The Real Reason Your Favorite Stars Look So Darn Good on the Red Carpet

Published on March 16, 2016 at 3:54 PM

While it's fun to imagine our favorite stars standing in front of their closets picking out outfits and flawlessly executing today's top trends, we know that's likely not the case. Rather, there's a team of people — and one very experienced stylist — choosing those ensembles for them, keeping the goal of making jaws drop in mind as they dress their client.

The Hollywood Reporter rounds up these fashion pros once a year, photographing them with the stars they dress and allowing them to steal the spotlight, if only for a moment. Read on for 2016's top five, along with a bit of their best work, then check out all the names behind some of your favorite looks.

Kate Young

Kate landed the top spot on THR's list and it's no surprise. Her clients — which include Sienna Miller, Selena Gomez, Margot Robbie, Natalie Portman — always wear daring and standout looks, catching out eye time and time again. She also loves to 'gram details and sneak peeks before big award shows!

Kate picked Selena Gomez's Grammys 2016 gown right off the Fall '16 runway.

Emilia Clarke's Khaleesi-like cape from the 2016 Golden Globes? Kate was the one who helped make it work.

No one pulls off Gucci quite like Dakota Johnson, and we love that Kate styled her in a bright mustard option for the 2015 LACMA Art+Film Gala.

Cristina Ehrlich

Cristina doesn't follow trends, which is why every look her clients wear is something that'll make your jaw drop. She really brought her A game this award season, choosing gowns for Brie Larson that made a statement.

Brie's Spring '16 Atelier Versace gown was a sophisticated but playful pick by Cristina.

The stylist also works with Tina Fey, and we were in love with the red Prabal Gurung number the actress rocked at the 2016 SAG Awards.

Cristina made sure Penélope Cruz's Balmain dress flawlessly hugged all her curves at the Zoolander 2 world premiere.

Elizabeth Stewart

Between Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts, Jessica Chastain, Sandra Bullock, and Viola Davis, Elizabeth Stewart's list of star clients is a powerful one. The outfits she dresses them in are history-making, whether it's a pantsuit for Julia or an embellished gown for Cate, and we're always excited to see her ideas in action.

Cate Blanchett was a vision at the 2016 Oscars, wearing an aqua Armani Privé gown styled by Elizabeth.

Remember Julia Roberts in this oversize suit jacket from the Secret in Their Eyes premiere? Elizabeth Stewart's fashion-forward pick!

Viola Davis needed a winning look for the 2015 Primetime Emmy Awards, so Elizabeth put her in a standout white Carmen Marc Valvo number. Gorgeous!

Elizabeth Saltzman

Her clients are a mix of newer names like Saoirse Ronan mixed with household ones like Gwyneth Paltrow and Uma Thurman. Elizabeth doesn't shy away from pops of color, jumpsuits, and sparkle, making her ladies the ones to watch at every big event.

We couldn't stop staring at the sequined Calvin Klein dress Elizabeth put on Saoirse Ronan at the 2016 Oscars.

Uma couldn't help but strike a pose at the New York premiere of Burnt, showing off a sexy Brandon Maxwell dress styled by Elizabeth.

Gwyneth is all about easy-breezy outfits and Elizabeth gets that, putting her in moveable jumpsuits like this white plunging option.

Victoria Sekrier

She's only got one major client, but trust us, it's a good one! Victoria dressed Alicia Vikander in gorgeous red carpet ensembles all award season long, landing the star a spot as one of our new favorite-fashion icons.

Alicia channeled Beauty and the Beast's Belle in a sparkling Louis Vuitton gown at the 2016 Oscars.

Victoria always manages to find the balance between unexpected and classic for the Louis Vuitton embassador. We loved this patterned look for The Danish Girl's Venice Film Festival premiere.

One look at Alicia in this pleated white dress and we imagine her stylist knew it was the one!