MEN OF STYLE | Man Power
No limits, no hang ups… The LCAHouston’s Men of Style defy cliches. We put an educator, a businessman, a wine maker, a writer, and a lawyer together. Though each has their own unique look, there is a common thread of style that runs through them all.
Photos By | Judy Escalante
Rob Todd
Amplified Solutions CEO Rob Todd, an ‘Outstanding Innovator’, has a striking personality with a classic ‘no tie please’ style. His dedication to his family, friends, and work in the tech industry is inspiring. Rob is a tremendous asset to the business community and strongly believes in supporting the community. He stays politically involved to make Houston a better place.
Howard Tate
This father of two teenage daughters is the proud husband of Toni. Howard has spent his career in the oil and gas industry, most recently as Chief Financial Officer of a large, private E&P company. Howard lives in LUCHO suits. He doesn’t think he is necessarily trendy or fashionable, but he is most certainly well dressed at all times. When Howard is not out-and-about supporting various charities, he enjoys wine and good laughs with friends, and can be often found at local golf courses.
James Lassiter
When he is not walking the ramp in a Festari For Men suit for Una Notte In Italia, James is busy solving cases and representing clients at the Lassiter Law Firm. James stands truly “Texas Strong” and jumps in with full energy when his client is in need. Fighting for justice is not an easy task, but that is Lassiter’s mission. When it comes to fashion he says “I just love Festari For Men suits.”
Eduardo Varas
Though this native from Chile holds an engineering degree as well as an MBA, he is currently following his passion as the Co-Founder and CEO of Pura Wines. After many years in various corporate roles, Varas pursued his vision to curate high quality, estate-bottled wines from boutique wineries to the US market. He began an import and distribution business focusing on South American wines. Utilizing his knowledge in oenology, Eduardo enjoys educating customers on food and wine pairings.
[From Left] Gregg Harrison, Mohammad Ali Dhanani, and Antonio Merlo
Photos By | Cindy Cheng Photography
Mohammad Ali Dhanani
It was hard to catch up with this guy, but we managed to corner him while he was preparing to jet to New York for a lunch meeting. While Tom Ford and Etro are his favorite go to formals, Ali is a really a simple guy with great family values who focuses on spearheading his family business to great heights. He lives his ambitious life by the rules of his late father, Hassan Ali Dhanani, who was not only his mentor but also his Hero. Together with his wife Habiba, they love giving back to the community. His favorite quote from his father: “Anybody can live for themselves, but it’s when you live for others, that’s called LIVING LIFE.”
Antonio Merlo
He will charm you with his intelligence and gorgeous Italian accent. Antonio Merlo is the George A. Peterkin Professor of Economics. He has served as the Dean of the Social Sciences since 2016 and is the founding and current Director of the Rice Initiative for the Study of Economics (RISE). While we might mistake him for a model, Merlo is more than just about good looks. He has a rich history in water polo. He played on the Italian Youth National Team, then joined a professional team in Italy, served as the head coach of the water polo team at the University of Minnesota, founded the water polo program at New York University, and coached the University of Pennsylvania water polo club team to an Ivy League Championship. Friendly, compassionate, and very down to Earth, Antonio also enjoys opera and bollicine.
Gregg Harrison
This attorney and contributing writer for Culturemap describes his style as eclectic, varying from Tom Ford flare to bold Gucci and Roberto Cavalli. Pocket squares, scarves, and watches are his style statements. When he is not attending social events, Gregg indulges in photography, painting, and raising funds for Houston Power Lawyers.
