Fashion Profile | Alex Martinez

When it comes to loving Houston and its diversity, no one does it better than Alex Martinez. Since moving here 12 years ago from Latin America, he has been involved in various organizations such as The Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation, the Houston Parks Board, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, Leadership Houston, Camara de Empresarios Latinos, AIDS Foundation Houston, Out for Education, The National Victory Fund, The Human Rights Campaign, Houston Equal Rights Alliance, H.E.A.R.T., The Hispanic Heritage Awards and the Houston Consular Ball.

Alex earned a BS in Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Physics at Tec de Monterrey on a full scholarship. It’s clear that he’s a smart guy, but with one look, it’s also clear he’s well versed in fashion and dressing to impress. From well tailored essentials to more risky pieces, Alex knows how to make a splash anywhere he goes. Lights Camera Action spotted Alex Martinez looking fashionable in his colorful tailored shirts, looking sharp and fun at the same time. Whether its hanging out with his favorite girlfriends or lunching with Tommy Hilfiger, Alex makes sure he looks his best. Editor/TV Host Ruchi Mukherjee sat down with Alex Martinez at Pondicheri restaurant to know more about his wardrobe and more.

What do you think about Houston’s fashion scene in such a diverse city?

As the nation’s most diverse city with consulates representing 80-plus countries, the Texas Medical Center, and our Port which is the gateway to Latin and South America, Houston is able to import and export fashion influence worldwide. Houstonians, led by icons like Lynn Wyatt, and brilliant civic leaders like Y. Ping Sun and Dr. Renu Kator, showcase that fashion world-wide. As second only to New York in being home to Fortune 500 companies, Houston executives and their spouses, like Chevron’s amazing Astely and Alex Blair, also provide a globally visible view of leading fashion.

We also have the fashion resources that support it with the Galleria, a robust, risk-taking boutique community, and a long history of small consignment and edgy shops. Only in Houston could a little Montrose shop become a leading high fashion house, Tootsies! And now we have designers like David Peck and his fashion incubator.

Because our weather doesn’t make a black suit or black pull-over seem that appealing, we see our male executives in international labels like Brioni, Canali, Berluti, Huntsman—or American leaders like Daniel Taylor of Brooklyn Designers.

And the ladies, well, they always stun, and I see a trend for them to push their guys to the edge a bit more too!

What’s in your closet?

Everything!!! From traditional dress shirts and pants, formal shoes and sneakers, coats and suits; to the extreme pieces of garments including bow ties and extreme belts as well good pieces of jewelry to create accidental effortless looks for every occasion.

My friends don’t describe me as shy and I love being the center of attention! I dress my outgoing friendly personality — hopefully letting people feel comfortable that I’m an interesting individual that they can get to know easily and have a conversation with without being intimidated.

Some of my favorite designers brands are Paul Smith, Etro, Gucci, Prada, Thom Browne, Ted Baker, Ami and Ferragamo.

Your favorite hang out spots in Houston?

The scene in Houston always varies depending on whether you are out dining, having cocktails with friends, out on a date, clubbing, at a social event, or at a cultural function. There are great choices within a couple of blocks wherever you are.

You would not step out of your house without your…?

Lip Gloss.