Closet Envy: PR Queen, Keesha Johnson

“Both my parents are stylophiles. I grew up surrounded by a lot of glamour, fashion and style and have always had an appreciation for people that took the time and effort to look polished,” says Keesha Johnson, Vice President of Dan Klores Communications and all around fashion maven. Johnson, who represents V.I.P. clients such as Sean “Diddy” Combs, Kimora Lee Simmons, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and M.A.C Cosmetics, is inspired by a host of styles when it comes to crafting her personal look. On any occasion, you can catch Johnson in everything from utilitarian separates such as military jackets or jodhpurs to preppy ensembles of shrunken navy boy blazers and khakis. No matter where her mood takes her, Johnson’s style repertoire stays grounded in classic, simple pieces brought to life through innovative styling and bold accessories. “I never invest much in trends. It’s great to add one or two pieces to update your existing wardrobe. Shoes and bags have the ability to transform any outfit,” explains Johnson.  The PR Queen shares with ESSENCE.com the ins and outs of her great wardrobe, her aversion to prints and her weakness for Chanel handbags. ESSENCE.com: How would you describe your style? KEESHA JOHNSON: Schizophrenic is the way to categorize my style! I wake wanting to play a different character every day. It’s a mix of classic American, Parisienne chic and loads of sophisticated glamour with an edge ESSENCE.com: What one clothing item best represents you? JOHNSON: A strapless mini or a backless halter jumpsuit. ESSENCE.com: Who are your style icons? JOHNSON: Holly Golightly, Diana Ross, Iman, Kate Moss, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and my mom. ESSENCE.com: Describe some of your all-time favorite pieces? JOHNSON:  Chanel 2.55 bag: They are timeless and classic. I collect them. Vintage Rolex: It’s a Rolex and it’s vintage, need I say more? A Hermes belt goes with everything.  ESSENCE.com: When it comes to color and print, where do you stand? JOHNSON: I think prints look great on older women. I’ll start wearing them when I’m 40! I have lots of beiges, whites, camels, creams and, of course, black mixed in with a few strong doses of bold color inherent from my Jamaican roots. I like yellow, pink and blue. ESSENCE.com: What will you never be caught dead in? JOHNSON: Faux fur, faux leather… anything fake. ESSENCE.com: What style rules do you stick to? JOHNSON: I tend to work with a clean palette a la Karl Lagerfeld. I wear lots of black and white, monochromatic looks and bursts of color in warm weather. ESSENCE.com: What are some of your latest purchases? JOHNSON: Christian Louboutin cork slingbacks, Chanel white 2.55 bag, Topshop military jacket, J.crew Fenton/Fallon necklace and Gap oxford shirts.   ESSENCE.com: What is the foolproof outfit that always makes you feel your best? JOHNSON: Crisp white shirt with skinny black pants or white jeans, light blue pinstripe shirt, navy school boy jacket. For evening, I’ll wear a tuxedo jacket over a flirty mini and killer hills — always lots of leg for evening! ESSENCE.com: Who are your favorite designers and what are your favorite stores? JOHNSON: Chanel, YSL, Ralph Lauren, Philip Lim, Hermes, Topshop, Neiman Marcus, Jeffrey NYC and Intermix. ESSENCE.com: What are you dying to get your hands on? JOHNSON: Anything from the late master — Alexander McQueen!