These District gents prove that success comes with an eye on the art of fashion.
David Martins Photographed at the new Waldorf Astoria Washington, DC Photographed by Tony Powell Shoton location at Fiola Mare
DAVID MARTINS
Director of sales and marketing, Waldorf Waldorf Astoria (hilton.com)
David Martins’ job is to talk to people all day, every day. What might surprise those who meet the Portuguese transplant at the newly opened Waldorf Astoria is that he’s an introvert. “There’s a level of discomfort that I fight through because I love what I do,” he says. “I minored in psychology, so I try my best to read people and make meaningful connections. I have an innate and genuine interest in others.”
There’s no mistaking how Martins speaks sartorially. The marketing pro, who says he has used fashion as a way to express himself, defines his style as elegant, classic and refined. “For me, it’s all about the details, such as the fabric choice and accessories,” he says. “I have my initials embroidered on my shirt cuffs, and my suits are never complete without cuff links and a pocket square.” Martins favors Amsterdam-based Suitsupply (suitsupply.com), handcrafted shoes from his home country of Portugal and watches from Panerai (panerai.com).
“I also wear an assortment of bracelets that I’ve collected over the years from places I’ve traveled,” says Martins. “They’re not expensive, but they’re priceless to me because they provide wonderful memories. I’m wearing one right now that I picked up in Botswana; the donation helps save elephants. I love the way it looks, but it’s also very meaningful to me.”
With his new post in DC, Martins has chalked up living on five continents. “My father told me to always take a chance because you don’t want to wake up tomorrow thinking, ‘What if?,’” he says. “This really resonated with me and gave me the courage to pursue my passion and the strength to move away from my family and take on a life of international travel and adventure.”
ANDRÉ WELLS
Founder and principal, Events by André Wells (eventsbyandrewells.com)
If there’s a big, splashy event in Washington, chances are André Wells had a hand in making it memorable. The renowned event planner is not only responsible for major soirees in DC, but in spots across the United States and around the globe with clients like Comcast NBCUniversal, The Walt Disney Company, BET Networks, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and FedEx. Wells says the success of his company, now celebrating 20 years, is attributable to countless team members and advice he received early in his career from his mentor, Reginald Brown: “Think big, dream big, do the work and ignore the noise.”
While gala attendees are dressed regally, so is Wells. “I like high fashion! I like clothes that fit well, are bespoke and made to measure,” says the entrepreneur, who’s nearly 6 feet, 5 inches tall. “I love wearing all monochromatic looks, layering, and I also love wearing all black. My style sensibilities aren’t just about popular fashion trends, but more about fabrics, materials and accessories. I wear lots of colors—from blazers to trousers and from sweaters to socks.”
Wells’ favorite American designer is Ralph Lauren (ralphlauren.com). “His clothes are beautiful, and he knows what will look good on a man,” he says. “His clothes lack no detail, and the quality is unmatched.” Wells also favors Orlebar Brown (orlebarbrown.com), because he often works in the Caribbean and other tropical climates. “This designer is a genius with linen, cotton and terry cloth,” he says.
The genius label could be used for Wells when it comes to planning memorable events and establishing his standing in the business community. He learned the latter from BET co-founder Robert L. Johnson. “He often said to make sure you know who you are and what you’re worth, and stand by that—period.”
FABIO TRABOCCHI
Chef owner, Del Mar, Fiola Mare, Fiola, Sfoglina (fabiotrabocchi.com)
It’s 4:30 on a Thursday afternoon at Fiola Mare on the Georgetown waterfront, and Italian chef Fabio Trabocchi is the chillest man in the room. This, despite having to endure a range of uncomfortable poses for a photo shoot. I tell him we’re nearly done, sensing that his staff, which buzzes the dining room in preparation for dinner, is growing impatient with staying out of the camera’s eye. “It’s fine,” says Trabocchi, with a wry grin. “We do this every day.” Indeed, they do. And with the type of culinary perfection that has earned Trabocchi a James Beard Award and a constellation of Michelin stars. “I can come across as very serious and an introvert,” he says. “However, I do have a sharp sense of humor and like to laugh. In fact, restaurants provide me with a platform to make people happy and be less serious.”
Trabocchi’s personal style matches that of his cuisine: classic with a modern edge. “I have an appreciation for the craft and style for all kinds of fashion, whether it’s for a casual outing or a special occasion,” says Trabocchi, who favors Italian brands Armani (armani.com) and Canali (canali.com). “Italians are known for their accessories, and my favorites are Oliver Goldsmith (olivergoldsmith.com) eyeglasses from Insight Opticians in DC (insightdc.com). As for watches, I favor IWC (iwc.com) and Panerai (panerai.com). His go-to look includes everything in shades of blue, whether it’s a suit jacket for a night out or his everyday attire: blue jeans, a blue Armani T-shirt, a blazer and a pair of Italian low-top sneakers.
The top toque isn’t slowing down, with new restaurant openings slated over the next few years. This work ethic likely comes from his father, a farmer. “Nothing was spared when it came to a great meal, and that left a lasting impression on me as a chef,” says Trabocchi. “It affects everything I do when preparing a meal, designing menus and creating lasting memories for people who frequent our restaurants.”
JACK HOWARD
Hair colorist, Izzy Salon, Georgetown (@jackhowardcolor, izzydc.com)
To his quarter of a million followers on Instagram, Jack Howard is the LeBron James of hair coloring. The British expat’s daily reels are road maps for looking like someone the paparazzi would follow to the ends of the earth. Which makes sense, given Howard’s track record as an ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel; he has collaborated with publications like Vogue and Marie Claire, along with garnering the British Hairdressing Business Award for social media, Color World Commercial Genius designation and the Marie Claire award for top colorist. Howard is credited with bringing balayage to London, and he has showcased his technique and style to thousands of hairdressers on four continents.
So, yes, Howard’s world is defined by color, and it extends to his personal style. “Being British, I think I’m definitely a dandy,” he says. “British guys like their clothes, and I enjoy getting dressed. It’s a way to express myself—from tailored suits, loungewear and everything in between.”
Howard says he loves to mix things up with his personal style, commingling luxe like Gucci (gucci.com) with vintage. “My boilersuits, or jumpsuits, are always easy and can be dressed up with some John Hardy (johnhardy.com) jewelry. They’re really simple to pack and always go with a sneaker,” he says. “I’m currently obsessed with wide-leg trousers and sweater vests with a tank top. I also find COS (cos.com) is a great brand for basics and work attire, as it has lots of black. I’ve been finding more brands on TikTok and Instagram these days, but I do prefer to touch the fabric and try it on before I order—I’m 6 feet, 3 inches tall with a size 14 shoe!”
Now that he has lived near Capitol Hill for more than a year, Howard recalls his early days in the States learning from Los Angeles colorist Nancy Braun. “I love the way Americans embrace the hustle and that make-it-happen attitude,” he says. “It’s embedded into your genetic code. I took it back to London with me, and it has served me so well.”
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