These successful Scottsdale gents prove that success also comes with an eye for the art of fashion.
Chef, SC Culinary Inc (scottconant.com)
Scott Conant’s style is all about balance. When the acclaimed chef, author and TV personality moved to Arizona, his dressing style adapted to be more in line with Scottsdale’s laid-back attitude. Here, the West Scottsdale resident—who runs popular Italian steakhouse The Americano—spills his style secrets.
SCOTT CONANT PHOTO BY KEN GOODMAN
Tell me a bit about how you got into the restaurant industry. I attended a vocational high school in Waterbury, Conn. I had initially applied for the plumbing program, but it was full, so I ended up choosing culinary arts as a second choice. Around the same time, I started working in the kitchen at a family friend’s restaurant and immediately fell in love with the hustle of the industry. I was fascinated by food culture and my curiosity continued to grow as I traveled and eventually attended The Culinary Institute of America. It’s crazy to think that I’ve been pursuing this career for over 35 years now.
How would you describe your style? I love a beautiful Italian suit, but I tend to dress down a lot these days. After moving to Arizona, I find myself at the gym more often and dressed on the casual side. I’d say 90% of the time I’m wearing my Yankees baseball cap and a pair of Jordans. I like to embrace certain styles that may not seem representative of my personality on the surface. If I have a Yankees hat and Adidas gear on for the day followed by a Zegna suit for an evening event, it’s all equally representative of my personal style as it changes based on the location and occasion of where I’m going. I love the balance and opportunity to embrace the variety of styles out there.
What designers do you gravitate toward? I love Zegna, Brioni and Tom Ford for their effortless elegance. I also love Prada for accessories, Ferragamo for shoes and Loro Piana for anything cashmere.
Any particular items you’re coveting at the moment? I’ve been wearing a beaded bracelet or necklace from Awaken the Peace for years, so I’m always excited to check out their new pieces. I had my eye on the Air Jordan XXXVI SE “Glory” style, but, damn, they’re already sold out!
What Scottsdale stores are your go-tos? Although I do most of my shopping online, I like to stop by Kierland Commons or Scottsdale Fashion Square for any last-minute needs.
What can readers expect from you next? I have a new cookbook, Peace, Love and Pasta (Abrams), coming out on Sept. 14. It’s my fourth book and the most personal to date. These are the recipes that I make for my own family and I’m so excited for everyone to recreate them for their loved ones.
Architect, President, PHX Architecture (phxarch.com)
Similar to the projects he brings to life, PHX Architecture President Erik Peterson’s streamlined, sophisticated style makes a memorable statement—without having to scream for attention. Read on to see what inspires the Maravilla resident’s sartorial point of view.
ERIK PETERSON PHOTO BY DIANA ELIZABETH
What aspects of your job do you love the most? Definitely seeing the look in a client’s eyes when they see the finished project. Bringing a client’s dream vision into reality is one of the best feelings.
How do you see your business evolving over time? I see the projects becoming increasingly more bespoke and boutique. I am at a great point in my career: As a firm we have the privilege of picking the projects we wish to be a part of, instead of taking on every project that comes our way. That gives me the opportunity to design projects that I am passionate about, creating a more focused vision and niche clientele in the luxury market.
How would you describe your style? I am still working on defining my style, however, I tend to go for smart, sophisticated choices. Most of my outfits are slim-fitting, dark or neutral in color. My day to day is definitely more casual professional.
Who do you look to for style inspiration? I have always liked Bradley Cooper’s style. People have even said I look like him, which is fun. In the industry, I have always consulted Oscar De las salas on all things fashion, especially before big Scottsdale events.
What are some typical looks for you? My go-to casual look is Hugo Boss golf pants paired with a sharp golf shirt. Cole Haan shoes are my go-to footwear. I’ve recently started to like Lululemon’s menswear. They have some great options I can even wear to the office. Birddogs pants are also a new personal favorite. For a formal look, I love how an Armani black suit fits, and around the office I usually wear anything from Hugo Boss’ casual professional line—collared shirts, nice pants, sometimes a blazer.
Any items on your wish list currently? I have had my eye on the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph watch for a while. It is stunning.
Designer and Artist, Paul Rene (paulrenefurniture.com)
Paul Jeffrey has always been into design, but interestingly enough, he started his career in the auto industry, a path that took several turns before he found his niche as an award-winning furniture designer. Stylish to the core, Jeffrey’s personal style—tailored with a twist—is similar to the unique furniture pieces he creates.
PAUL JEFFREY PHOTO BY ROB BALLARD PHOTOGRAPHY
How did you get into furniture design? My design career started as a concept car designer for Ford Motor Co. in Detroit. Although I loved the conceptual work, I didn’t adjust well to corporate politics, so I left in search of greater artistic expression. Unforeseen circumstances landed me in Phoenix, where, in 2004, there were no car design opportunities. All of the design opportunities were within the housing industry, where I had zero furniture design nor manufacturing experience. Little did I know that attaining greater artistic expression meant that I would spend the next 15 years self-learning a craft that seemed to have chosen me.
How would you describe your personal style? My style is simple, as well as the formula to develop my outfits. I start with tailored pants with a modern cut, paired with a basic T-shirt or solid collared shirt. The magic in my style is the fedora, which I have many of. My shoes, from sneakers to tie-ups, are understated, with refined lines and proportions. To dress up my ‘fits’—to borrow language from my son’s generation—I’ll wear an ascot, wrapped as a band around my neck.
Did anyone from your child stand out as super stylish? Yes, my dad. He was a true dandy. My teenage girlfriends paid more attention to my dad than me. Boy, did that make my blood boil.
What pieces are you into right now? I love Superga’s gummy sole sneakers in white, blazers from Garçon Couture and The Kingdom fedora from Straw and Wool.
What can readers expect from you next? We hope to finally launch our line of limited-production furniture in 2022.
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