Loreal Sarkisian grew up an athlete, turned coach, who studied fashion on the side. Now, she’s a personal stylist to everyone from celebrities to CEOs.
DALLAS — When Loreal Sarkisian introduced herself, she proudly smiled, “I’m from Florida. Can you tell?”
After we laughed, her accent shined through as we made our way into the dressing room at WFAA. She’s affectionately called the First Lady of Texas Football but, beyond that, she’s so much more.
Growing up in Tallahassee, Florida, Sarkisian was a self-proclaimed tomboy.
“I tell people, I’m feminine, not girly,” she shared while defining her own style as, “Structured chic. A little elevated.”
A big departure from the woman who shaped so much of who she is, her mom.
“This is a woman who, the only sneakers she wears are those she works out in. She doesn’t own sweatpants,” Sarkisian stated.
That statement rings true, even today. Sarkisian grew up running track and playing softball, among other sports.
“I’ve always been a part of the sports world,” she shared. “I know people probably only see me as a fashionista and in the fashion industry but, for forever I was an athlete.”
Even then, she was studying fashion.
“It allowed me to pick up assistant jobs and internships. I just wanted to grow my love for it. Mind you, I’m still running, I’m still coaching. When I finally met Coach Sark, and two coaches, that was going to be hard. I say this a lot to have a successful relationship because we would never see each other,” Sarkisian explained.
Although she retired from that career, she went on to say, “I never wanted to stop helping because that’s what coaching always was for me.”
She’s a fixture at events in Austin, all with a philanthropic focus and commitment.
Now, Loreal Sarkisian is a personal stylist for everyone from CEOs to celebrities.
“There’s layers to it. I’m in your home. I meet your family. I’m in your most, probably, private space because there’s a reason everyone hires me or wants to work with me. See, I don’t even like the word hire. Work with me,” she laughed. “So I value that. Yes, we deal with clothes all day but there’s a lot of conversation that happens so you don’t just look good but you feel good about it too.”
As for why Sarkisian styles, she reflects on the fact that she, “Grew up in an environment of love and support and giving back and nurturing and fostering relationships, building confidence. That’s why personal styling speaks to me more. It’s not just a job. I’m learning everything about you to make sure you look good but also feel good.”
The first time she hit the sideline for a University of Texas football game, she stunned by her blend of luxury fashion and elevated trends.
“The first game, that was like a backup outfit. That’s what’s so funny,” she divulged. “I remember, it was a chiffon cowboy blouse and a black chiffon skirt, and I didn’t have a real Texas belt buckle but I had a buckle so I wore it and I had some cowboy boots.”
All topped off with a black Stetson hat.
“I’ve always stood on the sideline and waited for him to run in, because that’s what he’s always wanted and I’ve always been fully dressed. So being highlighted here was awesome. I was like, dang, I’ve been doing this for a long time but okay great. I’m glad y’all like it!”
Fans have begged to shop her looks. Now, you can!
Sarkisian decided to make her wardrobe accessible online through Lo’s Wardrobe Bar.
In fact, she’s constantly adding new pieces including things she has personally worn on game day.
“I’m here to encourage, not force, encourage that inner fashionista. Or, I want to do more but I’ve always been nervous. It’s like, go ahead. Do it. You can put it on,” Sarkisian insisted. “You don’t have to have a special occasion to wear anything that you want to wear. I know I’ve really elevated that culture and it’s been fun.”
When asked her favorite thing she’s worn on a sideline, she replied, “Oh this is hard. You were supposed to ask me this last week so I could think about it.”
Sarkisian loves monochromatic looks and said two outfits that came to mind are the cream chiffon skirt and sweater, along with her burnt orange Chloe coat with the coordinating boots.
People take notice of when Sarkisian styles her husband, head football coach Steve Sarkisian.
“Is it a big difference,” she asked. “No. His style has evolved. I’m happy for him. Sometimes he’s done it for himself with a teeny bit of help. I try not to take too much credit because can dress. He has some style. He has some taste. I mean, obviously, he got my attention.”
Loreal is in Dallas for the 89th Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on Friday. A win would mean a trip to the national championship in Atlanta.
“Winning is fun but, it’s hard to win and I don’t think people who maybe aren’t in the sport day in and day out, where it’s the job, understand winning is actually a luxury. Everything has to work on all cylinders for everybody, at once, and it’s a special moment when that happens. So every time we win, that’s something I think about,” she said.
Sarkisian also got a little more personal on what a win would mean for Coach Sark, because, “I get to see him all day, every day, authentic self, involved in his craft and he is not only a student of his craft but, a master. It matters to him. I respect it and I appreciate that, knowing how hard he works at it day in and day out and what it actually means to him and especially the journey he’s been on to this day personally and professionally.”
In classic fashion, Sarkisian closed by emphasizing, “It would be great, not enough to just get there but get there and then, take it. We’re competitors.”
We couldn’t let Loreal Sarkisian leave the WFAA studios without asking what she would be wearing on the sideline at the College Football Playoff semifinal game Friday. We learned that she only brought two options but, it depends on her mood because in the end, when it comes to her looks, Sarkisian shrugged, “This is what I do. This is who I am.”
