Elizabeth Stewart is no stranger to the red carpet—although rather than walking it herself, she helps A-list attendees shine through their clothes, accessories and make-up.
The celebrity stylist has established herself as one of the most respected names in fashion, having dressed the likes of Jessica Chastain, Cate Blanchett and Julia Roberts for major events, including the Met Gala, the Oscars and Cannes Film Festival. Following the success of her and Chastain’s charity closet sale through Vestiaire Collective in March, and ahead of the Met Gala in May, Stewart reveals her styling process, the most memorable looks she’s put together—and industry secrets.
What inspired you to become a stylist?My first job in fashion was as a writer for Women’s Wear Daily [in the US]. They sent me to work in the Paris office, and at that time the company was launching a European version of W. I ended up styling and booking covers for it, simply because it was a small office and everyone pitched in. But I fell in love with styling—it was so much more fun—and pretty much never went back.
What led to your first official gig as a stylist?I worked in magazines as a fashion editor for the first ten years of my career. Then I got married and moved to LA. The New York Times let me keep my job as a fashion editor, and I started booking celebrities, instead of models, to shoot fashion stories. I met [American actress] Calista Flockhart on a shoot, she asked me to style her for the Emmys, and that was my first red carpet job.
How do you manage your schedule when you’re dressing multiple celebrities for a big event?I plan everything in advance, and every client has a point person from my team who works with them.
What’s your process of putting together a look for a celebrity?I need to be in a room with someone, [with them] actually trying things on. Once I do that I really get a sense of what works for them and makes them feel good.
With all due respect for a star’s privacy, what was the most challenging experience you’ve had while styling for a celebrity?Julia Roberts shot Ticket to Paradise during the pandemic and the costume designer could not come to the US to fit her, so I got to do all her looks for her. It was a challenge to learn and understand what is needed for a movie shoot as opposed to the carpet.
What was it like to work with Jessica Chastain?Jessica is not only a movie star but runs her own production company, and is an amazing mum, so she of course has less and less time for styling. It really helps to know her so well.
What is one look you’ve styled that has a special place in your heart?I’ve always loved the gown Cate Blanchett wore to the 2011 Oscars—Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci. It represents a great era—when he was at Givenchy, he was turning out incredible red carpet looks, and I was lucky to work with him [to dress celebrities].
What are the most challenging and most rewarding parts of your job?It’s challenging to have so many different bosses all at the same time, and staying on top of little details, which really matter in our business. The most rewarding part is getting to work with and collaborating with brilliant designers I admire.
How can stylists help newcomers looking to get started in the business?I think stylists with more power should not accept the “working for free or [working with] expenses out of pocket” part of our business—it makes it almost impossible for new stylists to start.
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