My Glamorous Red Carpet Transformation: Lessons from Celebrity Stylists
My Glamorous Red Carpet Transformation: Lessons from Celebrity Stylists
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Awards season wraps up this weekend, with the Brits on Saturday and the Oscars on Sunday. At both events, celebrities will take on the red carpet-a whirlwind of fans, flashing cameras edweblogs, and rapid-fire interviews, all while being scrutinized from every angle.
They make it seem effortless, but “it’s an intimidating experience, especially for first-timers,” says Niamh Eastabrook, a publicist at Multitude Media who helps actors prepare for red-carpet appearances. “People often forget that this aspect of the job isn’t why most actors choose their careers.” Makeup artist Lisa Eldridge agrees: “It’s a nerve-wracking moment for most actresses. Many are naturally introverted, yet they must step out and be assessed by the world.”
Preparing for the red carpet is a collaborative effort involving stylists, hairdressers, and makeup artists. The process often begins weeks in advance, with mood boards, fittings, and even posing practice. But what’s it really like? And could someone like me-who has never set foot on a red carpet-learn to shine in front of the cameras?
The Outfit
Clothing is the foundation of any red-carpet look. Publicists assist stars in finding the ideal stylist-someone they can ideally work with repeatedly. “Some clients have a passion for fashion,” Eastabrook says. “For others, the beauty of having a stylist is that they don’t have to worry about choosing outfits themselves.”
Amelia Dimoldenberg, a red-carpet correspondent and creator of the YouTube series Chicken Shop Date, falls into the former category. “Red carpets are an incredible opportunity to showcase fashion and express yourself,” she says.
For major events, discussions about wardrobe choices can begin weeks in advance. Where should I start? “Sharing references is incredibly useful,” says stylist Lauren Anne Groves, who dressed singer Raye for the Brits. “She’d send me images of Elizabeth Taylor, jazz icons, Marilyn Monroe.” From there, Groves researches designers for custom creations, high-fashion loans, or vintage finds.
Much depends on the celebrity’s personal style-what will make them feel confident and stunning in a high-pressure environment-but some classic choices never go out of fashion. “I’d likely recommend a floor-length gown rather than a minidress,” Groves notes. “The dress should exude elegance and sophistication.” Some celebrities opt for sheer gowns, while others prefer to avoid any potential wardrobe mishaps. “Before any red carpet, we double-check essentials-proper undergarments, nipple covers, fashion tape,” Groves says. Double-sided wig tape is a “lifesaver… It keeps everything in place exactly where you want it.”
I browse through red-carpet galleries and stylist Instagram pages. I admire Rachel Sennott’s velvet gown from the Oscar nominees' announcement, Florence Pugh’s futuristic outfits at the 2024 Baftas and Oscars, and Raye’s off-the-shoulder dress from last year’s Brits. I compile a mood board and send it to The Guardian’s styling editor, Melanie Wilkinson.
She curates a selection: a gold floor-length gown by Edeline Lee, a strapless ruffled dress from Needle & Thread, and a crystal-encrusted green gown by Self Portrait (rented from Rites). Paired with earrings and a ring from Sif Jakobs, I feel like a Hollywood star. While celebrities get their outfits tailored, we pin mine for a flawless fit. To compensate for my petite height (I’m just over 5 feet tall), I wear towering heels. Luckily, I don’t actually have to walk a red carpet in them-no risk of a Jennifer Lawrence-style tumble. Groves mentions that for events with stairs, such as the Met Gala or Cannes, stars often consider heel height in advance.
Dimoldenberg also warns about the weather. Her first red carpet was outdoors in the UK, where she wore open-toed heels. “I remember losing all feeling in my feet from the cold.”
Getting Ready
Preparation begins weeks ahead of the event. Many stars get professional manicures; I quickly paint my nails with nude polish. Some opt for spray tans, but memories of my teenage orange-legged disasters keep me from following suit.
Gentle facials or red-light therapy can be beneficial, says Eldridge, who has been doing red-carpet makeup for over 20 years, working with stars like Keira Knightley and Kate Winslet. “Don’t take any drastic skincare risks. It’s too unpredictable. No intense chemical peels, no strong acids, no extractions,” she warns. “Once, I did makeup for a lovely actress attending the Baftas. She’d had a full chemical peel two days before, and every time we applied foundation, it separated on her ultra-sensitive skin. It took hours to make it work.”
Paul Jones, hairstylist to A-listers like Gillian Anderson, Kate Moss, and Demi Moore, advises stars to touch up their roots if they have grays. But he shares Eldridge’s caution: “Don’t make sudden changes. Don’t cut bangs two days before-if you hate them, I’ll struggle to conceal them!” I only have a few gray strands, so I use a semi-permanent tinted conditioner to blend them in.
Before makeup application, reducing puffiness is key, Eldridge says. Under-eye masks and chilled metal tools can help. “For extreme puffiness, I fill a bowl with ice, let it melt slightly, then have the client dunk their entire face in it.”
I try a metal facial roller to define my jawline and cheekbones-it’s surprisingly soothing. Dunking my face in ice water feels like torture, but I give it a shot. It’s… refreshing?
Makeup & Hair
On the red carpet, you’re photographed from every angle, so precision is essential. Eldridge advises me to analyze old photos of myself to identify flattering makeup styles. “That doesn’t mean copying, but if you looked great in a bold lip, that’s a solid starting point.”
A red lip and winged eyeliner have served me well before, so I embrace vintage Hollywood glamour. Eldridge sends me a selection of products, and I follow her YouTube tutorials.
For hair, Jones recommends high-shine, well-structured styles that withstand the elements. “If it’s humid, use extra product to keep frizz at bay. Hairspray and heat work wonders-after spraying, blast with a hairdryer to lock in the style.” I opt for classic waves inspired by Elizabeth Taylor, using heated rollers, extra hairspray, and last-minute touch-ups with a curling iron.
Striking a Pose
Who teaches stars how to pose? Paul Mescal once shared that Andrew Scott gave him a tip: “Shift your weight onto your back foot and lean slightly.”
“It’s a performance,” says Dimoldenberg. “That’s what everyone tells me. You have to switch into an alter ego.” I’m known for having a serious poker face, so I embrace an ice-queen persona. The photographer, Linda Nylind, keeps encouraging me to smile-I resist.
Practicing different angles helps. “Before leaving for the carpet, test poses in the mirror while wearing your outfit,” Dimoldenberg advises. “Some dresses require a leg pop; others look better with hands on the hips.”
Men often default to placing their hands in front of them, “like footballers blocking a free kick-don’t do that,” warns Eastabrook. “Stand confidently with hands at your sides or behind you.”
Interviews & The Afterparty
Interviews are an unavoidable part of the carpet. “Don’t chew gum!” Eastabrook says. “Be ready to answer questions like ‘What’s your favorite film this year?’ You don’t want to blank out on a nominee’s name.”
Dimoldenberg, returning as an official Oscars correspondent, keeps her questions fresh. “People get nervous. A great interviewee has humor-it makes a huge difference.”
Between interviews, remember: cameras are always rolling. “Avoid anything you wouldn’t want to see on BBC News,” Eastabrook cautions.
After my own red-carpet experience, I realize just how much effort it takes. While I may pull off an elevated look for my next industry event or wedding, I now understand why celebrities rely on entire teams. As I finally unwind at home, I notice (sorry, Lisa) that I forgot to apply mascara. Report this page