Meet the Stylemakers

Who’s the most stylish in Dallas? Now’s the time to vote.

Who are the most stylish men and women in Dallas? We intend to find out. We have once again partnered with the Plaza at Preston Center to present the third annual CultureMap Stylemaker Awards.

To get things started, we asked you, our devoted readers, to nominate those you deem our city’s arbiters of style. Then we convened a panel of judges — including yours truly and CultureMap editor-in-chief Jennifer Chininis, 2015 readers’ choice winner Javier Burkle, 2015 editors’ choice winner Nancy Koen, and 2015 finalist Julian Leaver — to narrow down the pool to 12 deserving semifinalists.

It was no easy task, but after carefully considering each and every nominee, we present a list of men and women who represent not only a diverse array of styles, but also a variety of industries. Some have made an impact on the fashion business; others have simply impressed with their ability to make a fashionable statement under any circumstance.

So take a look at this list, and then cast your vote. You can vote once a day, every day, until September 23, 11:59 pm. The six top vote-getters move into the final round on October 4 to determine the readers’ choice winner. That person, along with the editors’ choice winner, will be honored at the Stylemaker Awards party on October 20.

Your invitation to the party is coming soon; in the meantime, you can see how the celebration unfolded last year.

Meet the Stylemaker semifinalists (listed in alphabetical order by last name), then go ahead and vote for your favorite:

Name: Jerrod Ballard
Occupation: Group/rooms coordinator, Westin Dallas Downtown
Instagram: @jsquaredstyle
Why Jerrod deserves to be a Stylemaker: Jerrod isn’t afraid to take risks not commonly taken by your average man’s man. He became infatuated with fashion during his college years and eventually started playing around with patterns, prints, and textures, and his signature style was born.

Name: Mark Deuber
Occupation: Plastic surgeon
Instagram: @drmarkdeuber
Why Mark deserves to be a Stylemaker: Mark’s style embodies a casual elegance. He’s married to Cary Deuber of the Real Housewives of Dallas — for whom he shops — and he loves beautiful things, including fine clothes, Italian wools, suede shoes, and all things Brunello Cucinelli.

Name: Ellen Flowers
Occupation: Blogger, The Perennial Style
Instagram: @theperennialstyle
Why Ellen deserves to be a Stylemaker: In addition to traveling around the world photographing amazing pieces in unique settings, Ellen is recognized in the Dallas fashion scene. For her trendy, feminine style, she mixes luxury items with accessible pieces, making her looks relatable for any budget.

Name: Angelee Fortuna
Occupation: Senior account consultant, RewardStyle; co-founder His+Her
Instagram: @angelee
Why Angelee deserves to be a Stylemaker: In a sea of fashionable Dallas women, Angelee stands out. Says her nominator, “the clothes don’t make the (wo)man, the (wo)man makes the clothes.” She co-runs His+Her with husband Eddie Fortuna, himself a Stylemaker semifinalist from 2014. Together, they share views on fashion trends and their Dallas lifestyle.

Name: Shay Geyer
Occupation: Owner and designer, IBB Design Fine Furnishings
Instagram: @designershay
Why Shay deserves to be a Stylemaker: One of Dallas’ top interior designers, Shay believes that the right accessories can take an ensemble to a whole new level. The design expert for Good Morning Texas and social butterfly loves color and a classic aesthetic, and carefully edits accessories for her wardrobe.

Name: Chris Hite
Occupation: Stylist and senior managing partner, J. Hilburn
Website: chrishite.jhilburn.com
Why Chris deserves to be a Stylemaker: Whether it’s interiors, fashion, or entertaining, Chris always has a different take on traditional elements. His style is classic with an eclectic bent. He dresses sharp, but never in a stuffy or too buttoned-up way. After more than a decade at Neiman Marcus, he is now one of J. Hilburn’s leading personal stylists.

Name: Misty Burns Incontrera
Occupation: Jewelry designer and co-founder, B. Stellar
Website: B. Stellar
Why Misty deserves to be a Stylemaker: Throughout her career in retail business development and marketing, Misty pursued jewelry design and painting. In 2013, she launched the B. Stellar jewelry line with 2016 Stylemaker Nancy Koen. Misty can predict trends before they happen, and she chooses outfits based on mood, although there is always an element of art or muse inspiration.

Name: Ekaterina Kouznetsova
Occupation: Entrepreneur; founder, Our New Monarch
Instagram: @czarina_ekaterina
Why Ekaterina deserves to be a Stylemaker: This Moscow-born Dallasite is a modern-day Audrey Hepburn. She has an amazing eye for mixing vintage with modern pieces, which makes her style quirky, fun, and whimsical, setting her apart from others in her industry.

Name: Brittanie Buchanan Oleniczak
Occupation: Media sales director, Southwest Carol Orr & Co.
Instagram: @brittanieoleniczak
Why Brittanie deserves to be a Stylemaker: Brittanie loves fashion as much as she loves a good cocktail (which is a lot), and her marketing and advertising career began in fashion, at one of the largest modeling agencies in the world. In addition to her day job, she has served on the DIFFA/Dallas board of trustees for five years as the creative and marketing director, developing and launching the fabulous House of DIFFA brand and creative campaigns.

Name: Quinn Risdall
Occupation: Senior art director, Mary Kay
Instagram: @quinnrisdall
Why Quinn deserves to be a Stylemaker: Quinn’s style can only be described as “girly prep on acid,” with an emphasis on the color pink. She’s always been interested in fashion but truly got into it when she started working and traveling more regularly, meeting with photographers and stylists who inspire her and help her understand what style truly is.

Name: Al Tidwell
Occupation: Makeup artist and model
Website: Kim Dawson Agency
Why Al deserves to be a Stylemaker: Al has parlayed a 25-year career as a makeup artist into being a model himself. Recently featured as Captain Ahab in the Dallas Opera’s ad campaign, his amazing “mature hippie” vibe and long gray hair makes him striking even if he’s wearing flip-flops and love beads. He inspired a hashtag #altidwellsightings years before he succumbed to social media.

Name: Guillermo Tragant
Occupation: Creative director/principal, Richards Lerma
Instagram: @guilletragant
Why Guillermo deserves to be a Stylemaker: Guillermo is a renaissance man — designer, artist, entrepreneur — born in Argentina to an Italian family. As a designer, he has collaborated with brands such as Levis, Nike, and Benetton, as well as artists like Shakira. His bold, elegant style is representative of today’s contemporary global man.

Jerrod Ballard

Photo courtesy of Jerrod Ballard

Jerrod Ballard

stylemakers awards

Strawberry butter forever

Neiman Marcus Bridal Salon and Zodiac Room live on at NorthPark Dallas

Rendering courtesy of Neiman Marcus and Arcadis Inc.

Rendering of the new Neiman Marcus Bridal Salon at NorthPark.

The Neiman Marcus flagship store in downtown Dallas closed its doors for good on September 30, and some longtime customers were so bereft, they dressed in black and laid flowers at the food of the entrance. Many took to social media to share memories of shopping for bridal gowns, dining at The Zodiac Room, and visiting with Santa at Christmas time.

Now there's a ray of light for those mourning the loss: Some of the most most beloved "downtown Neiman's" traditions are getting a second life at NorthPark.

The day after the downtown closure, Neiman Marcus revealed that The Zodiac Room, Bridal Salon, and Santa would move to the NorthPark store.

According to a statement from parent company Exemplar Luxury Group, the additions are part of planned enhancements to the NorthPark store designed to build on Neiman Marcus' history while creating new experiences for customers.

“As we close an important chapter in our history, we do so with immense gratitude for the generations of associates and customers who made our Downtown store so special," the company says. "We are excited to enhance our NorthPark store by infusing new elements that celebrate our storied history, continuing to evolve the experience where our customers prefer to shop.”

Rendering of The Zodiac Room entrance at NorthPark.Rendering courtesy of Neiman Marcus and Arcadis Inc.

The Zodiac Room popovers live on
One eagerly anticipated arrival is The Zodiac Room, which will open November 20 in the former NM Café space at NorthPark.

"The existing space will be transformed with key design elements from the Downtown Zodiac Room including the turquoise walls, plush banquets, and one-of-a-kind art," the company says.

The menu will be filled with the Zodiac's longtime favorites, including its signature chicken broth, popovers with strawberry butter, Stanley Marcus pot roast, and mandarin orange soufflé - alongside some newly created dishes.

The restaurant will serve a special holiday 2026 feast from November 20-January 2, giving Dallas diners a chance to continue a seasonal tradition that dates back decades. Reservations are now available through OpenTable. (Per a store representative, the restaurant is still listed as NM Cafe NorthPark in OpenTable and will change soon.)

Rendering of The Zodiac Room at NorthPark.Rendering courtesy of Neiman Marcus and Arcadis Inc.

The Zodiac's move had been teased at the September 17 Crystal Charity Ball Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas Fashion Show and Luncheon, the final event held at the downtown store. Mary McGreevy, chief stores officer for Exemplar Luxury Group, told the audience, "As we look forward to our future and continuing our legacy of Neiman Marcus at NorthPark, we will celebrate more events, we will celebrate with elevated shopping experiences, and our newly reimagined Zodiac Room, which will be opening right before the holidays."

Now they confirm it will open the week before Thanksgiving.

Here comes the Bridal Salon
In white-hot bridal news, the Neiman Marcus Bridal Salon will also make the move to NorthPark, relocating to the lower level of the store and "offering an intimate space for one of life’s most meaningful experiences," Exemplar says in the statement.

"It was important for the company to continue this tradition as many customers have generations of family members that are Neiman’s brides," they say. "The company will continue to service existing brides with their alterations and fittings at the NorthPark store while the new space is under construction."

Neiman Marcus NorthPark Bridal Salon rendering.Rendering courtesy of Neiman Marcus and Arcadis Inc.

It also fulfills a longtime need for a bridal salon at NorthPark Center in general.

The Neiman Marcus Bridal Salon is scheduled to open in early December. Customers can make new bridal salon appointments via their sales associate or by calling the store.

Santa Claus is coming to NorthPark
One downtown fixture will make the move in person (plug your ears, kids): Felix Estridge, the store's longtime Santa, will bring his Christmas cheer to NorthPark after Thanksgiving. According to the company, he'll continue traditions including photos with Santa and Breakfast with Santa, along with Storytime with Santa and Dine with Santa.

Tickets for the holiday events are now available online.

Neiman Marcus Santa Santa's ready to visit with kiddies at Neiman Marcus NorthPark.Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Downtown art will live on
The downtown store's art collection won't be kept entirely in Dallas.

According to Exemplar, historic art pieces from the flagship will find new homes throughout the Neiman Marcus portfolio, allowing customers around the country to experience pieces of the company's history.

The original Neiman Marcus opened in Dallas in 1914. After years of uncertainty surrounding the downtown location, the company announced in June 2026 that it would close the flagship and concentrate its Dallas presence at NorthPark.

The downtown store's September 30 closing ended a long saga over its future. Neiman Marcus had originally planned to close the location in 2025, then kept it open through the holiday season while exploring options for the store. Six months later, the closure was announced.

"For more than a century, this store has held a cherished place in our history and in the lives of our customers, helping shape Neiman Marcus into the iconic luxury retailer it is today," Exemplar says. "The spirit of innovation, exceptional service and deep customer relationships that defined our Downtown store will continue to guide us as we honor our rich heritage and embrace our bright future. Dallas remains an incredibly important market for the Neiman Marcus brand."

downtown dallas zodiac room bridal boutique northpark center shopping neiman marcus