How Many Outfits Does It Take to Dress a Single Star?

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As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief alongside the hardworking Hollywood stylists as we approach the final stretch of the 2025 Oscar acting nominees’ press and promotional campaigns. The red carpet glamour has been an exciting spectacle, but behind the scenes, the meticulous efforts put into each appearance have undoubtedly been exhausting.

For those who style Hollywood’s A-listers, the red carpet runway has been a relentless marathon, rather than just a sprint. It’s not merely about the designer outfits worn at premieres, but also encompasses the myriad of casual ensembles seen on talk shows, press conferences, public events, television tapings, and other appearances.

For each famous stylist, it’s common to create numerous outfits for promotional tours. For instance, Zoe Saldaña’s stylist, Petra Flannery, has prepared nearly 100 looks since the Emilia Pérez campaign started in May (primarily from Saint Laurent, one of the film’s producers; more details on page 26). Similarly, Chloe Hartstein, Kieran Culkin’s stylist, has put together an equal number of outfits for the Real Pain actor. Meanwhile, Michael Fisher, Sebastian Stan’s stylist, worked on 96 different outfits as he prepared for the star’s promotional tours for two films, The Apprentice and A Different Man, ensuring not a single accessory or fashion detail was overlooked.

As a dedicated fashion enthusiast, I’m all too conscious that each thread I sew onto my actors becomes a target for criticism, from discerning spectators and untrained TikTok commenters alike. Phrases like “Fire the stylist” echo through the digital realm often. Yet, I’ve learned to accept this reality as part of the job.

Fisher explains that his creative choices are a collaborative effort involving him, the talent, and established fashion design houses, who bring their extensive expertise from the fashion industry to the table. He aspires for the focus to be on the work itself, rather than the wardrobe. To Fisher, the opinions expressed by TikTok users about his job are unnecessary and uninformed.

Flannery expresses it briefly: “I simply do what I do. Fashion can be contentious. If my clients are satisfied, then so am I.

For this year’s Academy Awards, stylists are navigating a delicate balance – showing respect for the Los Angeles wildfires that occurred in January while maintaining the festive mood of the event. This is a walk Hollywood stylists have taken before, like after 9/11 and in 2018 when everyone wore black to the Golden Globes in solidarity with the Time’s Up movement.

The general consensus for this year? The style must go on.

Earlier in the season, there was a worry expressed by fashion stylist Jeanann Williams (who styles Monica Barbaro in “A Complete Unknown”), but in the end, they opted to stick with the original plan instead of considering more cocktail-appropriate attire.

Flannery attended a fitting on January 6, the day following the Golden Globes (and the eve before the fires started). Reflecting afterward, she was relieved to note, “I’m glad those gowns are back in Europe – they were miles away from L.A!”. She further mentions, “There was certainly a time when we scaled things down a bit. But I am thankful that we’re back at work now, allowing us to exhibit the artistry we have been cultivating.” Williams concurs, expressing, “We could all use some happiness”, she says, “and fashion provides just that.

You can find this article in the February 26th edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To stay updated with future issues, consider subscribing.

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2025-03-01 21:24