Think of any successful African-American celebrity and chances are publicity dynamo Marvet Britto has represented them. As Founder and President of the Britto Agency, Britto has represented the likes of Mariah Carey, Angela Bassett and Vivica A. Fox. She's also known as one of the most fashionable Black women power brokers in New York City. Whether perched in sky-high Louboutins or Brian Atwood pumps, the petite industry insider relies on an effortlessly chic style philosophy. She spoke with ESSENCE.com about her style repertoire, and gave us a peek into her legendary closet.
Think of any successful African-American celebrity and chances are publicity dynamo Marvet Britto has represented them. As Founder and President of the Britto Agency, Britto has represented the likes of Mariah Carey, Angela Bassett and Vivica A. Fox. She’s also known as one of the most fashionable Black women power brokers in New York City. Whether perched in sky-high Louboutins or Brian Atwood pumps, the petite industry insider relies on an effortlessly chic style philosophy. She spoke with ESSENCE.com about her style repertoire, and gave us a peek into her legendary closet. ESSENCE.com: How would you describe your style? MARVETT BRITTO: My style is effortless chic. I choose pieces that mesh well with my hectic lifestyle; understated yet stylish. ESSENCE.com: What one clothing item best represents you? BRITTO: My Dolce pencil skirts. I have them in every color and every texture; they are sleek and sexy without trying, and my Roland Mouret dresses for evening. ESSENCE.com: Who are your style icons? BRITTO: Jackie O., Halle Berry and Jennifer Lopez. ESSENCE.com: How big is your closet? BRITTO: Big enough to hold my vast collection of Christian Louboutin shoes and boots. ESSENCE.com: Describe some of your all-time favorite pieces? And why you love them? BRITTO: Dolce and Gabbana suits are classics; always chic, always perfect for any occasion. Roland Mouret dresses are sleek, sexy and always eye-catching. Also, Philip Lim is classic elegance. ESSENCE.com: Who are your favorite designers and stores, and why? BRITTO: My power woman uniform is compliments of designers Roberto Cavalli, Dolce and Gabbana, Roland Mouret and former stylist Andrea Leiberman’s collection, ALC. My favorite stores are Jeffrey NYC, Bergdorf Goodman and Kirna Zabete. Shoes are Christian Louboutin, Brian Atwood and Chrissie Morris shoes at Dulce in Miami. ESSENCE.com: What do you wear on a usual day to work and then evening? BRITTO: Pencil skirt, Dolce button down shirt, Louboutin pump. [I’m] also loving the entire ALC collection [because] it was designed for the woman on the go. My clothing always transfers from day to night; I never have time for a wardrobe change. Hermes bag works with every ensemble. ESSENCE.com: What will you never be caught dead in? BRITTO: Sequins, and the color red doesn’t work for me. ESSENCE.com: What are some of your latest purchases? BRITTO: A putty colored Hermes bag. ESSENCE.com: What are you dying to get your hands on? BRITTO: A black Hermes crocodile bag. ESSENCE.com: What style rules do you live by? BRITTO: Never overthink the look. Dress according to the occasion and your mood. ESSENCE.com: What is your weakness… bags, shoes, jewelry? BRITTO: Shoes, shoes and more shoes are my weakness. ESSENCE.com: What is the foolproof outfit that always makes you feel your best? BRITTO: A Cavalli or Philip Lim dress sends my heart racing. ESSENCE.com: How do you deal with the avalanche of trends? BRITTO: I don’t wear trendy clothing. I only buy classic pieces that transcend trend and never go out of style. ESSENCE.com: Why do you love clothes and fashion? BRITTO: It’s the best expression of who you are at your core. Your persona, goals and dreams are all represented in your style. Your look says everything about you and what you represent without you saying a word. ESSENCE.com: How important is fashion and style in your field? BRITTO: It is crucial in the world of PR and Branding to look as polished and refined as the clients you represent. You are a reflection of the clients you represent and your appearance should be professional yet reflective of your personal persona at all times.