Megan Thee Stallion and Law Roach meet during and Jimmy Choo’s Power Stylists dinner on the patio of Sunset Tower on March 28 in West Hollywood.
Donato Sardella//Getty Images
To the casual observer, the fashion industry and all the glamorous red carpets, catwalks, photo shoots and campaigns showing their wares, posing and flattering them, the store can at least seem vast and intimidating.
But if you get a chance to peek behind the scenes — as did Tuesday night during an intimate dinner co-located with Jimmy Choo at West Hollywood’s Sunset Tower to celebrate the magazine’s annual list of the 25 Most Powerful Stylists – the facade is stripped away to reveal something much more personal, even family.
Actually, the most apt description would be a family reunion – that is, when your relatives wear Loewe, Chanel or vintage Paco Rabanne paired with a chic pair of Jimmy Choos. But don’t take our word for it, trust real-life siblings Elle and Dakota Fanning, who traveled along with their personal power stylist, award winner Samantha McMillen.
“Nobody deserves this more than Samantha,” Elle explained, and Dakota finished off the thought of how an older sister might do it: “Like Elle said, she’s really a part of our family. We see her outside of all the fun styling things we have to do and she is the most hardworking and humble person. She doesn’t want any of the lights on her, but she really deserves it.”
Dakota, in Loewe (“With a Flower on My Breast”), described McMillan’s role in her life as someone who not only creates magic through his ensembles, but acts as a loving, supportive force to do his best, much like – you guessed it – a trusted family member. “She’s someone who helps you feel your best in a given moment or whatever way you want to feel. Stylists help you feel good in your own body; You are literally very intimate with them because you are naked half the time. It means having someone who understands your personality, your body and your mood so well that it all comes to life in the best possible way.”
Dakota and Elle Fanning showed up to honor Samantha McMillen, the longtime stylist and close friend of more than a decade. For her part, McMillen explained, “They work and they don’t even think about things like that. Donato Sardella//Getty Images
Not only did the event mark the stylish affair’s personal return after a several-year hiatus during the COVID pandemic, but the list itself received a modern makeover, removing the rankings from #1 through 25 to reveal the best image-makers in the world celebrate the city as a whole. Still, veteran stylist Elizabeth Stewart earned a coveted spotlight as THR Stylist of the Year during awards season thanks to standout collaborations with clients like Cate Blanchett (an advocate for green ensembles) and Viola Davis.
It was a déjà vu moment for some of those in attendance to see her name on the list. Stylist Erin Walsh, who returned as an awardee, expressed her thanks for landing her place again. The night happened to coincide with her nine-year wedding anniversary with husband Christian Högstedt, who attended the evening along with client Lucy Hale. “I think a lot of people have very deadened notions about Hollywood, red carpets and all that, but I think there’s a really wonderful power in putting the spotlight on people who have something to say. Being a part of making people feel more beautiful is a way, I think, to light up our souls.”
Hale was happy to pass that shine on to Walsh. Addressing them directly, she said, “You are a visionary and so gifted and talented at what you do. But what makes Erin so special is that she’s an extraordinary woman. If you’re talking about being a light in an industry that needs more of it, that’s Erin. She radiates goodness and therefore expresses it in the people she dresses. I mean, the last year you’ve had is amazing, but it’s because you always lead with your heart and that’s what sets you apart.”
Walsh took in the compliment and went on to say, “That’s the thing, it’s not about the clothes. It’s about the story you’re telling, and when you tell a story about authenticity and truth, joy and love, that’s going to come across, whether it’s a garbage bag, Richard Quinn, or Valentino.” (For the record, Walsh was in Chanel and Hale in Richard Quinn.)
Power stylist Erin Walsh and Lucy Hale. Donato Sardella//Getty Images
Speaking of stories, Law Roach has inspired countless headlines over the past few weeks. He lands on THR’s Most Powerful Stylists shortly after announcing his retirement from the personal styling business. And he ended up at the party alongside A-list customer Megan Thee Stallion amidst a bevy of flashbulbs. When asked how he felt about being recognized for his work this year as he takes his bow, the image architect wasn’t left stunned.
“I wish this event was last year because I was number 1,” Roach said, laughing. “Or the year before that, because I was number 1 back then. But it’s always great to be recognized. I feel like these are our peers and that makes it really good.” Adding that it feels a little different this year after the retirement news, he said, “I’m just grateful for all the things I do could do [in my career] and all the joy I have brought to people through my work.”
At that moment, Megan Thee Stallion joined the conversation. “What can I say about the law?” the rapper mused as she collected her thoughts. She turned heads in a vintage 1997 Paco Rabanne (originally worn by Yasmeen Ghauri), which Roach says was reissued by the house’s Julien Dossena “months and months and months ago.” When Meg “decided to grace me with her presence,” Roach said, they took it out of storage. “Iconic things,” Meg explained.
Then she was ready to express her feelings about the man standing by her side. “He’s the best. I’m so upset he’s walking away right now because I need him. The world needs him. But he’s amazing and we appreciate him a lot,” she said. “We don’t have a business relationship. It’s more like a family. I’ll still bother him and he won’t stop being my family. He just won’t be in my closet.”
Megan Thee Stallion in classic Paco Rabanne styled by Law Roach. Of the ensemble, she says, “History is definitely iconic, but I always want to infuse something nostalgic, something I already like with a hot girly twist and just make it me.” Donato Sardella//Getty images
There’s that family talk again. It also continued in conversation with Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan and his power stylist Ilaria Urbinati. “We’ve become really, really close lately and, you know, she’s also my son’s aunt,” revealed the Banshees of Inisherin star. “Just yesterday I met Ilaria’s children and I know her husband Johnny quite well. So we’re a pretty tight group.”
Urbinati, a fashion industry veteran who has worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest A-list actors, said appearing at the event served as a reminder to “never feel jaded about what I do.” She added, “I never want to take it for granted or disapprove that we have some pretty amazing jobs.”
It’s a gig that feels even more electrifying with a client like Keoghan, who has landed on many best-dressed lists during awards season for his colorful black-tie ensembles, many of which were custom-made from an ongoing Louis Vuitton collaboration. “Oh my god, he’s great. I love him. He’s so adventurous and brave and he’s always pushing to move on, like ‘what’s next?’” shared Urbinati. “He has this amazing vibe and he’s obviously just the most talented and handsome with those big blue eyes that we see on screen. But he also has this crazy Irish kids side, which is great. So, [as a stylist,] that’s what you want to hold on to. When you dress someone, it’s about including all the elements.”
Keoghan seemed proud to be able to choose his own cast for the evening. “I did, but I clearly deviated from what I thought Ilaria would want, so I kept sending her pictures and she told me to tuck the shirt in,” he said, laughing.
Keoghan’s Banshees co-star Kerry Condon also appeared to honor her stylist, award winner Emma Jade Morrison. New this year were breakouts like Social Media Stylist of the Year Dani Michelle and rising stars Morrison, Chloe Takayanagi (Ke Huy Quan) and Enrique Melendez (Jenna Ortega), all present at the event.
Other power stylists in the room included Petra Flannery, Alexandra Mandelkorn, Sophie Lopez, Warren Alfie Baker, Wayman Bannerman, Micah McDonald, Wendi Ferreira, Jordan Johnson, Jamie Mizrahi, Molly Dickson, Jennifer Austin and Georgia Medley. Stars in attendance included Riley Keough, Jodie Turner-Smith, Jurnee Smollett, Harry Shum Jr. and Chanté Adams.
From left: THR’s Carol McColgin, Barry Keoghan and Ilaria Urbinati meet during cocktail hour. Donato Sardella//Getty Images
The evening began with cocktails and canapés on the hotel’s panoramic terrace, followed by a sedate dinner in the Sunset Tower dining room (as DJ and photographer Myles Hendrik provided double snaps and swirling tunes). Guests were treated to a menu that included Caesar salads, steak fries, grilled salmon or a vegetable mix with quinoa, and hot chocolate chips and oatmeal for dessert.
THR Editor-in-Chief Nekesa Moody joined forces with THR style guru Carol McColgin (who again helmed this year’s stylist pack) to deliver welcoming remarks.
Moody paid tribute to Roach by acknowledging his former No. 1 ranking while also addressing his retirement. “He remains an incredible force in the fashion industry and we’re excited to see where his amazing career takes him next.” She then went on to praise McColgin’s responsibility and “brilliant” maintenance of the list over 14 years. “Carol has put incredible work into this issue to make it more magical than ever, and her attention to detail, diplomacy and integrity, immense knowledge and reputation in the industry make this Stylist issue such a coveted one Output.”
THR Editor-in-Chief Nekesa Moody speaks during the event. Donato Sardella//Getty Images
McColgin welcomed the fashion set back to the event “after a few years’ absence.” She said they “always love having the opportunity to celebrate the work that each of you is doing. You guys work so hard.” She was followed by Sandra Choi, Creative Director of Jimmy Choo, who praised the stylists for their hard work behind the scenes, much like they do at her company. She then offered a toast “to the makers.”
One of those movers, Warren Alfie Baker, who has raved about styling A-listers Andrew Garfield, Matt Bomer and Glen Powell, said he was moved by his debut as a power stylist.
“Usually I’m the stylist that just hangs around in the background, silent and doing my own thing, so it’s nice to step away from that and accept, ‘Wow, I get credit for the work that I do,'” explained the Brit . “I always want to get better and to spend a night with like-minded people that I’ve known for ages is really nice. It’s like, ‘OK, buddy, I was let in.'”
Baker quickly thanked his customers for their trusting cooperation. “I’m very fortunate to work with really nice, great guys. Andrew is at the top of his game, so professional and cool. We’re just having the best time. It’s really us laughing and having a good time as we keep pushing for whatever is next. It’s always organic and feels good and simple. He’s just a really nice, good person who’s so supportive. It’s just nice to have someone like that in your corner.”
Harry Shum Jr. (left) poses with his power stylist Warren Alfie Baker (in Giuliva Heritage and Levi’s). Shum wears Gisborne leather snap-button jacket by Reiss. Donato Sardella//Getty Images
When THR caught up with styling duo Wayman and Micah (aka Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald), they stood near the corner of the patio dining room and posed for photos under an oversized magazine cover the couple shared with client Turner -Smith showed. “It’s very special to us because Jodi is one of our customers who is not only a customer, but who is also very close to our hearts,” Bannerman noted. “For us to be on this cover increases diversity in the industry and black excellence in the industry. It also increases the partnership we have with one another. We just love showing that and presenting it on a larger scale.”
McDonald added, “A lot of amazing things have happened in our career and they add to that we’re so busy all the time, so we really focus on being present in moments like these. Even as we speak to you, we swarm with gratitude on our minds, so we need to take a moment to pat each other on the back to acknowledge all the hard work we’ve put in together.”
Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald pose with client and dear friend Jodie Turner-Smith. Donato Sardella//Getty Images
Honoree Jennifer Austin, who styles Angela Bassett and appears opposite her Oscar-nominated client on the THR cover, said the confirmation almost brought her to tears. “As a stylist, especially in Hollywood, every time that list comes out you’re like, ‘Okay, who’s on it?'” Austin explained, accompanied by muse Chanté Adams. “You’re excited to see and you always hold onto that little dream that you want to be there. Coming here tonight and seeing that I’ve made it is unreal. I’m surprised I’m not crying already.”
At the end of the night, Austin joined Bannerman and McDonald to grab their oversized blankets on the way out the door so they had a souvenir of the milestone.
As for power stylist Jamie Mizrahi, who styles Adele and was joined over dinner by client Keough, the recognition provided a moment to take a deep breath and appreciate where she stands. “I’ve finally gotten to a point in my career where I feel really comfortable, confident, supported and respected by my clients. There is mutual love and respect, and my clients also happen to be my friends.”
Or friends who are like family.
Power stylist Jamie Mizrahi takes a selfie with Jimmy Choo’s Sandra Choi (left) and client Riley Keough (center). Donato Sardella//Getty Images
First-time awardee Alexandra Mandelkorn (left) joined client Jurnee Smollett, who said: “I’m proud of her work and how hard she works, her creativity and her collaboration. I’m just so proud that she’s recognized, that’s how it should be because she really is one of the best and she has such great taste, such a good eye and she’s just a wonderful partner.” When it came to the Making List for the first time, Mandelkorn said, “It was one of the things I’ve always strived for. I’ve been doing this for 12 years now and it feels really, really good. It’s a tough job and it’s nice to celebrate the fashion of everything, especially with people I love.” Donato Sardella/ via Getty Images
Jennifer Austin (left), who made her debut on this year’s list, poses with actress-muse Chanté Adams, who tells THR: “When she puts clothes on me, I feel beautiful. It doesn’t matter how I felt that morning or what I’m going through that day, I know when I come to my fitting with Jennifer she will cheer me up and make me feel good. She’s so much more than just a stylist, she’s a confidant, she’s a friend. It’s been a beautiful five years and it’s a thing that will last forever.” Donato Sardella//Getty Images
Riley Keough praised stylist Jamie Mizrahi, with whom she has worked since she was 25. “It’s really amazing to see what she’s made of her career. I am so happy for her and all that she has achieved.” Donato Sardella/ via Getty Images
Emma Morrison (left) and Oscar nominee Kerry Condon, who also met her co-star Barry Keoghan. Donato Sardella//Getty Images
Law Roach on the patio. Donato Sardella//Getty Images
Enrique Melendez, who styles the in-demand Jenna Ortega, has been named one of three rising stars. Donato Sardella//Getty Images
From left: Jimmy Choo’s Sandra Choi, stylist Jamie Mizrahi, Sara Riff and Emma Woolley of Jimmy Choo and stylist Petra Flannery. Donato Sardella//Getty Images
First-time list-maker Chloe Takayanagi said being included was a long-held goal, one that has come to fruition after a successful year with clients like Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan. “You work so long and it’s so hard and you look at the list every year hoping to get on it,” said the stylist, who was joined at the event by Wall Group’s Anna Stovitz. The rep added, “We grew up doing this together so it’s satisfying for both of us and I’m really happy to be here with Chloe.” Donato Sardella//Getty Images
Atmosphere at and Jimmy Choo’s Power Stylists Dinner. Donato Sardella/ via Getty Images
Atmosphere at and Jimmy Choo’s Power Stylists Dinner. Donato Sardella/ via Getty Images