10 top fashion players in Charlotte you should know

(1) Erica Hanks

@theericahanks via Instagram

A wardrobe stylist based in Charlotte who works all over the United States, Erica’s been featured in so many publications it’s hard to list, but some to note are Southern Living and bizwomen. She works with a slew of local athletes and celebrities to hone in on their personal style and pushes the boundaries with her commercial and editorial work.

(2) David Watkins with ABBEYDALE

@houseofabbeydale via Instagram

One of the only men on this list (I considered Cam Newton, but he doesn’t need any more attention on his fashion choices), David owns ABBEYDALE, a men’s clothing store that focuses on custom suiting and menswear in addition to a ready-to-wear line. The products feature beautiful materials and the perfect fit. According to Adam Rhew of Center City Partners, they have an almost cult following. They moved from Plaza Midwood to Uptown and their loyal customers moved with them.

(3) Sarah Ohlsen with J.Crew

@sarahoshops via Instagram

If you’ve ever shopped at the J.Crew in SouthPark, you’ve probably worked with Sarah, or at least seen her bustling around the store and smiling while serving customers, even on the busiest of days. I met her back when I worked there and was always in awe of her ever growing client-base. I still am. Sarah is one of the highest grossing personal shoppers in the South and if you’re a client, you’re also a friend.

(4) Davita and Dion Galloway of Dupp & Swat

@duppandswat via Instagram

On an afternoon sitting out behind Amelie’s in NoDa, I peeked into Dupp & Swat. The place just breathed cool. I did my research and found out they’re a sibling duo that have a range of skills that dip well into the fashion pool. They are event planners, wardrobe stylists, a storefront and all-around Charlotte culture-makers.

(5) Effie Loukas

Photo via Effie Loukas

Effie is one of those people you gravitate to in a room, and it’s that quality that makes her the perfect person to manage and produce fashion shows here in Charlotte. Her production company, Effie Loukas Productions, does model scouting and casting and show production. Her events are out of this world and transplant you to a place of bright lights, beautiful clothing, and luxurious settings. She’s also the owner of Lotus Boutique in The Metropolitan, a Charlotte staple in the boutique scene.

(6) Erica Arcilesi of the North Carolina Fashion Association

Photo via LinkedIn

Erica once had a part in founding the Charlotte Fashion Guild which has since transformed into the N.C. Fashion Association. Erica owns multiple businesses and through the NCFA, has elevated the idea of fashion in Charlotte and the Southeast. The NCFA produces Style Week, an event that brings international attention to fashion in Charlotte.

(7) Bethany Diffey of B-Soup Personal Style Blog

@b_soup via Instagram

Charlotte is home to a solid number of fashion and lifestyle bloggers, some aspiring and some already influential. Bethany is considered a style influencer across the country for her bold personal style and her take on mixing prints (it’s always okay). If you’re a local blog reader, you should definitely have B-Soup in the docket.

(8) Lauren Remesi of Cut From the Same Cloth

Photo via LinkedIn

The concept of Cut from the Same Cloth is so simple, yet equally rare. The clothing is one-of-a-kind – only four of each style are made – and surprisingly affordable. Lauren’s pieces are forward-thinking, colorful and on-trend, and the best part: The retail prices are way more attainable than custom couture. Lauren is taking our desire for distinctive fashion, and making it a reality.

(9) Caroline Cook-Frers of the Frock Shop

Photo via Caroline Cook-Frers

Caroline Cook-Frers seems to have a small part in a great deal of Charlotte fashion events. She owns FROCKshop, a destination for vintage and designer closeout apparel located in the heart of Plaza Midwood. The FROCKshop also doubles as a space for local events and pop-up shops. Caroline’s goal is to compete with big box retailers to create the total experience. It’s not just about the shopping anymore. She partners with other small businesses to create a total sensory experience: think food, music, art, entertainment and culture.

(10) Anthony Simons

@plitzsfashionclt via Instagram

Yes, there’s another show producer on the list, but Anthony Simons couldn’t be left out. He’s produced small and large scale fashion events, which include Charlotte International Fashion Week. This series of events allows international designers to present their work to the Charlotte market. The 2015 lineup for CIFW includes local designers as well as designers from Chicago, New York, Dallas, and Bulgaria.