Porsha Williams is stepping into her power for her PEOPLE digital cover.
Shot by Erik Umphery in Decatur, Georgia, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star is radiant in a glam photo shoot inspired by the 1995 film Waiting to Exhale. The romantic comedy follows a group of four friends, Bernadine (Angela Bassett), Savannah (Whitney Houston), Robin (Lela Rochon) and Gloria (Loretta Devine).
Styled by Jeremy Haynes, Williams takes her rightful place among these powerful and iconic women. “Porsha and Bernie’s character have a lot of similarities,” Haynes tells PEOPLE about the shoot’s concept. “They are both two strong women navigating through a divorce, finding their independence and trying to show up the best way they can for their children.”
Erik Umphery
Haynes wanted to emulate the “powerful” style of the mid-’90s that’s reflected in the film. “I think everything comes back full circle,” he explains. “The fashion moments and silhouettes from the 90’s are easy go to styles for a variety of body types.”
The stylist fit Williams in menswear-inspired looks such as a pinstripe jumpsuit and structured white blazer which he balanced with more feminine styles like a figure-hugging, floral-print dress.
A standout piece, says Haynes, is the full Dolce & Gabbana ensemble Williams wears for the shoot’s car scene.
“What’s really cool about this look is that it’s an archive trench coat from the 1995 collection from Dolce, which was the same year the movie came out,” he shares.
Erik Umphery
The Pristine Jewelry Williams is decked in for the vanity shot also stole the show. “What can I say?” Haynes says. “Diamonds are a girls best friend.”
Hairstylist Montavius Giles also sought out to “bring back that iconic ’90s flavor,” featuring everything from “sleek, voluminous blowouts to big layered curls and bold short cuts.” Bassett serves as the main inspiration for Williams’ looks.
“It’s all about paying homage to timeless beauty with a modern twist,” the stylist tells PEOPLE.
Erik Umphery
Switching from look to look is no easy feat, and Giles says that “prep was key” to making sure the transitions ran smoothly.
“I prepped and styled all the wigs the night before, so everything was ready to go,” he recalls. “Also, a thorough consultation with Porsha before the shoot also worked wonders. It helped me get a clear sense of her vision so I could show up fully prepared and aligned with the creative direction.”
Williams’ stunning styles were achieved with the help of Kenra and ORS Hair Care products for styling and finishing. “Everything was locked in place with my signature product, The Dose Lace Spray — which is launching soon!” says Giles.
Makeup artist Tomilola created a “timeless and elegant aesthetic” by pairing a soft smoky eye look with a bold red lip.
Before starting on the glam, Williams’ skin was prepped using the Almay Moisturizing Makeup Remover Cleanser, as well as Meaningful Beauty Youth Activating Melon Serum, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Serum and Magic Cream. (Williams is an Almay spokesperson.)
“We went for a natural yet glam finish using neutral, earthy tones to enhance her face subtly without dramatically altering her appearance,” Tomilola tells PEOPLE of Williams’ eye makeup, which was created using palettes from Makeup by Mario and Natasha Denona. The artist also applied Almay Thickening & Tint Mascara.
Erik Umphery
To keep her touched up between shots, Tomilola used Almay’s Micellar Makeup Removers Cleansing Towelettes.
Williams’ bold lip color was created by layering two MAC lipsticks, in shades Feel So Grand and Fashion Legacy.
To find your own perfect shade of red lipstick, Tomilola says the key is matching the lipstick’s undertone to your skin tone. “For Porsha who has a medium skin tone we used two lipsticks to achieve the look, a darker red with a blue undertone to line the lips and orange-red on the inside to balance it out.”
