Hot Picks is a column in which fashion insiders reveal their latest obsessions–sharing their recent purchases and must-have pieces.
You might recognize Bresha Webb from her most recent role on the Starz series Run The World where she played Renee. The show which aired for two seasons was a mixture of Sex and the City and Living Single–though the Leigh Davenport-created series was canceled, it centered on healthy, Black female friendships in New York City, and had a robust fanbase, especially online. While Webb’s character often provided comedic relief, she also shined during pivotal emotional sequences. While filming, the actress had the chance to work with iconic costume designer Patricia Field whose name is synonymous with Sex and the City. This was a full circle moment for Webb not only because she loves the series that placed Sarah Jessica Parker on a solid, career-making trajectory–but also due to her being drawn to clothes that evoke personality. If it’s one thing Field knows, she knows how to create moments: on Run The World, Field did so while recognizing that Webb had style inclinations that were innate. In a conversation on set the actress says Field complimented Webb on the fact that she knew how to piece together her looks effortlessly.
These outfits often fit Webb’s petite frame meticulously and include bold colors. At the moment two of her favorite brands are Harbison and Casadei–these lines showcase the range Webb often is serving for red-carpet appearances or press runs. She also has a soft spot for Gucci specifically the Tom Ford era. Working with her creative team, the celebrity stylists and tailors Reginald and Matthew Reisman, Webb is usually spotted in vibrant looks by LaQuan Smith, La Pointe, and Naeem Khan. “We are always collaborating and sharing ideas,” Webb shares. “Our fittings are fun and creative because we are always looking to make a moment.” She goes on to express that since her personality skews on the more dramatic side she loves outfits that compliment her rather than outshine her.
The root of Bresha’s style inclinations stems from her earliest years in her hometown Baltimore. She grew up feeling constantly inspired by her older sister who owned a hair salon and also her mother who was a deaconess. “I spent a lot of time in my sister’s hair salon,” she noted. “I saw how much pride women took in their hair and planned their outfits to their nails and hair.” Webb feels church was also a large influence on her personal style–she explains that Sunday services often felt like her congregation was putting on a fashion show for Jesus. “The hats, the details in the suits, and [the] shoes made going to church fun and a way to show off your own personal style,” Webb adds. The Black church was also her first stage where she utilized her gifts: her gift of gab and her knack for performing.
Pivotal sartorial moments continued on a personal level as Webb grew older. She recalls loving hip-hop style and also enjoying the crochet hats and dresses her mother would make for her. At one point in her fashion journey, Webb would add a “creative touch” to her clothing with scissors. Cutting up T-shirts, bleaching jeans, and Von Dutch hats was her way of expressing herself creatively. Attending a performing arts high school allowed her to experiment with her outfits which she felt leaned into hippie territory at times. “I experimented with [my clothes] and hair.” Eventually, she went on to attend the Baltimore School for The Arts.
Acting roles ensued after Webb graduated and took a bet on herself by moving to Los Angeles to go after her dreams of becoming a professional actress. Stints for series like ER, Love That Girl! and so many other shows in between also transpired. Her acting break came with Tyler Perry’s A Fall From Grace in which she starred alongside Cicely Tyson, Phylicia Rashad, and Crystal Fox. Hollywood came calling after her casting as an attorney, Jasmine. Each of these opportunities led her to her largest role yet on Run The World.
On Run The World, Webb was able to work with Tracy L. Cox, the show’s costume designer, and Field to create an authentic style story for her character Renee. Her authentic relationship with clothing and accessories allowed her to wear bold choices confidently from different wig styles to pieces by Hanifa, Cushnie, Balmain, and countless other brands that were featured in the series.
Style icons June Ambrose, Diana Ross, and Lola Falana keep Webb going–and so do memories of watching Sex and the City. Style has been a constant in her life. Years back she might have delved into what she describes as “an urban hippie” look, but now she’s more focused on silhouettes that fit her body type. “I buy and choose clothes according to my frame,” she shares. “I later became obsessed with classic lines and tailoring.”
“These bangles can be dressed up or down. I love that they’re clear and can go with any look. It’s a staple in my accessories.”
Available at Alexis Bittar
“I love this brand. It has a lot of stretch and the bell flare shape is great for the fall. I love to pair these jeans with a platform heel or boot.”
Available at Bloomingdales
“I adore a vintage cat eye. It really fits my eye shape and face well. It’s easy to style and goes with every look.”
Available at Saks Fifth Avenue
“I literally wear these shoes once a week. It’s a beautiful shape on my foot and it’s so sexy. I can dress [them] up or down.”
Available at Net-A-Porter