Style Hall of fame: 23 innovations changing the fashion world

Edward Wilkerson

BY TONYA LESLIE

Understated and classic in a white buttoned-down shirt and dark skinny jeans, Edward Wilkerson moves slowly and deliberately as he styles the model before him, pausing to consider each handwoven bracelet and soft leather glove. He is passionate and particular about the texture of his designs--an approach that has taken the 11-year-old label known as Lafayette 148 New York on an upward swing with $75 million in revenue projected for this year. Wilkerson got his start in fashion working at Donna Karan and Calvin Klein. He joined 2Lafayette 148 in 1998 with a sense of practical elegance inspired by his travels to Africa. His designs are infused with deep earth tones, natural fabrics, intricate hand beading, and delicate weaves and appeal to professional women and celebrities like Halle Berry and Oprah. "If you ever saw a sunset in Kenya, it's something that never leaves your eyes," says Wilkerson thoughtfully as he runs his hands over a beautiful Brazilian raffia and silk fabric that indeed resembles the deep brownish red of an evening sky. Wilkerson's African-inspired flair is constantly evolving and the label's growth is indicative of his success. "I've always been inspired by Africa, and I think, being an African-American, it's instinctual."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

ARBITERS of BEAUTY Beauty is not just about how you look, it's about how you feel. These makeup artists and hairstylists are masters of illusion--accentuating the sublime, camouflaging the imperfect and creating the nonexistent--yet they are committed to something very real: the feeling of beauty.

BY MARA SCHIAVOCAMPO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEITH MAJOR

Sam Fine

Sam Fine's clients--including Iman, Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks--are some of the most naturally beautiful women in the world, yet, through his artistry, he transforms their natural sparkle into sunlike brilliance, elevating beauties to style icons. With his book, Fine Beauty, and an upcoming product line, Fine wants makeup to feel more accessible. Longtime muse Iman says Fine has a "God-given gift to make women of color shine."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Kimberly Kimble

Kimberly Kimble, Beyonce's primary hairstylist, has not only developed a 35-product hair-care line, she has also opened two beauty salons, one of which she is transforming into a school. "She truly enjoys every aspect of hairstyling," says client Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon. Kimble, who names Madame C.J. Walker as an inspiration, strives to be both a master stylist and a businesswoman. "I want to be remembered as someone who has helped revolutionize hair care."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Reggie Wells

This Emmy Award-winning, 35-year industry veteran has made some of the world's most famous women look more beautiful. Wells worked with Oprah and Beyonce before they became household names. Wells, who is the primary Oprah Winfrey Show makeup artist, also penned an instructional book, Face Painting, in 1998. "What I'm doing is teaching others ... leading them in the way."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Oscar James

Hairstylist Oscar James is the quiet force behind some of the fiercest heads in Hollywood. Halle Berry turned to him before her historic Academy Award win and Vanessa L.Williams raves about his "vision and creativity." Of his own style. James says simply, "I like a woman who looks pampered." While his masterful coiffures steal the spotlight, however, he prefers to stay in the background. "I live for service."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Roxanna Floyd

These days, Roxanna Floyd not only uses makeup. she creates it. Floyd is working on CoverGirl's Queen Collection, choosing the color palettes for foundation, eye shadow, lipstick and nail polish. She attributes her career longevity to her efforts to achieve "excellence in beauty." "I've never met a makeup designer who is as phenomenal as she is," says client Angela Bassett. "She is just exquisite."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

STYLE SCRIBES

BY JULIA CHANCE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ

If fashion were a Greek drama, then journalists Constance White, Teri Agins, and Robin Givhan would be the chorus, interpreting for us the action on stage. As fashion editors and the style director for eBay, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, respectively, they report on the trends, cultural signifiers and business affairs of a multibillion-dollar industry that's a curious mix of art and commerce. "They're role models for their craft and their specialties," says Bud Konheim, CEQ of Nicole Miller Ltd. "Each has a way of getting the story, and they're disarming, so you want to be their best friend and tell them more than you would tell anyone else."

Constance White

In an industry that's very much about reinvention, this style guru has had the good fortune to ply her trade in a number of different media: First, publishing, then television, and now the blogosphere. As eBay's style director, White authors her own blog ("Fashion Is My Life"), where she gives her take on runway shows and celebrity style while offering tips for wearing the latest trends. Long before eBay, however, White deemed it part of her job to highlight Black designers. "I've brought Black talent into the conversation," says White. "It's ... helped [my colleagues] to be more aware of our contributions to style."