put it on layaway. It took me like six months to buy this watch. Finally, I picked up that TAG watch and wore it with pride. I was so happy to have it. I have it to this day and I look at it all the time. I now have better watches but the story behind that one and what it means to me brings back great memories of setting goals and achieving them.
Jimmie Espo
Tell us about yourself/your business.
Hey Naples, I am Jimmie Esposito (Espo for short), and I am a professional DJ with over 25 years of experience and the owner of a talent agency in Boston named The 617 Event Group. I am also the official DJ for Naples Lifestyle Magazine events! I moved to Naples just over 3 years ago with my now fiancée, Lauren, and it was the best thing we ever did! My primary company is in Boston, and I fly up on weekends to perform at private events all over New England and beyond. I have recently opened a branch of our company here in Naples, The 239 DJs, with a well-known Southwest Florida DJ. I like to think I am pretty easygoing (although Lauren might disagree), and I love fast cars, good tequila, and just taking in all that Naples has to offer.
What does style mean to you?
Style, to me, is a unique expression of individuality. It’s not just about fashion or aesthetics, but about how one presents oneself to the world. Whether through fashion, music, art, or any other medium, style reflects your tastes, values, and how you see yourself fitting into the environment around you. Your personal style can communicate, without words, your personality, mood, and especially your vibe.
Do you have a piece of clothing or an accessory with a special story behind it?
Yes, the very pink shoes I am wearing in this photoshoot! I purchased them in 2014 after my mother died from cancer. I was hosting a cancer fundraiser, and they just seemed perfect. The fundraiser had an awards section, and even though I was the "hired help," I was awarded Best Dressed because of my pink shoes. Our company donates to many cancer charities throughout the year, and the pink shoes always get the most attention!
Kimberly McDonnell
Tell us about yourself and your business.
I am the Director of Corporate Partnerships at FC Naples- I am 36, I have 3 kids and am all about having a good time in the everyday doings of life. I would consider myself an optimistic and sentimental person. I am very people-driven, my relationships with the people I love and care for energize me. I am lucky to work in professional sports, specifically soccer, a job that affords me creative freedom, space to be my best self and utilize as well as create skill sets.
What does style mean to you?
Style to me is an expression of self. Between colors, fabrics, accessories you can tell a lot about someone's personality in the way they care for and dress themselves.
Do you have a piece of clothing or an accessory with a special story behind it?
When I turned 21 I got to go to NYC for the first time and while I was there, I went to Saks Fifth Avenue on 5th Ave and bought my very first designer bag. It is a crossbody LV that I still have and use. An epic birthday in one of the greatest cities acquiring a timeless piece.
Describe your favorite outfit or style moment to date.
Luckily living in Naples we get the opportunity to glam it up more and more. My favorite look was this past philanthropy event with a gorgeous blush pink gown, ankle tie stilettoes and the perfect Kim K messy bun.
Kimberly’s jewelry, pictured here, is courtesy of Statement Watches. Her spray tan is courtesy of Glow to Go Naples.