Lance Avery Morgan
Portrait photography courtesy of Chuck Steelman
When Dallasite Chuck Steelman walks into a room, it’s as though the lights dim just slightly—only to let his presence shine brighter. A man of impeccable taste and a natural knack for hospitality, Steelman has become synonymous with Dallas’ most dazzling events and social circles. From his finely tailored wardrobe to his finely tuned instinct for building connections, he’s not just a personality; he’s a phenomenon in his role as Chief Customer and Experience Officer at the tony store, Stanley Korshak, the headquarters for all things luxe in Big D. Whether orchestrating elegant soirées, championing charitable causes, or simply being the life of the party, Steelman doesn’t just embrace the Dallas ethos—he elevates it in his volunteer role with Fashion Group International, and plenty more.
In a city known for its outsized glamour and ambition, Steelman has carved out a reputation as the go-to connoisseur of all things fabulous. But behind the shimmer and shine lies a thoughtful innovator who understands that true style is as much about heart as it is about haute couture. So, what makes Chuck Steelman tick? Prepare to be charmed, as he shares his mojo and know-how with his longtime pal, our own Lance Avery Morgan.
The best career advice I’ve received is…
Chuck Steelman: One of my music theory professors once told me, “The difference between being good and being great is paying attention to the details.” I have never forgotten that statement, and I have always applied this in everything I do.
Three qualities that got me where I am today are…
Chuck Steelman: My personality and ability to connect with people, being organized, as well as a creative thinker.
Easiest career decision I ever made is…
Chuck Steelman: Moving to Dallas. love Dallas and have had so many opportunities in this city, including my current role as Chief Customer and Experience Officer for Stanley Korshak. Overseeing public relations, marketing, and VIP client relations is very exciting and has allowed me to be creative and travel the globe.
Due to my ongoing involvement with fashion and style, I have found that…
Chuck Steelman: Being a member of Fashion Group International has connected me to fashion leaders across the globe. I first joined FGI in New Orleans and served as its Regional Director before relocating to Dallas in 2005. At that time, my membership transferred to the Dallas chapter, and I became a board member a couple of years later. I served as the regional director for three years and reinvented the Night of Stars event. Since 2017, I have served as a district director for FGI and oversee the chapters in Dallas, DC, Houston, and Los Angeles. FGI’s motto is “Connections Matter” and it really is true. I always encourage people who work in fashion or design to join and get involved.
What is influencing me right now in retail and beyond is…
Chuck Steelman: It’s all about the experience. Experiential marketing is key to the success of any retailer. You have to create an experience that money cannot buy. You have to open the door and provide access to something that the client cannot discover on their own. At Stanley Korshak, we have been very successful in creating wow moments and exceptional experiences like taking clients to Milan Fashion Week, to Coomi’s home in South Florida, which included a ride on her yacht to dinner, and Naples, Italy to the Kiton factory. Two of our most successful experiences include traveling to Los Angeles to visit with Sylva Yepremian of Sylva & Cie and Loree Rodkin. We hosted clients at their homes, dined with a celebrity at their favorite LA restaurant, and shopped in their showroom. We also have had big success with creating in-store experiences like hosting “Bougie Art Classes” with Donald Drawbertson, pop-up shops with brands like Giambattista Valli and Frank & Eileen, and producing live performances inside the 120-foot visual windows.
How I made my first dollar…
Chuck Steelman: I was on the Teen Board of a local department store in Mobile, Alabama called Gayfers. I had the opportunity to work in the store, model in print ads, and even work as an assistant to the store’s corporate fashion director. The store was part of the Mercantile, Inc. company and was a fantastic community-centric store. This is also where I developed my passion for fashion and retail.
First music I bought was…
Chuck Steelman: It was a cassette single of Wham’s Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.
Last thing I binge/marathon watched…
Chuck Steelman: Netflix’s Beauty in Black. My friend and Texan, Crystle Stewart, former Miss Texas USA and Miss USA in 2008, plays the role of “Mallory” in the series.
and Chuck Steelman
I also recently attended Miss America in Orlando. It was my sixth time to attend Miss America over the years and my first time to attend the event since it relocated to Orlando, Florida. The past three years, I had the honor of serving as a judge for Miss Alabama, Miss New York and Miss South Carolina. So, it was exciting to see these girls as well as Miss Texas and two other states that I knew, Miss Tennessee and Miss Georgia. It was a fun night for me to watch as Miss Texas and Miss Alabama were the last two standing. I was thrilled that Abbie Stockard, Miss Alabama, was named Miss America and I was so proud of the top five. I love supporting Miss America as a volunteer because of the scholarship opportunities and community service projects.
If I lived in a foreign city it would be…
Chuck Steelman: Paris. I have visited the city on work trips many times throughout my career in fashion. I love the food, culture, people and historic places. I also speak French, so it makes it easy for me to navigate my way through the city.
What everyone should try in their lifetime is…
Chuck Steelman: To visit Alaska and helicopter to the top of a glacier. The view and experience were life-changing.
If I could compete in an Olympic sport, or create one, it would be…
Chuck Steelman: How to get dressed in a tuxedo in five minutes or less.
Book that left a lasting impression on me…
Chuck Steelman: Rena Pederson’s The King of Diamonds. I love that the story takes place in Dallas. I enjoy watching crime documentaries, so I had fun reading this book. I highly recommend this read and I am so excited we welcomed Rena to Stanley Korshak in December.
On that note, my favorite fictional character is…
Chuck Steelman: James Bond due to his international mystery and his impeccable style.
If I weren’t doing what I do…
Chuck Steelman: I would be an attorney.
A celebrity I would prank phone call and what I would ask them is…
Chuck Steelman: Well, I do love a good prank call, and my college friends can confirm I am pretty good at it, too. I would prank call Morgan Fairchild. I met her many years ago when our paths crossed through a charity event. We became fast friends, and I love that she is originally from Dallas. For the call, I would try to make her believe I was a past boyfriend who wanted to circle back and take her on a date.
My hidden talent that most people might not guess is…
Chuck Steelman: My ability to sing and play the piano. I am classically trained but have not performed in many years. I do know that I am successful today due to my extensive arts background.
If I had a superpower, I’d surely want it to…
Chuck Steelman: Be able to communicate with animals so I could talk to my Jack Russell Terrier and find out what he is always thinking about…the good, bad, and the ugly.
Favorite scent these days is…
Chuck Steelman: I am into Niven Morgan’s “Winter Fig” candle. I adore his “Paris” candle and burn it throughout my home all the time. I am also loving his new “Amber, Vanilla, and Tobacco” soy candle.
A phrase I might overuse would be…
Chuck Steelman: OMG.
My motto? Easy. It is…
Chuck Steelman: Take advantage of every opportunity because you only live once.
My style icons are…
Chuck Steelman: David Beckham, Zachary Quinto, Brunello Cucinelli, Matt Bomer, and Tom Ford.
My personal style signifier is…
Chuck Steelman: A good designer sneaker, especially from Gucci, Fendi, Prada, and Tom Ford. I also love a good Thom Browne jacket and a Brunello Cucinelli cardigan.
The classic designer I wish was still designing today would be…
Chuck Steelman: Halston. I think he had a flair for design that was trend-setting.
The last meal that truly impressed me was…
Chuck Steelman: Two come to mind. I think the Tango Room in Dallas has the best steak in town––I had a filet and the lobster corn dogs. The atmosphere and vibe make this restaurant one of my favorite places. I also love the fish and chips at Green Point on Knox Street––this spot has become one of my favorite places for Friday night dinner or Sunday lunch.
In my fridge, you will always find…
Chuck Steelman: La Croix orange sparkling water. The lemon gelato from Gelato La Boca is always in my freezer.
What I am also looking forward to is…
Chuck Steelman: I am excited to emcee the annual Telluride AIDS Benefit Fashion Week in February. I recently met several community leaders in Telluride, Colorado when I was there on a business trip. When Jessica Galbo, TAB’s Executive Director asked me to emcee this major charity event, I immediately said yes! The event is themed ICONIC and will be held February 20-22, 2025. It is the charity’s largest fundraiser and one of the most important events during the year for the city of Telluride. I am impressed with all the educational programs TAB promotes and they give so much support to those who are living in HIV and AIDS. The event also kicks off the annual Telluride Gay Ski Week, so it will be a lot of fun. Tickets and Sponsorships are available at www.tellurideaidsbenefit.org
My perfect day would end…
Chuck Steelman: Two ways. Drinking margaritas at Doce Mesas in Uptown with great friends, or at home taking a hot bath using Antica Farmacista “Prosecco” products…followed by watching mindless TV with my Jack Russell Terrier, Baron.
On my tombstone, it might say…
Chuck Steelman: Hopefully, something that references all the volunteer and charity work in which I love to participate. Throughout my life, I have served on 13 non-profit boards in four states and have learned how one person can make a huge difference in the life of someone less fortunate.
