Award season has come and gone in a blink of an eye but have you ever stopped to think about what goes on behind the scenes in the fashion world to prepare for these prestigious shows and events? Award season consists of over 20 different ceremonies, from the Golden Globes to the Oscars and every black-tie event in between. It makes you wonder, how do our favorite celebrities prepare for so many different events as well as maintain their A-list fashion status? Award shows aren’t just a chance for elite actors to get wined and dined while wearing pretty dresses…it takes a great deal of intense personal improvement and styling before celebrities are ready to step out onto the red carpet. Aesthetic perfection doesn’t come as easy as one might think…(I’m going to let you in on some of the behind the scenes secrets on how celebrities prepare for these events when it comes to fashion.
The preparation process differs from client to client but there is one common denominator, the outfit dictates the look! In other words, the outfit comes first and foremost, prior to any decisions involving hairstyle, makeup and accessories. It is safe to say that the majority of actors work with a stylist to prepare for award season. If you are not familiar with fashion/wardrobe stylists, they are consultants who play an essential role in preparing and selecting clothes and accessories for celebrities before they make public appearances. Stylists start working with their clients months in advance before they step on the red carpet. When I say months, I mean months! Finding dress options happens in various ways. Some stylists have relationship with designers and can easily borrow from their showrooms while others rely on Vogue and Fashion Weeks to show their clients the latest looks from various collections. Once a look is decided on, the stylist emails the designers PR team, requesting a fitting date for their client. Stylists have to also coordinate with the designer’s team to make sure no other celebrity is going to wear the same outfit to a future event. The worst scenario for a stylist is for their client to end up on the “Who Wore it Better” page of a magazine!
There is a very fierce hierarchy when it comes to loaning clothes (clothing) from a designer; not everyone has first pick from Louis Vuitton or Chanel. There is definitely a pecking order and many stylists have commented that award season is extremely competitive. Actors who are nominated get first choice followed by presenters and then it is often based on the celebrities’ social status and so on and so forth.
Some actors have strong relationships with designers and often become the face of the brand. For example, Alicia Vikander has starred in a number of Louis Vuitton campaigns and even collected her Oscar last year wearing one of Nicolas Ghesquiere’s designs while doing so. Jennifer Lawrence is another example as she dominates the red carpet while wearing Oscar de la Renta.
I myself have an incredible relationship with a New York based designer, Sylvio Roubertto Kovacic, who is known for his beautiful designs that refine elegance while giving a sensual appeal. His creations are the perfect example of sophistication while still maintaining an edgy vibe. Sylvio has designed many of my red carpet looks as well as the outfits I have worn to the NBC Upfronts, Watch What Happens Live, Arab Fashion Week and The Real Housewives of NYC reunion show. Sylvio has dressed, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and Demi Lovato and has been pieces featured in Vogue and Elle magazines.
When you first meet with a designer, you often brainstorm and discuss your vision as well as theirs until you come to a mutual agreement; I like to think of it as an interview! During the initial meeting, the designer will often show you sketches of their vision as well as present you with various fabrics to look through. You will also see pieces from their previous collections as well as lookbooks in order for you to get a better feel for their design process.
Precise measurements are taken and the design process officially begins. Sylvio is an incredibly designer who possesses the capacity to create designs from scratch as well as produce the finished product, which is extremely rare in the design world. Sylvio developed his reputation as a seamstress before realizing he could harness his skills for higher use. Sylvio now creates designs more priceless than haute couture could ever be, handling and creates pieces from start to finish.
So now that you know a little more about the design process, I’m sure you will think twice as you watch celebrities grace the red-carpet with ease. As they pose for photographers with perfect smiles and beautiful dresses, you now know, there is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes than what meets the eye.
