At the height of the Sundance Film Festival, Park City became the last testament to “layermaxxing,” a viral winter trend defined by extreme layering and bold colors. With freezing temperatures, long days and constant movement, the week tests even the most experienced insiders, making it a natural stage for style that performs under pressure.
Few combine that balance of fashion and work like fashion historian, archivist and television presenter Bronwyn Newport. With a background in art history and museum planning, Newport is a major player in couture shows (he took the call from Paris) and a respected voice in fashion history, known for his fearless approach to style. It is currently playing in the foreground The Real Housewives of Salt Lake Cityhe’s become a fan favorite for his wit and authenticity—qualities he brought to Sundance, where he teamed up with Degree Clinical 5X as an invisible base layer that goes with chills and mayhem.
Congratulations on this partnership. What made you decide to join Degree?
“I don’t know that I ever thought so much before I did this program [The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City]but obviously, there are many situations of high stress, high pressure while filming. I like clothes. I like to dress in a certain way. No matter how cold, or how hot, or whatever hot water I put my mouth in, I need to protect my clothes. You can’t sit when you’re arguing with someone who has pit stains. The Degree was the perfect partnership for me.
As we begin to discuss the concept of layermaxxing, it sounds like a cool trend that was seen all over the early ’26 runways last year. This idea of layering with bold color, different textures and patterns is the perfect way to explain that when we start with the right layers—and arrange them the right way—we pull off these gorgeous dresses. Indeed, the best layer is to prepare and take care of yourself before you even start dressing. “
The plane goes around and you have to be seen in all these different places. What’s your packing secret?
“I love the show The crown. There was this one quote where the guy who worked for the queen was like, ‘You’re a military man. I know you are efficient and punctual.’
I think about that every time I pack a suitcase. I am a packing expert because I have a whole process of how to take out clothes, put them together and pack them individually. I put a bag for everything.
Then, my beauty kit is always set. I have several different degrees. They are like the same trunk box, and they are packed in a certain way. I always have one ready to go, one ready in my house and one in my suitcase. Three parts of every product I buy, one in each trunk, is ready to do anything.”
There’s been a lot of public pressure about filming and your personal life right now. And, he’s leaving. How do you keep yourself focused and just let it all go when your head hits the pillow at night?
“I think it’s about this idea of what self-care is to you.” Sometimes, self-care is crying in a paper bag!
I hate it when people say stick to simple, easy things because we all know that everyone gets expensive lasers and wears nice clothes and that’s what makes the difference. But, for me, the really big thing is being able to sleep. Finding a way to be free.
I’ve learned what works for me, especially when I’m traveling. I like to feel like I have my own things at home. I brought my own little dress. I’ve learned what works for me, especially when I’m traveling. I like to feel like I have my own things at home. I brought my own little dress. That’s the one closest to my face. So, wherever I am, it still feels like home.
I also love cozy pajamas. I love new pajamas. I’m eager to take my products everywhere I go, too. I don’t use hotel shampoo, hotel lotions. I bring all my things home with me, which is what I really wanted to collaborate with Degree, this is the idea that we take care of ourselves, prepare ourselves. That foundation is always about using products that are good for us. “
I like that. My last question: Where are you setting up shop this week and next?
“You’re talking to me in Paris right now. I’m at Couture Week! I’m walking down the streets of Paris, talking to you. Then I come home, and I have all kinds of things planned… actually, I don’t think it’s public yet, but I’m going to a premiere of sorts this weekend for a fun little Bravo crossover.
The month of February is really crazy. We have the Super Bowl, we have all the fashion weeks, New York, London, Milan, Paris. The Olympics are big in my house. I love the Winter Olympics. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be living in Salt Lake if I didn’t like all those activities. I am very excited about everything that is coming.”
