Loreal Sarkisian on Fashion, Motherhood, Philanthropy and the Power of Authentic Style
From the runway to the sidelines, Loreal Sarkisian discusses her XOLO Foundation, her new fashion line, and how she is guided by grace and gratitude
Even on a balmy autumn day, meeting Loreal Sarkisian and her team at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin felt like Christmas morning for any fashion lover. We perused high-end designer pieces from Gucci, Schiaparelli, Dolce & Gabbana and more – along with sparkling accessories and show-stopping shoes. Naturally, as a professional stylist, Sarkisian carefully curated each piece for our photo shoot.
Loreal is renowned as a style icon. Spouse of University of Texas head football coach Steve Sarkisian, she is admired for her striking and sophisticated game-day looks. Before being lauded as the “First Lady of Texas Football,” Loreal made her mark as a collegiate track star and later as a coach at the University of Southern California, where she combined her athletic skills with dedication, discipline, determination and leadership. Today, she channels that same drive into her work as a wardrobe stylist and philanthropist. In person, she exudes warmth and sincerity, with a palpable love for style.
Life’s Greatest Victory: Parenthood
For the Sarkisians, this year brought a milestone that reached far beyond football or fashion. In April 2025, the couple welcomed their first child together, a son named Amays. In a candid and emotional video on her YouTube channel, Loreal opened up about the fear, uncertainty and reliance on faith that carried her through a complicated pregnancy. After delivery, baby Amays spent time in the NICU before finally coming home — a chapter that made the family’s joy even more profound. Today, Loreal radiates gratitude as she reflects on becoming a mother.
“It’s been a journey, but through all of its ups and downs, I’m still blessed. He’s thriving. He’s doing amazing. He’s just my little snuggle buddy. We’re so happy.”
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For some women, motherhood sparks questions about how personal style might change with this new chapter in life. Sarkisian, of course, rejects the idea that motherhood comes with any new wardrobe rules.
“Who deemed that when you become a mom there are certain things you can’t wear anymore? At the end of the day, if it’s tasteful, it’s tasteful. Elegance, class, timeless, chic — those are the words that I live by for my wardrobe and words that I use for people that I work with.”
At most, her son might inspire some playful additions. “If anything, I might have more of my tomboy moments for him so we can be ‘mommy and me.’ But other than that, no. I love fashion. I grew up inspired a lot by my mom. And what she taught was always to just wear what enhances you.”
Icons and Inspirations
Her passion for fashion is as authentic as it is personal. Inspired by her mother’s artistry, Sarkisian grew up immersed in a creative environment. “I watched my mom sew, paint and draw,” she recalls. Having absorbed her mother’s attention to detail, from picking fabrics to observing garment construction, Sarkisian learned early that fashion is both a craft and a means of expression.
Additionally, Sarkisian draws inspiration from fashion legends. “Coco Chanel was timeless, elegant and understated, while Elsa Schiaparelli merged fashion with art in a wearable way,” she explains. Her approach combines both philosophies, creating looks that are aspirational yet accessible, whether she’s on the sidelines at a football game or attending a social event.
Fashion as a Field of Its Own
For Sarkisian, style is more than fabric and tailoring — it’s a declaration of self. “You teach people how to treat you. By representing yourself authentically, you show them how you expect to be treated.”
It’s why she’s unapologetic about her presence in spaces where casual wear is the norm, including the sidelines.
“When I first got here, there was a lot of noise, like, ‘Why are you on the field? This isn’t a fashion show.’ But this is how I show up, and I have for years.”
Regarding her iconic game day looks, Sarkisian notes, “For game day, you can elevate pieces… It validates stepping outside conventional spaces. Jerseys and sneakers are fine, but elevating is beautiful.”
What’s Next: A Foundation of Faith and a Fashion Brand
Looking ahead, Loreal is preparing to dive into two projects close to her heart: her nonprofit organization and her own fashion line.
Sarkisian beams when discussing her faith in connection with her XOLO Foundation, a national initiative that offers mentorship and resources to women and children in a safe and inspiring place. As she explains it, fashion is simply the tool she has been given to serve a bigger purpose.
“I want to encourage. I want to inspire,” Sarkisian says. “So I use my gifts to try to help inspire, and I hope I’m doing that in more ways than one.’”
Her fashion brand, LUCIANA (Sarkisian’s middle name), is equally rooted in empowerment. While we didn’t get any sneak peeks of her collection by press time, she explained that every piece is a reflection of her own style. Because Loreal is passionate about well-fitting clothes, that commitment to tailoring is the cornerstone of the brand. LUCIANA is designed around structured, refined silhouettes meant to help elevate confidence. Additionally, the line will feature several tiers, allowing everyone the opportunity to own something from her brand.
“My hope is that I can give you a little piece of me in some way that’ll make you feel very powerful, very confident walking out of the door.”
Of course, for Sarkisian, style is about more than appearance. Elegance, faith and authenticity shine through in each role she embraces. With a new baby, a growing foundation and her first clothing line on the horizon, Sarkisian proves that style is at its most powerful when it’s lived with purpose.
The Power of Details
Looking for advice on how to enhance your style? Sarkisian suggests starting small and simple, leveraging what you already own and adding a touch of glam with hair and makeup to boost confidence.
“Start with just your accessories,” she advises. “That’s an easy way to feel polished, to feel a little more elevated, without overwhelming yourself.”
RELATED: Read the latest issue — Loreal Sarkisian graces the cover
Photo shoot credits:
- Editor-in-Chief: Heidi Okla
- Photographer: Kaity Cox
- Creative Director: J. Billions Wimberley
- Creative Team/Videographer: Randi Frazier
- Makeup and Hair Stylist: Halo Beatz
- Assistant Editor: Avey Toomes
- Location: Four Seasons Hotel Austin