The Graziano Sisters on how to cultivate the Mob Wife Aesthetic
We chatted with the 'Mob Wives' stars about nailing the iconic look.
Credit:
Jonathan Marc Stein
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For the last two weeks, whenever I wasn’t working, chances are I was listening to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter. The album isn’t just a masterclass in music, it’s also making a distinct impact on fashion. Although Western fashion has been gaining popularity over the last year or two, the release of the pop culture queen’s country album brought the cowboy frenzy to a new level. Case in point: I listened to the album exactly one time in its entirety before immediately ordering my first-ever pair of cowboy boots. Now, on to the great challenge of figuring out how to style them!
This week, I’m thrilled to share a rare double Fit Check! We’re joined by sisters Jennifer and Renee Graziano. You might know the Grazianos from VH1’s reality TV series Mob Wives. With the recent Mob Wife Aesthetic trend, Jennifer and Renee’s style has newfound salience, with leopard prints, fur coats, bold jewelry, and form-fitting fashions taking center stage in many a wardrobe. I’m excited to share their stunning fits and thoughtful words with you here today.
Fit Check with Jennifer Graziano
Jennifer Graziano chats power suits and personal style, in this liquid silk Jonathan Marc Stein ensemble.
Jennifer Graziano is the creative mind behind the hit VH1 series Mob Wives. She's currently developing a scripted series reflecting her mafia upbringing. More recently, along with her sister Renee, the pair partnered with Drop Me In, an AI software that allows users to immerse themselves in the Mob Wife look.
Jennifer, I need to know every detail about this ultra-glam suit!
👩💼 - I love a good power suit and find myself wearing them often. I am wearing an ‘80s-inspired Liquid Silver Suit by one of my favorite designers Jonathan Marc Stein. The fabric is very light and the pants are flowy, making it easy to move around from the boardroom to the conference room to the desk.
🎽 - Underneath, I’m wearing a black straight-neck tank from Aritzia—my go-to for all the basics, and Louboutin pumps. When thinking of the Mob Wife Aesthetic, anything that exemplifies “Power” fits right in, and nothing says “Power” better than a good suit.
Fit Check with Renee Graziano
Renee Graziano uses bold jewelry to make a statement against a monochromatic all-black outfit.
Renee Graziano is a star of Mob Wives and has also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother. Renee is also a three-time author, and her books, including a cookbook titled How to Use a Meat Cleaver and children’s book titled Grandma and Me on the Run, are available to purchase now.
Renee, tell me more about this dramatic all-black vibe!
🧥 - This stunning Jonathan Marc Stein Upcycled Mink Fur Sleeveless Jacket serves as the focal point of the ensemble, exuding luxury and sophistication with its sleek design and sumptuous mink fur. As an upcycled item, it not only adds a touch of glamour but also reflects a commitment to sustainable fashion.
👚 - The foundation of the outfit is provided by Naked Wardrobe's high-quality undergarments, ensuring comfort and seamless layering beneath the ensemble. With their versatile designs, these underclothes offer both style and functionality.
💍 - Adding the perfect finishing touch, the jewelry from Mob Candy elevates the look with its exquisite craftsmanship and undeniable allure. From statement necklaces to dazzling bracelets, each piece exudes the glamour and sophistication synonymous with the Mob Wife aesthetic.
Nailing the Mob Wife Aesthetic
How did you discover and develop your personal style?
Jennifer: I was a huge fan of fashion magazines growing up [and that is how] I discovered and curated my personal style. In the heyday of the Mob era, I wore a lot of red lipstick—I may just have to bring it out again! [Now,] my style changes based on the activities in my life. When I’m working, I wear a lot of power suits—pants and skirts, streamlined and monochromatic. My style is more subdued than Renee’s, but I definitely appreciate my Power pieces. On a night out, I’m in leather pants, bold tops, and yes, a fur coat! I am ecstatic that the Mob Wife Aesthetic has emerged, giving me and other women the license to step up their fashion again.
Renee: My personal style blossomed from observing my mother's fashion choices during my upbringing in the heyday of the mob era. With my father owning clothing stores, I was exposed to the epitome of style—leather, lace, fur coats, and extravagant jewelry. This laid the foundation for what would become the iconic Mob Wives aesthetic, inspired by the glamorous mob molls like Virginia, whom I admire greatly.
Why do you think the Mob Wife Aesthetic has been so popular lately?
Renee: The enduring popularity of the Mob Wife aesthetic in 2024 can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, there's a nostalgic pull, especially with the 25th anniversary of The Sopranos, a show that immortalized mafia culture. Additionally, the accessibility of Mob Wives content on streaming platforms like Paramount+ and Hulu keeps the fascination alive, drawing in new audiences and reigniting the passion of loyal fans.
Jennifer: After Covid and the downturn in the economy, I think people are finally ready to live a little more, to step outside a little bolder. Everything is cyclical, too. Just like bell bottoms made their way back, so have fur coats, leopard prints, and bold Mob Wife fashion. The mob genre is woven into American culture—from movies and infamous icons to fashion. It never went away, now we are just giving it a name!
Mob Wife Aesthetic essentials
According to Renee, there are “three essential pieces every enthusiast should incorporate into their wardrobe” to nail the Mob Wife Aesthetic: A black dress, a fur coat, and black leather pants. Jennifer agrees, adding that the look also depends heavily on accessories. “Big glasses, big jewelry, and big bags as well,” she says. “It’s about exemplifying a lifestyle. A lifestyle that, although it’s supposed to be underground, is a lifestyle that is big and bold.” Looking to build out your own Mob Wife wardrobe? Start here with some of our recommendations.
According to Renee, 'a classic black dress exudes sophistication and timeless elegance, capturing the essence of mob glamour.' Shop this stunning style in women's sizes XXS to XXL. If black isn't your speed, it comes in eight other rich shades.
Jennifer suggests pairing leather pants with a bold top, and above all else, 'anything black, black, black!' Shop this style (made from environmentally friendly recycled leather) in waist sizes 23 to 33.
'Black leather pants epitomize the edgy allure of mob fashion,' says Renee. 'Paired with signature elements like a turtleneck, diamonds, sunglasses, and a chic pocketbook filled with cash, these pieces complete the quintessential Mob Wife look.' Shop this faux-leather style in women's sizes 0 to 26.
'A luxurious black mink coat not only adds opulence, but also signifies status and power within mafia circles' advises Renee. Although genuine furs are harder to come by these days, faux furs like this one can give you the timeless luxurious glam look you want.
Jennifer shares that in any decent mob film, fur coats are always an item that 'fell off the truck' and gifted to the wives. This luxurious option from Overland adds glamour—and plenty of warmth.
No mob wife's look is complete without a pair of dark, oversized, designer sunglasses. We love these stylish shades from Prada.
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