Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Dallas Dweller: Steve Kemble

Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments. Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces.



Dallas Dweller: Steve Kemble
a.k.a America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru

Born and raised in Dallas, Steve Kemble says, "I come with a family saturated with Texas football coaches - my father, my brother, my step-brother, 3 uncles, 1 nephew and 4 cousins! Somehow, I ended up with the 'sassy' gene!" Steve attended college at Texas State University and graduated with a degree in Public Relations with a dream of planning amazing parties and events. "When I went to college there were no event planning or production companies. All major events were orchestrated by PR and advertising companies, so a PR degree it was!" exclaims Kemble. Upon graduation he was hired to be on the event staff for US Congressman Jim Collins (the seat now held by Pete Sessions) in his US Senate race against Lloyd Bentsen. From there he worked in the PR Department of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism Department of the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, and for Lee Iacocca on the Statue of Liberty Restoration Project. After completing the project with Iacocca, Kemble decided it was time to start his own event production company, Steve Kemble Event Design.

Steve Kemble can often be seen out with pals LeeAnne Locken, ME - Cynthia Smoot, Tiffany Hendra and partner, Chad Collom. Celebrating National Happy Hour Day at El Bolero on November 12, 2015

You might recognize Kemble from the many reality shows he participated in including Whose Wedding Is It Anyway, Sheer Dallas, Platinum Weddings, Married Away, and ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Wedding Edition to name a few. On Extreme Makeover Kemble was represented by mega Hollywood agency CAA. "In a strategy meeting about me at CAA, one of the suits said "you are so sassy and we want to expand your brand beyond just events and weddings to all things lifestyle: food, travel, design, and more." From that meeting the brand Steve Kemble, America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru evolved. Kudos to CAA for working their magic, because Kemble is now a member of the US Weekly Fashion Police and has filmed hundreds of lifestyle segments for television including Good Morning Texas, FOX’s Good Day (where he appears as “Stylin Steve”), Good Morning America, CNN, CBS 11 and more. He has appeared on countless red carpets providing fashion commentary at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, American Music Awards, FOX American Idol Finale, Country Music Awards and more. In the last year, CAA has added the tagline "The Life of the Party" to Kemble's brand messaging due to all the emcee work he does. Locally, you can catch Steve on KVIL, 103.7 where his “Dose of Sass” reports air 7 times daily and he's in the studio live on Uncorked with Leigh Ann and Courtney Kerr every Friday from 3-7:00 PM. He's long-time besties with LeeAnne Locken, so there's also a pretty good chance he will be making an appearance or three in the upcoming Real Housewives of Dallas series. Sorry fellas, but Steve is currently off the market. While his public life may appear wild and crazy, he's happiest at home with partner, Chad Collom, his two Chihuahua’s Lavern and Leopold, and Westie, Jack.

Steve Kemble rivals Elton John and Liberace when it comes to the title of snappiest dresser. The man has a jacket or suit for any occasion.  


RAPID FIRE Q&A WITH STEVE KEMBLE:

OSC:  When you need some “me” time, where do you go or what do you do to relax?

SK:  I can 100% recharge by turning off all social media outlets for 24 hours, staying home with loved ones, a pile of movies and a fabulous Stoli martini (up, very chilled, 2 olives!)!

OSC:  What are your favorite restaurants in Dallas?

SK:  Parigi, Stephan Pyles, and Fearing’s at the Ritz Carlton. If you don’t love Dean Fearing’s Tortilla Soup, you are not a “real” Dallasite!

OSC: You are always the best dressed person in the room. Talk to me about your amazing wardrobe. Where do you shop?

SK: I have over 250 jackets in my wardrobe. Many are couture that I been collecting for over 20 years. My favorite designers filling my closet are Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino and more! When it comes to adding the a spectacular sparkle to an outfit, I always turns to Dallasite Rob Bradford, who has a space in the Dallas vintage store, Dolly Python, and whose work is seen every year in the DIFFA Collection event. Rob is the best person in the country to add glitz and glamour to any outfit…jacket, tie, bow-tie, pants, cape, hat- you name it, Rob is the rhinestone genius behind it! I always tell Rob they need to be able to see me on stage- yet every time I pick up a jacket I am confident that can see me from outer space, and I love it! For my every day attire, I love ALL things Galleria Dallas, NUVO, and Flower Reign.

OSC:  What’s your favorite Dallas festival or event?

SK:  The State Fair of Texas! I go on average at least 10 times during the course of the Fair!!!

OSC:  What do you love most about Dallas?

SK:  That the citizens of our great city are so giving! I cannot think of another city where people give so much to our non-profits and cultural institutions! People are what make Dallas the most amazing city in the world!

OSC:  What do you hate most about Dallas?

SK:  I don’t hate anything about Dallas; however, the one thing I don’t like is the potholes!

You can catch up with Steve on April 2 at Project Ruffway benefitting the SPCA of Dallas and Beauty Live on April 9th and 10th at Galleria Dallas. Connect with Steve Kemble to stay current on all things sassy at: