Designer on Dressing Quvenzhane Wallis, 9: 'Pink, Purple and Bling'

Getty Images

Quvenzhane Wallis

This story first appeared in the Feb. 22 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.

our editor recommends

Oscars 2013: What Will the Nominated Actresses Wear?

'Beasts of the Southern Wild' Star Quvenzhane Wallis Recounts Her Fairy Tale Journey (Video)

According to the veteran red-carpet designer David Meister, who outfitted youngest-ever best actress Oscar nominee Quvenzhane Wallis for the Critics' Choice Awards, the Directors Guild of America Awards, the NAACP Image Awards and the Oscar Nominees Luncheon, his job is to do exactly what his 9-year-old client tells him to do.

PHOTOS: The Quvenzhane Quandary: How to Dress a 9-Year-Old for the Oscars

"Kiddie couture -- pink, purple and bling! That's what April Steiner, who's styling Quvenzhane, asked for," says Meister. "Quvenzhane wants shiny, twirly and to wear one of her over 20 animal handbags! It's about looking cute, not serious. I hate it when kids look like little adults! I absolutely will not do a V-neck for her."

So will the Los Angeles-based designer -- who normally doesn't make children's clothes -- dress the pint-size A-lister for the big night? All he'll say is: "You never know!"