Hot Picks is a column in which fashion insiders reveal their latest obsessions–sharing their recent purchases and must-have pieces.
It’s the morning following the 2024 Met Gala and Kéla Walker, a content creator, is still buzzing with energy from the wondrous evening. Walker, who is also a host, producer, and influencer who has covered the festivities for over 10 years tells me it was interesting seeing how the “Garden of Time” dress code was interpreted. Through laughter, she even says that some attendees got a bit lost in the theme. On a personal note, she showed up to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a bright yellow pleated one-shouldered Jovani gown. This piece alludes to her tendency to lean into feminine silhouettes. An eccentric braided up-do was a major component of her look.
“For me, there’s always a thin line between working the carpet and walking the carpet,” Walker tells me over a call from her New York City home. She says she treads the line very lightly since she’s not the star of the gala but merely press covering. However, even without trying to, Kéla is an aesthetically pleasing addition to the affair.
Walker’s style instincts stem from her roots in the South. Originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, she says her fashion decisions are a part of leaning into being a southern belle. “The South is very much rooted in my style and how I show up, and just even how I carry myself with that grace and elegance, if I may say so myself,” she said.
In a place like New York, it can feel as though everyone is dressing similarly, to subvert this notion Kéla shares that she aims to always put her best foot forward by sticking to what she loves. Right now that includes pieces by A.W.A.K.E. MODE and Christopher John Rogers. Walker adds that she was able to drop by the latter’s sample sale recently. She explains that the London-based A.W.AK.E. MODE creates off-kilter clothing and accessories that she enjoys. On Christopher John Rogers she shares: “I love anyone that’s doing color and shapes, interesting shapes and styles that are out of the norm.”
“For me, it’s about investment pieces and pieces that are really going to help round out your wardrobe and make a statement,” she explains. The fashion content creator lives by this rule. By doing so, she doesn’t feel the need to constantly buy clothing or accessories just because they’re new. Instead, she tells me she often focuses on only investing her money in luxury handbags and shoes. “I’m really big into bold jewelry pieces that again, are going to elevate the most basic thing in your wardrobe and also little luxuries.” She notes here that having true style means being able to shop at high-end brands and lower-priced companies like AFRM to create outfits. Walker adds that she loves AFRM’s patterns and also how size-inclusive the brand is.
The era Walker is living through at the moment is her most self-assured era yet. “It’s sort of unapologetic [too] because I am mindful of who I am and how I show up and how I take up space, and doing that homework.” When discussing piecing together outfits and showing up as the best version of herself no matter where she’s going, she holds back a smile. Walker is constantly motivated not just by clothes, but the level of self-expression that is possible through them. “As my career has blossomed from just being in traditional media to merging with new media, creating content online and on social, I’ve been able to be more expressive with who I am,” she adds.
Here are 12 statement pieces Kéla Walker is loving right now.
“Love the versatility of this curling iron and how it works with my hair whether I’m wearing it long and loose or short and wavy. Also, it was love at first sight with the packaging.”
Available at Pattern Beauty
“Alexis Bittar has amazing pieces that always elevate any look. [He makes] bold jewelry you can dress up or down.”
Available at Alexis Bittar
“One of my favorite pastimes is scrolling through sites like The Real Real and The Outnet for designer heels I can score for less. These beauties have just been added to cart.”
Available at The Outnet
“As a New Yorker, I live for a great coat! You know we consider our outwear just as important as the ‘fit. When in doubt, Karen Millen it out.”
Available at Karen Millen
“I’m in my [mini] bag era and love this little number that gives big brand designer style but for a fraction of the cost.”
Available at Anthropologie
“The goal is always [to look] effortless. I think that’s why I gravitate toward this brand. I love the elevated style of this denim skirt . It’s anything but basic. I love that it’s Black-owned.”
Available at Maniere De Voir