Ever wondered who helps your favourite A-lister get red-carpet ready? In our May issue we feature rising star and fashion icon, Lupita Nyong’o (Page 42), where we also shine the spotlight on her stylist, Micaela Erlanger. Here we get to know the woman dubbed one of Tinseltown’s most powerful stylists, as well as some more of Hollywood’s most sought-after industry heavyweights right now.
Micaela Erlanger
Who is Micaela Erlanger?
As the woman behind Lupita Nyongo’s chic red-carpet ensembles, Micaela is definitely one to watch. This Parsons graduate credits her time working for Annabel Tollman for her current career success, saying, ‘Annabel taught me everything about celebrity dressing’.
Who are her celebrity clients?
Lupita Nyong’o, Michelle Dockery and Olivia Munn.
How did fashion’s most stylish partnership come about?
It all started when Micaela’s other high-profile client, Downtown Abbey’s Michelle Dockery, introduced Lupita to the brains behind her looks on the set of their new thriller Non-Stop. Lupita’s red-carpet hits have been ‘non-stop’ ever since – apart from her questionable Met Ball ensemble. Micaela is well established in the fashion world having worked in both magazines and costume design prior to her career as a celebrity stylist.
Career highlight?
‘Michelle [Dockery] was my first major client; her Globes dress was life-changing.’
On her super high profile client, Lupita’s take on fashion?
‘She loves colour and bold choices.’
Lupita’s defining red-carpet moment?
‘There have been a few. I think the moment that really changed the game was the red Ralph Lauren gown. That really solidified her as an icon.’
Elizabeth Stewart
Who is Elizabeth Stewart?
Mother of two,Elizabeth Stewart is well established in the fashion industry; noted by her number one spot on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of best- and most sought-after celeb stylists in the business this year. Elizabeth studied journalism at the University of South Carolina before nabbing the title of editor at Women’s Wear Daily. She travelled to and lived in Paris, Los Angeles and Manhattan to explore her writing and fashion aspirations before meeting her first client Calista Flockhart (who played Ally McBeal at the time) and the rest is history. With a string of notoriously well-dressed celebrity clients, Elizabeth is at the top of her game.
Who are her celebrity clients?
Her clients include, Amanda Seyfried, Cate Blanchett, Frieda Pinto, Sandra Bullock, January Jones and Julia Roberts.
Her best look?
‘Cate’s Golden Globes look was an incredible way to start the season.’
What’s her secret to juggling so many celebs at once?
Elizabeth relies on her three assistants to keep afloat during awards season, with one full-time assistant, but admits, ‘Timing helped a lot — Cate and Julia got ready in the same hotel and Julia leaves later, so I was able to see them both out the door.’
So can we expect a fashion line or book coming our way?
‘I admire the stylists who do that so much, but it’s just not my thing.’
Petra Flannery
Who is Petra Flannery?
Los Angeles-based Petra is the stylist behind some of this season’s biggest names on the red carpet, including American Hustle‘s Amy Adams and Homeland‘s Claire Danes. Lover of classic modern designs, and number two on The Hollywood Reporter’s Power Stylists 2014 list, she adds: ‘I quite like a boyish feel in clothes, a la Céline.’
Who are her celebrity clients?
Emma Stone, Amy Adams, Sarah Paulson and Zoe Saldana.
Her best look?
Oscar nominee Amy Adams dazzled in a plunging Valentino Shanghai Collection burgundy and red gown at the Golden Globes.
Her MO when choosing the perfect celeb look?
‘What shapes flatter that person, what shades work and what feels right in conjunction with the style of the dress. The wrong colour can take away from the elegance of a design.’
Labels she loves?
Chanel, The Row and Givenchy.
Her style icon?
Zoe Saldana. ‘Every time we do a fitting, I want to wear what she puts on. I just want to look as good as her in clothes!’
Karla Welch & Kemal Harris
Who are Karla Welch & Kemal Harris?
This stylish duo have styled nine Golden Globes actresses, including co-host Amy Poehler who wowed in Stella McCartney.
Who are their celebrity clients?
Zooey Deschanel, Pink, Olivia Wilde, Elisabeth Moss, Robin Wright and Justin Bieber. Yes, The Biebs himself!
Their best look?
Olivia Wilde’s green Gucci number perfectly draped her pregnant belly and stole the show, making her one of the best-dressed expecting celebs this season.
Their MO to choosing the perfect celeb look?
‘We try to keep in mind colour and texture,’ says Harris. ‘Our girls need to stand out in the crowd, so a fun pop of colour or a cool beading detail helps differentiate them.’
Labels they love?
Prada, Dior, Comme des Garçons, Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, Givenchy and Skingraft.
Leslie Fremar
Who is Leslie Fremar?
With an impressive client base and list of high-profile names at this year’s biggest awards shows, Leslie made it to the number five spot on The Hollywood Reporter’s list. Mother of two, Leslie lives in a chic Tribeca loft that she decorated with her client and friend, Julianne Moore.
Who are her celebrity clients?
Charlize Theron, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Connelly.
Her best look?
Reese Witherspoon’s daring print Giambattista Valli Couture top and skirt combo at the Independent Spirit Awards, and the plunging Hugo Boss gown she wore to the Vanity Fair Oscar party. ‘I was nervous about Reese wearing it. People think of her as cute and pretty, but she’s sexy.’
Johnny Wujek
Who is Johnny Wujek?
One of the best male stylists in the business, with an impressive résumé boasting Hollywood’s hottest celebs, Johnny is well-known for his versatile clientele and effortless looks. He is the mastermind behind many of Katy Perry’s outrageously glam concert looks and is also set to launch a web series, entitled Stylist on Set.
Who are his celebrity clients?
Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian and Kate Mara.
His best look?
‘Valentino reached out and said they wanted Perry to be the first to wear the new couture collection. I knew right away that the opera gown that opened the show was the one. Not only was it beautiful and romantic, it had a sense of humour.’
His style icon?
John F. Kennedy Jr.
You may not know…
Johnny styled this year’s famous Kardashian-Jenner Christmas card.