Byron Hughey, a longtime local public relations and advertising executive who also owned and operated the Top Drawer Men’s Store on St. Charles Ave., died Sunday. He was 83.
Hughey established his public relations firm Hughey and Associates in 1980. Some of his recent clients included the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, the Southeast Louisiana Veterinary Association and the French Market Corp. Over the years, his firm represented the City of New Orleans, Dixie Beer and other hotels, restaurants, retail shops, law firms and professional associations.
After earning a degree in marketing from New York University, Hughey moved to New Orleans in 1955. He and his partner Larry Warick, who died in 2008, opened Top Drawer Men’s Store, a haberdashery located in a stretch of St. Charles Ave. that was home to high fashion from the 1960s through the 1980s.
His fashion background meant that Hughey was always immaculately dressed. His southern accent further conveyed his gentlemanly nature.
As a leading businessman in the area, he helped found the St. Charles Ave. Business Association in 1970. He said it was his involvement in civic affairs at the time, and the urging of former Mayor Dutch Morial, that urged him to become more involved in public life, including an unsuccessful run for City Council.
Hughey formed his public relations firm in 1980 and became a fixture in the local media community.
He served on the board of directors of the Press Club of New Orleans, as second vice president and later treasurer, for 25 years. A member of the club for 30 years, he was the first public relations executive to be honored with its Lifetime Achievement Award, which he was presented in 2010. He was also very active in the club’s annual Gridiron Show fundraiser.
Hughey was also a longtime board member of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation, serving many years as its treasurer. He also served on the boards of the Preservation Resource Center and Small Business Association.
Hughey is survived by several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
