It’s one thing to be stylish or to be styled, but being truly chic is another story. You can’t learn that – you just ARE. I see many fashionable people in my life, but to me, the women and men on this year’s list have a distinctive sense of style that is simply a cut above…

Chic Women

Anna dello Russo – Fashion Director At Large, Vogue Nippon

I met Anna last year at the Givenchy prêt-à-porter show. She was wearing a Balmain jacket – I was in Givenchy – we admired each other’s outfits. Then I saw her again at the Cavalli store opening in the most amazing green sequined Balmain dress. I had never met her before then, but now I see her everywhere in Paris and New York, never wearing the same outfit. Her wardrobe is incredible and she wears it all with grace and style.

Diane von Furstenberg – Designer

An icon – always looking natural and feminine, never too much makeup, never too much of anything. Less is more.

Elizabeth Lindemann – Socialite and Spence Parent

I know Elizabeth, as our daughters attended the same school in New York. Whether picking up her kids from school in simple jeans and a sweater or attending a black tie, Elizabeth is nothing less than the epitome of a natural American beauty – totally chic without looking like she tries hard.

Emmanuelle Alt – Fashion Director, Vogue Paris

Super chic right-hand to Carine Roitfeld. Emannuelle is almost always in jeans and high heels – very cool.

Giovanna Battaglia – Editor, L’Uomo Vogue

Another fashion showstopper. Giovanna is someone I’ve noticed over the years at the Paris Fashion Weeks – usually in short skirts with her hair up. Always looking impeccable and in style, but not a fashionista in the overdone sense. Her look always seems to be right on the money.

Laetitia Crahay – Accessories Designer, Chanel

I met Laetitia last summer at the Café de Flore. I had no idea who she was, she just looked so chic. She came over to my table and we chatted for a while. I admired her jewelry – and found out that she is the accessories designer for Chanel.

Now that I know who she is, I see Laetitia at the Chanel shows, of course, and at the nightclub Le Montana. She is very thin – which usually helps – but her bone structure, long hair and cool accessories are truly divine. She has her own look that suits her. I think she’s amazing, and so is her jewelry.

Mimma Viglezio – Executive VP of Global Communications, Gucci Group

During the cocktail party at the Business of Luxury Summit in Monaco last June I noticed a very chic woman carrying an Alexander McQueen handbag. I was wearing a McQueen dress – I’m kind of obsessed with him – so we started to chat. I, admiring her handbag, and she, my dress.

Mimma told me that she had seen me before at the Paris shows. I discovered that she is head of Global Communications for Gucci – how lucky. She gets to wear so many nice clothes from some of my favorite designers. Here she’s wearing Gucci. The metallic blue is a great contrast to her blonde hair. I recently ran into her at the Spring 2010 prêt-à-porter shows, and once again, she emanates chic.
UPDATE: Fashionair recently posted this great video on Mimma and what her work entails as public relations director of the Gucci Group. WWD has reported, however, that Mimma will be leaving her position at the end of 2009 to start a career as an independent consultant.

Skin – Musician and Model

I met Skin a couple of years ago at a Mario Testino soirée at the Hôtel Crillon. We just started chatting and dancing – so fun. Again, she was a stranger at first, but I learned that she’s a well-known singer and model. The white lace shirt she is wearing in this photo looks great against her black skin.

Chic Men

Bernard Henri Lévy – Intellectual, Philosopher, Journalist

Raises the bar for divine. I had the great pleasure of meeting Bernard at Le Mathis restaurant in Paris and then just recently again at the Café de Flore. Okay, being handsome helps, but he is so intelligent and charming. His style is simple – somewhat conservative – but always spot on and totally right for him. A man with a lot of class.

Carlos Souza – Publicist, Valentino

I love this picture of Carlos and me. Sorry I am in it too, but I had to use this photo because the purple vest was too beautiful. I mean, purple on a guy? Not easy. With his tan face – and bright smile – he looks amazing.

Hermann Bühlbecker – Owner of Lambertz, Chocolate Tycoon

He doesn’t look like he eats too much of his product, although he tells me he tries it all. He is fit, good looking, somewhat of a lady’s man – and why not? His striking good looks, his long hair and very distinct personal style make him stand out.

It’s hard for a guy to differentiate himself from other men – but Hermann does it with style and panache. In the summer I have seen him in linen pants and matching tops – which on some men could look weird – and for casual chic, in a tee shirt, jeans and Galliano leather jacket he just looks plain cool. His more buttoned up look is also distinct – he’s often not wearing a classic jacket and tie. This photo is probably one of his more structured looks, but I couldn’t find another of him alone – as he always has a million women surrounding him.

Jefferson Hack – Co-founder and Editor, Dazed and Confused and AnOther Magazine

Somewhat of a hipster. Not classically handsome, but he has a “look.” Jefferson is usually dressed cool and casually. I first met him briefly last March in Paris and just ran into him again at a Valentino party in New York.

Seal – Musician

Seal exudes sex appeal here with his broad smile. In a leather coat and simple shirt and tie – a few chains around his neck – wonder if he thought about his outfit? Maybe so. Nonetheless, this guy is chic and sexy.