In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion and lifestyle, a new generation of influencers has emerged, rewriting the rules, and setting new standards. This exclusive editorial countdown introduces you to a who´s who of captivating trendsetters, all of whom are leaving an indelible mark on the modern style scene.

Get ready to be inspired as we countdown the ten individuals who embody the essence of contemporary fashion, lifestyle, and digital influence; with their magnetic personalities, impeccable fashion sense, and unique perspectives, these modern-day icons are shaping the way we perceive and express ourselves in this indisputably fast-paced era. As we delve into their stories, you’ll discover how they have navigated the currents of change, blazing their own paths and inspiring many along the way.

This piece is a celebration of the individuals who not only influence fashion, design and philanthropy but also redefine our approach to lifestyle. They champion self-expression, sustainability, and wellness, bringing a fresh perspective to our lives. Through their captivating interviews, we’ll unveil their personal journeys and explore the ways they have transformed the world around them for the better.

Join us as we uncover the secrets of these remarkable visionaries, each with their own unique style and voice.

Buck Palmer

Topping our countdown is Buck Palmer, an entrepreneur, jewellery designer, model, and internet personality whose iconic personal style resonates across the fashion industry. His creativity, fueled by the rich experiences gathered from his travels, is reflected in the unique “Rustic Luxe” jewellery his brand is renowned for. Luxe materials such as .925 silver and premium metals are shaped into masculine, handcrafted pieces that serve as everyday symbols of personal expression.

Buck’s lifestyle is a harmony of work, play, and introspection. His routine is anchored by daily Vedic meditation, a ritual that brings balance and clarity, infusing a sense of wellness into his professional life. The thrill of surfing and social interactions bring a balance to his busy work schedule, underscoring a holistic approach to living that transcends the ordinary.

Adding a new chapter to his successful journey, Buck is eagerly venturing into clothing design, planning to extend the rustic-luxe vibe of his brand to a wider wardrobe. At the heart of his enterprise is a profound respect for the environment. Every purchase made from his brand contributes to a greener planet, with a tree planted for each item sold. Buck’s philosophy goes beyond fashion – he advocates for men to discover their authentic selves, live true to their passions, and let their unique style be an extension of their identity.

Renée Blythewood

Renée Elizabeth Blythewood, philanthropist and global volunteer, has become an icon through her generosity and the distinctive manner in which she navigates her multifaceted life. A devoted mother to her son, Levi, and an ambassador for Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation, Renée embodies empathy, energy, and compassion, leaving every place and person better than she found them.

Renée’s passion for aiding those in need is clear through her work with the Aspen Snow Ball and her ongoing efforts in Ukraine. She strives to alleviate the suffering of children affected by pediatric cancer and war, marking her impact on humanity through selfless dedication. This empathy extends to her home, where she embraces the role of motherhood wholeheartedly, fostering curiosity and companionship with her son, Levi.

Renée’s endeavours expand beyond philanthropy and parenting, diving into the world of real estate, interior design, and even gourmet cooking. Despite her various ventures, she finds balance and joy in every day, with an openness for introspection and a goal to continue personal growth in the coming years. Renée’s fascinating life, filled with random encounters and passions, like her love for classical music and gardening, adds a captivating aura to her charismatic persona, rendering her an inspiring icon in our countdown.

Rayan Ricci

As a beacon of fitness, fashion, and formidable ambition, Rayan Ricci has garnered widespread admiration. A widely celebrated internet influencer, model, and founder of the Ricci Fitness App, Rayan combines his passion for well-being, exploration, and creativity to pave his unique path to success.

Drawing inspiration from his love for different cultures and the pursuit of a drama-free lifestyle, Rayan emphasises mental health and wellbeing. His bold move to actualize his American dream while working towards an acting career and launching an underwear brand speaks volumes about his dynamic vision. With a style statement that marries simplicity with luxury, favouring basics accented with upscale footwear and accessorised with rings and sunglasses, he exudes an effortlessly cool vibe.

Rayan is best characterised by his fun-loving nature, fierce loyalty, and ceaseless ambition. His mantra revolves around spreading positive energy, staying true to the ones he cherishes, and relentlessly working towards realising his dreams. A typical day in his life strikes a harmonious balance between work, fitness, socialising, and downtime, perfectly capturing his mantra of leading a wholesome life. Rayan Ricci, with his infectious energy and boundless ambition, is a force to be reckoned with, making his mark in our editorial countdown.

Kelsey Norris

Kelsey Norris, a force to be reckoned with in the global fashion arena, has made a name for herself with her profound fashion sense and innate ability to stay ahead of trends. Having worked with the esteemed Albright Fashion Library and showcased her talent as a top model with NTA Models and NTA Talent, Norris has earned international acclaim.

She is a creative powerhouse, a celebrated stylist and soon-to-be lifestyle blogger based in Milan, Italy, with her work reflecting her discerning eye for detail, her passion for quality, and her flair for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Kelsey’s design inspirations are as eclectic as they are timeless. She draws from the elegance of the jazz age, the aesthetic of French cinema from the 60s, the glamour of the ’70s, and the sensuality of the ’90s. These disparate elements come together in her work to create something entirely unique.

This blend of old and new, paired with the inspiration she draws from travel and luxurious natural destinations, makes Kelsey’s style both distinctive and globally inspired; in describing herself, Kelsey chooses three words: creative, driven, and elegant. This is evident in her everyday essentials, which include making sketches and notes in her leather-bound diary, enjoying the sensation of wearing something vintage, and the spritz of her signature fragrance. These routines underscore her appreciation for the tactile and sensory pleasures in life, underpinning her creative process and keeping her connected to her work.

Each of these elements, from the tranquil to the exciting, contributes to her creativity and ability to stay inspired in her work.
In her current endeavors, Kelsey is pouring her creativity into the interior styling of her new Milan home, a project that’s being brought to life thanks to her collaboration with interior designer Francesco Meneghello.

This project allows her to infuse her unique style into her personal space, blending Italian craftsmanship with her own distinct aesthetic. Beyond her personal project, Kelsey is gearing up for collaborations during Milan Fashion Week and the launch of her much-anticipated lifestyle platform, Kelseystyle.com. This new venture will undoubtedly bring her unique perspective on style, fashion, and lifestyle to a wider audience, inviting us all into her glamorous world.

Norris concludes by expressing her gratitude to Collin Stark for his photography and the Albright Fashion Library for doing what they do best.

Cory Paul Martin

Cory Paul Martin, a renowned entrepreneur, model, and influencer, is the life of the party wherever he goes. His irresistible charm and charismatic personality have not only earned him a network of friends and acquaintances around the world but also empowered him to create prosperous alliances and collaborations.

As the co-owner of the independent mezcal brand T.O. Mezcal, and an associate at The Eclectic Agency where he oversees the fashion and lifestyle PR division, Martin truly embodies a multi-faceted, dynamic individual.

Drawing inspiration from travel, Martin’s spirit is fuelled by the thrill of exploring unknown destinations, meeting new people, and immersing himself in diverse styles. The freedom to carve his own unique path amidst these uncharted territories serves as his ultimate muse. His open-mindedness and non-judgmental approach have not only contributed to his success but also empowered him to connect with a wide range of individuals and adapt to varied environments effortlessly.

Fashionably conscious, Martin’s everyday essentials revolve around his distinctive personal style. Hats from Tuluminati frequently feature in his ensembles, adding an element of ‘swag.’ As a devotee of Miansai jewellery, he often adorns himself with standout pieces like the black diamond cuff, ring, stacked necklaces, and a gold and diamond ring. Martin’s style, an ever-evolving canvas, mirrors his travel destinations, reflecting both his surroundings and personal preferences.

Describing himself as adventurous, compulsive, and kind, Martin’s life is a thrilling roller-coaster ride. His adventurous spirit shines through his love for exploring new places, his compulsive nature manifests in his readiness to plunge into unfamiliar situations, and his kindness is evident in his warm, accepting approach towards everyone he meets.

Adriana Popovic

A fusion of ambition, authenticity, and courage, Adriana Popovic has carved a niche for herself in the global fashion scene. Originally from picturesque Croatia, Popovic has found international acclaim as a highly sought-after stylist and fashion consultant. Balancing her time between the glamour of Miami and the hustle and bustle of New York City, she has become a familiar face in exclusive red carpet events and serves as an inspirational figure for aspiring stylists worldwide.

Popovic’s inspirations stem from a kaleidoscope of sources. Be it poring over archival designs, attending fashion shows, or following creative minds, her ideas are an eclectic blend of the past and the present. Further enriched by her global travel experiences, her approach to styling and consulting is imbued with a profound desire for continual learning and creative growth.

Popovic’s journey into fashion began with an innate love for clothes, followed by modeling gigs and internships with stylists during fashion school. Her sartorial skills, paired with her striking personal style, eventually paved her path towards styling and consultancy. For Popovic, fashion isn’t just about clothing; it’s a visual language that speaks to her creative sensibilities.

Everyday essentials for this fashion maven include oversized blazers, mini bags, sunglasses, and layered necklaces. A typical day in her life is a testament to her disciplined lifestyle and unwavering work ethic. From beginning her day with a workout to working on photoshoots, sourcing clothes, catering to private clients, and liaising with brands, Adriana Popovic’s lifestyle truly mirrors her enterprising spirit and commitment to fashion.

Oscar Yapor and Francisco Alvarez

Oscar Yapor and Francisco Alvarez, co-founders of Espiritu, are behind one of the fastest-growing footwear trends in the U.S. They’ve taken the traditional huarache and transformed it into a celebrated footwear masterpiece, transcending barriers and pioneering a revolution in the field.

Francisco Javier Alvarez, an architect by profession, is based out of Mexico City. At Espiritu, he leads the creative direction, public relations, and product development, as well as designs for stores and departments. Oscar Said Yapor, with an industrial engineering background, is based out of Los Angeles and oversees manufacturing, logistics, finance, and business development at Espiritu.
The inspiration for Espiritu came from a trip to central Mexico, where they discovered beautiful handmade huarache sandals at an artisanal market. After receiving an overwhelming response from the community back in Denver, they decided to import these sandals to sell at craft markets and farmers’ markets. Their business grew rapidly from there, and today they have stores in Mexico, their products placed in over 130 stores across the U.S., and a successful e-commerce platform that has sold over 50,000 pairs of huarache sandals. Their new goal is to represent the unrepresented ethnic groups of Mexico worldwide and be an ally for a better status quo.

Despite facing adversities, including giving up successful careers to pursue this venture and weathering two recessions and a pandemic since their business’s inception, Yapor and Alvarez remained resilient. They found motivation in each other and the passion for their project. Alvarez attributes his success to creativity, originality, and humility, while Yapor highlights his organization, meticulous attention to detail, and inspiring management style.

The duo’s most significant accomplishment is creating a thriving sustainable economy for the artisanal community. They started with just nine artisans in 2018 and now work with 247 artisans. They have also begun experimenting with sustainable materials in their manufacturing practices, such as recycling IV bags from a local hospital into soles for their huarache sandals.

They both have exciting projects in the works; Alvarez is developing a new line for Espiritu and designing the flagship store in Mexico City, while Yapor is implementing lean manufacturing practices and expanding Espiritu into new markets and continents. They describe themselves and their projects as creative, innovative, careful, persistent, consistent, and determined.

Leia Contois

At number seven in our countdown is Leia Contois – a name that has rapidly become a symbol of talent, diversity, and glamour in the music and fashion worlds. As a world-acclaimed DJ, an extraordinary fashion model who has graced the cover of Glamour Magazine’s Bulgarian edition, and a talented artist active on Playboy’s digital platform, Leia redefines what it means to be a creative force in the 21st century.

She wears many hats – as an artist, DJ, model, and more – yet she manages to excel in every role. For Leia, these are not just titles; they’re manifestations of her diverse talent and deep love for music and fashion. She brings an unprecedented energy to the electronic music scene, contributing not just as a DJ, but also as a recording artist, blending her performances with a distinctive sense of style and grace.

Leia’s rise in the industry is marked by several noteworthy milestones. Her collaboration with Todd Terry resulted in the hit single “The Sound,” while her team-up with Damian Lazarus and Gorgon City gave birth to “Start Over,” a track that celebrated its first anniversary with an energizing reboot remix. These feats are a testament to Leia’s musical prowess and her uncanny ability to work harmoniously with other talents in the field.

More than her collaborations, Leia’s unique sound has resonated with audiences globally, bringing her to perform at prestigious events and venues such as Red Rocks, Coachella, and numerous private parties in locations as diverse as Los Angeles, Tel Aviv, Paris, the Bahamas, Mykonos, Tulum, Ibiza, London, Capri, and Sayulita, among others.

Leia’s personal journey is as inspiring as her professional success. She embraces a multidimensional approach to her craft, striving to inspire others to pursue their dreams, whether in the music industry or elsewhere. She brings this unique perspective to her work, infusing it with an infectious energy that resonates with fans and industry insiders alike.

Matthew Rosenberg

Next up within our illustrious countdown is Matthew Rosenberg, a renowned architect, innovative creator, and founder of the illustrious M-Rad architecture firm, as well as the proprietor of Miami’s hotspot, Fabel. A multi-faceted entrepreneur, Matthew’s knack for designing engaging spaces and creating memorable experiences places him in a league of his own.

Matthew’s inspiration springs from his travels around the globe, enriching his architectural projects and the conception of Fabel, a unique gastronomy and mixology venue. Notably, his experience at Scorpios in Greece deeply resonated with him and fueled his desire to create a similar immersive and sensorial experience for his guests. Matthew’s love for immersive environments is reflected in Fabel, which has quickly become a favorite gathering spot for those seeking a distinctive atmosphere, and daring, delightful dishes.

Matthew describes himself in three words: innovative, witty, and caring. He displays a dynamic rhythm in his lifestyle, alternating between periods of intense work and travel, and restful retreats to his home in Los Angeles. His daily routine is a blend of physical activities, work, and a personal passion for cooking.

In a recent ambitious project, Matthew collaborated with Scuderia Alpha Tauri during the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Miami. In a bold move, a Formula 1 car was craned onto the rooftop of Fabel, offering guests a rare opportunity to see this engineering marvel up close. The event was a resounding success, symbolizing Matthew’s knack for presenting unique experiences and fostering significant partnerships.

But Matthew isn’t stopping there. With his eyes set on the horizon, he’s expanding the Fabel brand into an international hospitality group, with locations planned for New York City, Lisbon, and Italy. Moreover, he’s developing a series of unique pop-up activations, delivering Fabel’s immersive experience to a host of global destinations, including Mexico City, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi. In addition, Matthew has an exciting project underway in Joshua Tree, where he is constructing two architectural residences set to be incorporated into the Fabel Hospitality Group’s offerings.

Monica Hosseini

Shinig bright within our countdown is Monica Hosseini – an innovative and creative powerhouse whose name has become synonymous with creativity, strategic thinking, and resolute entrepreneurship. Based in Toronto, Miami, and Tulum, Monica is the founder of the prestigious Clique Agency, an organization known for its unique blend of creativity, strategy, and digital know-how.

Monica’s journey to success is a testament to her resilience, curiosity, and intuition. Born and raised in Toronto, she began her career in the bustling world of hospitality, specifically in creative marketing. After honing her skills at Icon Legacy Hospitality Group, she moved on to work for RKET Group, a premier music festival consulting agency, where she played an instrumental role in the conception and launch of the Vujaday Music Festival. This experience was a springboard for Monica, paving the way for her to establish her own creative agency.

Monica’s unique ability to listen to her intuition, in conjunction with her perpetual curiosity, has significantly contributed to her success. She believes that intuition has helped her connect with clients on a deeper level, understanding their desires beyond the directly communicated. It also allows her to make fast, effective decisions that align with her goals and creative vision. Meanwhile, her inherent curiosity pushes her to explore new ideas, experiences, and perspectives, enabling her to adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing industry.

Monica describes herself as resilient, empathetic, and ambitious – attributes that clearly shine through in her career and personal life. These traits have equipped her to bounce back from setbacks, understand and connect with others, and continually strive for excellence. Her passion for collaboration is the icing on the cake, enhancing her work and allowing her to contribute to a collective vision.

As Monica Hosseini continues to make waves in the creative and digital marketing industries, we’re excited to see how she will continue to transform businesses, disrupt norms, and inspire others. Her story is a shining testament to what one can achieve with resilience, empathy, ambition, and a deep-seated passion for creative expression.