How Celebrity Stylists Are Prepping for the Oscars

Stylists Elizabeth Stewart, Kate Young and Karla Welch are three of the busiest women in Hollywood this week. They’re not actresses or executives, but the stylists who will be responsible for creating the Oscar looks for some of this year’s biggest stars.

Stewart, who styles best supporting actress nominee Viola Davis, told British Vogue that she often works with stars to plan fashion campaigns for an entire season. “I like to put a plan in place, and then make changes. A client who shall not be named makes fun of me for my ‘fashion stories’, which comes from my magazine days.” On Good Morning America, Stewart said she and Davis decided at the beginning of the season they would choose “strong colors and clean, bold shapes” for her red carpet looks. At the Golden Globes, Davis wore a canary yellow one-shoulder dress by Michael Kors Collection.

Kate Young, who is styling best actress nominee Natalie Portman and best supporting actress nominee Michelle Williams this year, said she likes “using undergarments to build a body — for example hip pads, good bras, bodysuits and shoulder pads,” and letting a client’s personal style shine.

“I like weird color combinations,” Young told Fashionista. “I like celery and salmon and red and pink. I like acid green. I like dirty diamonds. I like red lips.“

Welch, who will be dressing best actress nominee Ruth Negga this weekend, said she uses Instagram to discover new designers. For Negga’s look, she said there are still a few dresses being considered for Oscar night. “We haven’t quite eliminated yet,” she told GMA. “You always need a backup that’s as good as your hero.”

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For British Vogue’s Secrets of a Celebrity Stylist series, Welch said finding a dress that makes her client feel confident is key. “Plus, good tailoring. I can’t agree that you need to make a woman look taller or skinnier. Work with and be proud of what you have.”

[H/T Good Morning America]