Two Real Housewives will gain Modesto Abreu’s styling, he says; one will join Real Housewives of New York and the other will join Real Housewives of New Jersey.
Abreu’s rise began about four years ago, when he and his partner Coulson Bingham launched a personal shopping service. A client’s connection led to a first broadcast styling for former New York housewife Brynn Whitfield on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, a red House of CB dress, and a subsequent booking for Madison LeCroy at BravoCon that helped build his reality roster.
This year Abreu worked with Vicki Gunvalson for her Real Housewives of Orange County return and her appearance on Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, projects that are currently airing. For the two new hires he says he has already produced confessional looks and the main cast photographs.
He describes a notable shift on the Jersey set. Production asked for fewer grand gowns and more “sexy short dresses or separates,” favoring black, gold, and leather. Abreu settled on a gold corset, a mini skirt, and oversized Christian Louboutin heels for his New Jersey client, a departure from the sequins and neons Bravo has leaned on in the past.
Abreu outlines how title shoots are made: Bravo’s house stylists create a mood board, pass it to each housewife’s team, and production clears the final options. He says that sometimes looks are chosen to make a joke of the woman, and when that happens he tells clients, “Hey, I think they want you to look crazy.” He does not typically negotiate directly with production, so he relies on clients to push back when necessary.
The stylist also points to how the franchise’s presentation has evolved. Early reunions were informal, he recalls, citing the first 2006 RHOC reunion in Vicki Gunvalson’s backyard when Jeana Keough wore jeans and a simple top. Reality TV’s fashion credibility is increasing, but brand hesitancy remains; Abreu says he still encounters rejections and often works through consignment with retailers such as Moda Operandi and Nordstrom to secure high-end pieces.
Beyond reality, Abreu sees sport as an area fashion should watch. He calls male athletes “fashion darlings,” and notes their affinity for oversized luxury bags such as travel-sized Birkins and Bottega totes. He expects the casting announcements soon and says the question of whether New Jersey’s housewives will finally hold objects in the opening credits should be resolved in a couple of weeks.
