Hollywood’s Top 25 Power Stylists 2025: The Red Carpet Visionaries Behind Zoe Salda?a, Glen Powell, Charli XCX, Cynthia Erivo and Troye Sivan
Red carpet styling can’t make a bad movie good, but it can make a good one hard to ignore. An attention-grabbing look can center a project in an elevated conversation that can drive box office, awards and, yes, clothing sales.
That’s because of stylists. Out of the hundreds of red carpet tastemakers working in Hollywood, the ones on this list — coincidentally THR’s 15th since debuting the franchise in 2011 — are selected based on several factors. Because this is The Hollywood Reporter, the star power of the clients the stylists work with, the aesthetics they present on the red carpet, and the influence they wield — note Law Roach and Zendaya getting the internet to obsess over every Challengers fit — are paramount. And let’s be honest: Saint Laurent received more attention from Selena Gomez and Zoe Salda?a on the red carpet than from actually producing Emilia Pérez, the film they were in.
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As much as it looks glamorous, a stylist’s work is never done. Responsible for creating as many as a hundred impactful looks each awards season, they enjoy a schedule that is relentless year-round. Next up is the Met Gala, then come the major film festivals, Governors Awards, the Golden Globes, SAGs, multiple awards events and, of course, the Oscars. For all the whirlwind, they are paid on average anywhere from $700 to $1,500 (including couture tailoring and shipping expenses) per look, which is at minimum a three-day job, from procuring to fitting.
Of course, it’s beautiful work if you can get it, and it’s been an aspirational aspect of the dream factory since the red carpet was invented in 1922. As Glen Powell, one of our seven cover subjects puts it, “It’s wonderful and powerful to be inspired by the stars and the looks that made us all give this crazy town a shot!”
Warren Alfie Baker
CLIENTS Glen Powell, Jeremy Strong, Andrew Garfield, Andrew Scott
WHY HE MATTERS “Glen’s style is effortlessly classic Hollywood leading man, with a touch of Western flair,” says Baker, the mastermind behind Powell’s sharp suits and suede jackets with Levi’s. Says Powell of his image-maker: “Before Top Gun: Maverick, I had never worked with a stylist. I met with several just to get a vibe, but I really connected with Warren — he was so enthusiastic and passionate about how fashion could amplify the marketing and publicity of a movie. He wasn’t just looking at his job as separate from the making of the movie, but part of the same ride. He wasn’t just putting clothes on me; he was costume designing a press tour.” One viral example on another client: Baker sourced The Apprentice nominee Strong’s Loro Piana mint velvet suit and matching bucket hat for the Golden Globes, one of the most discussed looks of the evening.
TOP LOOK Powell wore a bespoke moss green Brioni suit to the Twisters premiere in Los Angeles. “Glen’s open to trying new things and isn’t afraid of playing with color,” says Baker. “We love looks that you can go back to years later and they still feel relevant.” For his part, Powell is still thinking about the chocolate brown Brioni tux he wore to present at the 2024 SAG Awards: “Warren was like, ‘No guys in Hollywood have chest hair — show that shit off. Show off that Texas chest hair, love!’ ” Adds Powell: “That is what makes Warren so special. He’s got a wicked sense of humor. He’s got a classic sense of style but loves to give it some sexiness and modern edge.”
“I don’t come from a fashion family. Working with Warren has been a wonderful education — a very patient journey for him,” says Powell. “Press is an unnatural process, and it can be very uncomfortable if you don’t feel like you’re wearing something that is authentic to you. Warren and I have such a close friendship and sense of trust that we can push boundaries and play without betraying my roots. And that really has made all the difference.”
Wayman Bannerman & Micah McDonald
CLIENTS Colman Domingo, Danielle Deadwyler, Da’Vine Joy Randolph
WHY THEY MATTER Domingo is one of the more fashionable men in Hollywood thanks in part to his collaboration with the styling duo. “I always felt that I had a personal style that I was proud of so I didn’t feel the need for someone, but my publicist suggested it because of the sheer volume of events,” says Domingo. “Wayman and Micah help me tell my story, build relationships with brands and take some of the stress of styling off my shoulders. I love working with them.”
TOP LOOK The Sing Sing best actor nominee wore attention-commanding Valentino by Alessandro Michele — a custom mohair tuxedo with a polka-dotted shirt — to the Golden Globes. His stylists added extra flair with a blousy, checked silk ribbon tie and Boucheron cocktail rings. Up next, Domingo is set to star in Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, opening in October: “We have ideas and inspiration brewing. We are absolutely going to be nodding to the King of Pop and his era of music in general,” says McDonald. Domingo, a newly minted Valentino ambassador, has said he wanted to wear “the color of love” for the Oscars, but perhaps his red and black jacket was also a wink to the legendary one worn by Jackson for his “Thriller” music video.
Jason Bolden: THR’s Stylist of the Year
CLIENTS Cynthia Erivo, Nicole Kidman, Michael B. Jordan, Stephen Curry
WHY HE MATTERS Between Erivo for Wicked and Kidman for Babygirl, Bolden had his work cut out for him this awards season as he masterfully juggled the two fashion-forward nominees. His collaboration with Erivo, with whom he has worked since 2019, both defined and elevated red carpet method dressing, earning him the top honor as THR’s 2025 Stylist of the Year.
TOP LOOK Erivo’s risky Elphaba green vinyl Louis Vuitton dress with a fringed neon stole at the film’s L.A. premiere set a new high point for cutting-edge method dressing. “The green vinyl dress was a play on everything that Cynthia is: edgy, fearless, modern and Hollywood. With these traits in mind, I came to the idea of a dress using a classic shape but with an extravagant fabric and color choice.” As to whether she’s sick of green, Erivo says, “No, it’s actually my favorite color!”
Don’t ask Erivo what her favorite red carpet look is for Wicked. “Too many to choose,” she says. “They all are. If I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t wear it. Why? Because why not!” Bolden underlines her easy creative approach and instincts: ”I would describe Cynthia’s style like a romantic novel about a woman in love with all things beautiful. No matter what it is, it has space and place to live.”
Mimi Cuttrell
CLIENTS Ariana Grande, Maude Apatow
WHY SHE MATTERS The Glinda pink dress code on nearly every carpet rivaled last year’s epic Barbie pink run, with Cuttrell and her Wicked star magically making frothy princess looks cool.
TOP LOOK Grande shone in baby pink Loewe by Jonathan Anderson, a vintage-inspired gown with a matching wrap, at the National Board of Review Gala in New York City. She followed it up with another ethereal bespoke Loewe adorned with 3D floral appliqués at the SAG Awards.
Molly Dickson
CLIENTS Bella Hadid, Sydney Sweeney, Lana Del Rey, Keke Palmer
WHY SHE MATTERS Dickson, who got her start assisting veteran stylist Leslie Fremar, delivered red carpet rewears that resonated. Case in point: dressing SAG Awards presenter Palmer in a 1985 archival Chanel velvet gown previously worn by her self-proclaimed mentor Jamie Lee Curtis at the first American Cinematheque salute to Eddie Murphy in 1986. Dickson explains the current popularity of vintage: “It’s an interesting time with so many design houses in transition with new creative directors, which can lead to a challenge getting pieces at the pace we work. The changes inspired me to look more into archives for truly special pieces.” Dickson also dressed Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, in Oscar de la Renta for the Oscars.
TOP LOOK Kaia Gerber paid homage to mom Cindy Crawford’s 1993 white bandage Oscar dress with a Hervé Léger re-creation at the Shell premiere in Toronto. Says Dickson, “Knowing her mom wore this dress to the Academy Awards and re-creating it for Kaia’s own red carpet moment was so special.”
Michael Fisher
CLIENTS Sebastian Stan, John Mulaney, Bowen Yang, David Harbour
WHY HE MATTERS For the press tour of The Apprentice, Stan and Fisher steered clear of his onscreen persona’s power-shouldered suits in favor of such modern interpretations as shrunken Thom Browne and smartly tailored Prada suits and Dolce & Gabbana pinstripes. “Michael’s a movie buff. He watches the films and has a point of view. He’s conscious of who he’s working with: the person’s tastes, characteristics, what kind of actor they are. He’s sensitive to the themes being promoted,” says Stan of Fisher, with whom he first teamed in 2018.
TOP LOOK Fisher is partial to the contrasting piped black Prada mohair coat and trousers that the Different Man Golden Globe winner wore to the ceremony. “Custom looks are always stressful because you don’t really know how it will turn out or how your talent will feel once they try it on,” says Fisher, who has a history with the luxury Italian house. “Instinct told me that the final result would be perfect for the win.” Adds Stan: “There was something timeless and old Hollywood about it that I loved. … I also think I probably always love everything that’s in black. If it was up to me, I would always just be dressing in black.”
“I sought him out,” says Stan (right) of Fisher. “I really loved that at the time he was working with some of my favorite actors, like Michael Shannon, Ethan Hawke and Adam Driver. It seemed that everything on those guys was effortless and felt connected to who they were and their personalities.” Adds Fisher, “Sebastian’s passion, generosity and sense of adventure always make my job easy.”
Petra Flannery
CLIENTS Zoe Salda?a, Emma Stone, Renée Zellweger, Reese Witherspoon
WHY SHE MATTERS The Emilia Pérez Oscar winner was consistently named best dressed at film festivals, premieres and awards shows. “Each element was chosen to reflect both her character’s essence and the spirit of Emilia Pérez,” says Flannery. “Teaming with Anthony Vaccarello and Saint Laurent helped bring this fashion story to life,” says Flannery. (Saint Laurent produced Emilia Pérez.)
TOP LOOK Salda?a wowed in a voluminous Saint Laurent fuchsia puffed neckline dress and Panthère de Cartier jewels at the film’s Los Angeles premiere. “There’s a saying that someone could wear a paper bag and make it look chic,” says Flannery. “Well, that’s Zoe. She has a deep appreciation for fashion, and in turn, fashion embraces her.” As for Salda?a, her favorite look was her winning Saint Laurent Oscar gown: “It will forever mean so much to me. The bordeaux color was a nod to the red suit in the film. The fabric, the gloves, the whole look was beautiful. It felt timeless yet modern.”
“Having worked together for nearly 20 years, one thing has remained constant: Zoe’s choices are never about seeking approval. Instead, they reflect her self-confidence. She is decisive, intentional and knows exactly what she wants — and that decisiveness gives her style its undeniable impact,” says Flannery (right) of her muse.
Marc Forné
CLIENTS Troye Sivan, Sebastián Yatra
WHY HE MATTERS Forné, who first connected with Sivan over Instagram, helps the singer-actor throw down style for his 15.6 million followers and counting. “I sleep very easy at night knowing that my fashion future is in his hands,” says Sivan of his “extremely collaborative” Barcelona-based stylist and friend. According to Forné, there’s a sense of ease that makes the Australian star’s style both aspirational and approachable. “Troye’s audience is very engaged and passionate, which we always keep in mind. But the most important thing is that he feels confident and in the mood with what he’s wearing,” says Forné. “His fans do appreciate when he takes risks and has fun with fashion.”
TOP LOOK “We drew inspiration from Uma Thurman’s iconic Prada at the 1995 Oscars,” says Sivan of his sheer lavender Prada shirt and silk suit at the Grammys. When it comes to his approach to style, he shares, “I mutter the words of ‘High Fashion’ by Addison Rae under my breath.”
“Troye’s not afraid to take risks, but it never feels forced — it’s always very natural to who he is,” says Forné (right), whose first collaboration with the star was for the 2023 Cannes premiere of The Idol. “I think that’s what makes him such a style reference for his generation. It’s exciting to create looks that bring conversation.”
Danielle Goldberg
CLIENTS Ayo Edebiri, Saoirse Ronan, Greta Lee, Solange Knowles
WHY SHE MATTERS Goldberg’s the not-so-secret weapon of Hollywood’s cool girls, which tracks given her background styling The Row’s Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The NYC-based stylist has a knack for nabbing the best pieces from “It” labels like The Row, Loewe and JW Anderson.
TOP LOOK Edebiri looked quintessentially chic in a Bottega Veneta sequin column at the Emmys, where she was nominated for best supporting comedy actress for her role on The Bear. “It was perfect as soon as I saw the sketches. Danielle said it was reminiscent to her of Gaetano Pesce, this amazing Italian artist who just passed away. For me, I’m also getting Nollywood vibes,” Edebiri said on the red carpet.
Brad Goreski
CLIENTS Demi Moore, Kaley Cuoco, Ashley Park, Rashida Jones
WHY HE MATTERS Goreski and Oscar-nominated Moore, who’ve been working together since 2008, left us wanting more of their flawless fits from The Substance’s whirlwind press tour. “Demi loves fashion and trying new things. I’m always looking for interesting silhouettes or pieces that are wearable art,” says Goreski, who also styled Moore’s daughters — Rumer, Scout and Tallulah — in Prabal Gurung, Marchesa and Erdem for the Vanity Fair Oscar party.
TOP LOOK Goreski favors Moore’s fully embellished Alexander McQueen halter neck gown at the BAFTAs. “Seán McGirr and his amazing design team made that gown for her in five weeks. It was a global undertaking getting that beading made and sewn together,” he says of the elaborate embroidery that was applied by hand. “It was a moment.”
Chris Horan
CLIENTS Charli XCX, Christina Aguilera, Barbie Ferreira, Hari Nef
WHY HE MATTERS Two words: Brat green. Horan collaborated with Charli to bring to life the slime green shade of her Brat album cover that became the defining hue of summer 2024.
TOP LOOK The “I Love It” singer stepped out in three looks on Grammy night: a corseted Jean Paul Gaultier couture number for the red carpet; a John Galliano for Dior denim bikini and moto jacket for her performance; and a “witchy yet sexy” Ann Demeulemeester look to accept her best dance pop recording award for “Von dutch.” “It was a perfect depiction of Charli’s style,” says Horan. “She’s bold and unpredictable. We like to play between the world of established designers and finding new talents to shine a light on.” Charli says she’s partial to her custom Marni look at the Met Ball in Manhattan: “It was constructed out of vintage white T-shirts. Chris had the vision from the start, and it was so cool to see it come together.”
“Working with Charli is a dream come true in the sense that she is equal parts kind and trusting,” says Horan. “Our relationship has a lot of room to play. I’m never scared to bring her an idea. As a creative, that’s the most special place to live.” Charli returns the compliment: “I’d worked with lots of great stylists before but had struggled to find someone who I felt really spoke my language. He understood my world, and I think that’s why we connected.”
Harry Lambert
CLIENTS Emma Corrin, Eddie Redmayne, Josh O’Connor
WHY HE MATTERS The British stylist is known for pushing boundaries with his cutting-edge choices, whether it’s vampiric Miu Miu for Nosferatu’s Corrin (“I feel so lucky to work with them,” says Lambert) or polka-dotted Valentino for The Day of the Jackal’s Redmayne (“He enjoys playing with fashion”).
TOP LOOK “My favorite looks the last year were the Nosferatu looks. Working with such an inspiring film reference and the opportunity to be a bit darker sparked something we haven’t done with Emma: focus on three feminine dresses that had a sense of punk to them,” says Lambert of the star’s Alexander McQueen (“a modern version of the film’s costumes”) and Miu Miu lineup. Corrin’s lace Saint Laurent minidress at the Berlin premiere proved especially memorable: “The colors were so wrong but so right, the combination of lace and placement of it … one of my favorite red carpets ever,” says Lambert.
Samantha McMillen
CLIENTS Elle Fanning, Brie Larson, Kirsten Dunst, John David Washington
WHY SHE MATTERS Longtime collaborators McMillen and Fanning played into her A Complete Unknown character’s ’60s style without getting too literal, keeping the vibe youthful, current and glamorous. “We took cues from the amazing wardrobe Arianne Phillips created for her. Elle’s pale Valentino gown with the feather trimmed cape (for the Academy Gala) was an elegant nod to Sylvie’s shearling trimmed suede coat,” says McMillen, who also implemented leather, suede and denim on the red carpet as a nod to the style of Bob Dylan and the folk music scene at the time. “We love mixing in menswear-inspired looks always! Elle can do it all.”
TOP LOOK Fanning donned a show-stopping ’60s-inspired backless Gucci with crystal embellishments for the premiere in L.A. “We loved the little bow … and we kept it A-line to lean into the style of the period,” says McMillen. “The elegant pigtails were a fun finishing touch.”
Taylor McNeill
CLIENTS Timothée Chalamet, Daniel Craig, Kendrick Lamar
WHY SHE MATTERS What do a Bob Dylan-inspired style streak (Chalamet), a fashion overhaul of James Bond (Craig) and a pair of Super Bowl flared jeans seen ’round the world (Lamar) have in common? McNeill. The glam guru made headlines for her fearless fashion choices on all fronts.
TOP LOOK SAG Award winner Chalamet channeled Dylan in a custom Chrome Hearts outfit, which included a leather suit, neon shirt and bolo tie. His look landed the No. 1 spot for menswear on THR’s red carpet power rankings with Launchmetrics, earning $1.6 million in media impact value for Chrome Hearts.
Enrique Melendez
CLIENT Jenna Ortega
WHY HE MATTERS For the Beetlejuice sequel’s leading lady, Melendez beautifully adapted looks from each of the original movie’s characters in a modern way, whether Delia Deetz (Catherine O’Hara) or Barbara Maitland (Geena Davis). “There’s no way we could have done a press tour without paying homage to the fashion of the first film. To be able to have fun and to enter Tim Burton’s world was a dream come true,” says Melendez.
TOP LOOK Ortega wore a custom red Dior tulle confection inspired by Lydia Deetz’s (Winona Ryder) wedding dress to the Venice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice premiere. “We knew we had to re-create an iteration honoring it — the red dress was one of the most iconic looks — and something so airy felt right for Venice,” says Melendez. A custom sculpted Harris Reed gown for the London premiere was a nod to Deetz’s sculptures: “I low-key died when Colleen Atwood, the costume design queen herself, told me that the look was absolutely perfect. It’s a moment I’ll forever cherish.”
Jamie Mizrahi
CLIENTS Mikey Madison, Adele, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Allen White, Jack Nicholson
WHY SHE MATTERS Mizrahi shaped breakout star Madison’s Anora wardrobe and helped land her on fashion’s radar while also gaining bragging rights for life by dressing Jack Nicholson for the SNL 50th anniversary show.
TOP LOOK Madison wore the Schiaparelli spring 2024 finale look (modeled on the runway by Kendall Jenner) to the New York premiere. She quite literally “nailed it” in the sleek midi dress that was covered in red acrylic fingernails.
Andrew Mukamal
CLIENTS Zo? Kravitz, Lily Collins, HoYeon, Vanessa Kirby, Margot Robbie
WHY HE MATTERS Last year’s THR stylist of the year dominated with Barbie pink. In 2024, he teamed up with a new client, Collins, and pivoted away from her Emily in Paris character’s colorful, over-the-top red carpet. The resulting sleek and sexy transformation was très chic.
TOP LOOK “I loved the custom black Armani Privé gown Lily wore for the L.A. premiere,” says Mukamal of Collins’ elegant peplum column, a clear departure from her character’s wardrobe. “It set the tone for the press tour.” Think Schiaparelli bodycon and Vivienne Westwood bombshell, all with her new blunt bob.
Law Roach
CLIENTS Zendaya, Celine Dion
WHY HE MATTERS He might not style as often as he used to, but no one has better range or media impact than Roach, who turned out sporty custom Loewe, Louis Vuitton (circa the Marc Jacobs era) and Thom Browne for Zendaya’s Challengers press in the spring. He then did a complete 180 and pulled out all the stops for a mega Hollywood screen siren moment for his leading lady at the Golden Globes.
TOP LOOK Zendaya’s custom tangerine Louis Vuitton ball gown, Bulgari jewels and retro waves at the Globes — inspired by such icons as Joyce Bryant, Diahann Carroll, Dorothy Dandridge and Eartha Kitt — shut down the step-and-repeat. Her massive diamond ring also sent the internet into overdrive, sparking later-confirmed engagement rumors. Roach, who has topped THR’s Power Stylists list twice, “references past historical figures as his way of reminding the world how much of culture is shaped by Black culture,” says The Only Agency’s Kent Belden, his agent of 10 years. Roach also has become a star in his own right: He released his first book, How to Build a Fashion Icon: Notes on Confidence, in September; launched a digital styling academy School of Style (powered by The Only agency); and appeared on Mindy Kaling’s Kate Hudson starrer Running Point on Netflix.
Spencer Singer
CLIENTS Gracie Abrams, Billie Eilish, Lily-Rose Depp
WHY HE MATTERS The new “It” girl stylist says he has always been interested in building worlds and narratives, with his initial focus on art directing (his work can be seen in Vogue and Rolling Stone), but Singer’s greatest strength lies in his restraint. His three clients have three very distinctive styles, which Singer enhances: “Styling is an incredible tool for storytelling and collaboration. That’s what drew me here and what keeps me here,” says the New York City-based stylist.
TOP LOOK Abrams was the bride of Chanel in a delicate veil and butter chiffon dress at the Grammys. “It was inspired by two archival Chanel dresses by Karl Lagerfeld: The veil was inspired by a look from the 1988 couture show, and the organza draping and silhouette was lifted from a 1993 couture look,” says Singer of the pop newcomer (and daughter of J.J. Abrams). “We originally wanted it to be floor-length and lavender. Last minute, Gracie and I decided to liken the length and color to the dress from the 1948 film The Red Shoes.”
Elizabeth Stewart
CLIENTS Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth Olsen, Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain
WHY SHE MATTERS Stewart remains the leading sustainability advocate on the carpet with a slew of rewears by Blanchett that feel fresh each time. “People are understanding the impact of fast fashion, and brands are pointing in the right direction. Sustainability goes beyond rewearing garments. I’m trying to ship less and waste less in my process,” she says.
TOP LOOK Blanchett notably wore a gold Louis Vuitton by Nicolas Ghesquière dress for two big carpets — the Rumours premiere in Cannes and the Globes — in the same awards season. “I’m so thrilled to see vintage becoming so prevalent on the red carpet. That’s been a significant shift in our industry,” says Stewart, who worked with Louis Vuitton’s team to rework the beading on Blanchett’s gown for the Globes. “I love thinking of sustainability as a creative opportunity, not a burden.”
Shiona Turini
CLIENT Beyoncé
WHY SHE MATTERS The triple-threat stylist, costume designer and brand consultant (Turini is repped by WME) curated the Cowboy Carter Western aesthetic with Levi’s jeans, fringe and blinged-out cowboy hats. WWD reported that Beyoncé’s look not only made a significant cultural impact in 2024 but also influenced the fashion world. Her “Levii’s Jeans” hit resulted in a Beyoncé-fronted ad campaign with the denim brand in September. The campaign went on to generate $1.3 million in media impact value, according to Launchmetrics.
TOP LOOK The “Texas Hold ’Em” singer rocked an all-white fit in a custom Roberto Cavalli feathered coat and Christian Louboutin boots — dripping in Lorraine Schwartz diamonds — for her performance during Netflix’s first NFL Christmas GameDay Live in Houston. The halftime show generated $482,000 in exposure for Cavalli, per Launchmetrics.
Ilaria Urbinati
CLIENTS Dwayne Johnson, Donald Glover, Chris Evans, Ryan Reynolds, Adam Brody and Leighton Meester
WHY SHE MATTERS Urbinati maintains an enviable A-list roster of the town’s leading men, who count on her for sharp tailoring and unexpected color pairings. “Brown and black is a chic combo that you don’t see a lot,” says Urbinati, who opted to suit up Nobody Wants This nominee Brody in it (courtesy of Prada) for the SAG Awards.
TOP LOOK Johnson rocked a custom mint green Dolce & Gabbana suit at the Moana 2 premiere in Hawaii. “I like playing with the expectations people have of what a man of his size can wear,” says Urbinati. “It was a tropical color that matched the vibe of the movie, and Dwayne had the confidence and swagger to pull it off.”
Erin Walsh
CLIENTS Selena Gomez, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling
WHY SHE MATTERS The evolution of Gomez continued as she fully stepped into leading-lady style, never looking better than under Walsh’s honed eye. The duo had an exceptionally busy year with the star promoting Only Murders in the Building, Emilia Pérez and an upcoming joint album, I Said I Love You First (out March 21), with her fiancé, Benny Blanco, which she has been teasing for her 421 million Instagram followers. Walsh and Gomez’s fashion choices drive sales. With one look on the Cannes red carpet, she helped Saint Laurent generate $14 million in earned media value — i.e., how much it would cost in advertising to get the same number of social media impressions.
TOP LOOK The SAG Award winner wowed in an elegant off-the-shoulder Celine gown with Messika diamonds when she went onstage to accept the best comedy series ensemble SAG Award on behalf of her Hulu show’s cast. “The inspiration of this whole season has been old Hollywood,” says Walsh. “We’re channeling this idea of movie-star essence and not doing something just for a moment. It’s more about highlighting Selena than it is the clothes. It’s about how we make Selena dress and feel like the very highest version of herself that she’s meant to be.”
Karla Welch
CLIENTS Anna Sawai, Kristen Wiig, Tracee Ellis Ross, Sarah Paulson
WHY SHE MATTERS The seasoned stylist was behind Sawai’s acclaimed awards season attire. “Karla looks at your personal style and matches your energy with a sprinkle of her creativity. Her clients all dress quite differently because she’s so versatile. But she’s always effortless and elevated,” says Sawai, who first teamed up with Welch for the 2023 Critics Choice Awards. “She put me in a super chic semi-sheer Acne dress; in that moment, I knew I wanted to work with her.” Says Welch of the fashion newcomer: “It’s wonderful — I think from day one we landed on a strong, clear vision for her.”
TOP LOOK Welch describes the Shogun star’s flawlessly fit, sculpted red Armani Privé at the SAG Awards as “architectural, strict and beautiful,” adding that it was the perfect cap to a historic run for the drama actress winner. Sawai says her fashion mantra is, “Be you and have fun,” and above all, be comfortable. “I love to play around with looks, but no matter how amazing an outfit looks, if I’m not feeling it, I can’t wear it because it’ll show.”
Kate Young
CLIENTS Scarlett Johansson, Michelle Williams, Dakota Johnson
WHY SHE MATTERS The New York-based Vogue alum, who has topped THR’s power stylist list on three occasions (more than any other stylist) eschews trends in favor of classic glamour that always wins.
TOP LOOK Williams’ ethereal Chanel couture accented with a Chanel High Jewelry diamond fringe necklace worn as a headpiece on her new pink pixie at the Met Ball was everything. The fully embroidered white organza dress took 1,072 hours and roughly 113,000 embroidered elements for the skilled atelier to make, while the necklace was a reproduction of one originally designed for Coco Chanel’s history-making 1932 collection. “I saw a video of Josephine Baker at the Harlem show at the Met and thought a necklace on the head would be incredible,” says Young of the inspiration for the final touches. “Chanel was able to pull this legendary piece, and Michelle thought pink hair would be fun.”
A Special Shout-out Goes To …
Jared Ellner
CLIENT Sabrina Carpenter
The former editorial assistant says he knew he had arrived “when I styled my first shoot at Garage magazine for Emma Chamberlain, and soon after she hired me as her stylist. She plucked me from obscurity and gave me my first big break.” Ellner made waves with Carpenter — whose style he describes as sexy, confident, daring and classic all at the same time — at the MTV VMAs, where she donned a 1991 Bob Mackie silver strapless gown originally designed for Madonna from a vintage dealer. “It’s such a special piece of fashion history, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to give it a new life,” he says.
Felicity Kay
CLIENTS Paul Mescal and Nicholas Galitzine
The former fashion editor at Elle UK traded London for L.A. in 2020 to pursue a freelance career in styling but returned to the U.K. last year. She currently works with two of Hollywood’s hottest young actors — Gladiator II’s Mescal and Galitzine, the breakout star of The Idea of You. Mescal’s memorable penchant for suit shorts on red carpets has evolved to still-daring fashion choices, such as his custom Gucci tux with a rakishly unbuttoned bow tie shirt in London. Kay’s double-breasted suiting for Mescal — always without a necktie — landed him as GQ’s Most Stylish Person of 2024.
Eric Mcneal
CLIENT Lewis Hamilton
According to Mcneal, the Formula One superstar and upcoming Met Ball co-chair is “fearless in everything he does. Whether we’re tailoring with unexpected proportions, opting for bold color or blending streetwear with high fashion, Lewis understands the power of clothing as self-expression,” says Mcneal. Top look? Hamilton’s Burberry fit at The Garden of Time Met Ball with intricate embroidery — an homage to 18th century gardener John Ystumllyn, the first documented Black person in North Wales, and poet Alex Wharton: “It was the perfect mix of technical precision and ease. More than just a look, it told a story.”
Genesis Webb
CLIENT Chappell Roan
“Chappell’s Grammys red carpet was the biggest thing I’ve ever done,” says Webb of the best new artist winner’s attire. As she explains, “The gorgeous 2003 Jean Paul Gaultier Couture gown with a rendition of Degas’ Dancer With a Bouquet” on the skirt answered the “Pink Pony Club” singer’s desire for something with history that carried weight beyond aesthetics. “We both have large ideas, and once we settle into the big picture, I get granular and start to craft the story.” The stylist’s own origin story? “I remember watching Alexander McQueen for the first time when I was 17 and the impact it had on me creatively.”
This story appeared in the March 6 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.
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