Hot Picks is a column in which fashion insiders reveal their latest obsessions–sharing their recent purchases and must-have pieces.
Celebrity stylist Kesha McLeod is renowned for her role in shaping the iconic looks of athletes like Serena Williams and PJ Tucker. Hailing from Queens, McLeod’s lifelong passion for fashion is evident in her eclectic style, blending influences from her roots with carefully curated designer pieces.
In her recent wardrobe additions, McLeod has been gravitating towards statement pieces from Off-White, Dior and other luxury brands sourced from platforms like Vestiare Collective. “My style is a mix of where I’m from, what I’m currently influenced by, and getting selected pieces,” she shares.
She effortlessly combines designer items to create expressive and flattering ensembles. “I love Daily Paper for my casual wear right now,” she notes. “A.W.A.K.E. Mode is so interesting, and the pieces are different [and] cool.”
If you scroll through McLeod’s Instagram you’ll see she constantly leans on statement hats, detailed cargo pants, and lengthy fur-ridden coats. These statement pieces signify that she’s unafraid to experiment, and this notion is essential to her success as an image architect for athletes like PJ Tucker. She has breathed life into his game-day outfits in a major way. Since they began working with one another five years ago Tucker’s clothing choices have ethered into experiential territory. The image architect is well aware of how deeply important these outfits are for image-making.
McLeod’s ability to create unforgettable moments is evident in outfits like an all-red ensemble worn by Tucker, featuring pants and a matching jacket by Daniel’s leather with oversized Bottega Veneta boots. For Serena Williams, McLeod curates polished outfits for significant events, such as her wedding and Paris Fashion Week appearances. Williams’ style has evolved under McLeod’s direction including stunning ensembles like an Off-White bead-encrusted gown at an Oscar’s after-party with Messika diamonds. She is also responsible for an elegant and sequined Thom Browne custom gown with a low-cut neckline and train that the sports icon wore to accept her CFDA Fashion Icon Award in November.
Reflecting on her roots, McLeod credits her inner compass for her appreciation for fashion. She attended a private school where uniforms were the norm. For their dress-down days, she’d go all out. “I’m a Queens girl through and through. It’s also a melting pot of diverse cultures. I wouldn’t say it influenced my style, but it had a hand in curating what my look is today,” she shares. After high school stints working in retail and then internships at The B. Lynn Group and Sony pushed her to discover her true passion: chiseling and shaping the images of athletes.
When she began assisting her mentor, Rachel Johnson, the stylist and designer, things clicked for her. LeBron James was one of the first major athletes she worked with as an assistant stylist to Johnson. McLeod eventually established herself as a celebrity stylist when she began working with her clients. Former NFL tight end Vernon Johnson marked the beginning of her pro-athlete-stylist relationships. At one point in her professional career, she even worked with artists from Rick Ross to Ne-Yo–but she now focuses strictly on athletes. Her efforts and dedication to her clients have led to personal relationships with fashion houses like Dior and Louis Vuitton to name a few.
Though it was a topsy-turvy journey of self-discovery, McLeod is proudly working in her 18th season in the NBA largely pulling off effortless tunnel outfits for Tucker. Accompanying this tremendous feat McLeod is constantly traveling with her clients, strengthening her relationships with brands, and executing looks at the highest level. She also frequently attends presentations during Fashion Month.
In her ever-busy schedule, she somehow manages to pour into her personal style too. This looks like picking up pieces for herself during her travels–she also heavily shops online on SSENSE, a site she shares that she loves. “As I get older I feel that I am going back in time to acquire pieces I’ve always wanted to get my hands on [and] investing in quality rather than quantity,” she adds.
Got this with the matching blazer. Brings a sort of sexiness to the average suit!
Available at Aleksandre Akhalkatsishvili