[image]
[title]Paracelso store owner Luxor Tavella proves that she is one of our most stylish New Yorkers by donning high-fashion threads from designers such as Issey Miyake and Comme des Garçons, mixed with her own vintage finds. Her dapper British husband helps accessorize these fantasy looks with jewelry made by melding scrap metal found in the back of their store. She cites New York designers such as Diane von Furstenberg and the late Alexander McQueen as inspiration for her unique look.
RECOMMENDED: Most stylish New Yorkers
Luxor Tavella, “100 or 5—you choose,” Soho; owner of Paracelso (414 West Broadway between Prince and Spring Sts, 212-966-4232)
Her personal style: “It’s the avant-garde idea, but that phrase is used too much. I would say a cross between [London’s] Kings Road and [New York’s] West Broadway.”
Her inspirations: “I live in my fantasy world, and I’m lucky that my husband lets me. Sometimes French films inspire me, or customers that come in my store. Alexander [McQueen] would come in and put the most amazing things together. He was really something special.”
About her shop: “The store is like my studio. The [women’s] clothing is set up like art installations. It’s all of my creativity. Not everyone understands it, but it’s my life.”
Her favorite NYC stores: “I really respect the Italian fashions of Giorgio Armani (locations throughout the city; visit armani.com). And I think what Japanese designer Issey Miyake (locations throughout the city; visit isseymiyake.com) does with women’s clothing is just fantastic.”
Her favorite NYC designers: “I love Diane von Furstenberg (874 Washington St between 13th and 14th Sts, 646-486-4800 ● 135 Wooster St between Prince and W Houston Sts, 212-542-5754 ● dvf.com) because she is a real woman who designs clothing for real women. And I would love to go shopping with Karl Lagerfeld. What he does with Chanel (locations throughout the city; visit chanel.com) is just inspiring.”
Style motto: “Recognize a good cloth and cut, and don’t worry about it looking perfect. Just be beautiful to you.”
How her style has evolved: “I used to put on all Burberry (locations throughout the city; visit burberry.com) and go to the Plaza Hotel. Now, I have to wear Clarks (363 Madison Ave at 45th St, 212-949-9545 ● 993 Third Ave at 59th St, 212-207-4115 ● clarks.com) because I’m on my feet all day at the shop.”
Her signature item: “I wear a lot of jewelry, because it makes me look like a goddess.”
Follow Elizabeth Denton on Twitter: @elizabethann1