Hot Picks is a column in which fashion insiders reveal their latest obsessions–sharing their recent purchases and must-have pieces.
You may recognize Bria Fleming from Bravo’s Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard. In the series, she’s the most fashion-forward cast member amongst her group of friends who mostly live in New York City. During our Zoom call, she wore a white button-up shirt dress with a red Gucci “GG” belt, embodying the preppy office siren look. With her hair elegantly swept up into a ponytail, her demeanor comes across as easygoing. When asked about her current style choices, she shares she’s living in a sophisticated era. “It’s cool to be able to express yourself [through fashion],” Fleming said.
For the outfits she pulls off while in Martha’s Vineyard, Fleming shares that itineraries are usually shared ahead of her and her friends’ trek to the gorgeous and serene island. This typically gives her enough notice to pack for exactly what the summer will entail: clubbing, beach days, intricate parties at the house, and anything else that is spontaneous. On the series, she often wears swimwear, comfortable cardigans, and breezy sets comprised of airy bottoms and a matching top that can be thrown on for daywear.
Lately, she’s been drawn to pieces by Loewe and Nana Jacqueline, finding them deeply compelling. Describing the latter brand’s style as “presidential” and “classy,” she’s particularly fond of their preppy mini-dresses adorned with ruffled sleeves and sleek two-piece suits in shades like baby pink and maroon. Gucci holds a special place in her heart, a luxury brand she’s loved since her teen years, drawn to their high-quality offerings spanning from footwear to handbags. Hermes is another beloved brand, perfect for gifting fragrances to family and friends. With attending premieres, basketball games, and trips to Germany to visit her boyfriend, Simon, she ensures her attire is always perfectly suited to the occasion, dubbing it “dressing aesthetically correct.”
To her family, including her parents, an older brother, and a younger sister, has always known her to have a flair for designer items. Originally from Greenville, a town in upstate New York, Bria tells me that since both of her parents are from Queens, she inherited their affinity for East Coast style. As a teenager, Fleming religiously wore Baby Phat and G-Unit, and she fondly remembers that she was never seen without hoop earrings.
Fleming was an active child, who ran track and was a cheerleader. She has fond memories of her childhood, where she used to customize the clothes of her Barbie dolls. Going to JoAnn Fabric And Crafts store with her mother, she would purchase fabrics and tap into her creative imagination. From an early age, she aspired to spearhead her own clothing brand but chose to keep exploring and figuring out the aesthetics that resonated with her.
When she was 15, her family moved to Calabasas, which had a major impact on her style. This was during the ’00s, and the fashion of that era played a significant role in shaping her wardrobe. Fleming drew inspiration from fashion icons like Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton, who was at the height of her fame and known for her outspoken personality and style. Fleming remembers being encouraged by Hilton’s habit of carrying her chihuahua around during the reality show The Simple Life and started doing the same with her own dog, Milo. In the ’00s, Juicy Couture sweatsuits and UGG boots were some of the items that she wore constantly.
After her high school years, after attending Los Angeles City College and studying film for a bit she decided to leave California. Eventually, she moved to New York City and worked at the notorious Playboy Club where she met some of her current Summer House: MV co-stars, Jasmine Cooper and Jordan Emmanuel. She’s now in her most classic era.
Fleming takes inspiration from the fashion of 90s models such as Iman, Cindy Crawford, and Naomi Campbell. Their model uniforms are a constant source of inspiration as she dresses herself these days. There’s a certain indescribable quality about what these models wore in the past, which exuded confidence, no matter the occasion.
Here are five stylish pieces Bria Fleming recently bought.
“Discover everyday elegance with the Loewe top perfect for any occasion, rain or shine.”
Available at Bergdorf Goodman
“This dress is a symbol of classic chicness that every woman deserves to experience, epitomizing grace and sophistication.”
Available at Nana Jacqueline
“I love to shield my eyes with a sophisticated pair of sunglasses. This Prada model is a versatile accessory that effortlessly complements any outfit with its chic design.”
Available at Neiman Marcus