Behind the Seams: 14 Local Style Staples to Know | Fashion

You don’t have to travel far to experience great shopping and creative talent in New Orleans! Below, 14 local style staples you need to know.

Menswear and Beyond

Since 2015, Iron Horse has steadily delivered a friendly shopping experience in its rustic yet upscale Metairie store, while adding new specialty brands that appeal to the expanding clientele. “Not only do we offer everything from sportswear to special occasion formalwear, but we also house men’s accessories from socks and belts to shoes and leather goods,” shared Tiffany Caldarera. “We also carry multiple full lines of apothecary, and complimentary alterations done by onsite tailors are available for all clothing purchases.”

Iron Horse sells GenTeal, Tom Beckbe, Martin Dingman, Kenny Flowers, and Schöfel and will add new apparel lines just in time for the holidays! There is also something for the ladies with Steele, the shop’s women’s section. It’s the perfect place for women to browse while shopping with the men in their lives and an easy spot for anyone to pick up a gift for a loved one.

523 METAIRIE ROAD

Vintage Vision

Offering a special approach to fashion, Trashy Diva not only sells gems from past generations, but this brand also manufactures monthly collections in sizes 00-26. “Each Trashy Diva vintage-inspired piece is designed in-house, drawing inspiration from the same vintage pieces that make their way to our vintage shops’ racks,” designer and owner Candice Gwinn shared. Thirty years in business, she oversees Trashy Diva’s six local storefronts featuring three distinct divisions: clothing, lingerie, and vintage.

When shopping for vintage, Candice recommends knowing your measurements since sizing can vary, not skipping over the accessories, altering a piece if you love it, and buying an item if it’s a perfect fit. “I always buy something if it fits me perfectly, even if it isn’t 100 percent my style; you can’t go wrong with a perfectly tailored piece in your wardrobe.”

CLOTHING: 2048 MAGAZINE STREET | 537 ROYAL STREET

LINGERIE: 2050 MAGAZINE STREET | 712 ROYAL STREET

VINTAGE: 1920 MAGAZINE STREET | 733 ROYAL STREET

Standout Style

Playful, bold, and expressive accessories are Rahya Jewelry Design’s specialty. Founder and designer Rahya Blackwell started the brand in 2011 after completing a BFA program in metals and jewelry at the Savannah College of Art and Design. “I basically spent my entire life dressing up since I was little. Growing up in New Orleans, as we all know, there are always events and parties and a million excuses to get dressed up,” Rahya shared. “I think my brand is a continuum of this but really creating accessories that translate this ‘dressing up’ culture into everyday wear.”

Metallic pom pom earrings, neon bolo tie necklaces, bedazzled sunglasses, and elaborate headpieces made of faux flowers just scratch the surface of what Rahya creates. Her designs cater to those who love to make a statement, turning heads and boosting wearers’ confidence. “These are pieces that people love wearing, love being photographed in, [and] love the feeling they get out and about in the city.”

Recently, Rahya has noticed that more people are seeking unique pieces and being adventurous in their styling. “I’m really loving how expressive people are in their style these days. Looking like everyone else is so out!” Stay tuned for the holiday season when the designer will be hosting pop-ups and exploring the possibility of releasing her own DIY crafting book.

Material Girl

Laura Fenner worked for Chateau Sew for years as a part-time employee before purchasing the decade-old business in November 2024. Growing up in a creative household, Laura noticed that the very common skill of sewing has declined in recent years. “I bought Chateau Sew, in part, because I fully believe that sewing is so much more than a hobby or a domestic chore…it is an outlet to be creative, and a pathway to independence, sustainability, and even revolution,” Laura shared. “And especially in the city of New Orleans, where we are known for our creativity and our unique approach to life, we need a place to keep these skills, not just alive, but thriving.”

For those who wish they knew how to upcycle an item from the thrift store, quickly hem a skirt, or create their own garment from scratch, the studio’s Beginner Sewing Series is a great starting point! The class occurs about every six weeks and is a good opportunity to properly learn how to use a sewing machine. Besides classes, Chateau Sew carries an array of fabrics, thread, and patterns for whatever project you have in mind. For beginners, Laura recommends starting with something you want to make, as well as a woven fabric that isn’t too slippery. “I find that people aren’t going to want to work on something that they aren’t excited about.” If you’re searching for inspiration, a few currently popular practices in the sewing world include making quilted garments, patchworking, repurposing clothes, and utilizing natural fibers like cotton and linen for breathability and sustainability.

1512 ST. CHARLES AVENUE

Dressed to Express

For fall, the ALG Style team has noticed incorporating more autumnal hues, especially burgundy (assistant stylist Greer Cordora suggests pairing it with lime green for a modern twist!); fringe on everything from jackets to cowboy boots; and double-breasted suits for men. Owner and lead stylist Aimée Gowland started ALG Style — a local image consulting, wardrobe styling, and public speaking company — in 2007 to encourage people to “dress their best selves.”

“I have spent the last 18 years rooted in the belief that the way we present ourselves visually is one of the most powerful forms of communication,” Aimée shared. “Whether running a quick errand to the grocery or stepping on stage to deliver a TED Talk, our appearance is a tool that projects confidence, credibility, and authenticity in every setting.”

When working with a new client, Aimée starts by asking, “What do you want to say when you walk into a room without speaking?” Whether the answer is wanting to look professional, stylish, or simply more put-together, this helps narrow down wardrobe choices. After all, everyone’s needs are different, and this is seen through Aimée’s diverse clientele of Mardi Gras royalty, CEOs, athletes, and musicians.

Wardrobe Worthy

Since 2016, Sosusu has continued to deliver unique pieces from global brands. “We make every effort to travel for markets in search of unique brands that have not saturated the market,” owner Susu Stall shared. Some of her favorites include Erdem and Reem Acra for luxury pieces; Rosantica and Strathberry for jewelry and handbags; and Tata Naka for something quirky.

The shop offers everything from elevated everyday pieces to wedding guest dresses to complementary accessories. The boutique also provides exceptional customer service in an inviting environment, making it the perfect Uptown spot for clients to mingle or drop in to say hello. “We have developed amazing relationships with clients, and many have come to rely on us for personal styling.” In the spirit of shopping and socializing, Sosusu also frequently hosts trunk shows for visiting designers and brands. Stop by Tuesday, September 16, for a special Stacy Nolan and Shuck Cancer event where a portion of the proceeds will be donated.

3427 MAGAZINE STREET

Modern Artifacts

Gurleen Rai of Zim + Teemo began making clothes as a teenager before studying fashion design and working in a fabric store. While it wasn’t the most glamorous job, it encouraged her to have a solid understanding of textiles. After taking a break from fashion for a few years, Gurleen returned to clothing and bag design in 2023 by experimenting with upcycled fabrics and unconventional materials. “My current practice really took shape in New Orleans, where I began working with natural dyes from foraged plants and reimagining waste as something beautiful. The city’s landscape where nature collides with human-made structures has become my greatest inspiration.”

Gurleen is currently developing new textiles in her Bywater studio and exploring more sculptural forms with repurposed materials that are made to last. “A friend once told me she looks at photos of her mother when she was young and wishes she could have the clothes her mother wore. She imagines that one day her daughter will look at photos of her wearing my pieces and be able to inherit them. I design for people who want to cherish their clothes, to collect artifacts that hold memory, meaning, and beauty, things worth passing down.”

Southern Style

For more than 40 years, Ballin’s has blended a deep Southern heritage, personalized service, and a commitment to the modern lifestyle. Founded by Wendy LeGardeur in 1981, Ballin’s has grown to include six stores across Louisiana and Alabama. From everyday essentials to gowns for life’s special moments, Ballin’s carries a wide range of renowned designers like Iris Setlakwe, Caballero Collection, and SHAN that are not available anywhere else. It also has its own private label brands including Lilli Sucré and Amélline, which are created by French designer and partner Marjorie Perard. Ballin’s also frequently hosts trunk shows and has Canadian-based designer Lucian Matis bringing in stunning eveningwear, bridal, and special occasion attire starting Friday, September 19-Saturday, September 27.

721 DANTE STREET | 2917 MAGAZINE STREET

Treasure Hunt

Inspired by the mysticism of New Orleans, Porter Lyons creates fine jewelry that does all the talking. See the glittering selection in the French Quarter flagship while also perusing one-of-a-kind vintage pieces and other special touches, making the store feel like a cabinet of curiosities. This fall, Porter Lyons will debut “Superstitions,” a new collection that dives into the mystical unknown and the symbols people cling to for luck, meaning, and protection. “Expect everything from dice and horseshoes to talismanic figures reimagined through the lens of modern design,” says founder and designer Ashley Porter. “It’s a collection rooted in storytelling — a little mystical, a little rock and roll — and very much Porter Lyons at its core.”

Ashley recently returned from Bali where she apprenticed with a master stone carver to create a series of fine art sculptures. “They’ll debut in 2026 and feel like the next evolution of the brand — tactile, symbolic pieces that echo the same spirit as our jewelry but on a larger, more elemental scale. We’re celebrating preserving nature, the wild we all harness inside.”

623 ROYAL STREET

Luxury for Less

Frequently mistaken for a consignment store, U.A.L. offers meticulously curated and handpicked designer pieces that are all 100% brand new and 70-90% of the original retail price. Expect contemporary brands like Mother Denim, Rag & Bone, and Isabel Marant alongside luxury brands such as Balenciaga, Givenchy, and Saint Laurent. “Each store offers a unique shopping experience,” shared Stephanie Cohen, U.A.L.’s Creative Director. “The original Chartres Street location boasts the most extensive selection of luxury designer merchandise among all our Louisiana stores. In contrast, the Magazine Street and Metairie locations feature a curated selection of luxury items, primarily focusing on contemporary fashion.”

Stop by any of the four locations daily for a large selection of denim, a wide range of designer shoes, and one-of-a-kind hats, and be on the lookout for chic new coats from a recent Paris buying trip. One of the best parts of frequenting U.A.L.’s stores is never knowing what you’re going to find. “We are retail therapy at its best!”

518 CHARTRES STREET | 621 CHARTRES STREET | 3306 MAGAZINE STREET | 3319 SEVERN AVENUE

For the Modern Man

For being over 100 years old, Rubensteins knows what the modern man needs in his wardrobe. The store offers styling sessions which can help men find something specific, home in on their personal style, or make some upgrades. “Whether it’s shopping for something in our stock or creating something of your own, we begin by finding out the “who, what, where, and why?” Allison Marshall shared. “Why are you shopping, what do you like, where are you wearing this, and who are you (tastes, style, likes, etc)? Next, we pull things for you to try on, mark the merchandise for any needed alterations, and create a unique experience for you.”

Rubensteins carries a curated selection of brands like Brioni, Stile Latino, Grail, Etro, and Maurizio Baldassari. They also have several trunk shows happening this season throughout October and November. And if you haven’t been to Rubensteins in a while, prepare to be amazed by its transformation. “We did a complete renovation of the selling space and added 40 hotel rooms on the upper floors. This keeps with our 101-year-old tradition of bringing our best and the world’s best products and people. Even with all the changes, we still have the same fantastic staff you have come to know and love. We have employees who have been here for 10, 20, 40, and even 50 years, and we have free valet parking!”

102 ST. CHARLES AVENUE

Forever Pieces

Candias Smith founded her jewelry brand Iris 1956 out of her love for artistry, heritage, and the idea of creating modern heirlooms. “Growing up in New Orleans, I was always inspired by seeing Black women adorned in the most beautiful jewelry — the history, the symbolism, the way each piece carried presence,” Candias shared. “That, combined with my natural love for style since childhood, led me to create a space where jewelry and lifestyle pieces carry both meaning and edge.”

After launching in 2017, the brand has evolved into a full concept shop and creative house. Each item is made to last, featuring ethically sourced metals and gemstones. “Every piece I design carries a story, and watching people make it their own, seeing a ring become part of someone’s everyday ritual, and the fact that it will be passed down someday as an heirloom is the most rewarding part.” This fall, Iris 1956 is expanding, introducing new capsule jewelry collections, exclusive in-store experiences, and collaborating with local artists.

IRIS1956.COM

Refined & Ready

In its first year of business, Ted and George has helped young men purchase their first suit or tuxedo; pointed tourists towards New Orleans climate-friendly pieces; and made fans for life with its logo featuring two labs modeled after the owner’s childhood pets. Located inside The Rink, the men’s shop sells premium brands that are made to last like Faherty, Scott Barber, Turtleson, Rains, Rodd & Gunn, T.B. Phelps, and Relwen. Conveniently located in the center of the Garden District, Ted and George offers covered parking and is open daily, making it convenient to shop any time. For styling help, manager Larry Grice and associate Peter Christenson (also a local fashion legend) are happy to lend their expertise. “We are proud to welcome every man at Ted and George Men’s Shop. We often hear men say, ‘I would wear every piece in here.’” Be sure to visit the store on Thursday, September 25, for a special selling event with a percentage of sales benefiting Shuck Cancer.

2727 PRYTANIA STREET

À La Mode

Le Marais came about when Mariah Walton Bencik was looking for a larger location for her popular store West London Boutique. The new location was perfect, but it was still not large enough to house all her merchandise. “We realized we’d have to have two shops, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise as a second location allowed us to showcase our love for all things Parisian, hence the name Le Marais which is named after my favorite arrondissement in Paris.”

Le Marais embodies the whole of what Mariah experiences while visiting France: luxe lingerie, outlandish and courageous attire, and indulgent shopping experiences heightening all the senses. She describes the shop as artistic, adventurous, and avant-garde a.k.a. the perfect contrast to her first boutique baby. “Le Marais is designed for the woman who takes risks with her wardrobe. She already has all of the basics. She’s now looking to graduate her style by adding fun, unpredictable, and wearable art to her wardrobe.”

1933 SOPHIE WRIGHT PLACE

This article appeared in The Pearl’s September 2025 issue