GREG BERZINSKY
For architect and influencer Greg Berzinsky, aesthetics are everything. It’s the main aspect of his work as the director of design at City Invincible Architecture, A Spiezle Group Inc. Company; the focal point of his social platform (@berzinsky has over 200,000 followers); and illustrated through his smart everyday look. “I think there’s a general dumbing down of style in fashion, and I’m not going to let it happen on my clock,” he says. Instead, he teaches followers how to layer different pieces from streetwear to classics, like styling a cream turtleneck knit under a navy sport coat. He says, “I’m trying to make sure that younger guys know—and even guys my age who’ve never been interested in style or fashion—that it’s OK to be interested in your appearance and how you present yourself.” For the 58-year-old, a distinctive part of this appearance is his full silver beard. He documents it all on the YouTube platform Beardbrand Alliance, along with fitness, lifestyle and fashion. Berzinsky adds, “I really encourage people to grow a beard once in their lives... just to see what it looks like.”
Meeting Jesus (and meeting Mary, my wife) changed my life. And, on a superficial level, growing a beard.
My earliest style memory is seeing my parents dressed for a formal wedding—dad in a dark suit with his dark hair, smelling of Old Spice, and mom in a blue dress with chiffon sleeves and an updo. I can still see them, and it's the picture in my head when I think of them as being young.
In 10 years I hope to still be creating, no matter what my vocation is.
The worst fashion faux pas is to not have your clothes fit. Everyone can look 100% better instantly.
My fashion splurge is bespoke suits.
My favorite place to shop for clothes in the city is Suit Supply and Boyds Philadelphia.
My favorite part of my job is for architecture, finding functional solutions to problems that then bring delight to the senses. For influencing, inspiring people to be their best.
AHMAD JONES
It’s no surprise that Philadelphia fitness expert Ahmad Jones takes a fashion-meets-function approach to his wardrobe. Whether he’s instructing class at Barry’s or counting down reps during a private personal training session, Lululemon basics and on-trend athletic sneakers are his workday essentials. Raised in Washington, D.C., Jones moved to Philly to attend University of Pennsylvania and, away from training, is building a business alongside his identical triplet brothers. It’s an example of the team mentality Jones says they have had since they were kids. “Sharing basically everything, even the same face, was hard at times,” he says. “Our parents always talked about the synergy that my brothers and I had, and once I started to notice the advantages of the unique situation I was born into, everything changed for the better.” When Jones has a rare break from “the late nights and absurdly early mornings” that fill his calendar, he heads to Penn’s Landing when the weather is warm to blow off steam. “I’m a big salsa dancer, and the Moshulu has these summer dance socials that are a lot of fun.” Wearing sneakers, of course.
In three words I would describe my style as functional, simple and accented.
When I was a kid, I was outdoorsy.
If I could turn back time, I would tell myself to stop measuring my success using the metrics of other people.
The best advice I ever got was stop looking for money to make and start looking for people to help.
My style hero is Michael B. Jordan.
My favorite part of my job is meeting new people every day and curating a workout experience for those people.
MATTHEW THURLOW
The first notable piece of clothing that Matthew Thurlow purchased for himself was a seersucker suit. A staple of preppy style, this warm-weather, travel-friendly essential served Thurlow well during the early days of his career, with positions at venerable art institutions like Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. For the last six years, he’s served as executive director of the Decorative Arts Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and studying the history and significance of fine objects. Besides providing grants and internships, a significant part of what the trust does happens far beyond its Media headquarters. “We host two dozen events each year across the country and overseas,” says Thurlow of the organization’s growing travel programming. This year’s schedule includes trips to Louisville, Ky., and Northern Italy. “We try to offer our members a chance to dive in and explore the sites of historical importance in a region.”
In three words I would describe my style as pro-bow tie.
When I was a kid, I enjoyed a peripatetic lifestyle.
My motto is if you are not the smartest person in the room, make sure you are the hardest working. N.B. I am never the smartest person in the room.
My style hero is Tom Savage, director of external affairs at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library.
My most treasured possession is my wedding ring.
If I wasn't in my current career, I would work in the craft beer industry.
My favorite part of my job is helping young people achieve their goals.
My perfect day is spending time with my family.
DAVID ORPHANIDES
David Orphanides may be one of the most respected real estate lawyers around, but when he’s not busy making large-and small-scale projects happen for his many real estate clients, this motorcycle aficionado spends a whole lot of time thinking about design and style. “I look at every project our firm works on not only through the legal eye of a lawyer, but through the artistic lens of an architect and designer as well,” says the dashing 56-year- old founding partner of the Center City-based boutique law firm Orphanides & Toner. And it’s a philosophy he tries to impress upon members of his firm, all of whom are encouraged to be as boldly creative as he is. Orphanides’ personal style, a mix of rakish sophistication with a touch of rebellion, mimics the guiding principles of how he treats his clients—with bespoke care and an individualized point of view. “I strive not to be bound by the norm or to take the same approach as others—whether that’s me dressing with my own sense of style or obsessing over novel and imaginative approaches that enable me to be uniquely successful in achieving my clients’ ultimate goals,” he says. “I take pride in being different than everyone else.”
The craziest thing I ever did was climb Mount Kilimanjaro last year with virtually no preparationor training...just because.
My biggest regret is not chatting up David Bowie while standing next to him at Pastis in NYC.
I'm known for my sincerity, honesty and integrity.
I want my legacy to be that my boys, Sebastian and Alexander, find meaningfulness and joy in whatever it is they do.
To Boot New York and Puma are my favorite shoe designers.
Three things on my bucket list are visiting Tibet, riding a motorcycle around the world and surfing a killer wave on Hawaii's North Shore.
The first piece of clothing I bought was a black t-shirt from SuperTramp's Breakfast in America tour.
I'm most confident when I'm wearing the motorcycle boots I bought at the Plaka in Greece.
In the next year I hope to spend more quality time with the people I love.
ZEEK BURSE
You may remember the name Zeek Burse from his electric performance at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia’s grand opening, or maybe it was from one of his three-stage shows at 2018’s Firefly Festival. But regardless of where the soul-jazz-rock-pop-infused musician performs, there’s one thing that stays the same: his edgy style. “To me, style is a spontaneous expression. You write it on your own,” says the Illinois native, who moved to Philadelphia in 2011 to expand his music career and now lives in Francisville. Currently, he’s finishing up a few new singles and an album set to release this year. “I always tell people that my family heirloom is music,” he says. “[For gigs], it’s very important to know where you’re going, who you’re performing in front of, what’s required for that time, and then dressing accordingly.” While his onstage look can be more elaborate, his day-to-day still mixes fun elements like boldly patterned pants and mix-and-match earrings. “I try not to wear the same matching pair on the right or left side,” he says. “I think it’s representative of who I am as a creative and as a person.”
Philadelphia, as well as the decision to operate in humility, have changed my life for the better.
My style hero is either Prince or Janelle Monaé (some would argue one inspired the other). I dig them both.
If I could turn back time, I would tell myself to relax kid, and embrace who you are in its entirety.
The first item of clothing I bought for myself was a crisp white, slim-fitted, straight-point collar shirt. Fresh!
I am known for my vocal ability, live performance and unpredictability. I love the last one!
