Who are the most stylish women and men in Austin? We're launching the first-ever CultureMap Stylemaker Awards to find out.
We solicited nominations from you, our stylish readers, to find out who truly embodies Austin's effortlessly cool style. Based on your submissions, our expert insiders have selected the top 12 nominees to move into the first voting round, which starts Tuesday, September 8.
Meet the 12 Stylemaker semifinalists below, then vote once a day through September 20 for your favorite trendsetter. On September 23, we'll unveil the six finalists that will move on to the final round of public voting.
All will be revealed on October 8 when we announce the first-ever CultureMap Stylemaker winners, including the Editorial Choice winner (determined by our editorial staff and savvy fashion contributors) and the Readers' Choice winner (determined by you, our super-stylish audience).
Check out the nominees below and then cast your vote for the trendsetter that keeps Austin style in a class of its own.
Occupation: Fashion blogger
Why Jessi deserves to be a Stylemaker: Jessi Afshin is the definition of Austin cool. Her highly regarded blog, The Darling Detail, mixes effortless, chic apparel with high fashion and on-trend pieces. On Instagram, Afshin showcases ensembles that are all about casual, affordable, and attainable style.
Occupation: YouTube personality and fashion blogger
Why Dani deserves to be a Stylemaker: Dani Austin makes waves online with her super-popular YouTube channel. Offline, it's her style that grabs your attention: She melds trends from different eras to create a darling, one-of-a-kind look.
Occupation: Fashion blogger
Why Kaley deserves to be a Stylemaker: This stylish Austinite says fashion has always been her truest sense of self-expression. What's Kaley Beery's signature style? Being fashionable and feeling confident without compromising comfort.
Occupation: Fashion designer
Why Ross deserves to be a Stylemaker: Ross Bennett has been crafting tailored men's and women's clothing in Austin since 2008. Ross' personal style blends the polished with the hip — think dark denim with a dapper dinner jacket.
Occupation: Event planner, personal stylist
Why Kandi deserves to be a Stylemaker: Event planner and personal stylist Kandi Cook's outspoken look is a reflection of her bright spirit and spunky personality. She can dress anyone — regardless of style and budget — and always reminds people that being fashionably gorgeous on the outside is a mere reflection of your inner beauty.
Occupation: Boutique owner
Why Lucy deserves to be a Stylemaker: Lucy Jolis' unique style and eclectic taste resonate in her South Austin boutique, Sunroom. She has an eye for great design and hard-to-find gems — if "everyone's wearing it," Jolis probably won't be. That's what makes her relaxed chic style so enviable and the fact that we can shop her "closet" at Sunroom so fantastic.
Occupation: Founder and creative director
Why Sarah deserves to be a Stylemaker: Sarah Lewis' style is effortless. A true Texas gal, she was raised on a farm outside of tiny Magnolia, Texas. Sarah, who runs several successful businesses under the well-known Bootleg Market brand, is as fearless in her fashions as she is in business. She's never afraid to buck the trend.
Occupation: Tech entrepreneur, graphic designer, illustrator
Why Lauren deserves to be a Stylemaker: Lauren Martin is passionate about living a minimal lifestyle — and it's evident in her style. She's carefully curated a capsule wardrobe perfectly sized for her new home, a redesigned travel trailer. Lauren's website is all about simplifying life and maximizing happiness.
Occupation: Fashion blogger and photographer
Why Shelley deserves to be a Stylemaker: Shelley Neuman's looks communicate a sense of effortlessness that is downright enviable. She can find the beauty in the simplest things and make any outfit look high-dollar. Via her blog, ATX Street Style, Shelley shares her style know-how across the city.
Occupation: Video producer
Why Travis deserves to be a Stylemaker: As a creative, Travis Sandoval strives to apply a unique aesthetic to his work as well as his own style. Travis is all about the details in an outfit, ensuring that what he wears is an expression of himself: colorful and fun with a masculine edge.
Occupation: Fashion blogger
Why Sylvia deserves to be a Stylemaker: A longtime fashionista, Sylvia Vaquera is chasing her style dreams with Fixin to Thrill, a blog for fashion lovers. Partial to black-and-white ensembles, Sylvia's style is classic and chic — with the right dose of Austin edge mixed in.
Occupation: Owner and stylist
Why Alex deserves to be a Stylemaker: Alex Zhang isn't afraid to be bold and express himself. He's the owner of In My Closet Clothing, an Austin outlet that currently features pieces from trendy Asian designers. His refreshing, dapper style is guaranteed to turn heads.
Jessi Afshin.
