Nothing stops former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Kandi Burruss. After her multi-platinum R&B group Xscape broke up in 1998, the Georgia native co-wrote the Grammy-winning “No Scrubs” for TLC and shares songwriting credits on hits for Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran and Pink.
On Broadway, she’s produced Tony-nominated “The Piano Lesson,” a 2024 revival of “The Wiz” and 2025’s star-studded “Othello,” top-billed by Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. The “Masked Singer” winner just wrapped her last performance as Angélique in the musical “& Juliet” while also producing “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer (previews begin March 30). “
This isn’t just a play — it’s an experience,” Burruss, 49, tells Alexa about the August Wilson-penned drama. “It feels like you’re watching healing happen in real time. With this incredible cast and Debbie Allen leading the way [as director], you can expect something truly amazing.”
Though the mom of four considers herself a “sweatsuit and sneakers kind of person” at heart, her wardrobe is just as impressive as her résumé, thanks to stylist Daniel Hawkins. But for her annual spring break trip with her kids to the Florida theme parks, Burruss is leaning back into comfort. Here’s what’s likely to make her packing list.
“Crush swimwear is super sexy. They design them with lots of jewels, and every time I wear them, I get tons of compliments.”
“This bracelet is stunning in the most understated way. It stacks effortlessly with a watch or tennis bracelet, but looks just as good on a clean wrist.”
“I’ve always had a weakness for a great pair of aviators. A lot of designer sunglasses photograph beautifully, but feel over-the-top in real life. Not these — they elevate whatever you’re wearing without trying too hard.”
“I am proud of Kandi Koated Cosmetics [which I launched in 2018]. I love our lipsticks’ smooth application and bold colors, especially the Heartbreaker.”
“This suit’s structure is polished but still feels comfortable and easy to wear. It fits beautifully and makes me feel instantly put together.”
“My AP Watch is a classic — and when people see it on my arm, the ones who know, know.”
“Perfect for daytime errands, add the shoulder chain for dinner or carry it as a clutch for a night out. I love it so much I have it in four colors. The leather is unbelievably soft, almost pillow-soft.”
“Skin glows for days after using this.”
“I have way too many Wolford bodysuits in my closet — and I’m not even going to pretend I know the exact number. Let’s just say … enough to justify a separate drawer! They give you the best silhouette every single time, and you can literally wear them with anything — jeans, skirts, tailored pants, layered under a blazer.”
“This moisturizer gives you so much hydration. Your skin will feel like butter.”
“I can walk through theme parks all day with these on.”
“‘Off the Hook’ takes me back to a time when we were truly growing into ourselves as women and as artists. It will always be my favorite album, because it captures the sound of that era and marks the moment I truly began discovering who I was.”
“I like to mix my luxury brand makeup with affordable, trusted products. This one has never failed me.”
“The long-lasting, warm, powdery and sweet aroma — with vanilla, musk and amber — has become one of my signature fragrances.”
“This book helped me a lot when I first started in entertainment. It gave me a different perspective on how I spent money.”
