School: College of Arts and Science
Year: Sophomore
Major: Journalism and Politics
Style Inspiration: Dance and California
When you meet Brea Mosley for the first time, you may be struck by her strong and outgoing personality. This is, of course, after you inevitably compliment her bold half-shaved hairstyle, which her mother, a colorist for L’Oreal, first showed her how to rock.
You may be surprised to learn that a sophomore pursuing a double major in journalism and politics and working as a cohort leader in the College of Arts and Science has time for anything other than a rigorous academic course load. Yet Mosley certainly doesn’t define herself according to her academic interests. This CAS sophomore from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., has a wide range of interests that make her one of NYU’s most dynamic students.
“My interest in fashion and modeling actually developed in high school when I shaved my head,” said Mosley. “I’ve had this hairstyle since sophomore year and I think it’s one of the best ways to express myself.”
Mosley uses her fashion sense to complement her hair, allowing her hair to dictate and develop her own personal style.
“I don’t really look to anyone or anything for fashion inspiration because I like to have my own original style,” she said. “I think people appreciate my fashion sense because it’s original and unique.”
She tries not to look to anyone but herself for fashion inspiration, though admits she would absolutely love to raid Rita Ora or Iggy Azalea’s closet.
At the moment Mosley’s favorite piece in her own closet is one she wore for the Fringe shoot. The black cutout shirt began as an XXL Lakers shirt — showing that she hasn’t quite forgotten her West Coast roots — before Mosley cut it up herself.
“It’s so comfy and cute,” she said. “One of my favorite parts of the Fringe shoot was being given the opportunity to style myself in stuff I actually wear.”
In addition to spending her time on academics and mentoring CAS freshmen as a cohort leader, Mosley is an avid dancer and tries to carry her fashion sense into the comfortable clothes she dances in. She also loves to shop four or five times a week, especially online — Zara, Urban Outfitters and Topshop being her favorites — in addition to spending time scouring local thrift shops.
When asked what fashion advice she has for her peers, Mosley gave a simple and straightforward answer.
“Create a trend, don’t follow one,” she said. “Don’t worry about what everyone else thinks or is doing, just do you.”
Correction: In a previous version of this article, WSN incorrectly identified model Iggy Azalea as Izzy Azalea. WSN regrets the error.
